Stay informed about the celebration in Rotterdam
The Year of the Horse is upon us, and that calls for a celebration! The festivities will run from February 17th to March 3rd in 2026. Chinese New Year kicks off with a bang every year at West-Kruiskade, with a flag parade, beautiful decorations, art, and more.
In the West we faithfully celebrate New Year's Eve on December 31 every year. We count down together until midnight, toast with friends and family, and light a sparkler while enjoying oliebollen. But this is not the same everywhere in the world. The Chinese New Year, for example, falls on a different date every year. In this article you can read what exactly the Chinese New Year entails and what we can expect from the celebrations in Rotterdam in 2026!
The Chinese New Year is the most important of all traditional Chinese festivals. Its origins date back to the Shang dynasty (1600-1100 BC), a time when gods and ancestors were worshiped around the turn of the year. Over time it grew into a festival in which the old year is said goodbye and the new year is welcomed, similar to the New Year's Eve that we know!
The Chinese New Year also marks the beginning of spring and is therefore also called the Spring Festival. The renewed life force of the earth is celebrated with music, song and dance. But also with gifts, decorations, delicious food and beautiful clothing.
The Chinese New Year is a family celebration. No matter how far relatives live from each other, they make every effort to get together for the traditional New Year's dinner. The Chinese New Year is also celebrated in the Netherlands, including of course in Rotterdam, where parades, lion dances and fireworks fill the streets with colour.
For the most stunning decorations during Chinese New Year in Rotterdam, head to the West-Kruiskade, where most of the celebrations take place. Think beautiful lanterns lighting up the street—naturally mainly in red, as that is the signature colour of Chinese New Year.
On 28 February, the major street celebrations kick off on and around the West-Kruiskade, with an exciting programme for all ages. From 12:00 to 17:00, the street is car-free and performances take place on small stages spread throughout the area. Don’t miss the traditional awakening ceremony, during which the lion is brought to life, or be amazed by stilt walkers, musical performances, dragon dancers, kung fu workshops for children, and much more. There is also plenty to do for young and old alike in four stationary trams.
On 1 March, Deliplein and Fenix Plein are the places to be. From 13:00 to 18:00, there is plenty to enjoy, including a market with Asian street food, a karaoke container, Wing Chun workshops, Chinese and Korean calligraphy workshops, and much more.
On Sunday evening, 1 March, you can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at Kop van Zuid. The quay in front of Hotel New York is the perfect spot to watch the impressive display fireworks. The show is completely free and provides a festive finale to the Lunar New Year celebrations in Katendrecht.
Another great part of Chinese New Year in Rotterdam is the Zodiac Project. There are a total of 12 zodiac signs, with each year dedicated to a different one. In 2026, it is the Year of the Horse! Each year, an art project is linked to the zodiac sign of that year.
