Are you looking for creative ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year with your children this year?

This festival brings families together through rich traditions, colorful decorations, and meaningful customs that have been passed down through generations.

Getting kids involved in celebration activities helps them connect with cultural heritage while having fun.

These projects teach essential values like prosperity, good fortune, and family unity.

From crafting paper lanterns to making zodiac animal masks, there are countless ways to make this occasion memorable.

Children learn best through hands-on experiences that spark their creativity and imagination.

In this blog, I’ll show you some exciting activities that will keep kids engaged while teaching them about this special celebration.

15 Fun Lunar New Year Activities for Kids

These activities bring tradition and creativity together for children of all ages. Each project teaches cultural values while keeping kids entertained and engaged throughout the celebration.

1. Paper Lantern Craft

Red and gold lanterns symbolize brightness and good luck during this festive season. Kids can create their own using construction paper, scissors, and glue to decorate their homes.

Simple Steps to Follow

→ Fold red or gold construction paper in half lengthwise.
→ Cut strips from the folded edge toward the open edge, stopping before reaching the end.
→ Unfold the paper and roll it into a cylinder shape.
→ Add a paper handle at the top using string or ribbon.

This craft supports hand coordination while helping kids understand traditional decorations. Children enjoy hanging their finished lanterns around the house during celebrations.

2. Dragon Puppet Making

Dragons represent power, strength, and good fortune in Chinese culture. Making dragon puppets lets children bring these mythical creatures to life through colorful crafts and imaginative play.

Creating Your Dragon Puppet

→ Use paper plates or cardboard tubes as the dragon head base.
→ Attach tissue paper strips in red, gold, or green for scales.
→ Add googly eyes and draw facial features with markers.
→ Glue the head to a popsicle stick or wooden dowel for handling.

Kids can put on their own parade shows with these puppets. This activity supports imaginative play while introducing kids to critical cultural symbols and traditions.

3. Red Envelope Craft

Red envelopes, or hongbao, are given to children during celebrations as symbols of good wishes. Making these envelopes teaches kids about the tradition of sharing blessings with loved ones.

Making Your Red Envelopes

→ Cut red paper into rectangular shapes or use printable templates.
→ Fold the paper to create envelope pockets and secure with glue.
→ Decorate with gold markers, stamps, or traditional symbols.
→ Fill with chocolate coins, small notes, or handwritten wishes.

This craft helps children practice writing well wishes in different languages. They can give their handmade envelopes to family members and friends during festivities.

4. Chinese Zodiac Animal Masks

Each year is represented by one of twelve animals in the zodiac cycle. Creating masks of these animals helps children learn which year they were born under and its meaning.

Building Animal Masks

→ Use paper plates as bases and cut out eye holes.
→ Add features like ears, whiskers, or horns using craft supplies.
→ Paint or color the mask to match your zodiac animal.
→ Attach an elastic string or popsicle sticks for wearing.

Kids can research their zodiac animal and learn about its special characteristics. Wearing these masks during celebrations helps children feel more involved and connected to the experience.

5. Firecracker Art Using Paper

Firecrackers are part of traditional celebrations to scare away evil spirits. Kids can create safe paper versions using red tubes and yellow tissue paper for decoration.

Assembling Paper Firecrackers

→ Roll red construction paper into tubes and tape the edges securely.
→ Add yellow or orange tissue paper at one end to represent flames.
→ String multiple firecrackers together to make a long garland.
→ Hang in doorways or windows for festive decoration.

This craft stays clean and works well for younger children who prefer simpler hands-on projects. The finished firecrackers add colorful flair to any celebration space.

6. Lunar New Year Coloring Pages

Coloring sheets featuring traditional symbols help children relax while learning about cultural elements. Print pages with lanterns, dragons, flowers, and zodiac animals for quiet activity time.

Getting Started with Coloring

→ Print free templates online or draw your own designs.
→ Provide crayons, markers, or colored pencils for variety.
→ Explain the meaning of each symbol as kids color.
→ Display finished artwork around the home or create greeting cards.

Kids can color while parents explain the significance of each symbol. This low-prep activity works well for classrooms or home celebrations with multiple children.

7. Lucky Coin Rubbing Activity

Ancient coins with square holes in the center are symbols of wealth and prosperity. Coin rubbing creates beautiful art while teaching about the traditional currency used in history.

Making Coin Rubbings

→ Place a coin under thin paper and tape it down.
→ Rub gently with the side of a crayon in one direction.
→ Watch the coin’s design appear on the paper.
→ Create multiple rubbings and arrange them in patterns.

This activity connects art with history lessons about trade and currency. The magical appearance of designs fascinates younger children and keeps them engaged.

8. Calligraphy Painting for Kids

Chinese calligraphy is an art form that requires patience and practice. Children can learn to paint simple characters representing good fortune, happiness, or family values.

