150 Chinese new year activities for kids, toddlers, pre k, kindergarten, elementary and middle school students

Chinese New Year is a vibrant, exciting time, celebrated by people all over the world. It’s a time of tradition, family, and celebration – and there are plenty of activities that kids can do to get into the spirit.

From traditional crafts, to modern games, to educational activities, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for something simple for toddlers, more complex activities for kids and students, or a combination of both.

This blog post will provide some engaging, entertaining and learning chinese new year activities for kids that will help them learn about and celebrate this festive holiday.

From creating colorful paper lanterns, to playing traditional Chinese games, to learning about the history and culture of the holiday, there’s something here for everyone.

So, let’s get started – get your kids ready to celebrate the Chinese New Year with these fun, educational and exciting activities that they’ll love!

150 Chinese new year activities for kids

The following is a great list of Chinese new year kids activities:

1. Make red envelopes (hóngbāo) to give as gifts to friends and family:

Making red envelopes (hóngbāo) is an exciting Chinese New Year activity for kids. To create these special envelopes, you will need red paper or cardstock, scissors, glue, and decorations such as stickers or stamps.

Let the kids cut the red paper into small squares or rectangles, then help them glue the edges together to form an envelope shape.

Let them decorate their envelopes with stamps, stickers, or other decorations.

Once the envelopes are finished, you can fill them with Chinese New Year treats such as candy, coins, or paper money. Give them to friends and family as gifts for the Lunar New Year!

2. Learn about the Chinese zodiac and find out which animal represents the year you were born:

Another great activity for kids to take part in during Chinese New Year is learning about the Chinese zodiac and finding out which animal represents the year they were born.

The Chinese zodiac is made up of twelve animals that each represent a different year in a twelve-year cycle.

Kids can look up their birth year and see which animal they are associated with.

They can then learn more about the characteristics and symbolism associated with their zodiac animal.

This is a fun way to learn more about Chinese culture and make the Lunar New Year even more special!

Also read: 50 Chinese new year activities 2024 (kids, adults, seniors edition)

3. Play traditional Chinese games such as mahjong or checkers (known as “xiangqi” in Chinese):

Playing traditional Chinese games is another great activity for kids during Chinese New Year. Mahjong is a tile-based game that is popular in many countries, while checkers (known as “xiangqi” in Chinese) is a classic board game.

Both of these games can be played with a group of friends or family members, and they are lots of fun for all ages.

If you want to make the game more interesting, you can offer prizes for the winners. This will be sure to keep the kids entertained and make the Lunar New Year even more enjoyable!

4. Watch a Chinese New Year movie or TV show to learn more about the holiday and its traditions:

Another great activity for kids during Chinese New Year is to watch a movie or TV show about the holiday and its traditions.

There are lots of great films and shows available that are perfect for the whole family.

Kids can learn more about the customs and rituals associated with the Lunar New Year in a fun and entertaining way.

They can also get a glimpse into the rich culture and history of China, and gain a better understanding of the holiday and its significance.

5. Learn some basic Chinese phrases and send greetings to friends and family members:

Learning some basic Chinese phrases is another great activity for kids during Chinese New Year.

This is a great way to connect with family and friends who speak Chinese and wish them a happy Lunar New Year. Kids can practice saying “Happy New Year” (Gōngxǐ fācái) and “May you be prosperous” (Nǐ kuàilè).

They can also practice writing these phrases in Chinese characters, which is a great way to get them interested in the language.

This is a great way to make the holiday extra special for everyone involved!

Also read: 50+ Chinese new year traditions (Lunar new year & Spring festival 2024 edition)

Chinese new year activities for toddlers

Here is a list of chinese new year activities for toddlers:

1. Introduce toddlers to the Chinese new year dragon dance and lion dance by visiting nearby parade:

The Chinese new year dragon dance and lion dance are an exciting and fun way to introduce toddlers to the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Taking them to a local parade is a great way to get them familiar with the tradition and get them excited about the festivities. 

At the parade, toddlers can watch the performers in colorful costumes as they parade through the streets.

The bright colors and movement will stimulate their senses and engage their curiosity. They can also learn about the traditional Chinese music that accompanies the dragon and lion dancers. 

2. Chinese food taste test:

Introduce toddlers to a variety of Chinese foods, such as dumplings, noodles, and rice, and have them taste and describe each one.

This is a great way to get them familiar with the flavors of Chinese cuisine and get them excited to try new dishes.

You can even include the names of the dishes in Mandarin to help reinforce their language skills.

To make it even more interactive, you can have them help you in the kitchen. Have them roll out the dough for the dumplings, or help you mix the ingredients for the noodles.

