Chinese New Year in Europe: Rome, London and Amsterdam
Chinese New Year fills cities with red, gold and the rhythm of long‑standing traditions, marking a moment of renewal, joy and connection. Rooted in centuries‑old rituals and celebrated through family gatherings, symbolic dishes and vibrant performances, it is a festival that brings communities together. In 2026, the Year of the Horse adds energy and momentum—an ideal backdrop for travellers staying with art’otel as they experience the celebrations across Europe.
Rome: Ancient Rituals, Living Traditions
Rome may be defined by antiquity, but during Chinese New Year the city reveals another side. The Esquilino district, home to one of Europe’s oldest Chinese communities, becomes the heart of the festivities. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is the key place to be and see most of celebrations. Here, the streets fill with lanterns, lion dances and music.
The annual parade draws locals and visitors alike, blending Roman urban life with centuries old Chinese traditions. Food plays a central role, with shared tables, symbolic ingredients and dishes associated with luck, prosperity and togetherness.
A short distance away, art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio continues the celebration at YEZI with a dedicated Chinese New Year programme that brings ritual, craft, and contemporary flavour to the table.
Chinese New Year at YEZI: The Year of the Horse
17 February to 3 March 2026
To mark the Year of the Horse, YEZI presents a curated programme of culinary and cultural experiences rooted in symbolism, craftsmanship and celebration.
Chinese New Year Special Menu
Available for dinner from 17 February to 3 March
Alongside the à la carte selection, YEZI has a Chinese New Year tasting menu inspired by ingredients traditionally linked to abundance and good fortune. The dishes are interpreted through a modern lens and are designed for sharing and savouring.
Dim Sum Masterclass
Saturday 21 February at 4PM
Led by Head Chef Giordano Gianforchetti, this hands-on masterclass explores the art of dim sum making, a symbol of unity and craftsmanship in Chinese culture. During Chinese New Year, dim sum is significant as it symbolises abundance, togetherness and culinary heritage. Guests cook together, enjoy a drink, and sit down to share the dishes they have prepared.
Chef and Guest Four Hands Dinner
Date and guest chef to be announced
A collaborative four hands dinner brings together two culinary visions, exploring the balance between tradition and innovation. One of the highlights of the Chinese New Year programme.
Red Envelopes and Auspicious Gifts
Until 3 March
Each YEZI guest receives a traditional red envelope, a symbol of luck and prosperity. Inside, a surprise awaits that could include a YEZI experience or a stay at art’otel Rome. A gesture of good fortune and an invitation to return.
In Rome, the depth of tradition meets YEZI’s modern craft, creating a Chinese New Year experience rooted in symbolism, flavour and design. It’s a vibrant start to the season — and a glimpse of how each art’otel destination interprets the festivities in its own way.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s Chinese New Year celebrations centre around Nieuwmarkt and Chinatown, where historic streets come alive with dragon dances, fireworks, calligraphy and food stalls. The feel is intimate and local, with a focus on community rather than scale.
Spend time exploring markets, watch performances against medieval architecture, or simply follow the sound of drums through the city.
Staying at art’otel Amsterdam keeps you within walking distance of the celebrations, while offering a calm, design-led retreat once the streets quiet down.
London
London hosts the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside Asia. Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square come alive with parades, performances and food pop-ups.
The main parade is scheduled for Sunday 22 February. It begins at Trafalgar Square and makes its way down Charing Cross Road through to Shaftesbury Avenue before ending in Chinatown. Thousands of people line the streets each year, and 2026 will be no different.
It is an energetic, busy and deeply communal time of the year, drawing crowds throughout the day and into the evening.
With locations across the city at art’otel London Hoxton and art’otel London Battersea Power Station, art’otel offers different ways to experience the festivities, from staying close to the action to retreating into riverside calm and contemporary design.
A New Year, Experienced Your Way
Chinese New Year in Europe is not about replication. It is about how traditions evolve, adapt and take on new meanings in different cities. From Rome’s layered history and culinary rituals to Amsterdam’s neighbourhood focus, to London’s large-scale celebrations, each destination offers a distinct experience.
art’otel invites you to experience it fully, connected to culture, grounded in design and always in step with the city.