Chinese New Year Celebrations Return to Merrion Centre in Leeds

Thinking about what to do with the family during the February half term can be a bit of a headache. The kids are off school, full of energy, and keeping them entertained without spending a fortune is the big challenge. Well, anyone looking for a brilliant day out in Leeds this February might just be in luck. The Merrion Centre is gearing up to host the city centre’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable event packed with free activities for the whole family. It's the perfect way to get out of the house during the school holidays and experience something truly special.

So what’s happening at the Merrion Centre?

Get ready to welcome the Year of the Horse in style! This isn't just a small display; it's a full-blown cultural festival right in the Leeds city centre. Over two key weekends in February, the shopping centre will be buzzing with energy, colour, and sound. The main celebrations are set for Saturday, 14th February and Saturday, 21st February 2026. Imagine walking into the Merrion Centre and being greeted by the rhythmic beat of drums and the incredible sight of a traditional Chinese lion dance weaving through the crowds. These vibrant performances are a massive part of the Chinese New Year celebrations and are said to bring good luck and fortune. But the excitement doesn't stop there. Visitors will also get to see mesmerising Tai Chi demonstrations, a graceful form of martial art that looks a bit like slow-motion dancing, as well as other martial arts displays. There will be live music and cultural performances throughout the day, creating a fantastic atmosphere for everyone. This event is a brilliant opportunity to experience the fantastic, colourful traditions of Chinese culture without having to travel far from home.

Free workshops for the half term holidays

One of the best highlights of this event is the schedule of completely free workshops planned for the school holidays. From Wednesday, 18th February to Friday, 20th February, the Merrion Centre is the place to be for any family looking for creative and fun activities. These hands-on sessions are a fantastic way for kids (and adults!) to get properly involved. Ever wanted to try Chinese calligraphy? It's the art of beautiful writing with a brush and ink, and there will be experts on hand to show everyone how it's done. Kids can also get stuck into lantern painting, creating their own beautiful decorations to take home. There will also be origami sessions, where they can learn to fold paper into amazing shapes. If that wasn't enough, there are even Chinese dance lessons and musical workshops on the schedule. It’s a brilliant way to learn something new and have a great time during the half term break. This family-friendly event makes sure that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, has something exciting to do. The best part? It’s all free, which is always a bonus during the school holidays.

A fantastic community partnership

This incredible series of celebrations is made possible by a strong partnership with local community groups. The Merrion Centre has teamed up with the Leeds Chinese Community School and the New Vision Education Chinese School to put together an authentic and engaging event. This collaboration means the activities are not just fun but also a genuine reflection of Chinese culture and heritage. Thousands of visitors are expected to join the celebrations across both weekends.

James Broughton, who is the Head of Marketing Communications at Town Centre Securities PLC (the owners of the Merrion Centre), shared his excitement:

“We are incredibly excited to once again be hosting the largest Chinese New Year celebration in Leeds city centre. This is an event that’s enjoyed not only by the Chinese community but by everyone who wants to experience the fantastic, colourful traditions of Chinese New Year. The celebrations continue to grow each year, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors of all backgrounds to enjoy the Year of the Horse at the Merrion Centre.”

The school leaders are just as enthusiastic. Bei Gao, Headteacher at Leeds Chinese Community School, commented,

“We are excited to once again be involved in such a wonderful event. It’s a great opportunity for the Leeds community to experience Chinese New Year firsthand, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone come together to celebrate the Year of the Horse. The Merrion Centre is an amazing space for this kind of cultural exchange, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

Joyce Cai, Headteacher at New Vision Education Chinese School, added,

“The Chinese New Year event at the Merrion Centre has become a highlight for many in Leeds. This year, we’ve worked closely with the team to bring new and exciting performances and activities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community. It’s a fantastic way for families to explore Chinese traditions while enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

A feast for all the senses

Beyond the amazing sights and sounds of the performances and workshops, the celebrations will also be a treat for the taste buds. The Merrion Centre is home to a brilliant range of eateries where visitors can sample authentic Chinese and Asian food. So, after watching a martial arts demonstration or trying some calligraphy, the family can sit down for a delicious meal. Restaurants like Blue Sakura, Gong Cha, Blue Pavilion, Eatime, and MeetFresh will all be serving up traditional flavours, offering everything from tasty main courses to popular drinks and desserts. It's a great chance to be a bit adventurous and try something new, completing the cultural experience. This really is an event that has something for everyone, making it the perfect family day out this February.

Everything you need to plan your visit

Ready to join in the fun? Here are the key details for the Chinese New Year celebrations at the Merrion Centre. It’s set to be one of the best highlights of the half term break!

• What: The largest Chinese New Year celebrations in Leeds city centre.

• Where: The Merrion Centre, Leeds.

• When (Main Celebrations): Saturday, 14th February and Saturday, 21st February 2026.

• When (Free Half Term Workshops): Wednesday, 18th February to Friday, 20th February 2026.

• Cost: All activities and entry to the event are completely FREE.

With so much going on, these celebrations are the ideal activity for any family during the school holidays. Mark the dates in your calendar for a fantastic cultural day out!