Looking for some cute Chinese New Year crafts to do with the family? Check out these collection of 30 ideas. You’ll want to try them all!

When the new year starts, I know that a few things are going to happen soon after. Things that are as certain as death and taxes:
- My birthday (January 24th) – so I’m going to get one year older pretty quickly. Also, I share with Neil Diamond and Ed Helms!
- The Super Bowl – it’s always around my birthday and has been on that day in the past. I’m a Falcons and Seahawks fan!
- Chinese New Year – celebrating the new year on the traditional lunar calendar. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February
Speaking specifically of Chinese New Year, in 2001 it landed right smack dab on my 24th birthday – also my golden birthday. So what did I do? Have a party. And I dressed up. And we did Chinese New Year crafts!
As far as I’m concerned, any holiday is a chance to do fun crafts – and yes, even at a party. No matter the celebration, I always have a crafty element. It’s my thing. And you know what? People always participate!
So with Chinese New Year right around the corner, I decided it would be fun to celebrate early with a list of Chinese New Year crafts. I’ve got 30 ideas in this post you need to try! I’ve gathered the best projects on the ‘net.
Chinese New Year Facts
Before we jump into the Chinese New Year crafts, I wanted to share five fun facts about the holiday with you. No matter if you’re having a party or doing these in a classroom or at home school, they’ll be fun to share.
- According to tales and legends, the beginning of the Chinese New Year started with a mythical beast called the Nian (a beast that lives under the sea or in the mountains) during the annual Spring Festival.
- Chinese New Year is observed as a public holiday in some countries and territories where there is a sizable Chinese and Korean population.
- On the days immediately before the New Year celebration, Chinese families give their homes a thorough cleaning. There is a Cantonese saying “Wash away the dirt on nin ya baat.“
- The fifteenth day of the lunar new year is celebrated as “Yuanxiao Festival” (元宵节; 元宵節; Yuán xiāo jié), also known as the Lantern Festival. Rice dumplings tangyuan are eaten this day. Candles are lit outside houses as a way to guide wayward spirits home.
- A reunion dinner (nián yè fàn) is held on New Year’s Eve during which family members gather for a celebration.
Now that you’ve learned more about the holiday, check out these fun Chinese New Year crafts and activities!
Chinese New Year Crafts
These Chinese New Year crafts are so easy to make! There are options for both kids and adults - from dragons to lanterns to red envelopes and more.
Chinese New Year Mason Jar Lanterns
You can pick any symbol you like for this lantern craft - we picked "good fortune" - to make these cool Asian lanterns! Perfect for parties or home decor.
Dragon Puppet Kids Craft
The dragon is an important symbolic figure in the Chinese culture. Learn to make this puppet, and get a free printable Chinese dragon for the head and tail.
Easy Popsicle Stick Puzzles
These popsicle stick puzzles are a fun way to learn important Chinese New Year greetings! Make several puzzles and mix all the sticks together to make it more challenging.
Lucky Cat Craft
This Waving Chinese Lucky Cat Craft is adorably cute! Did you know that the hands being in different positions have different meanings? Neither did I!
Chinese New Year Slime
The sequins and the glitter thrill me, I'll be honest! Your kids are going to love making this red and gold sparkle slime recipe.
Paper New Year Wreath
This wreath was made using papers and other finds from Amanda's visit to Chinatown. I'm loving the color combination and how easy this craft is to make!
Egg Carton Dragons
In the Chinese culture, dragons are thought to be linked to good luck, wisdom, and long life. My point is, these are one of those Chinese New Year crafts you're definitely going to want to make! It's easy and inexpensive with egg cartons.
Paper Fortune Cookies
While fortune cookies were created in the United States, they've become another fun twist on Chinese New Year! These paper fortune cookies are really fun and easy for kids to make.
Chinese Paper Lantern Strand
I feel like these paper lanterns would be cute for any holiday, however I love Tiffany's color choice with the red, gold, and blue. I can't wait to try these!
Paper Cut Bookmark
Get into the festive spirit by making a Chinese New Year bookmark! This easy project was inspired by the traditional folk art of Chinese paper cutting. Add a string of Chinese lucky coins to attract prosperity to your life.
