In eastern Paris, the popular and multicultural neighborhood of Belleville becomes one of the epicenters of Chinese New Year festivities. On the weekend of February 21 and 22, it will host an outdoor lantern festival, a free cultural event that attracts families and curious visitors from all over Paris!
Chinese New Year: the Lantern Festival returns to Paris
In the streets of Belleville, for this very special weekend, numerous colorful lanterns will be placed along the avenues, creating a magical setting throughout the day and at nightfall. Symbols of light, good fortune, and renewal, they will illuminate the neighborhood with a warm atmosphere that contrasts with the Parisian winter.
As always, there will be a series of free cultural events: traditional dances such as the famous lion dance, stilt walkers, music, children’s workshops, and demonstrations of traditional dances and costumes, creating a lively and folkloric atmosphere.
Another highlight of the festival is an Asian street food market that will be set up for the occasion. The stalls will offer a wide variety of specialties: stir-fried noodles, bao buns, grilled skewers, traditional desserts, and even fragrant teas and hot drinks to warm up visitors.
Families, groups of friends, or simply the curious will find this festival a friendly way to discover or rediscover lunar traditions. For children, lantern-making and calligraphy workshops will provide a fun introduction to Chinese culture, while adults can enjoy craft stalls and performance areas.
To fully enjoy the festive atmosphere, visitors can stroll through the neighboring streets, sample local specialties, and combine the festival with other Chinese New Year events in Paris. Whether for the lights, the food, or the live performances, this lantern festival in Belleville has become an unmissable event during the Lunar New Year weekend in Paris.
📍Lantern Festival – Rue de Belleville, 75020
February 21 and 22, 2026