chinese new year activities for kids: Fun and Educational Chinese New Year Activities for Kids

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (春节) or Lunar New Year, is a vibrant celebration filled with colorful traditions, delicious food, and family gatherings. While adults focus on reconnecting with loved ones and welcoming prosperity, kids have the opportunity to learn and immerse themselves in the excitement of this special holiday.

If you’re planning to celebrate Chinese New Year with your little ones, incorporating creative and meaningful activities is a fantastic way to make the holiday memorable and educational. Here’s a list of fun and engaging Chinese New Year activities for kids to help them connect with the traditions of this festive season.

1. Crafting Chinese New Year Decorations

Paper Lanterns

Teach kids how to make traditional Chinese lanterns using red and gold paper. These lanterns symbolize prosperity and happiness and are a staple in New Year decorations.

• What you need: Red construction paper, scissors, glue, and gold markers.
• Steps: Fold the paper, cut slits in the middle, and form a cylinder to create a lantern.

Spring Couplets (春联)

Help kids write positive messages or wishes on red paper strips to hang on doors or walls.

• Phrases to include: “Happy New Year” (新年快乐) or “Good Fortune” (福).
• Tip: Encourage kids to practice Chinese calligraphy using brushes and ink.

2. Red Envelope (红包) Art

Red envelopes are a significant part of Chinese New Year, symbolizing good luck and blessings. Instead of handing out store-bought envelopes, involve kids in designing their own.

• What you need: Red paper, glitter pens, gold stickers, and stamps.
• Activity: Let kids draw symbols like dragons, flowers, or zodiac animals (e.g., a snake for 2025).

3. Zodiac Animal Crafts

The Chinese Zodiac adds an extra layer of fun to New Year celebrations. Since 2025 is the Year of the Snake, kids can create snake-themed crafts.

• Snake Craft Ideas:
  • Make a snake out of colorful paper chains.
  • Use playdough to sculpt a snake and decorate it with patterns.
  • Draw and paint their own version of a zodiac snake.

Encourage kids to explore other zodiac animals too, so they can learn about their significance.

4. Storytelling and Folklore

Introduce kids to the Legend of Nian, the mythical beast associated with the origins of Chinese New Year. This exciting tale teaches kids about bravery and the importance of traditions like wearing red and lighting firecrackers.

• Activity Idea: After storytelling, ask kids to act out the story or draw their interpretation of the Nian monster.
• Bonus: Create a puppet show using hand-crafted puppets of Nian and villagers.

5. Dumpling-Making Party

Cooking together is a wonderful way to bond and introduce kids to traditional Chinese cuisine. Dumplings (饺子) are a must-have for Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and togetherness.

• What you need: Dumpling wrappers, filling ingredients (e.g., minced meat, vegetables), and a clean workspace.
• Steps for Kids:
  • Show them how to fold and seal dumplings.
  • Let them experiment with creative shapes (e.g., hearts or animals).
• Pro Tip: Use edible food coloring to let kids decorate their dumplings!

6. Dragon Dance and Parade

Recreate the lively atmosphere of a Chinese New Year parade with a mini Dragon Dance at home or school.

• Materials: Large cardboard boxes, red and gold fabric, paint, and ribbons.
• Steps:
  • Build a dragon head out of cardboard.
  • Use fabric to form the dragon’s body, attaching it to poles for kids to hold.
  • Play traditional music and let kids perform a simple dance.

This activity not only entertains but also helps kids learn about the symbolism of dragons as protectors and bringers of good fortune.

7. Chinese New Year Games

Zodiac Matching Game

Create flashcards featuring zodiac animals and their traits. Kids can match the animals with the correct years or descriptions.

Gold Coin Hunt

Hide chocolate gold coins around the house and let kids search for them. This game symbolizes finding wealth and luck in the New Year.

Chopstick Challenge

Set up a race where kids use chopsticks to pick up small objects (like pom-poms or beads) and place them in bowls. It’s a fun way to introduce them to Chinese utensils!

8. Music and Dance

Play traditional Chinese New Year music and encourage kids to dance or learn basic moves inspired by lion or dragon dances. Provide scarves, ribbons, or fans for added flair.

9. Learn Chinese Greetings

Teach kids simple Chinese phrases they can use during the celebrations:

• 新年快乐 (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè) – Happy New Year!
• 恭喜发财 (Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái) – Wishing you prosperity!
• 身体健康 (Shēn Tǐ Jiàn Kāng) – Wishing you good health!

Make it a game by creating flashcards with the phrases and their pronunciations.

10. Watch Chinese New Year Shows or Movies

Introduce kids to the magic of Chinese culture through TV specials, animated movies, or YouTube videos about Chinese New Year traditions. Some popular options include:

• Animated stories of the Zodiac.
• Videos of dragon dances or lion dances.
• Shows highlighting festive traditions in China and beyond.