Red lanterns hanging everywhere. The smell of dumplings fills the air. Families gathering together.
But here’s the challenge. You’re stuck wondering what Lunar New Year activities will actually keep everyone entertained.
The kids want excitement. The elders wish to maintain the tradition. And you’re caught in the middle.
I’ve been there too.
That’s why I created this list of activities that work for all ages. No stress. No complicated setups. Just genuine fun that brings your family closer.
What is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year marks the start of a new year based on the moon’s cycles. It’s also called the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival.
It typically falls between January 21 and February 20. The date changes because it follows the lunar calendar, not the regular one we use daily
This celebration lasts for 15 days in many Asian cultures. China, Vietnam, Korea, and other countries observe this festival with their own unique traditions.
Each year is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals. The celebrations focus on family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming good fortune for the year ahead.
Lunar New Year Activities for Toddlers
Little ones learn best through touch and movement. These activities keep toddlers engaged while introducing them to the celebration.
1. Red-and-Gold Sensory Bin Exploration
Fill a large container with red and gold materials. I use dried rice, plastic coins, silk fabric scraps, and small toys. Add scoops and cups for pouring.
Toddlers love digging through the textures. They discover new objects with each handful. This activity keeps them busy for 20 minutes or more.
Plus, it’s completely safe. Just supervise to make sure nothing goes in their mouth.
2. Music and Movement with Lanterns and Ribbons
Give each toddler a paper lantern or a colorful ribbon. Play traditional music and let them dance around.
They can wave their ribbons high and low. They can spin in circles. There’s no wrong way to move.
This burns energy while building coordination. And the best part? Toddlers think it’s pure fun, not learning.
Lunar New Year Activities for Kindergarten
Kindergarteners are ready for more creativity and storytelling. These activities match their growing skills perfectly.
3. Zodiac Animal Craft with Storytelling
Every year belongs to a different animal. There are 12 animals total in the cycle.
Print out simple animal templates. Let kids color their zodiac animal with crayons or markers. While they work, tell them the story of how the animals raced across the river.
They remember the dragon flying through the sky.
These stories stick with them for years.
4. Color-Based Lucky Symbol Matching
Create cards with red, gold, and orange symbols. Make pairs of fish, coins, oranges, and flowers.
Lay them face down like a memory game. Kids flip two cards at a time, looking for matches.
This builds memory skills without feeling like homework. And they learn which symbols bring good luck during the celebration.
You can make it harder by adding more pairs. Or keep it simple with just six matches for younger kids.
Lunar New Year Activities for Preschoolers
Preschoolers have bigger imaginations and better motor skills now. They’re ready for hands-on projects that let them create and pretend.
5. DIY Paper Lantern Decorating
Buy plain paper lanterns from any craft store. Set out markers, stickers, and glitter glue.
Let preschoolers decorate however they want. Some will cover every inch with stickers. Others will draw careful patterns.
There’s no right or wrong here. The goal is to let them express themselves while making something beautiful.
6. Dragon Mask Creation and Pretend Parade
Cut dragon face shapes from paper plates. Provide paint, sequins, ribbons, and googly eyes.
Preschoolers can glue on scales and add colorful streamers. Attach a popsicle stick handle when they’re done.
Then comes the fun part. Line up and march around the house or yard. Play drums or shake tambourines. Let kids roar and stomp like real dragons.
This burns energy and sparks creativity at the same time.
7. Lucky Number Counting Game
Write numbers 1 through 8 on red paper circles. The number 8 is auspicious.
Scatter them around a room. Call out a number and have kids race to find it.
You can also hide red envelopes with numbers inside. Kids collect them and count their total.
This makes math practice feel like a treasure hunt. And preschoolers don’t even realize they’re learning.
8. Lunar New Year-Themed Story Circle with Props
Gather kids in a circle with stuffed animals representing the zodiac. Pass them around as you tell stories.
When you mention the monkey, whoever holds it can make monkey sounds. The snake gets to hiss. The rooster crows.
Kids stay engaged because they’re part of the story. They’re not just listening—they’re acting it out.
Lunar New Year Activities for Kids
Kids this age want more challenge and independence. These activities let them problem-solve while having a blast.
9. Zodiac Animal Role-Play Game
Assign each child a zodiac animal. Give them five minutes to act it out without speaking.
The rat scurries around looking for food: the tiger prowls and pounces. The rabbit hops gently.
Other kids guess which animal they’re watching. Keep score if you want to add competition.
10. Red Envelope Math Challenge
Fill red envelopes with coins or tokens. Write math problems on the outside.
Kids solve the problem, then open the envelope to check if they earned that amount. If they get it right, they keep the coins.
You can adjust the difficulty based on age. Younger kids do simple addition. Older ones tackle multiplication or word problems.
11. Build-Your-Own Dragon Craft Station
Set up toilet paper rolls, construction paper, paint, and pipe cleaners. Kids engineer their own dragons however they imagine.
Some make long serpents. Others create chunky versions with wings. Host a dragon show when finished.
Lunar New Year Activities for Students
Students can handle deeper learning and group work. These activities challenge their minds while teaching cultural awareness.
12. Zodiac Personality Exploration Activity
Have students research their birth year’s animal. They write down personality traits associated with it.
Then they compare these traits to their own characteristics. Do they match? Students present findings to the class.
Tip: Create a chart showing all 12 animals with birth years. This helps students quickly find their zodiac sign without confusion.