Practicing Calligraphy Strokes

→ Start with basic strokes using black paint and thick brushes.
→ Hold the brush vertically for proper traditional technique.
→ Practice characters like 福 (fortune), 春 (spring), or 喜 (happiness).
→ Repeat characters multiple times on large sheets for improvement.

This activity helps build focus while showing children how written language can also be a form of art. Display finished calligraphy pieces around the home to showcase children’s work during celebrations.

9. DIY Lunar New Year Crowns

Kids love wearing special accessories during celebrations, and crowns make them feel like royalty. Create festive crowns using gold and red cardstock decorated with traditional symbols.

Crafting Festive Crowns

→ Cut a long strip of cardstock to fit around the child’s head.
→ Add decorations like tassels, paper flowers, or zodiac animals.
→ Personalize crowns based on birth year, animals, or favorite colors.
→ Secure with tape or staples to create a wearable piece.

These crowns work perfectly for classroom parties or family gatherings. Children enjoy showing off their personalized creations while celebrating together with friends.

10. Zodiac Animal Matching Game

Turn learning about the twelve zodiac animals into a fun memory-matching game. Create pairs of cards featuring each animal with its name and characteristics.

Setting Up the Game

→ Print or draw pictures of all twelve zodiac animals on cards.
→ Make two identical sets for matching pairs.
→ Place cards face down and take turns flipping two at a time.
→ Collect the most pairs to win the game.

Kids improve memory skills while learning about the zodiac order and animal symbolism. This game works well for groups of children at different skill levels.

11. Simple Dumpling Folding Activity

Dumplings represent wealth because their shape resembles ancient gold ingots. Kids can practice folding dumplings using play-dough instead of real ingredients for safe learning.

Folding Practice Steps

→ Roll play-dough into small flat circles.
→ Place pretend filling in the center of each circle.
→ Fold in half and pinch edges together firmly.
→ Create pleats along the seam for an authentic appearance.

This hands-on activity teaches fine motor skills and cultural food traditions. The repetitive folding motion is calming and satisfying for most kids.

12. Lunar New Year Storytime

Reading stories about the festival helps children learn its history and meaning. Choose picture books that explain traditions, the zodiac, race, or family celebrations.

Making Storytime Interactive

→ Read books about the zodiac race or festival traditions.
→ Ask kids to draw their favorite part of the story afterward.
→ Discuss moral lessons or values presented in each tale.
→ Let children act out stories using handmade puppets and masks.

This quiet activity balances out more energetic crafts and games. Libraries often have special collections of books about cultural celebrations available to borrow.

13. Lucky Numbers Scavenger Hunt

The numbers 6, 8, and 9 are considered lucky in Chinese culture. Create a scavenger hunt where kids find items or solve clues related to these numbers.

Organizing the Hunt

→ Hide objects in groups of six, eight, or nine around the house.
→ Write clues that incorporate lucky number themes or math problems.
→ Set a time limit to add excitement to the game.
→ Award small prizes or treats when they complete the hunt.

This active game gets children moving while teaching about numerology. Kids work together to find all the items before time runs out.

14. Parade Dance and Music Activity

Lion and dragon dances are highlights of public celebrations with drums, cymbals, and colorful costumes. Kids can create their own mini parade at home.

Starting Your Own Parade

→ Play traditional festival music and provide rhythm instruments.
→ Let children march around with their crafted dragons and puppets.
→ Teach simple dance moves or let kids create their own choreography.
→ Encourage creativity rather than perfect technique for fun.

This activity burns energy while introducing children to traditional performing arts. The combination of music and movement keeps kids engaged and excited.

15. Paper Fan Decorating Craft

Folding fans are both practical and decorative items used throughout Asian cultures. Kids can make their own fans using paper and popsicle sticks.

Making Decorated Fans

→ Accordion fold a sheet of paper back and forth.
→ Secure one end with tape to hold the folds.
→ Attach a popsicle stick handle at the bottom.
→ Decorate with drawings, stickers, or write wishes on the surface.

This craft combines origami skills with artistic expression. Finished fans can be used as decorations or actually provide cooling on warm celebration days.

Wrapping It Up

Celebrating Lunar New Year with children creates lasting memories and strengthens cultural connections.

These activities make learning about traditions fun and accessible for everyone.

Each project offers hands-on learning opportunities that suit different ages and interests. Kids develop creativity while gaining appreciation for centuries of rich cultural history.

Most activities require simple materials already available at home or school. Parents and teachers can easily adapt these ideas to fit their schedules and needs.

These crafts and games teach values like prosperity, family unity, and respect for heritage. Children remember experiences better when they actively participate in celebrations.

Which activities will you try first with your kids this year? Share your favorite traditions or ask questions in the comments below!