21 Chinese New Year Crafts for Kids

Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, tradition, and creativity, making it the perfect opportunity for kids to dive into fun and meaningful crafts.

From colorful lanterns to lucky red envelopes, these projects let children explore the rich cultural heritage of the holiday while enjoying hands-on activities.

Crafting is not only a great way to keep little ones engaged but also helps them learn about symbols of good fortune, family unity, and the significance of the Lunar New Year.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these easy-to-make crafts are sure to add a festive flair to your celebrations while encouraging creativity and cultural appreciation.

Chinese New Year Crafts for Kids

1. Mandarin Orange Art

This Mandarin orange craft uses foam clay to create a vibrant 3D representation of a lucky orange tree.

Kids can mold the clay into small oranges and leaves, then arrange them on a bright red canvas for a festive look.

This activity is not only fun but also introduces children to the significance of oranges in Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and good fortune.

2. Animal Bean Bags

These animal bean bags are a playful and interactive craft. Kids can sew or glue fabric cutouts into the shape of zodiac animals, fill them with beans or rice, and decorate with googly eyes or felt pieces.

Perfect for tossing games or as toys, this project teaches children about the Chinese Zodiac while engaging their creativity.

3. Painted Lanterns

Creating painted lanterns is a classic Chinese New Year craft. Using red paper lanterns, kids can paint traditional symbols like Chinese characters, dragons, or blossoms.

Add a ribbon for hanging to complete the festive look. This activity is a great way for children to learn about the importance of lanterns in welcoming the new year.

4. Lion Puppet

This lion puppet craft captures the festive spirit of the Lion Dance. Kids can use colored paper, ribbons, and googly eyes to assemble a small puppet.

Attach it to sticks or strings for movement, and let children perform their own Lion Dance.

This fun activity introduces them to the symbolism of lions in warding off evil spirits.

5. Paper Fans

These paper fans are a simple yet elegant craft for kids. Using bright red and white paper, children can fold and decorate fans with drawings or Chinese characters.

Add ribbons for a finishing touch. These fans are not only symbolic of good luck but also make beautiful decorations for the New Year.

6. Wishing Wands

These wishing wands are colorful and easy to make. Kids can create star-shaped wands with tissue paper, glitter, and wooden sticks.

Add long ribbons to symbolize prosperity and happiness. These wands are perfect for New Year wishes or as playful decorations during celebrations.

7. Paper Pumpkins

These paper pumpkins are a nod to the tradition of oranges. Children can fold orange paper into fan shapes, attach a green leaf, and string them up as decorations.

This craft is quick and fun, teaching kids about abundance and luck associated with these fruits during the Chinese New Year.

8. Firecracker Display

This firecracker craft combines toilet rolls and colorful paints to create a vibrant display.

Kids can decorate rolls as firecrackers and arrange them with painted Q-tip fireworks on a dark backdrop.

This activity is a creative way to showcase the excitement and noise of firecrackers used to chase away bad luck.

9. Pellet Drums

These pellet drums are easy to make with paper plates, sticks, and string.

Kids can decorate the plates with festive symbols, attach strings with beads, and use them as noisemakers.

This craft introduces children to the drumming tradition of Chinese New Year, symbolizing energy and celebration.

10. Fortune Cookies

These paper fortune cookies are a fun twist on the classic treat. Kids can fold decorative paper into cookie shapes and write small fortunes or wishes inside.

This activity is perfect for sharing good vibes during the celebrations and teaches children about hope and luck for the new year.

11. Twirling Dragon

This paper plate dragon craft is perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year. Cut a paper plate into a spiral and decorate it with bright colors, scales, and fire accents.

Attach a dragon head and tail to complete the design. Hang it up for a mesmerizing twirl that kids will love.

It’s simple to create and brings a dynamic element to festive decorations while teaching kids about the holiday’s traditions.

12. Origami Piggies

Create these adorable origami pig faces for a fun and meaningful Chinese New Year craft. Using pink paper, kids can fold and decorate pigs to symbolize prosperity.

Add markers and googly eyes for personality. It’s a quick project that introduces children to origami basics while connecting to the zodiac calendar in an engaging way.

13. Movable Dragon

Bring dragons to life with this movable paper dragon craft. Use paper strips and colorful cutouts to form a wiggling dragon body. Kids can add googly eyes and scales for detail.

Once complete, this flexible dragon can “dance” across tables or during play, adding an interactive dimension to New Year festivities.

14. Floral Dragon Puppet

This floral dragon puppet brings a creative spin to traditional dragon crafts.

Using a cardboard tube as the body, kids can attach flowers, buttons, and ribbons for a festive look.

With pom-pom feet and a googly-eyed head, this puppet is perfect for role-play and storytelling, blending art with cultural celebration.

15. Folding Paper Fans

These decorated paper fans are easy to make and packed with creativity.

Kids can fold paper into fan shapes, color them with Chinese-inspired designs, and attach wooden sticks as handles.

The result is a functional craft that doubles as a cultural learning opportunity, celebrating the elegance of Chinese traditions.

16. Fortune Cookies

Make DIY fortune cookies with vibrant patterned paper. These fun crafts let kids add their own written fortunes or wishes, fostering creativity and positivity.

Once folded into cookie shapes, they become meaningful decorations or party favors, bringing joy and a personal touch to Chinese New Year celebrations.

17. Fire-Breathing Mask

This fire-breathing dragon mask is a fiery addition to Chinese New Year.

Made with feathers, paper, and streamers, kids can wear their creation to feel like part of the celebration.

It’s a mix of costume and craft that sparks imagination and engages kids in the festive spirit.

18. Watercolor Dragon

This watercolor dragon craft combines art and culture. Kids paint a dragon face using bright, vibrant watercolors and attach ribbons for a flowing effect.

This project is perfect for teaching color blending and celebrating the symbolism of dragons in Chinese New Year traditions.

19. Egg Carton Dragon

Create a playful dragon using an egg carton. Kids can cut and paint the cartons to form the dragon’s body, using paper to make the tongue, eyes, and spikes.

This eco-friendly craft encourages recycling and adds a fun, vibrant touch to Chinese New Year celebrations.

Let your child’s imagination run wild as they design a unique dragon, symbolizing luck and strength for the new year.

20. Felt Firecrackers

Decorate your space with felt firecrackers. Cut felt sheets into red and yellow shapes, roll them into tubes, and string them together.

These firecracker decorations bring a festive vibe to any room while teaching kids about the traditions of warding off bad luck.

Simple to make, this craft is perfect for little hands and introduces the cultural significance of Chinese New Year symbols.

21. Accordion Dragons

Craft a colorful accordion dragon puppet. Fold red paper into an accordion for the body and attach hand-drawn dragon heads and tails on each end.

Popsicle sticks act as handles, allowing kids to parade their creation like a mini dragon dance.

This interactive craft keeps kids engaged and celebrates the joy of the New Year’s traditional performances.





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