Toilet Paper Tube Firecrackers
During Chinese New Year parades, firecrackers often mean the dancers are on their way! Use these for parties or simply hang them up inside the home for decor.
Dragon Clothespin Puppets
If you've never make clothespin puppets, you're in for a treat! With four different printable dragon puppet designs (both in full color and black and white for kids to color) you can be sure they will have a blast.
How to Make a Chinese Lantern
These Chinese paper lanterns made from simple templates are a fun way to learn more about the Spring Lantern Festival. Grab the freebie, print, and assemble with ease.
Cracker Party Favors
One of the favorite Lunar New Year traditions are red gift packets or envelopes of money and trinkets. These easy to make and frugal Chinese New Year Party Favors are a fun way to celebrate.
Cupcake Liner Dragon Craft
I never would have thought about making a dragon out of cupcake liners, but you know what - it works! I can't get enough of dragon themed Chinese New Year crafts, and this idea is no exception.
Decorative Origami Pineapple
Many Chinese believe that the direct translation of Pineapple (in Hokkien dialect) means to "bring wealth." I'm looking for some good fortune - time to make one of these and hang it in my home.
Paper Bag Dragon Puppet
I love that this paper bag puppet uses handprints, paint, and glitter to let even the littlest kids in on the action. So easy to make, and you probably already have the supplies on hand.
Chinese Lantern Suncatcher
This lunar lantern themed suncatcher is easy to make with cellophane and clear contact paper! It's no mess and looks great in the window.
New Year Snake Craft
I was born in the year of the snake so this craft holds a special meaning for me. I love the folded paper; it's easy enough for kids of all ages.
DIY Red Envelopes
Red envelopes are small red and gold packets containing money given to children, family members, friends and employees as a symbol of good luck! This is a tradition I can definitely get behind; learn to make your own here.
Dragon Craft for Chinese New Year
If you're looking for a Chinese New Year craft that makes a statement, this large colorful dragon is your guy! Made out of so many cool ingredients including toilet paper tubes and paint.
Chinese New Year Paper Plate Drum
This drum is so easy to make you won't believe it - you just need a few paper plates and some other simple supplies! Oh and it makes noise when you rub the stick between your hands.
Ancient Chinese Paper Making
Did you know that the paper you write on everyday got its start in Ancient China right around 100 BC during the Han Dynasty? It was made from bamboo fibers! Teach kids the same idea using this modern day version.
New Year Dragon Puppet
We've got several dragon crafts in this list, but I like this guy because of his big happy mouth, and his feathers, and his streamers. So easy to make out of paper plates!
Lunar New Year Rat Paper Craft
These paper cuttings were made specifically for the year of the rat, but you could adapt the idea for several of the other lunar animals! Inspired by paper snowflakes, these rats are very easy to make.
Asian Folding Fan
I don't know about you, but I'm always overheating. This folding fan is a Chinese New Year craft you can use all year. Paint with any designs and colors you like.
Paper Plate Dragon Twirler
Kids can make their own dragon puppet out of a paper plate - and it twirls! There's also a fun printable that kids can color and cut out to add to the fun.
Lunar New Year Sensory Bin
This is one of those Chinese New Year crafts specifically for the very littles! Teach them about the holiday with a sensory bin filled with beans, beads, pom poms, and other fun Asian goodies.
Chinese New Year Playdough
Make this red playdough recipe and then add it to some gold coins! Kids will have fun stamping and creating their own games. This is such an easy idea!
DIY Paper Lantern Pinata
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a bright DIY pinata! The origin of the pinata can be traced to China as far back as the 13th century. So this craft isn't just perfect for parties, it's rooted deeply in tradition.
I hope you enjoy these Chinese New Year activities! Please let me know what you think in the comments. I’d love for you to also check out these other posts:
Tabitha
Monday 9th of January 2023
The lucky cat is actually from the Japanese Culture.
Cynthia
Saturday 5th of February 2022
These are wonderful ideas. Amazing what folks can create with simple tools.
Amy
Monday 7th of February 2022
Thank you for reading Cynthia!