Chinese New Year is a wonderful time to introduce kids to new cultures, customs and traditions — and one of the easiest ways to do that is through craft. Whether you’re marking the day at home or in the classroom, these ten Chinese New Year crafts are colourful, hands-on and perfect for little hands.
From lanterns and dragon masks to origami fish and frogs, there’s something here for every age and skill level. Kung Hei Fat Choy!
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Chinese New Year Crafts for Kids
Chinese New Year is a brilliant opportunity to explore new ideas, customs and foods with your child. Here are ten crafts to try together.
#1. Cherry Blossom Lantern
Image: Activity Village
Create a stunning Chinese-style lantern by painting your own cherry blossom pattern onto a paper lantern.
Use a round lantern, or for a pretty string effect, find several white cylinder lanterns and give each one its own unique painted design.
#2. Chinese New Year Cut & Paste Picture Dictionary
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Print and decorate your own Chinese New Year picture dictionary using this downloadable template from Enchanted Learning.
Once made, this little book can be kept and used year after year, since all the zodiac animal symbols and their meanings stay the same.
#3. Chinese Dragon Puppet
Image: DLTK
Have fun folding, sticking and gluing with this paper plate craft from DLTK. It makes the perfect Chinese Dragon Puppet to accompany a Dragon Dance.
Attach a piece of bamboo or a wooden stick so your dragon can dance along too!
#4. Red Envelopes for Chinese New Year
Image: First Palette
It’s traditional to give money in red envelopes decorated with gold lettering to loved ones during Chinese New Year.
First Palette has a simple tutorial for making your own red envelope. Decorate yours with the zodiac animal symbol for the coming year.
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#5. Chinese New Year Skylines
Image: Sweetnicks
We love this Chinese New Year skyline craft for kids from Sweetnicks.
Made from newspaper with thumbprint lanterns, it looks great any time of year. Add fireworks or dancing dragons for extra flair — get as creative as you like.
#6. Chinese Dragon Masks
Image: Supercoloring.com
Create traditional Chinese New Year dragon masks — simply print, colour in (the brighter the better!) and tie elastic around the back to fit your child.
Perfect for some dragon prancing around the living room afterwards.
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#7. Goldfish Kite
Image: Lightly Enchanted
In Chinese culture, goldfish are considered symbols of abundance. This pretty goldfish kite from Lightly Enchanted is a lovely way to bring that symbolism into your craft session.
Made using the inner tube from a kitchen or toilet roll and crepe paper, it offers hours of fun — first making it, then flying it.
#8. Origami Frogs
Watch our quick video guide to making an origami frog — one that really hops!
This is a lovely craft for Chinese New Year, or for any day of the year. Try making a few in different colours and have a hopping race once they’re done.
#9. Learn About Pandas
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Pandas are a favourite with kids, and Chinese New Year is a great excuse to learn more about them while making your own panda masterpieces with these panda craft ideas for kids.
If your child wants to know more about these intriguing animals, they’ll enjoy these panda facts for kids too.
#10. Chinese New Year Fish Crafts for Kids
Image: I am a Full Time Mummy
Using simple origami principles, create Chinese New Year fish that look wonderful as decorations around the house.
I am a Full Time Mummy uses red packets (Ang Pows) for this craft, but strong wrapping paper works well too — just make sure it’s cut into an exact square for the folds to work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age group are these Chinese New Year crafts suitable for?
Most of these crafts suit a wide age range. Simpler projects like the colouring dragon masks and cherry blossom lanterns work well for younger children, while origami frogs and fish are a nice challenge for older kids who enjoy following folding steps.
Do I need special materials to make these crafts?
No — most projects use everyday craft items like paper, card, paint, crepe paper and things you may already have at home, such as kitchen or toilet roll tubes.
Why are red envelopes used for Chinese New Year?
Giving money in red envelopes, known as Ang Pows or Hongbao, is a traditional way to pass on good luck and blessings to children and loved ones for the year ahead.
Is there a video to help with any of these crafts?
Yes — our origami frog craft (#8) comes with a short step-by-step video so kids can follow along and make a frog that really hops.
Related Articles
- What Are the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs and What Do They Represent?
- 12 Fun Chinese New Year Colouring Pages for Kids
- 5 Fun and Easy Chinese New Year Activities for Kids
- 14 Perfect Panda Craft Ideas for Kids to Make
- 15 Panda Facts for Kids to Know
Save These Ideas for Later
Love these Chinese New Year craft ideas? Save this page or bookmark it so you have it ready when the celebrations come around — and browse our rainy day activities hub for more crafts to keep little hands busy all year long.
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