The Lion Dance performances for the Lunar New Year 2026 are making their return to the 13th arrondissement of Paris and across the Ile-de-France region. To mark the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse, stores like Tang Frères, Paris Store, along with numerous other shops and cultural venues, are hosting these traditional performances, offered free of charge, from February 14 to March 7, 2026.
With the pounding of drums and cymbals, lions come alive to deliver spectacular performances that last about an hour. Symbolizing luck, prosperity, and happiness, the lion dance is a highlight of the Chinese New Year celebrations. It's definitely a show worth seeing, whether you're a local resident or just passing through along avenue d'Ivry.
Every year, the Asian community celebrates the Chinese New Year. During the festivities, dancers become the jungle king, parading through the streets and restaurants to the rhythm of cymbals, drums, and gongs. The goal? To bring good luck and success for the year ahead. But where does this tradition originate from?
To answer this question, let’s turn to a legend. It’s said that long ago, a hungry lion descended from the mountains to find food. In a small village, while the men and women toiled in the fields, the children stayed at home — vulnerable and unprotected. When the lion arrived, the young boys and girls were frightened and hid. After carefully inspecting the houses, the lion found only some greens to eat and reluctantly decided to make that his meal. But he knew there was a risk of discovering the children and devouring them. The children realized they had to rely on their wits. So, to alert their parents, they created a tremendous noise using everything they could find: drums, cymbals, firecrackers... They made such a racket that the lion was frightened off and ran away. Thanks to their quick thinking, the children were saved.
The reason why Asians reenact this scene every year is that it brings them luck and prosperity while warding off evil spirits. The lion begins its dance by greeting the restaurant or shop it’s about to bless, then performs a series of acrobatic moves for about fifteen minutes before giving a final bow to seal the blessing. During the performance, the lion eats a piece of lettuce, which it then spits out. This act symbolizes that anyone who consumes lettuce will enjoy a year filled with happiness and success. So, make sure to wish for some lettuce! The dancers are also accompanied by musicians whose role, along with the use of firecrackers, is to chase away evil spirits with cymbals, drums, and gongs.
Sunday, February 22, 2026:
Wednesday, February 25, 2026:
Saturday, February 28, 2026:
Sunday, March 1, 2026:
Saturday, March 7, 2026:
Note that lion dances also make their way into cultural venues such as the Musée Guimet in the 16th arrondissement and the Musée Cernuschi in the 8th. These events offer a perfect blend of culture and tradition in a truly exceptional setting.
In short, these festive events, all free, offer an excellent opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Asia in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, right in the heart of iconic neighborhoods within the Asian community of Île-de-France. A must-visit chance to kick off the Year of the Fire Horse on a high note.
Additionally, mark your calendars for the grand Chinese New Year Parade in the 13th arrondissement, scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2026. The festivities organized by the 13th district's town hall also open their arms to visitors, with free cultural shows, exhibitions, and activities running from February 13 to March 1. For all the details on the celebrations, check out our dedicated guide on the 2026 Lunar New Year in Paris and Île-de-France.
Dates and Opening Time
From February 14, 2026 to March 7, 2026
Location
Vélizy 2
2 Avenue de l'Europe
78140 Velizy Villacoublay
Access
Tramway line 6 (T6) "Velizy 2" station
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
