Lunar New Year, often called Chinese New Year, is a time traditionally centered on celebrating family, renewal, good fortune, and honoring ancestors. The date changes each year based on the lunar calendar, and typically falls between late January and mid-February. This year, it’s on February 17.
Whether you are celebrating culturally or simply appreciating the tradition, honoring Lunar New Year with kids can be a meaningful experience. Here are five fun ways to celebrate respectfully with your family:
Read Lunar New Year Storybooks
Reading a children’s book about Lunar New Year or the Chinese zodiac animals helps kids understand the meaning behind the celebration.
Year Of The Horse by Zango Yink Yo tells the heartwarming story of Luna, who is excited to celebrate the Year of the Horse with her family. Both educational and entertaining, this book is timely as 2026 marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac.
Partake in Spring Cleaning
The holiday is centered around fresh beginnings. Before the New Year begins, families traditionally clean their home to “sweep away” the old year and welcome good fortune. So invite your kiddos to tidy up their toys and talk about hopes and wishes for the year ahead.
Create and Decorate Red Lanterns
Red symbolizes luck and happiness, so hanging red paper lanterns can instantly make your home feel festive.
To craft red lanterns at home, you’ll need:
- Red construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue or a stapler
- String or yarn
Instructions:
- Fold the paper hotdog style.
- Make parallel cuts starting at the folded side. Each cut should be 1–2 cm apart, and 2–3 cm distance from the uncut side.
- Unfold, then bring the short ends together, gluing or stapling them. It should now look like a cylinder.
- Attach the strong or yarn to either side of the lantern’s top with glue or staples.
Give Red Envelops
Traditionally, elders give children red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of luck and prosperity for the year ahead. For kids, the blessing and gesture is more important than the money inside.
If you’re celebrating at home, create your own red envelopes using red paper and gold markers. Then, have your child write a wish or positive affirmation to place inside, maintaining the meaningful tradition.
Share a Special Meal
Whether you prepare a traditional dish or simply cook a favorite family meal together, cooking together is a fun way to celebrate. Sharing a special meal reinforces the holiday’s focus on togetherness. Even toddlers can help by stirring ingredients and setting the table.
By celebrating the Lunar New Year, you’re not only introducing your child to global cultures, but also inspiring them to set thoughtful intentions for the year ahead.