This will help them understand where their food comes from and get them involved in the cooking process. 

These activities will help toddlers learn more about Chinese culture and create lasting memories of the celebration.

Here are some more list of chinese new year activities for toddlers:

3. Read stories about Chinese New Year and discuss the cultural aspects.

4. Introduce toddlers to traditional Chinese musical instruments.

5. Play Chinese counting games with toddlers.

6. Create a Chinese New Year themed sensory bin.

7. Create a paper plate dragon with toddlers.

8. Create a dragon puppet show with toddlers.

9. Teach toddlers how to write Chinese characters.

10. Play with traditional Chinese toys.

Also read: 100+ Chinese and lunar new year captions, puns for social media posts and pictures

Chinese new year activities for preschool

Here are some of the best Chinese new year preschool activities (pre k edition):

1. Go on a scavenger hunt to find items related to the Chinese New Year. (For eg: Red envelope scavenger hunt)

2. Guide them to participate in Chinese food taste test:

3. Play games such as pin the tail on the dragon or Chinese New Year bingo.

4. Paint and decorate Chinese lanterns.

5. Make Chinese New Year cards and decorations.

6. Visit a Chinese restaurant to taste the traditional cuisine.

7. Make red envelopes for family members and friends.

8. Have a Chinese New Year party with traditional treats and activities.

9. Put on a puppet show with Chinese New Year-themed characters.

10. Tell Traditional Chinese Folktales

Also read: 100 Chinese new year quotes, proverbs, greetings and wishes for lunar and spring festival (2024 Edition)

Chinese new year school activities for students

Here are a few Good Chinese new year activities for students:

1. Making red lanterns

2. Learning about the Chinese zodiac signs

3. Creating Chinese calligraphy

4. Writing Chinese New Year poems

5. Exploring traditional Chinese New Year foods

6. Drawing pictures of the Chinese dragon

7. Making Chinese New Year cards

8. Performing Chinese folk dances

9. Participating in a Chinese New Year parade

10. Watching a Chinese New Year play

Chinese new year activities for kindergarten

Here is a list of some engaging Chinese new year activity for kindergarten students:

1. Creating a Chinese New Year mural

2. Making Chinese paper cuts

3. Decorating the school with Chinese New Year symbols

4. Exploring traditional Chinese New Year stories

5. Guide them to participate in Building blocks

6. Taking part in a Chinese New Year dragon dance

7. Enjoying a Chinese New Year feast

8. Organize Chinese New Year fashion show

9. Constructing a Chinese New Year diorama

10. Holding a Chinese New Year riddle-solving competition

Also read: 150 Chinese new year questions to ask as icebreakers and conversation starters for 2024

Chinese new year activities for elementary students

The following are some Chinese new year activities elementary students edition:

1. Make paper lanterns and decorate them with traditional Chinese characters

2. Create a Chinese dragon dance with music and colorful streamers

3. Host a dumpling-making workshop

4. Participate in a lucky scavenger hunt

5. Paint a picture of a Chinese zodiac animal

6. Have a Chinese calligraphy lesson

7. Construct a model of the Great Wall of China

8. Learn some traditional Chinese folk songs

9. Make a model of a traditional Chinese temple

10. Create a decorative Chinese knot

Chinese new year classroom activities

Here is a list of Chinese new year class activities:

1. Create lanterns to decorate the classroom.

2. Learn about the zodiac animals and have students create their own animal masks.

3. Watch a traditional Chinese opera or film and discuss the cultural significance.

4. Learn about the different traditional foods eaten during Chinese New Year and create a tasting menu.

5. Create a scrapbook or digital slideshow featuring photos and information about Chinese New Year celebrations.

6. Write and perform a play or skit about the Chinese New Year.

7. Learn about the history and cultural significance of the Chinese New Year.

8. Host a Chinese New Year talent show.

9. Host a Chinese New Year-themed cooking class and make dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, and noodles.

10. Host a Chinese New Year parade around the school or in the classroom.

Also read: 50 Lunar and Chinese new year Trivia questions and answers (2024 edition)

Chinese new year activities for middle school

This list of chinese new year activities for middle school students are best and fun to explore:

1. Write wishes for the New Year on red paper

2. Celebrate with a Chinese New Year feast

3. Play traditional Chinese games like Mah Jong or Go

4. Take a Chinese New Year photo booth

5. Make Chinese New Year greeting cards

6. Design a Chinese New Year parade float

7. Create Chinese New Year themed artwork

8. Watch a traditional Chinese opera performance

9. Read stories about Chinese New Year traditions

10. Dress up in traditional Chinese clothing

Chinese new year art activities

Here are some chinese new year art activities for kids and students:

1. Red envelopes collage – gather red construction paper, scissors, and glue and have students create a collage of red envelopes, traditionally given as gifts during Chinese New Year.

