Lunar New Year, Lantern Festival, and Street Food Market in Belleville 2026

Belleville lights up to celebrate the Lunar New Year, particularly the Chinese New Year, with its Lantern Festival on February 21 and 22, 2026. Nestled in the heart of East Paris, this free cultural event brings together traditional performances, an Asian market, and family-friendly activities across the 10th, 11th, 19th, and 20th districts.

The Lunar New Year is just around the corner, bringing with it a host of festivities that will light up the capital and its surroundings. Head to Belleville for one of the most eagerly awaited cultural events of the winter season. On February 21 and 22, 2026, the neighborhood transforms into an open-air stage to celebrate the Chinese New Year with its spectacular Lantern Festival. Over the weekend, Belleville Street—straddling the 10th, 11th, 19th, and 20th districts—becomes entirely pedestrianized, adorned with lights, vibrant colors, and traditional performances, creating an immersive and festive atmosphere.

It has now become a must-attend event for enthusiasts of Asian culture and curious travelers looking for an escape without leaving the city. Join us as we explore this festival that, each year, draws thousands of visitors eager to experience a vibrant blend of ancient traditions and Parisian hospitality.

A Street Completely Transformed for the Occasion

Starting Saturday morning, Belleville transforms before your eyes. The main street, normally bustling with shops and hurried passersby, turns into a lively festive village. For two days, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., you can wander freely among the light displays, marvel at the suspended grand dragon looming overhead, and enjoy illuminated crossings that give the neighborhood an authentic Asian festival atmosphere.

The event has become one of the key cultural highlights in eastern Paris, and it's easy to see why. The atmosphere is both lively and family-friendly, blending a unique mix of local residents from the neighborhood, families from across the region, and tourists drawn by a celebration that has now become an integral part of the city's festive traditions.

What performances await you at the Lantern Festival?

You won’t find a dull moment during this vibrant weekend. With over 60 artists and performers taking the stage one after the other on the main outdoor stage, set at the corner of Rue de Belleville and Boulevard de la Villette, the lineup promises excitement. Here’s what’s on the schedule:

Traditional dances featuring iconic dragons and lion costumes weaving through the streets, accompanied by rhythmic percussion
Showcases of Eng Go Bhu, this spectacular stilt dance that never fails to impress
Chinese acrobatic acts captivating audiences of all ages with their precision and daring stunts
Cultural singing and dancing performances transporting spectators straight to Asia with vibrant traditional costumes
Grand traditional parade featuring colorful dragons, majestic lions, and lively dancers that fill the neighborhood with energy
Continuous performances throughout the weekend on the main stage
Official speeches with appearances by local mayors, deputies, and representatives from the Chinese Embassy

The Main Parade is one of the highlights of the festival. Watching the vibrant dragons glide past, accompanied by drums and dancers, creates a lively, exhilarating spectacle that captivates everyone. Kids love it, and adults find themselves swept up in the festive energy.

A Festive Market for Every Taste

Let’s be honest: one of the biggest pleasures of this festival is definitely the food. Over 60 stalls line the length of Rue de Belleville, offering an incredible array of Asian street food. Steamed buns, stir-fried noodles, fried dumplings, flavorful skewers, sweet pastries... there’s something to satisfy every craving. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover or re-explore the flavors of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean cuisines, all set in a lively, festive atmosphere.

Beyond the food offerings, the festive market features booths dedicated to crafts, calligraphy, and artistic creations. Visitors can browse a variety of decorative items, hand-painted lanterns, and fans, or watch live demonstrations of traditional Chinese calligraphy. Local community groups are also on hand to showcase their activities and engage with visitors.

Marcel Achard Square has been turned into a relaxing space, offering a perfect spot to take a break between tastings or performances. A first aid station is also set up on-site to ensure the safety of everyone attending.

How to get to the Lantern Festival?

The festival takes place on Rue de Belleville, which is completely closed off to traffic for the occasion. Getting there is easy and convenient: the Belleville metro station (lines 2 and 11) drops you right in the heart of the festivities. Several bus lines also serve the area (lines 20, 26, 71, and 96), making it accessible for visitors coming from all parts of Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region.

The event is free and open to everyone, making it the perfect outing for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to experience Belleville from a fresh perspective. The festival is supported by Club Belleville, the local media outlet providing comprehensive coverage of the event and highlighting the exhibitors and key moments throughout the weekend.

In short, if you're looking for an authentic cultural experience without leaving Paris, the Belleville Lantern Festival is one of the must-see events this February. For more ideas, check out the comprehensive Lunar New Year guide.