Chinese New Year 2026 at Chinagora: special menu, fireworks, and lion dance in Val-de-Marne

Like every year, Chinagora, the quintessential Chinese hotel in the Île-de-France region of Val-de-Marne, is celebrating the Lunar New Year. This year, fireworks and lion dances will once again take center stage on Monday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Head to Alforville in the Val-de-Marne (94) to celebrate the Chinese New Year in the stunning setting of Huatian Chinagora, the quintessential Chinese hotel-restaurant. This year, festivities will take place over two days: starting on Monday 16 for the New Year's Eve celebration and continuing on Tuesday 17 February for the main event.

The year 2026 will be celebrated under the sign of the Horse and the Fire element — a rare and dynamic combination that appears only once every six decades in Chinese astrology. The Horse, the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, embodies spirit, freedom, determination, and movement. It represents independence of mind, vitality, and boldness. When paired with the Fire element, these traits are intensified, lending the Horse charisma, creativity, and leadership qualities, but also a fiery impulsiveness and passionate intensity. The Fire Horse is passionate, inspiring, and full of energy, though it can sometimes be challenging to contain.

In traditional Chinese symbolism, the Horse is also linked to travel, career success, and good fortune in business. However, caution is advised: too much fire can lead to impatience or conflict if not kept in check. Overall, this year promises to be energetic and full of opportunities for those who can harness this inner fire.

What to Expect at Huatian Chinagora for the 2026 Chinese New Year?

The celebrations kick off on Monday, February 16, 2026, with a Chinese dinner available by reservation. Guests can enjoy a special menu crafted for the occasion before marveling at a stunning fireworks display set off at 9:30 p.m. on the esplanade. It’s a magical moment to welcome the new year on a festive, vibrant note, echoing the spirit of traditional Chinese festivities with colorful celebrations and joy.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the festivities kick off with the beloved lion dance, taking place at noon on the esplanade. This spectacular performance, a symbol of luck and prosperity, is a highlight of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Dressed in vibrant costumes, dancers execute acrobatic movements to the rhythm of drums and cymbals in a captivating choreography believed to chase away evil spirits and beckon good fortune. A Chinese lunch is also served that day, allowing everyone to continue the celebrations around a generous table.

Both the fireworks display and the lion dance are freely accessible to everyone.

What’s on the Chinese New Year menu at Chinagora?

The Huatian Chinagora Restaurant offers a festive menu at €59.90 per person, available only on the evening of February 16 and at lunchtime on February 17. Foodies can start with a refreshing fruit juice and shrimp chips, followed by grilled pork dumplings as an appetizer. For the main course, enjoy fish fillets in a sweet-and-sour sauce served with rice. The meal concludes on a sweet note with sesame rice balls and the renowned Ma Lai Gao—a soft, fragrant Cantonese steamed cake.

A kids' menu is also available, allowing the whole family to join in the festivities for €29.90. Advance booking is highly recommended, as spots are limited for these two celebratory days.

In short, if you're looking for a great way to celebrate the Chinese New Year with family or friends in Val-de-Marne, the Huatian Chinagora offers a wonderful opportunity to explore Chinese festive traditions just outside Paris. Expect authentic cuisine, traditional performances, and a warm, inviting atmosphere — a delightful escape that promises to kick off the Year of the Fire Horse with flair. The venue is located at 1 Place du Confluent France-Chine in Alfortville (94140), easily accessible from the city center. Don’t miss this celebration that combines tradition, conviviality, and deliciousness in a unique setting across Île-de-France.