The Lunar New Year is celebrated in this Yvelines town with a variety of free events.

We find ourselves in the Yvelines, specifically in Houilles, for a must-attend event that draws both the curious and those passionate about culture. Celebrating the Chinese New Year, this festivity, organized by Culture Chine France, offers a lively mix of interactive workshops, traditional performances, artistic demonstrations, and food stalls to explore Chinese flavors.

Houilles marks the arrival of the Year of the Wooden Snake with a wonderful lineup of free events dedicated to the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival.

The Chinese New Year, marking the start of a new lunar calendar year, is one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture. Traditionally celebrated with family gatherings, the festivities are filled with rituals that symbolize renewal, prosperity, and happiness. In Houilles, the celebration kicks off at midday with food stalls, offering a great opportunity to explore Chinese cuisine in a warm, festive setting.

From 1 PM to 5 PM, several free workshops invite both children and adults to explore traditional Chinese arts. Participants can try their hand at Chinese calligraphy, an ancient art form that turns writing into a true display of artistic expression. Visitors also get the chance to see prints of New Year-themed engravings, known as Nianhua, specially created to celebrate The Year of the Snake. Additionally, they can experience Jianzhi, the traditional paper-cutting craft that requires patience and precision. For the kids, a face-painting session allows them to transform for the day, while a demonstration of the tea ceremony unveils the rituals and poetry behind this centuries-old tradition. The curious can even try their hand at Chinese acrobatics, a breathtaking discipline that combines flexibility, strength, and elegance.

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What performances to catch during Chinese New Year celebrations in Houilles?

The afternoon is filled with several performances that immerse visitors in the heart of traditional China. At 3 p.m., a Tai Chi demonstration offers an opportunity to experience this gentle, meditative martial art—an ideal way to gain insight into the philosophy of movement central to Chinese culture. Following that, at 3:20 p.m., a Chinese dance performance takes the stage, followed by traditional music at 3:30 p.m., played with authentic instruments to enrich the cultural journey.

The highlight of the celebration unfolds at 3:40 PM with Bian Lian, the stunning art of face-changing originating from the Sichuan Opera. This mesmerizing performance, kept under wraps for centuries, features mask transformations so swift that viewers are left wondering how it's done. At 3:50 PM, the Peking Opera provides a glimpse into this all-encompassing art form, which marries singing, acrobatics, dance, and martial arts in dazzling, colorful costumes.

The grand finale, scheduled for 4 p.m., promises the traditional spectacle everyone awaits: the Dragon and Lion Dance. Starting from Place des Arts, the lively procession winds through the streets of Houilles, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals. These figures, symbols of strength, wisdom, and good fortune, are believed to chase away evil spirits and usher in luck and prosperity for the year ahead. A joyful communal celebration that beautifully caps off this day of cultural exchange.

In short, if you're looking for a great opportunity to experience Chinese New Year traditions with family or friends, head to Houilles this Saturday, February 14, 2026. The festivities will take place at Place Michelet from 12 PM to 5 PM, and entry is free and open to all. For more details, visit the City of Houilles website. It’s a wonderful chance to travel without leaving the Yvelines and to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Wood Snake in style.