Lunar New Year crafts are a fun way to bring color, culture, and creativity into your home.
The Lunar New Year is a time for family, food, and new beginnings, and I love how simple crafts can make kids feel part of the celebration.
In this post, I’ll share some colourful and festive craft ideas that are easy to make and full of meaning. You’ll find activities like:
- Paper lanterns and red envelopes
- Dragon masks and zodiac animals
- Lucky decorations for your home
Each one is designed to help kids learn about the traditions behind the festival while keeping things fun and hands-on. If you’re celebrating with family or doing a school project, these ideas are simple, bright, and full of spirit.
Let’s make this Lunar New Year a time for creativity, learning, and family joy.
What Is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, and Korea. It usually happens between late January and mid-February.
I see it as a time for families to gather, clean their homes, and start fresh for the year ahead.
You’ll notice a lot of red, which stands for luck, and gold, which symbolizes wealth and success. Dragons are a key symbol, showing strength and good luck.
Lanterns fill the streets and homes, bringing light and joy to the season.
When you and your kids make Lunar New Year crafts, these symbols are a fun way to learn about what they mean and why they matter.
It’s a simple way to connect with tradition while being creative together.
Fun and Easy Lunar New Year Crafts for Kids
These crafts are a fun way for kids to learn about Lunar New Year traditions while getting creative. Each project is simple, colorful, and perfect for home or classroom celebrations.
1. Paper Lanterns with Red and Gold Designs
Paper lanterns are one of the most loved Lunar New Year crafts because they’re bright, simple, and full of meaning. You’ll need red and gold paper, scissors, glue, and string or ribbon for hanging.
Kids get to fold, cut, and decorate, which helps build hand coordination and focus.
They’ll also learn how red stands for luck and gold for wealth, two colors that bring joy to the celebration. Remind kids to use scissors safely.
For a fun twist, let them use stickers, glitter, or draw lucky symbols to make each lantern special.
Steps:
- Fold a rectangular sheet of paper in half and cut slits along the folded edge, leaving space at the ends.
- Unfold, roll the paper into a tube, and glue the sides together.
- Add a handle and decorate with gold strips, glitter, or festive drawings.
2. DIY Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Making red envelopes is a meaningful way for kids to learn about kindness and the joy of giving during the Lunar New Year.
You’ll need red paper, glue, gold pens or markers, and coins or small notes.
This activity helps kids practice folding neatly and decorating creatively while learning how hongbao symbolize good fortune and blessings.
Always supervise when cutting or gluing. For a twist, kids can draw zodiac animals, write good luck phrases, or use gold stickers for decoration.
Steps:
- Cut a rectangle from red paper and fold it into an envelope shape.
- Glue or tape the edges, leaving the top open to insert coins or notes.
- Use gold pens or stickers to decorate with borders, patterns, or short wishes.
3. Dragon Puppet with Paper Plates
The dragon puppet is an exciting craft that brings the celebration to life through color and movement. You’ll need two paper plates, paint, glue, scissors, popsicle sticks, and googly eyes.
This project helps kids strengthen fine motor skills and creativity while learning that dragons stand for strength and good luck.
Make sure to supervise when cutting or gluing.
For a fun variation, use tissue paper for the dragon’s tail or connect several plates to make a longer, dancing dragon.
Steps:
- Cut one plate in half for the body and use the other for the dragon’s head.
- Paint both pieces in red, gold, and green, then add eyes, scales, and decorations.
- Attach popsicle sticks to the back so kids can move the puppet during pretend dragon dances.
4. Lucky Coin Tree with Gold Circles
The lucky coin tree is a beautiful Lunar New Year craft that teaches kids about wealth and prosperity. You’ll need construction paper, gold paper or foil, scissors, glue, and a marker.
Kids can trace and cut small gold circles to represent coins and glue them on branches drawn or cut from brown paper.
This activity builds hand control, creativity, and patience. It’s also a great way to talk about how coins and trees symbolize growth and good fortune.
Supervise kids while cutting. For a fun twist, use coins, buttons, or gold stickers to decorate the branches.
Steps:
- Draw or cut a tree shape from brown paper and glue it onto a background sheet.
- Cut gold circles and glue them along the branches as “lucky coins.”
- Add small red details or wishes around the tree for decoration.
5. Chinese Zodiac Animal Masks
Zodiac animal masks are a great way to teach kids about the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac while letting them get creative.
You’ll need cardstock or paper plates, markers, scissors, glue, and string. Kids can choose their zodiac animal or make all of them for fun.
This project builds imagination, cutting skills, and cultural awareness.
Always remind kids to handle scissors safely. For a fun variation, use feathers, yarn, or paper scraps to give each mask texture and personality.
Steps:
- Cut a round mask shape and two eye holes from paper or cardstock.
- Draw or glue on ears, whiskers, horns, or other animal features.
