Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a vibrant celebration filled with traditions, family, and joy. In 2025, we welcome the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation. What better way to embrace the festivities with kids than with creative crafts that bring the spirit of the holiday to life?
These three simple Lunar New Year craft ideas are perfect for kids and offer opportunities to explore the rich cultural traditions of this special holiday. Gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get crafting!
1. Glowing Paper Lanterns
Illuminate your Lunar New Year celebrations with colorful paper lanterns, a classic decoration that symbolizes prosperity and good luck.
What you need:
- Red and gold paper
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- String or ribbon
Directions:
- Decorate your paper with festive designs
- Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
- Draw evenly spaced horizontal lines (1–2 inches apart).
- Cut along the lines, leaving the open edge uncut, unfold the paper and form it into a tube.
- Secure the edges with glue or tape.
- Add a handle by threading string or ribbon through punched holes at the top.
 Kevin Malek | Canva |
Another Option: Purchase pre-made paper lanterns and personalize them by painting meaningful Chinese characters like 福 (fú) for good fortune, 喜 (xǐ) for happiness, or 龙 (lóng) for dragon. This is a fun way to add a traditional touch to your Lunar New Year celebrations while keeping it simple for younger kids.
2. Zodiac Animal Masks
Celebrate Lunar New Year by crafting masks inspired by the animal of your birth year! Each family member can look up their Chinese zodiac animal and create a mask to honor it.
What you need:
- Construction paper or paper plates
- Paint, markers, or crayons
- Googly eyes (optional)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Craft sticks or elastic
Directions:
- Look up your Chinese zodiac animal based on your birth year. Here is an easy-to-use Chinese Zodiac calculator!
- Use construction paper or a paper plate as the base for your mask.
- Create features that match your zodiac animal (e.g., whiskers for a rabbit, horns for an ox, scales for a snake).
- Decorate your mask with vibrant colors, patterns, or googly eyes to bring it to life.
- Cut eye holes and attach a craft stick or elastic to wear it as a mask.
Artem Podrez | Canva
3. Cherry Blossom Fingerprint Art
Cherry blossoms, a symbol of renewal and beauty, are a beloved part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Create a keepsake piece of art using your child’s fingerprints to craft a cherry blossom tree.
What you need:
- White paper
- Brown paint or markers
- Pink and white paint
- Small sponge or brushes
Directions:
- Draw or paint a tree trunk with branches using brown paint or markers.
- Dip fingers or sponges into pink and white paint to create blossoms on the branches.
- Let the art dry, then display it as part of your Lunar New Year decorations.
 Shutter_M | Canva |
These kid-friendly Lunar New Year crafts not only keep your little ones entertained but also introduce them to the beauty and significance of this holiday. From glowing lanterns to personalized zodiac masks and cherry blossom art, these fun kids activities will make Lunar New Year a special time for your kids and family.
Happy Lunar New Year 2025! May your year be filled with joy, wisdom, and prosperity.
