London is glowing with light and energy this weekend as Chinese New Year celebrations take centre stage across the city. There’s plenty of fun for families with kids of all ages, from colourful cultural fairs to immersive plant displays, both indoors and out.
Whether you’re wandering lively festivals, heading to a children’s show or discovering London’s museums and galleries after dark, it’s a vibrant couple of days full of family‑friendly excitement.
1. Art After Dark, Piccadilly Circus
Take a wander to see the free, week-long cultural takeover of London’s West End that lights up the city after dark with large-scale public art installations, late-night gallery openings and music-driven experiences, including a striking new illuminated artwork in Piccadilly Circus.
Dates: February 5–10
Address: Across London
2. Family Days, Saatchi Gallery
Family Days at the Saatchi Gallery are creative, hands-on art events designed for children and families to explore contemporary art together in a relaxed, playful setting. Led by the Gallery’s Learning Team, these free workshops (with a suggested £5 donation) run alongside major exhibitions and invite kids of all ages to get stuck into imaginative activities from making monsters and colourful sculptures to crafting cards or trying sensory art techniques, using simple materials inspired by the works on show. Participants are encouraged to explore the current exhibition and then bring their own ideas to life in short, 30-minute sessions.
Dates: Saturday 7 February 2026
Address: Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, London SW3 4RY
More information here
3. Orchid Festival, Kew Gardens
This is a dazzling annual floral spectacle held inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory each February and early March. Every year the festival transforms the tropical glasshouse into a vibrant world of colour and exotic blooms inspired by a different country’s flora. For this year, the displays draw on the rich biodiversity and cultural motifs of China, featuring thousands of orchids alongside creative plant sculptures like dragons, koi carp and pandas. As well as showcasing these breathtaking horticultural installations, the festival celebrates plant conservation and Kew’s global research work, and often includes “Orchids After Hours” evenings with atmospheric lighting, performances and music. Entry to the Orchid Festival is included with a timed ticket to Kew Gardens.
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Address: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
Book here
4. The Mountain Witch, Lyric Hammersmith
A playful, immersive family theatre show by Speedwell Dance for children aged 3–8 and their grown‑ups. The story follows an ancient and powerful witch whose meddling has thrown the seasons out of balance and it’s up to the children to awaken scampering creatures, tiptoe past her cave and help convince her to bring back the sun. With live original music (featuring clarinet, flute and cello), inspiring dance and interactive moments throughout, the performance transforms the Studio space into a magical world full of movement and music.
Date: Saturday 7 February 2026
Address: Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL
Book tickets here
5. Let’s Play, Korea!, British Museum
A lively, free family event in the Museum’s Great Court where visitors of all ages can dive into traditional Korean games and cultural fun inspired by festive celebrations such as Lunar New Year. Hosted with the London Korean School, activities include classics like yutnori, ttakjichigi, tuho, jegichagi, gonggi and paengi, with opportunities to play individually or in friendly mini competitions throughout the day. Alongside the games there are handmade Korean treats to sample and a chance to soak up a playful, communal atmosphere that celebrates Korean heritage through interactive experiences.
Date: 7 February 2026, 11.00–14.00
Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
More information here
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