Lunar New Year in Belleville 2026: Lantern Festival and street food market liven up the neighborhood

In Paris, the Belleville district is preparing for a bright and friendly weekend. The Lunar New Year will be celebrated on February 21-22, 2026, with lanterns, music and delicacies. Families, local residents and the curious are looking forward to a warm and safe moment.

Lantern Festival: routes, symbols and atmosphere

The illuminated decorations guide you along the streets from dusk onwards. Red lanterns will line facades, squares and narrow streets, like a soothing red thread. In addition, illuminated crossings will create a safe and festive path for families.

A large dragon will lead the way, punctuating the stops with the sound of percussion. Illuminated crossings will help parents and children find their way around without stress. In Belleville, smiling volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors.

The program is spread over 2 days of festivities, with highlights every evening. During the day, entertainment and music punctuate the stalls near the animated crossroads. In the evening, the Lantern Festival gains in visual intensity, right down to the last candle.

“The night lights up, and the lanterns trace a gentle road for all.”

Asian street food: smells and tastes in the open air

The stalls will offer fragrant, hot Asian street-food, prepared before your very eyes. Steamed bao, stir-fried noodles, fried ravioli and skewers will all be served quickly. What’s more, hand-painted fans will attract the curious, right next to the kitchens.

Expect a short wait at the most popular stands, especially in the evening. On the other hand, you can save time by coming early or late, depending on your schedule. Also, it’s easier to carry water and a bag for your garbage.

• Dates: February 21-22, 2026, with daytime and evening entertainment.
• Access: area served by public transport; finish on foot for greater fluidity.
• Delicacies: bao, noodles, ravioli, kebabs, and sweet stalls as available.
• Crowds: peak after 6 p.m.; prefer staggered opening hours for shorter waits.
• Comfort: water, warm clothing, rubbish bags and suitable footwear recommended.

Practical information and access

On February 21-22, 2026, the event takes place during the day and evening, depending on the weather. So everyone can choose their own time slot according to their wishes and availability. Access remains open to the public, subject to local capacities and measures.

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No brands, variants or prices are mentioned, the emphasis being on entertainment and street-food.

The area is well served by public transport, with several stations within walking distance. What’s more, local teams will be directing traffic flows near Belleville, to avoid blockages. So avoid the car, and opt for the safer, smoother final walk.

Signallers will indicate clear roads and quieter areas, depending on the number of visitors. This way, you can adapt your itinerary without losing your loved ones in the crowd. On the other hand, don’t park for long periods at crossroads, to allow the processions to pass.

Culture and symbols of the New Year

According to Chinese tradition, the Lantern Festival closes the New Year cycle. Light symbolizes good fortune, family peace and renewed energy. In short, everyone hopes for a serene and optimistic transition to spring.

Round lanterns evoke unity, dragons courage, colors prosperity. The Belleville district will also showcase these symbols, in a popular atmosphere. In addition, painted fans add a handcrafted touch to evening strolls.

Tips for a trouble-free visit

Arrive early if you’re aiming for twilight photos, when the sky is getting darker. On the other hand, aim for later for less crowds in Belleville and shorter lines. That way, you’ll enjoy the route without crowds, with a nice time margin.

Respect local residents and shopkeepers at weekends, especially at closing time. And please dispose of your garbage in the bins provided, including cutlery. In short, the atmosphere in Belleville will remain fluid and cheerful, from day to night.

Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes suitable for wet cobblestones. Also, bring a contactless payment system for street food, if available. As a result, the wait is reduced and the tasting goes on, hassle-free.

Strollers are welcome, but be sure to bring a baby carrier in the evening, for better circulation. Also, identify a family meeting point, in case a child gets lost. And don’t forget to charge your phone and take a battery with you, as photography consumes energy quickly.

• Belleville