2. Lion dance puppet – use craft sticks, paper, and colorful markers to create a lion dance puppet, a popular tradition during Chinese New Year celebrations.

3. Firecracker art – use paint, paper, and thin strips of paper or tissue to create a firecracker explosion.

4. Chinese zodiac animal masks – use craft supplies to create masks representing each of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals.

5. Dragon parade streamers – use colorful paper and streamers to create a dragon parade scene.

6. Chinese lanterns – use paper, scissors, and glue to create colorful Chinese lanterns.

7. Fireworks painting – use paint and sparkles to create a fireworks display.

8. Chinese character stamps – use clay or Play-Doh to create stamps of traditional Chinese characters.

9. Rooster puppet – use craft sticks, paper, and markers to create a rooster puppet, the zodiac animal of the previous year.

10. Chinese New Year mobile – use paper, scissors, and string to create a mobile featuring traditional Chinese New Year symbols.

11. Chinese calligraphy scrolls – use paper and traditional Chinese calligraphy brushes and ink to create scrolls with wishes for the new year.

12. Chinese New Year paper fans – use colorful paper and glue to create traditional Chinese New Year paper fans.

13. Chinese New Year paper lanterns – use paper, scissors, and glue to create Chinese New Year lanterns.

14. Chinese New Year calendar – use paper, markers, and other craft supplies to create a Chinese New Year calendar featuring the zodiac animals and traditional symbols.

15. Chinese New Year paper cutouts – use colorful paper and scissors to create Chinese New Year paper cutouts to decorate windows and doors.

Chinese new year maths activities

Here are some of the Fun Chinese new year math activities for preschoolers:

1. “Find the Red Envelope” – A math scavenger hunt where students have to solve math problems in order to find red envelopes (traditionally used to give gifts during Chinese New Year) hidden throughout the classroom or school.

2. “Chinese New Year Word Problems” – Students solve math problems based on real-life scenarios related to Chinese New Year, such as calculating the cost of decorations or figuring out how much food is needed for a family dinner.

3. “Dragon Dance Division” – Students use division to find out how many people are needed to perform a traditional Chinese dragon dance, based on the number of sections in the dragon and the number of people per section.

4. “Gongxi Graphing” – Students create graphs using data about Chinese New Year celebrations, such as the number of fireworks set off in different cities or the number of different dishes served at a family feast.

5. “Lunar New Year Lottery” – Students use probability to determine their chances of winning a Chinese New Year lottery, based on the number of tickets sold and the number of prizes available.

6. “New Year’s Resolutions Math” – Students use math to create and track their own Chinese New Year resolutions, such as saving a certain amount of money or exercising a certain number of times per week.

7. “The Great Red Envelope Race” – Students use elapsed time and speed calculations to determine the winner of a race to collect the most red envelopes in a given time period.

8. “Firecracker Fractions” – Students use fractions to figure out how much of a firecracker display is complete based on the number of firecrackers that have been set off.

9. “Chinese New Year Measurement” – Students use measurement skills to determine the length and width of traditional Chinese New Year decorations, such as paper lanterns or dragon puppets.

10. “Lunar New Year Time Conversion” – Students use time conversion skills to determine the equivalent time in different time zones during Chinese New Year celebrations.

Chinese new year science activities

Here are some Entertaining and Learning Chinese new year science activities for preschoolers and students of all ages:

1. “Dragon’s Breath”: Create a colorful chemical reaction by mixing baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring in a clear bottle or plastic bag. This creates a “dragon’s breath” effect that can be used to create the appearance of a dragon’s mouth.

2. “Lucky Charms”: Create a series of lucky charms or talismans using various materials and techniques, such as paper folding, clay sculpting, or painting. Students can create their own unique designs or follow traditional Chinese motifs.

3. “Firecracker Physics”: Experiment with the physics of firecrackers by building your own miniature versions using paper tubes and small amounts of gunpowder. Students can explore the relationship between the size and shape of the firecracker and the strength of the explosion.

4. “Year of the Dragon”: Learn about the biology and behavior of Dragons by conducting research and building a Dragon habitat. Students can study and even create a “Dragon Olympics” to test their agility and intelligence.

5. “Red Envelope Chemistry”: Create your own red envelopes, traditionally given as gifts during Chinese New Year, using various materials and techniques. Students can experiment with different paper types, dyes, and printing techniques to create unique envelopes.

