Lunar New Year Activities for Kids: Fun, Educational & Creative Ways to Celebrate

If you are searching for meaningful and engaging Lunar New Year activities for kids, this guide is packed with creative ideas to help children learn about this vibrant cultural celebration. Whether you are celebrating at home, in school, in a nursery or within your community, Lunar New Year offers a fantastic opportunity to explore traditions, crafts, food and storytelling.

Also known as the Spring Festival in China and celebrated across several Asian countries, Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new year based on the lunar calendar. It is a time of family gatherings, decorations, cultural traditions and joyful celebrations.

Below you’ll find educational, hands-on and creative Lunar New Year activities for kids that combine fun with learning.

What Is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and celebrations typically last for around 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. It is celebrated in countries such as China, Vietnam, South Korea and Singapore, with each culture having its own traditions.

Common Lunar New Year traditions include:

• Hanging red lanterns
• Giving red envelopes (hongbao)
• Watching lion and dragon dances
• Sharing special family meals
• Decorating homes with red and gold

Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

For children, this celebration is a wonderful way to explore global traditions, symbolism and cultural understanding.

Why Lunar New Year Activities for Kids Are Important

Participating in Lunar New Year activities for kids helps children:

• Develop cultural awareness
• Learn about global traditions
• Build creativity and fine motor skills
• Strengthen family and classroom connections
• Explore storytelling and symbolism

Using trusted educational sources such as the BBC Bitesize or National Geographic Kids can support classroom learning and provide additional background information.

15 Lunar New Year Activities for Kids

1. Make Paper Lanterns

Paper lanterns are one of the most recognisable symbols of Lunar New Year.

To make a simple lantern:

1. Fold red paper in half lengthways.
2. Cut evenly spaced slits along the folded edge.
3. Unfold and roll into a cylinder.
4. Secure with glue and attach a handle.

Children can decorate lanterns with gold stickers, glitter, zodiac animals or traditional symbols.

2. Learn About the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac is a fascinating element of Lunar New Year.

Children can:

• Discover which zodiac animal represents their birth year
• Create animal masks
• Draw their favourite zodiac character
• Act out the Zodiac Race story

This storytelling activity encourages listening skills and imaginative play.

3. Host a Mini Lion or Dragon Dance

Lion and dragon dances are central to many Lunar New Year celebrations.

Children can:

• Create a dragon using paper chains
• Decorate a cardboard lion head
• Hold a mini parade around the classroom or home

You can even watch real-life celebrations from places like London Chinatown Chinese Association to show children how parades look in major cities.

4. Create Red Envelopes (Hongbao)

Red envelopes symbolise good luck and prosperity.

Children can:

• Fold red paper into envelope shapes
• Decorate with gold designs
• Write positive wishes inside

Instead of money, children can include kind messages or goals for the new year.

5. Explore Lunar New Year Calligraphy

Introduce children to simple Chinese characters such as:

• 福 (good fortune)
• 春 (spring)

Using paintbrushes on red paper creates an authentic artistic experience.

Museums like the British Museum provide cultural background on East Asian art and traditions, which can support deeper learning.

6. Cook Traditional Foods Together

Food plays a huge role in Lunar New Year celebrations.

Age-appropriate cooking tasks might include:

• Folding dumplings
• Mixing ingredients
• Rolling spring rolls
• Preparing fruit platters

You can explain symbolic meanings such as:

• Long noodles representing long life
• Dumplings symbolising wealth

Cooking is one of the most memorable Lunar New Year activities for kids because it involves hands-on participation.

7. Lunar New Year Sensory Play

For younger children, sensory trays work beautifully.

Include:

• Red rice
• Gold coins
• Zodiac figurines
• Mini lanterns

This supports fine motor development and imaginative exploration.

8. Create a Lunar New Year Countdown

Children can make a simple calendar marking the 15 days of celebration.

Each day could include:

• A new fact about Lunar New Year
• A small act of kindness
• A new craft or learning activity

This helps children understand the length and structure of the celebration.

9. Watch Cultural Performances

If possible, attend a local celebration or watch online performances featuring:

• Lion dances
• Traditional music
• Firework displays

Seeing authentic celebrations enhances understanding.

10. Lunar New Year STEM Challenge

Combine learning with engineering by building:

• A paper dragon with moving parts
• A lantern that stands upright
• A zodiac animal model

STEM-based Lunar New Year activities for kids support creativity and problem-solving.

11. Learn About Countries That Celebrate Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is not celebrated in just one country.

Children can locate:

• China
• Vietnam
• South Korea
• Singapore

on a map and compare traditions across cultures.

12. Create a Gratitude Tree

Write wishes or goals for the coming year on red paper leaves and attach them to a classroom or home display tree.

This connects the celebration with reflection and positivity.

13. Practice Basic Mandarin Words

Introduce simple greetings such as:

• “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year)

Language learning adds an educational layer to Lunar New Year activities for kids.

14. Design a Lunar New Year Craft Station

Set up a themed craft table with:

• Red and gold paper
• Glitter
• Stickers
• Zodiac templates
• Lantern cut-outs

Allow children to explore independently.

15. Host a Lunar New Year Celebration Day

Bring together multiple activities for a special event.

Include:

• Decorations
• Music
• Traditional foods
• A mini parade
• Cultural storytelling

Celebration days create lasting memories.

Final Thoughts

Lunar New Year activities for kids provide an exciting way to explore culture, creativity and global traditions. From lantern crafts and dragon dances to cooking and storytelling, there are endless opportunities to make this celebration meaningful.

By combining education with hands-on fun, you help children understand the importance of Lunar New Year while building respect for diverse cultures.