13. Cultural Trivia and Quiz Challenge
Create teams and prepare questions about the celebration.
What do oranges symbolize? Why avoid sweeping on the first day? Teams buzz in with answers. The winning team gets small prizes like candies or stickers.
Note: Mix easy and hard questions so everyone can participate.
14. Calligraphy Practice with Meanings
Teach students to write basic characters like “luck” or “happiness.” Explain what each symbol means.
Provide brushes, ink, and red paper. Students practice strokes slowly and carefully. They take home their finished work to display.
Advice: Start with simple characters that have fewer strokes. Students build confidence before attempting complex symbols.
15. Group Presentation on Lunar New Year Traditions
Divide students into groups.
Each researcher studies a different tradition, like lion dances, reunion dinners, or fireworks. Groups create presentations with visuals.
They teach their classmates what they learned.
Tip: Give groups specific aspects to cover, like history, symbolism, and modern practice.
Lunar New Year Activities for Teens
Teens want activities that feel social and creative. These ideas let them express themselves while connecting with friends.
16. DIY Lunar New Year Décor Challenge
Give teens a budget and materials list. They compete to create the best decorations in 30 minutes.
Think paper lanterns, banners, or table centerpieces. The judge based on creativity and execution.
Pro tip: Let teens vote for winners in different categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Use of Materials.”
17. Zodiac-Themed Photo Booth Activity
Set up a corner with props related to all 12 animals. Include masks, signs, and colorful backdrops. Teens take turns posing and snapping photos.
They share their favorites on social media with fun captions.
Quick idea:Provide props for all zodiac animals, not just the current year.
18. Cultural Cooking or Plating Challenge
Teens prepare traditional dishes like dumplings or spring rolls. Or they focus on plating existing food artistically.
Set a timer and see who creates the most impressive presentation.
Time saver: Have ingredients prepped beforehand. Focus on assembly and creativity rather than cooking from scratch, especially with inexperienced cooks.
19. Team-Based Lunar New Year Escape Game
Create puzzles using cultural symbols and traditions.
Teams solve riddles about zodiac animals or lucky numbers. They “escape” by unlocking a box filled with treats or prizes.
Smart move: Include QR codes that link to clues on their phones.
20. Storytelling Through Short Videos or Reels
Teens film short videos explaining traditions or sharing family stories.
They edit with music and effects. Screen everyone’s videos at the end for a mini film festival.
Keep in mind: Limit videos to 60 seconds. This matches social media formats teens already use and prevents projects from becoming overwhelming.
Lunar New Year Activities for Adults
Adults appreciate activities that combine tradition with social connection. These ideas bring meaning and relaxation to the celebration.
21. Dumpling-Making or Cooking Workshop
Gather friends in the kitchen to fold dumplings together. Share family recipes and techniques passed down through generations. Cook them fresh and enjoy the meal you created.
- Start with simple pleated folds before attempting fancy shapes
- Prepare double the filling—you’ll eat half while cooking
22. Zodiac Prediction and Discussion Circle
Sit together and read about what the year holds for each zodiac sign.
Discuss career, relationships, and personal goals. Share thoughts on how predictions relate to real-life plans.
- Print out zodiac forecasts beforehand so everyone can follow along
- Keep the mood light, treat it as a fun conversation, not fortune-telling
23. Lantern Release or Décor Crafting Night
Create paper lanterns with wishes written inside.
Light them up around your space or release sky lanterns if permitted. Or craft hanging decorations while catching up over wine.
- Check local regulations before releasing lanterns outdoors
- Choose battery-operated candles for safer indoor displays
24. Cultural Game Night with Traditional Games
Play mahjong, card games, or dice games, popular during the season. Set up multiple tables so everyone stays engaged. Offer small prizes to keep the competitive spirit alive.
- Teach one new game each hour to keep things fresh
- Prepare simple snacks that don’t interrupt gameplay
25. Memory-Sharing Session
Take turns sharing childhood memories of past celebrations. Talk about traditions your families practiced and foods you remember.
Record these stories to preserve them for future generations.
- Have someone take notes or record audio of the stories
- Ask specific questions like “What dish did your grandmother always make?”
Lunar New Year Games for All Ages
Games bring families together across generations. These activities work whether you’re five or fifty-five.
Dragon dance relay race
Teams hold a long fabric dragon and race to the finish line. The steadiest and fastest team wins. Bedsheets or scarves can be used as easy alternatives if a dragon prop isn’t available.
Lucky item scavenger hunt
Hide red envelopes, gold coins, and oranges around your space. Give players a checklist and have them search for each item.
The first person to find everything on their list wins.
Lunar New Year bingo
Create bingo cards using Lunar New Year symbols instead of numbers. Call out items such as dragon, lantern, or dumpling.
The first player to complete a full row wins.
Symbol matching card game
Create pairs of cards featuring lucky Lunar New Year symbols. Place all cards face down and flip two at a time. Players keep the pairs they successfully match.
Pass-the-lantern music game
Sit players in a circle and pass a paper lantern while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the lantern completes a quick task, such as saying a lucky phrase.
Conclusion
These Lunar New Year Activities give you plenty of options to celebrate meaningfully. Pick a few that match your family’s interests and energy levels.
You don’t need to do everything on this list. Even one or two activities can create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.
Start planning now so you have materials ready. The celebration will be here before you know it.
Make this year special. Your family deserves it!