6. “Lunar Calendar Astronomy”: Explore the history and science of the lunar calendar by building your own model of the moon’s phases and tracking its movements over time. Students can also learn about the mythology and symbolism associated with the different phases of the moon.

7. “Dragon Dance Kinetics”: Create a dragon puppet or costume and use it to explore the principles of motion and kinetics. Students can design and build their own dragon puppets and use them to perform traditional dragon dances.

8. “Zodiac Animal Habitats”: Create habitat dioramas for each of the 12 zodiac animals, exploring the biology and behavior of each animal and its natural habitat. Students can use various materials and techniques to create realistic and detailed dioramas.

9. “Chinese New Year Cooking”: Explore the science of food and cooking by creating traditional Chinese dishes. Students can learn about the chemical reactions that occur during cooking, and experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create delicious meals.

10. “Chinese New Year Mythology”: Research and retell traditional Chinese myths and legends associated with Chinese New Year. Students can use storytelling, theater, or other creative means to bring these myths to life and share them with their classmates.

Chinese new year sensory activities

Here is a list of chinese new year sensory activities for kids:

1. Create a Chinese New Year sensory bin filled with red and gold items such as paper lanterns, coins, silk flowers, and red and gold beans. Add in some festive Chinese instruments such as a gong or drum for added sensory play.

2. Set up a Chinese New Year scent station with a variety of smells associated with the holiday such as jasmine tea, incense, and red lanterns. Encourage children to identify and describe the different smells.

3. Make a Chinese New Year taste testing station with a variety of traditional foods such as dumplings, noodles, and oranges. Have children try a small bite of each and describe the flavors and textures.

4. Set up a Chinese New Year craft station where children can create their own red envelopes, dragon puppets, or paper lanterns using a variety of materials such as paper, glue, and markers.

5. Host a Chinese New Year dance party with traditional music and dances such as the Dragon Dance or Lion Dance. Encourage children to move and groove to the beat.

6. Set up a Chinese New Year storytelling station where children can listen to stories about the holiday and its traditions.

7. Create a Chinese New Year treasure hunt with red and gold items hidden around the room or outside. Children can search for the items and then describe what they found.

8. Set up a Chinese New Year science station with experiments related to the holiday such as creating a Chinese paper lantern or testing the buoyancy of oranges.

9. Host a Chinese New Year cooking class where children can learn how to make traditional foods such as dumplings or noodles.

10. Set up a Chinese New Year photo booth with props such as red lanterns and dragon masks for children to take fun and festive photos.

Chinese new year stem activities

These are a few interesting chinese new year stem activities:

1. “Chinese New Year Storytelling”: Students can learn about the history and traditions of Chinese New Year through a series of interactive storytelling sessions.

2. “Chinese New Year Puzzle”: Students can learn about the different elements of Chinese New Year through a series of interactive puzzles and challenges.

3. “Chinese New Year Fortune Telling”: Students can learn about the tradition of fortune telling during Chinese New Year and create their own fortune-telling games or activities.

Art and craft activities for chinese new year

Here are some Children’s craft activities for chinese new year:

1. Make a Red Envelope Bank

2. Paint a Dragon Parade

3. Create a Dragon Head Mask

4. Create a Chinese New Year Garland

5. Create a Fortune Cookie Necklace

6. Create a Year of the Dragon Mobile

7. Design a Coloring Page with Chinese Symbols

8. Make a Paper Plate Chinese Pagoda

9. Construct a Chinese New Year Dragon Parade Float

10. Design and create handmade Greetings

Chinese new year writing activities

The following are a few chinese new year writing activities:

1. Write a letter to the Chinese zodiac animals, thanking them for their influence on the new year.

2. Create a Chinese new year wish list, including things you hope to accomplish or receive in the coming year.

3. Write a story about the mythical beast Nian, who is said to come out during Chinese new year to scare people.

4. Write a poem or song about the traditions and customs of Chinese new year, such as the lion dance or red envelopes.

5. Write a news article about the Chinese new year celebrations taking place in your town or city.

6. Create a menu for a Chinese new year feast, including dishes that are believed to bring luck or prosperity.

7. Write a letter to your ancestors, thanking them for their guidance and wisdom during the past year.

8. Write a short play or skit about a family preparing for Chinese new year, including all the different traditions and customs.

9. Write a journal entry about your experiences during Chinese new year, including any special events or traditions you took part in.

10. Create a Chinese new year-themed crossword puzzle, with clues related to the holiday’s customs and traditions.