Lunar New Year 2026 at Samaritaine: Free Workshop to Create Your Own Fan

The Lunar New Year— often called the Chinese New Year — will officially kick off on February 17, 2026, under the vibrant sign of the Fire Horse. In Paris, celebrations are already heating up. What’s on the agenda? Dragon parades, special Asian festival menus, workshops and exhibitions are transforming the city into a hub of festivities. La Samaritaine is also joining the celebration to mark the New Year from February 21 to 22, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Lunar New Year – Chinese New Year celebrations in Paris and Île-de-France 2026: parades and festivities
The Lunar New Year, celebrated in Vietnam (Tết Festival), South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines — commonly known as Chinese New Year — falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. However, festivities kick off before and continue after that date. This year, we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. Looking for tips to make the most of the celebrations? From parades and performances to top dining spots, here’s a roundup of the best ideas for honoring this vibrant holiday. [Read more]

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To mark the occasion, the smallest of the major department stores, nestled in the 1st arrondissement, teams up with the Chinese Cultural Center in Paris to present "The Art of Lacquered Fan." This free workshop invites participants to immerse themselves in the ancient craft of Chinese lacquer and discover the story behind traditional materials, guided by the meticulous expertise passed down through generations of artisans. As a result: the opportunity to craft your very own lacquered fan at your own pace—a small piece of tradition to carry into the new year.

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