The center of Amsterdam hosts annual Lunar New Year celebrations with parades, fireworks and traditional dances. The festivities concentrate mainly around Nieuwmarkt, Zeedijk and Dam Square. The Chinese Buddhist temple Fo Guang Shan He Hua plays a central role in organizing this event.
This celebration, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important festival in the Chinese calendar and is full of symbolism. The festivities begin each year between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. In 2026, the start date falls on Feb. 17, the Year of the Horse. During the celebration, there are parades with lion dances and dragon dances, moving through the streets of Chinatown.
There are also fireworks shows and live music with drums, gong and cymbals. Stalls selling traditional Chinese food such as dumplings, noodles and fish, symbols of prosperity and health, line the streets. In addition to entertainment, there are workshops in calligraphy, cooking and decorating Chinese fans. These activities take place around the temple and downtown streets.
The combination of parades, fireworks and food creates a busy and lively atmosphere in the Chinatown neighborhood during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
The annual celebration in Amsterdam thus keeps the tradition of Chinese New Year alive and provides space for various cultural rituals and family activities. The role of the Fo Guang Shan He Hua temple as organizer gives the festivities a clear connection to the local community.