Key Points
- The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay is hosting free Lunar New Year celebrations during February half term to welcome the Year of the Horse.
- Festivities kick off on Tuesday 17 February from 12pm to 4pm with drop-in origami and calligraphy workshops, plus Peking opera performances by Papergang Theatre at 12.30pm, 1.30pm, and 2.30pm.
- On Wednesday 18 February, Explore Learning hosts interactive activities from 12pm to 4pm, including Lucky Red Envelope Maths, blending education with Lunar New Year traditions.
- The main signature event occurs on Sunday 22 February from 12pm to 5pm in partnership with Cardiff Confucius Institute, featuring papercutting, lantern making, Chinese knot crafting workshops, music, dance performances, and Chinese White Lion appearances at 12.30pm, 2pm, and 3.30pm.
- All activities across the events are completely free, open to visitors of all ages, and set in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere at the entertainment venue.
- The Red Dragon Centre offers additional on-site attractions like movies, bowling, dining, gym, casino, and free customer parking (subject to terms), making it ideal for a full day out.
Cardiff Bay (Cardiff Daily) February 09, 2026 – The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay has announced a vibrant lineup of free Lunar New Year celebrations this February half term, inviting families to welcome the Year of the Horse with workshops, performances, and traditional entertainment. All events are complimentary, ensuring accessibility for visitors of all ages amid the festive Spring Festival period.
- Key Points
- What Are the Dates for Lunar New Year Events in Cardiff Bay?
- Who Is Organising the Lunar New Year Celebrations?
- What Activities Can Families Expect at the Events?
- Why Is the Year of the Horse Significant in These Celebrations?
- How Does This Fit into Cardiff Bay’s Half Term Offerings?
- What Makes These Events Free and Accessible?
- When Did Cardiff Bay Host Similar Lunar New Year Events?
What Are the Dates for Lunar New Year Events in Cardiff Bay?
The celebrations span three key days during the February half term. As detailed in the official announcement from The Red Dragon Centre, activities commence on Tuesday 17 February, recognised as the official start of Lunar New Year, running from 12pm to 4pm. This includes free drop-in sessions for origami and calligraphy, alongside multiple Peking opera acts.
The following day, Wednesday 18 February, features sessions from 12pm to 4pm led by Explore Learning. These hands-on activities incorporate educational elements like Lucky Red Envelope Maths to engage children with Lunar New Year customs.
The programme culminates on Sunday 22 February from 12pm to 5pm, partnering with the Cardiff Confucius Institute for an extensive afternoon of cultural immersion. This event mirrors past successful gatherings, such as those noted in prior years by the centre.
Who Is Organising the Lunar New Year Celebrations?
The Red Dragon Centre serves as the primary host, a prominent Cardiff Bay entertainment venue known for family-oriented events. Multiple partners contribute to the richness of the programme. Papergang Theatre delivers the Peking opera performances on 17 February at specified times: 12.30pm, 1.30pm, and 2.30pm.
Explore Learning takes charge of the 18 February activities, focusing on interactive and educational fun. The Cardiff Confucius Institute collaborates on the flagship 22 February event, providing expertise in traditional workshops and performances, a partnership highlighted in the centre’s festivities page.
As reported on Wales247.co.uk, these collaborations create “a great chance for visitors of all ages to enjoy creative workshops, live performances and traditional entertainment in a fun and friendly atmosphere.”
What Activities Can Families Expect at the Events?
A diverse array of free activities caters to creative and cultural interests. On 17 February, families can participate in drop-in origami and calligraphy workshops, immersing in traditional crafts while watching Papergang Theatre’s colourful Peking opera welcoming the Year of the Horse.
Wednesday’s lineup from Explore Learning emphasises engagement, with “interactive, hands-on activities… designed to give children an engaging and educational way to explore Lunar New Year traditions,” including the standout Lucky Red Envelope Maths.
The 22 February highlight offers papercutting, lantern making, and Chinese knot crafting workshops, complemented by music and dance performances. A key attraction is the Chinese White Lion appearances at 12.30pm, 2pm, and 3.30pm, adding spectacle to the day. The Red Dragon Centre’s site describes it as “a lively afternoon of workshops, performances,” underscoring the family focus.
These mirror elements from previous years, such as calligraphy and lantern making noted in Cardiff Mummy Says reviews of past events, though this year’s programme is tailored to the Year of the Horse.
Why Is the Year of the Horse Significant in These Celebrations?
Lunar New Year 2026 ushers in the Year of the Horse, a zodiac symbolising energy, freedom, and success in Chinese culture. The Red Dragon Centre explicitly frames its events “to welcome the Year of the Horse,” integrating this theme through performances and crafts.
The Peking opera on 17 February specifically “welcomes the Year of the Horse,” as per the centre’s details, linking traditional theatre to the zodiac. Workshops like papercutting and lantern making often incorporate horse motifs in such contexts, enhancing cultural relevance.
This aligns with broader Spring Festival traditions, where zodiac animals inspire festivities, as seen in partnerships with the Cardiff Confucius Institute, which promotes authentic celebrations.
How Does This Fit into Cardiff Bay’s Half Term Offerings?
Positioned during February half term, these events complement The Red Dragon Centre’s family attractions, including blockbuster movies, 26 lanes of bowling at Hollywood Bowl, dining options, a gym, casino, and free customer parking up to six hours (subject to minimum spend and validation).
The venue positions itself as “the perfect place to spend a memorable day out this half term,” rain or shine, with “everything you need for an epic day out.” This builds on past successes, like the 2024 Year of the Dragon event that drew over 6,000 visitors, as reported by NewsFromWales.co.uk.
While focused on Cardiff Bay, it connects to wider Cardiff Lunar New Year activities, such as those at Cardiff Central Library on 21 February or Canton Library marketplace, though the Bay events stand distinct.
What Makes These Events Free and Accessible?
A core appeal is that “all activities are completely free,” reiterated across sources, removing barriers for families amid economic pressures. Drop-in formats on 17 and 18 February ensure flexibility, while the structured 22 February event remains open without booking fees.
The family-friendly atmosphere at The Red Dragon Centre, combined with on-site amenities, enhances accessibility. As stated on Wales247.co.uk, it offers “a fantastic programme of free activities,” prioritising inclusivity.
When Did Cardiff Bay Host Similar Lunar New Year Events?
The Red Dragon Centre has a track record of such celebrations. In 2025, it marked the Year of the Snake on 2 February with calligraphy, paper cutting, lantern making, music, and dance from 12pm to 5pm, partnering with Cardiff Confucius Institute, per VisitCardiff.com.
The 2024 Year of the Dragon drew over 6,000 visitors with lion dances, lantern making, and calligraphy, as covered by NewsFromWales.co.uk: “CARDIFF Bay’s leading entertainment venue celebrated its most successful Chinese New Year yet.”
Earlier half-term events included dragon quests and dreamcatchers, reviewed positively on Cardiff Mummy Says, indicating growing popularity.
These precedents affirm the 2026 events as part of an established tradition, evolving with each zodiac year.
