About
Chinese New Year Celebrations 2026: The Year of the Horse
Join the celebrations this Saturday 21st February as we welcome the Year of the Horse at various locations across Durham city from 10am - 4pm.
Clayport Library
Activities are all drop in and are FREE to attend. They are suitable for children and adults. Children must be supervised.
10:30am -3:30pm
- Drop-in children’s crafts (lanterns, paper crafts and more)
- Drop-in language and calligraphy taster sessions with Durham University
Durham Market Place, Durham City Streets and Clayport Library
12:30pm start
Lion Dance – see if the Mayor will catch the lucky lettuce to bring good luck to the city for the coming year. Follow the lion dance procession across the city.
Oriental Museum
1 - 3pm
Suitable for families with children aged 5-11 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE of charge entry to Durham University's Oriental Museum.
Help make decorations for the Oriental Museum's Year of the Horse celebration taking place later in February - Spring Festival Spectacular (28 February)
Durham Town Hall
2 - 4pm
Visitors can come and go as they please between 2-4pm inside Durham Town Hall where the Durham University showcase will take place. The showcase will feature fantastic performances of music, song and dance performed by members of the Chinese Scholars and Students Association, the Han Fu Society and Durham Chinese School.
The show will feature great solo instrumentals on instruments unfamiliar to many, including the Hulusi, guzheng and pipa, great vocal performances, a dance show choreographed by a talented volunteer and will conclude with an amazing costume show; introducing traditional Chinese costume from all parts of China and across the centuries.
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Find out what’s happening this week across the Culture County. From festivals and exhibitions, to sport and theatre, you’re certain to have an eventful time in Durham.
