The Chinese New Year 2026 is also celebrated in the Yvelines with a series of free events to ring in the Year of the Fire Horse. Just a reminder, the official date of the Lunar New Year falls on Sunday, February 17, 2026, but festivities extend well beyond that across the Île-de-France region. In the 78 communes, various activities, parades, and performances will take place throughout the weekend to celebrate the occasion. If you're looking for the full schedule of celebrations in Paris and Île-de-France, we've put together a dedicated guide for you.
When it comes to celebrating the Chinese New Year, few immediately think of the Yvelines. Yet, this western Parisian department hides some delightful surprises. Far from the bustling parades of the 13th arrondissement or Belleville, the towns in the 78th offer intimate festivities that are often free and held outdoors — ideal for a family outing away from the crowds.
This year, the celebrations are shaping up to be quite diverse. Festivities will take place in Maisons-Laffitte, a town renowned for its castle and racetrack, which is offering a charming lineup of free events for the occasion. Over in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the royal city is also embracing the Lunar New Year with a series of free activities. Houilles is no different, hosting its own celebrations to mark the arrival of the Fire Horse Year. Finally, the most spectacular festivities are expected in Triel-sur-Seine, where a lively parade will wind through the streets, culminating in a fireworks display—a rare, stunning finale worth noting.
2026 Lunar New Year Celebrations: Lion Dance at Vélizy 2
In celebration of the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year 2026, shops like Tang Frères and Paris Store, along with other local vendors, will be staging traditional lion dances in the 13th arrondissement of Paris and across Île-de-France, from February 14 to March 7, 2026. For those in the Yvelines area, head to the Vélizy 2 shopping center for a lively festive gathering. [Read more]
Chinese New Year celebrations in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Yvelines 2026: Explore the free event lineup
The Chinese New Year celebration is making its return to Saint-Germain-en-Laye on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Pierre Delanoë Space. This free, festive day in Yvelines will feature calligraphy workshops, a traditional costume parade, a gourmet lunch, and Kung Fu demonstrations — all to mark the Year of the Horse. [Read more]
Lunar New Year Celebrations in Houilles, Yvelines, Featuring Free Events
Chinese New Year arrives in Houilles on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with a full day of festivities hosted by the Culture Chine France association and the town council at Place Michelet. Here's everything you need to know. [Read more]
Chinese New Year in Maisons-Laffitte offers a wonderful lineup of free activities
Maisons-Laffitte rings in the Chinese New Year with a free afternoon of workshops and activities on February 15, 2026. The event features calligraphy, origami, Qi Gong, and tea-tasting sessions, offering a vibrant introduction to traditional Chinese culture. [Read more]
Chinese/Lunar New Year 2026 in Triel-sur-Seine, Yvelines (78): Parade and Fireworks
Triel-sur-Seine is going all out on Saturday, February 14, 2026, to celebrate the Lunar New Year! The festivities kick off with a vibrant dragon parade starting at 5:15 p.m., followed by a lively choir performance, a spectacular fireworks display, and a dance party that will have the entire town grooving into the night! [Read more]
Let's remember that the Lunar New Year is celebrated far beyond China’s borders: in Vietnam, South Korea, Mongolia, and Tibet. It’s a time for sharing and renewal, marked by the color red, lion and dragon dances, lucky money envelopes, and family feasts. Each Chinese zodiac sign carries its own symbols, and this year’s Fire Horse is associated with energy, passion, and vitality. Clearly, the celebrations this year are expected to live up to the fiery spirit of this dynamic sign.
In short, whether you live in the Yvelines or are looking to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2026 in a more unique setting, the 78 offers some wonderful alternatives to the usual Parisian festivities. Here's a rundown of must-attend events you won't want to miss:
