The Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, joy, and good fortune. It is a time to gather with family and friends to celebrate the Lunar New Year and all that it stands for.
This year, take the opportunity to make your Chinese New Year gathering even more special by incorporating some fun activities into the mix.
Whether you’re hosting a family reunion, a party gathering, or just a small get-together with your closest friends and family;
There are plenty of Chinese New Year activities that everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults to seniors.
Bring some Chinese New Year cheer to your party gathering with activities like paper lantern making, traditional dragon dancing, fortune cookie decorating, and more.
For the kids, host a Chinese New Year themed scavenger hunt, or encourage them to explore their creative sides with Chinese New Year crafts.
For the adults, allow them to tap into their competitive sides with classic Chinese New Year games like mahjong and card games.
And for the seniors, help them to reminisce about the past with stories and photos from past Lunar New Year celebrations.
No matter the age group, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during your Chinese New Year gathering.
In this blog post, you’ll find a variety of activities and ideas to help make your Chinese New Year celebration a memorable one. So, get ready to ring in the new year with a festive and fun celebration!
- 50 Chinese new year activities
- Chinese new year activities for kids
- Physical Chinese New Year 2024 activities
- Traditional Activities for chinese new year
- Chinese new year activities for adults and seniors
- Chinese new year games and activities
- Fun Chinese new year party activities
- Chinese new year activities online
50 Chinese new year activities
The following is a list of great chinese new year activities:
1. Participate in Dragon and lion dance performances:
Dragon and lion dance performances are an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations.
The dances are usually performed by a group of people in colorful costumes that represent the dragon or lion.
The performances are accompanied by live drumming and cymbal playing, and help to create an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
2. Decorate the home with red lanterns and couplets:
Hanging red lanterns and couplets is an important part of Chinese New Year decorations.
Red is the color of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, and the lanterns and couplets are meant to bring good fortune and blessings to the home.
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3. Exchange gifts and red envelopes:
Exchanging gifts and red envelopes is a common practice during Chinese New Year.
The red envelopes, known as “lai see”, are given to friends and family as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
The gifts can be anything from candy and cookies to clothing and jewelry, depending on one’s budget.
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4. Make dumplings:
Making dumplings is a popular activity during Chinese New Year.
Dumplings are believed to bring good luck and prosperity, so many families make them from scratch together in order to celebrate the new year.
5. Light fireworks:
Lighting fireworks is a traditional Chinese New Year activity.
Fireworks are believed to bring good luck, and the loud noises they make are thought to scare away evil spirits.
6. Visit a temple:
Visiting a temple is a common Chinese New Year activity.
Many cities host temple fairs during Chinese New Year, featuring traditional music and dance performances, food vendors, and carnival games.
People go to the temples to pray for good luck, wealth, and health in the coming year. They also make offerings to the gods and burn incense.
7. Watch a Chinese New Year parade:
Chinese New Year parades are popular events all over the world. The parades typically include brightly coloured floats, lion and dragon dances, stilt walkers, acrobats, and other performers.
8. Have a family reunion dinner:
The Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate. A family reunion dinner is usually held on the eve of the new year, and dishes such as dumplings, fish, and pork are usually served.
Also read: 150 Chinese new year questions to ask as icebreakers and conversation starters for 2024
9. Hang decorations in the home:
Hanging decorations in the home is an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations.
Popular decorations include red paper cutouts, paper lanterns, and banners with Chinese characters.
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10. Make Chinese New Year cakes:
Making Chinese New Year cakes is a traditional activity. These cakes, known as nian gao, are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
They are usually made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet ingredients such as red bean paste and lotus seed paste.
Chinese new year activities for kids
Here are some of the Best Chinese new year kids activities:
1. Make Paper Lanterns:
Making paper lanterns is a fun and creative activity for kids during Chinese New Year. All you need are some colourful paper, scissors, and some string or ribbon.
The lanterns can be hung up around the home or given out as gifts to family and friends.
2. Play Traditional Games:
Playing traditional Chinese games is a great way for kids to learn about their culture and have fun at the same time.
Popular games include Chinese chess, mahjong, and playing with spinning tops.
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3. Make Chinese New Year Cards:
The Chinese New Year is a time for giving and receiving blessings, so why not make some homemade cards to share with family and friends?
Kids can make cards with traditional Chinese symbols such as dragons and good luck characters like “fu” and “lu”.
4. Visit a Chinese Market:
Visiting a Chinese market is a great way for kids to learn about the culture and see the variety of goods for sale. Many markets have small stalls that sell traditional snacks, sweets, and toys.
5. Make Chinese New Year Crafts:
Making Chinese New Year crafts is a fun and creative way for kids to celebrate the holiday.
Popular crafts include paper cutouts, paper fans, and paper dragons. Kids can also make traditional toys such as kites, spinning tops, and firecrackers.
Physical Chinese New Year 2024 activities
These are a few Engaging physical Chinese New Year activities for 2024:
1. Play traditional games:
Playing traditional Chinese New Year games is a fun way to celebrate the holiday. Popular games include dice, card games, and mahjong.
These games are believed to bring good luck and fortune, and help to create a festive atmosphere.
2. Participate in Dragon Boat Races:
Dragon Boat Races are a popular activity during the Chinese New Year. These races feature teams of people paddling long boats shaped like dragons and competing against each other in fast-paced races.
The races are usually accompanied by loud drumming and cymbal playing, and help to create an exciting atmosphere.
3. Participate in Fireworks Displays:
The Chinese New Year is a time for fireworks displays. Lighted fireworks are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Many cities hold large fireworks displays to celebrate the new year.
4. Visit a Chinese New Year Fair:
Many cities host Chinese New Year fairs to celebrate the new year.
These fairs feature traditional Chinese music and dance performances, vendors selling food and souvenirs, and carnival games.
Visiting a fair is a great way to experience the festivities of the holiday.
Traditional Activities for chinese new year
Here is a list of Traditional Chinese new year activity ideas:
1. Clean the house:
Cleaning the house is an important traditional activity during Chinese New Year.
Doing so is believed to bring good luck and prosperity, and helps to usher in the new year with a sense of freshness and renewal.
2. Hang red decorations on the front door:
Hanging red decorations on the front door is an important Chinese New Year tradition.
Red is the color of good fortune and luck in Chinese culture, and the decorations help to bring good energy into the home.
3. Visit Friends and Relatives:
It’s traditional for Chinese people to visit their friends and relatives during the new year.
This is a way to celebrate the new year together, exchange gifts, and share in the joy of the holiday.
The best part is that it gives people a chance to catch up with family and friends that they haven’t seen in a long time.
4. Eat traditional Chinese food:
Eating traditional Chinese food is an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations.
Common dishes include dumplings, fish, pork, and other dishes that are believed to bring good luck in the new year.
5. Donate to charity:
Donating to charity is an important part of Chinese New Year. It is believed that doing so will bring good luck and fortune to the person who donates, as well as to those who receive the donations.
Making donations to charities that help those in need is a great way to spread the spirit of the Chinese New Year.
Chinese new year activities for adults and seniors
Here is a list of chinese new year activities for adults and seniors:
1. Attend a Chinese opera performance:
Chinese operas are popular during Chinese New Year. The performances usually incorporate traditional instruments, costumes, and songs.
It’s a great way for adults and seniors to experience the cultural heritage of China.
2. Take part in a lantern festival:
Many cities host lantern festivals during Chinese New Year. The festivals usually involve lighting up thousands of paper lanterns and releasing them into the night sky.
It’s a magical experience that’s perfect for adults and seniors looking to celebrate the new year.
3. Watch a Chinese New Year movie:
The Chinese New Year is a great time to watch classic Chinese films.
They often feature traditional stories about family, love and friendship, and provide a great opportunity for adults and seniors to relax and enjoy some quality entertainment.
4. Go Shopping for New Year Decorations and Goods:
Exploring the markets and stores for new year decorations and goods is a popular activity during Chinese New Year.
It’s a great time to experience the culture and get into the festive spirit.
Chinese new year games and activities
These are some of the Interesting chinese new year games and activities:
1. Guess the Red Envelope:
Guess the Red Envelope is a traditional Chinese New Year game. The game involves guessing the contents of a red envelope without opening it.
The envelope is usually filled with coins, candy, or other small objects. Players can either guess what is inside or try to guess the amount of money in the envelope.
This game is a great way to teach children about the importance of luck and wealth in Chinese culture.
2. Mahjong:
Chinese mahjong is a traditional game that originated in China over a century ago. It involves four players and a set of tiles that consists of various suits and honor tiles.
Each player starts with 13 tiles and the goal is to form winning hands by creating sets and sequences of tiles.
The game is played in rounds, with each player taking turns to draw and discard tiles from the wall until they form a winning hand.
3. Mancala:
Mancala is a two-player strategy game that is popular in many parts of Asia, including China. It is played with a board and a set of small stones or seeds.
Players take turns to move the stones around the board and capture their opponent’s pieces.
The goal of the game is to capture the most pieces or be the first player to empty their side of the board.
Fun Chinese new year party activities
Here is a list of Fun chinese new year activities at party:
1. Organize New Year karaoke:
Organizing a New Year karaoke is a great way to get everyone in the party spirit.
Set up a karaoke machine and encourage your guests to sing along to some classic Chinese songs. This is a fun way to get everyone involved and celebrate the new year.
2. Play Chinese New Year trivia game:
The Chinese New Year trivia game is a great way to test your guests’ knowledge of Chinese culture and traditions.
Prepare questions related to Chinese New Year and divide your family, friends and guests into teams. The winners of the game can be rewarded with small prizes.
Also read: 50 Lunar and Chinese new year Trivia questions and answers (2024 edition)
3. Make a Chinese New Year themed photo booth:
Creating a Chinese New Year themed photo booth is a great way to capture the fun of the party.
Set up a backdrop with Chinese New Year decorations and provide props such as paper fans, red envelopes and paper cutouts.
Everyone can pose for photos and take home a memento of the occasion.
4. Have a fashion show:
Organizing a fashion show is a great way to show off your guests’ Chinese New Year outfits.
Have everyone dress up in traditional or modern Chinese clothing and have them walk down the runway.
This is a fun way to celebrate the occasion and showcase your guests’ fashion sense.
5. Arrange a romantic dance performance:
Romantic dance performances are a popular part of Chinese New Year celebrations.
Arrange for a professional dance troupe to perform a traditional Chinese dance and provide a romantic atmosphere for your guests.
This is sure to be a highlight of the party and will be remembered for years to come.
Chinese new year activities online
These are a few Online chinese new year activities:
1. Virtual Zodiac Quiz:
A virtual Zodiac quiz is an online game that can be played during Chinese New Year.
Players answer questions about the Chinese zodiac, such as which animal is associated with which year, and how to read the Chinese characters for each animal.
This activity is a fun way to learn about the Chinese zodiac and its importance in Chinese culture.
2. Chinese New Year Video Call:
Many families and friends living far away from each other take the opportunity of Chinese New Year to connect virtually.
A Chinese New Year video call is a great way to stay connected with loved ones. The participants can exchange greetings and share stories over a video chat platform.
3. Chinese New Year Virtual Cooking Class:
Chinese New Year virtual cooking classes are becoming increasingly popular.
These classes are taught by experienced chefs and cover a variety of recipes, from traditional dumplings to festive cakes.
Participants can follow the instructions and learn how to make the dishes in their own kitchen.
4. Chinese New Year Online Shopping:
With the rise of online shopping, Chinese New Year can now be celebrated from the comfort of one’s own home.
Online stores offer a wide range of festive products, from clothes and decorations to food and drink.
Shopping for Chinese New Year gifts online can be a fun and convenient way to get ready for the festivities.
5. Chinese New Year Art Competition:
An online art competition is a great way to get creative and celebrate Chinese New Year. Participants can submit their artwork, which is then judged by a panel of experts.
The competition is open to all ages and can be a fun and rewarding experience for those who participate.
