Chinese New Year Activities for Kids 2025

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of joy, family reunions, and cultural festivities. As one of the most celebrated holidays in the world, it offers numerous opportunities for children to engage in meaningful and fun activities. In 2025, as families welcome the Year of the Snake on January 29, parents and educators can incorporate creative and educational activities to help kids learn about and enjoy this vibrant tradition. From arts and crafts to interactive games, here are some engaging ways to celebrate Chinese New Year with children.

1. Decorating with Red and Gold

Red and gold are the signature colors of Chinese New Year, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and happiness. Decorating spaces with these vibrant hues is a wonderful way for kids to contribute to the festive atmosphere. Children can:

• Make Paper Lanterns: Help kids cut and fold paper to create traditional Chinese lanterns. They can decorate these lanterns with gold glitter, auspicious symbols, or drawings of snakes to honor the zodiac animal of 2025.
• Design Window Paper Cuttings: Guide children in making intricate paper cuttings of animals, flowers, or characters like 福 (“fu”), which means good fortune.
• Create Door Couplets: Provide red paper strips and let kids write or paint auspicious phrases such as “May wealth and prosperity come to your home.”

These decorations not only brighten up the home but also teach children about traditional symbols and their meanings.

2. Cooking and Baking Together

Food is a central part of Chinese New Year, and involving children in preparing traditional dishes is both fun and educational. Consider these kid-friendly cooking activities:

• Dumpling Making: Teach children how to fold and seal dumplings, explaining that their shape resembles ancient gold ingots and symbolizes wealth.
• Nian Gao (Rice Cake) Making: Let kids help mix ingredients for this sweet treat, which signifies progress and higher achievement.
• Snake-Themed Snacks: Get creative by making snake-shaped cookies or pretzels to honor the Year of the Snake.

Cooking together provides an opportunity to discuss the cultural significance of each dish and fosters family bonding.

3. Storytelling and Learning About Chinese New Year

Introduce children to the legends and stories behind Chinese New Year to deepen their understanding of the holiday. You can:

• Share the Legend of Nian: Tell the tale of the mythical beast Nian and how people used red decorations, loud noises, and firecrackers to scare it away.
• Read Books About Chinese New Year: Choose children’s books like “Bringing in the New Year” by Grace Lin or “The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac” by Christopher Corr to captivate young readers.
• Learn About the Year of the Snake: Teach kids about the characteristics of people born in the Year of the Snake, emphasizing traits like wisdom and resourcefulness.

Storytelling is a wonderful way to spark curiosity and instill an appreciation for cultural heritage.

4. Crafting Zodiac-Themed Art

Art projects inspired by the zodiac sign of the year are a great way to engage children. In 2025, activities could include:

• Snake Masks: Provide materials like cardboard, paint, and glitter for kids to design their snake masks.
• Clay Snake Sculptures: Let children mold snakes out of clay or playdough, encouraging them to be creative with colors and patterns.
• Snake-Themed Paintings: Encourage kids to paint snakes in traditional Chinese art styles, incorporating calligraphy or floral motifs.

These crafts not only promote creativity but also teach kids about the zodiac’s cultural significance.

5. Playing Traditional Games

Games are a fun way for children to immerse themselves in the festive spirit. Popular activities include:

• Dragon Dance Parade: Organize a mini dragon dance where kids can take turns holding a dragon costume or waving ribbons to mimic the traditional dance.
• Lantern Riddles: Write simple riddles on paper and attach them to lanterns. Kids can solve them for small prizes, just as it’s done during the Lantern Festival.
• Red Envelope Hunt: Hide red envelopes filled with small treats or coins around the house and let kids search for them.

These games add excitement to the celebrations while introducing children to traditional customs.

6. Watching Performances and Parades

Chinese New Year parades and performances are visually stunning and captivating for children. Look for events in your local community, such as:

• Lion and Dragon Dances: These colorful, high-energy performances are always a hit with kids.
• Martial Arts Demonstrations: Chinese New Year often features displays of traditional kung fu or tai chi, which can inspire awe and interest in cultural practices.
• Fireworks Displays: Watching fireworks is a highlight of the holiday and a memorable experience for children.

If attending events in person isn’t possible, many celebrations are streamed online, allowing families to enjoy the festivities from home.

7. Learning Chinese New Year Songs and Phrases

Teach kids festive songs and greetings in Mandarin or Cantonese, such as:

• “Gong Xi Gong Xi”: A cheerful song commonly sung during the New Year.
• Greetings like “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (“Wishing you prosperity”) or “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (“Happy New Year”).

Singing and practicing these phrases helps children connect with the language and spirit of the holiday.

8. Making and Lighting Lanterns

The Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, is a magical time for kids. Encourage them to:

• Design and Decorate Lanterns: Provide materials like tissue paper, paint, and LED candles to create safe, beautiful lanterns.
• Participate in a Lantern Walk: Organize a small lantern procession in your neighborhood or backyard to celebrate the festival’s conclusion.

The Joy of Celebrating Chinese New Year with Kids

Chinese New Year is a rich, multi-faceted holiday filled with opportunities for children to learn, create, and celebrate. By engaging kids in these activities, parents and educators can help them develop a deeper appreciation for the traditions and values associated with this festival. Whether through crafts, storytelling, or festive games, the Year of the Snake in 2025 promises to be a joyful and memorable experience for children everywhere.