Chinese New Year Southampton 2026

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important and joyful celebrations in Chinese culture, observed by Chinese communities around the world. In 2026, we welcome the Year of the Horse — a symbol of energy, progress, strength, and moving forward together.

The Hampshire Chinese Association (HCA), in collaboration with UK Shaolin, Southampton City Council, and local community partners, is proud to present Southampton Chinese New Year 2026 at the Marlands Shopping Centre.

Join us for a vibrant day of traditional performances, cultural activities, and festive celebrations, as we bring the spirit of Chinese New Year to the heart of the city and invite everyone to celebrate together.

春节是全球华人社区最重要、最欢庆的节日之一。2026年，我们将迎来象征活力、进取、力量与同心向前的马年。

汉普郡华人协会携手英国少林、南安普顿市议会及本地社区伙伴，荣幸地在马兰兹购物中心为您呈现“南安普顿2026年春节庆典”。

我们将以精彩的传统表演、文化活动和节庆盛典，将春节的喜庆氛围带到城市中心，诚邀各界朋友共襄盛举。

United, Open, and Forward-Looking

The Horse in Chinese culture represents vitality, freedom, determination, and collective progress. The Year of the Horse inspires us to move forward with confidence, embrace openness, and strengthen community bonds.

This year’s celebration reflects those values — bringing together the Chinese community, local residents, families, and visitors of all backgrounds to share culture, joy, and a hopeful vision for the future.

在中国文化中，马象征着活力、自由、决心与共同进步。马年激励我们满怀信心向前迈进，拥抱开放精神，凝聚社区力量。

本届庆典正是这些价值的体现——汇聚华人社群、本地居民、家庭及各背景的访客，分享文化、传递欢乐、展望未来。

Visitors can look forward to a lively and family-friendly programme, including:

• Traditional Chinese Lion Dance performances
• Martial arts and cultural demonstrations
• Children’s activities and cultural workshops
• Festive decorations and New Year traditions

Whether you are experiencing Chinese New Year for the first time or continuing a cherished tradition, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

来访者将享受到丰富热闹、适合全家参与的活动，包括：

• 中国传统舞狮表演
• 武术与文化展示
• 儿童活动与文化工作坊
• 节日装饰与新年传统体验

无论您是首次体验春节，还是延续珍视的传统，这里都有适合您的精彩内容。

Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for renewal, gratitude, and unity. For generations, it has been a moment to honour heritage, strengthen family and community ties, and wish one another good fortune and happiness for the year ahead.

For the Hampshire Chinese Association, celebrating Chinese New Year is about more than tradition — it is about:

• Promoting Chinese culture and heritage
• Encouraging community unity and inclusion
• Creating opportunities for cultural exchange
• Building a shared future with the wider Southampton community

Through public celebrations like this, HCA aims to foster understanding, connection, and a sense of belonging for everyone.

春节标志着农历新年的开始，是万象更新、感恩团聚的时刻。世代以来，人们借此传承文化、凝聚亲情与社区纽带，互致新年祝福。

对汉普郡华人协会而言，庆祝春节不仅关乎传统，更在于：

• 弘扬中华文化与遗产
• 促进社区团结与包容
• 创造文化交流机会
• 与更广泛的南安普顿社区共建未来

通过此类公共庆典，本协会旨在增进理解、加强联结，为所有人营造归属感。

Chinese New Year is rich in customs believed to bring good luck and ward off negative energy. Common traditions include:

• Cleaning homes to sweep away bad luck and welcome new beginnings
• Red decorations, couplets, and paper cuttings symbolising happiness and prosperity
• Giving red envelopes (hongbao) as wishes for good fortune
• Family reunion meals, featuring symbolic dishes such as dumplings, fish, and longevity noodles

Celebrations traditionally last 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival, and centre on themes of hope, harmony, and renewal.

春节蕴含丰富的习俗，寓意迎新纳福、驱除厄运。常见传统包括：

• 洒扫除尘，辞旧迎新
• 悬挂红色装饰、春联与剪纸，象征吉祥兴旺
• 赠送红包（压岁钱），传递美好祝愿
• 共享团圆饭，品尝饺子、鱼、长寿面等寓意吉祥的菜肴

传统庆祝持续15天，以元宵节收尾，核心主题是希望、和谐与新生。