- Color the mask and attach a string to wear it like a costume.
6. Paper Firecracker Decorations
Paper firecrackers are a safe and creative way for kids to enjoy one of the most exciting parts of the Lunar New Year. You’ll need red and gold paper, string, scissors, and glue.
These decorations symbolize driving away bad luck and welcoming happiness.
Kids learn about cultural traditions while practicing cutting and rolling paper. Remind them to be careful with scissors and glue.
For a fun twist, let them write “good fortune” or “happiness” on each firecracker before hanging them.
Steps:
- Cut red paper into rectangles, roll them tightly, and glue the edges.
- Add gold paper strips or designs around each roll.
- Tie several rolls to a string and hang them as a festive firecracker chain.
7. Cherry Blossom Branch Art
Cherry blossoms are a lovely symbol of new beginnings and growth during the Lunar New Year. To make this craft, you’ll need brown paper for branches, pink tissue paper, glue, and scissors.
Kids can tear and crumple small pieces of tissue paper to form blossoms, helping develop fine motor control.
This project also teaches them how cherry blossoms represent renewal and hope. Supervise when cutting paper branches.
For a fun twist, use cotton balls dipped in pink paint for a softer look.
Steps:
- Cut or draw brown branches on a sheet of paper.
- Crumple small pieces of pink tissue paper and glue them along the branches.
- Add extra details like a sky background or gold dots for decoration.
8. Lantern Garland Made from Cardstock
Lantern garlands are an easy way to decorate for the Lunar New Year while keeping kids engaged. You’ll need colored cardstock, scissors, glue, string, and tape.
Kids learn pattern-making, color matching, and patience as they create multiple lanterns to hang together.
This activity helps them understand how lanterns bring joy and light during the celebration. Always supervise cutting and gluing.
For a twist, let each child decorate one lantern with their name or a short wish.
Steps:
- Cut small rectangles of colored cardstock and fold them in half.
- Cut slits along the fold, roll the paper, and glue the ends to form mini lanterns.
- String them together and hang as a colorful garland.
9. Handprint Dragon Craft
The handprint dragon is a fun, personal craft that kids love because it turns their handprints into part of the design.
You’ll need red and green paper, paint, glue, scissors, and googly eyes. This craft helps develop creativity, coordination, and awareness of the dragon’s meaning, strength, and good luck.
Remind kids to wash their hands after painting. For a fun twist, use each family member’s handprints to create one big dragon.
Steps:
- Paint your child’s hand and press it onto paper several times for the dragon’s body.
- Cut out a dragon head and tail, then glue them to the handprint body.
- Add eyes, scales, and fire details using paper or markers.
10. Origami Lucky Stars
Origami lucky stars are a sweet and simple way for kids to practice patience and precision while learning about good fortune.
You’ll need strips of colored or patterned paper, red and gold work best, and a little glue if needed.
Folding the stars strengthens fine motor skills and focus. Each star represents a wish for happiness and luck. Make sure kids fold slowly and carefully.
For a fun twist, fill a jar with finished stars and give it as a Lunar New Year gift.
Steps:
- Cut paper into long, thin strips and tie the ends into a small loop.
- Fold the strip around the loop until it forms a small pentagon.
- Gently pinch the sides to puff it into a 3D star shape.
11. Goldfish Craft From Paper Bowls
Goldfish are symbols of abundance and wealth, making this craft perfect for the Lunar New Year. You’ll need paper bowls, orange paint, scissors, glue, and paper for fins and tails.
Kids enjoy painting and assembling their fish while improving hand-eye coordination and creativity.
Teach them that goldfish represent a wish for a prosperous year. Always supervise when cutting. For a fun twist, let kids hang their goldfish with a string to make a festive mobile.
Steps:
- Paint the paper bowl orange and let it dry.
- Cut fins and tails from colored paper and glue them onto the bowl.
- Add eyes and small details like bubbles or scales with markers.
12. Chinese Fan Painting
Fan painting is a relaxing and creative Lunar New Year craft that introduces kids to traditional Chinese art. You’ll need plain paper fans or folded paper, watercolor paints, and brushes.
This craft helps kids learn about design, pattern, and color mixing while expressing themselves.
It also encourages patience as the paint dries.
Remind them to rinse brushes and use gentle strokes. For a twist, paint zodiac animals or lucky symbols instead of simple patterns.
Steps:
- Open a paper fan or fold paper accordion-style to make one.
- Paint flowers, dragons, or lucky words in bright colors.
- Let it dry and display it as a festive decoration.
13. Cupcake Liner Fireworks Art
Cupcake liner fireworks are a bright and simple craft that captures the excitement of Lunar New Year celebrations.
You’ll need colored cupcake liners, scissors, glue, and a sheet of black or red paper. Kids can layer and cut liners to create firework shapes, building creativity and fine motor skills.
It’s a fun way to show how fireworks mark the start of the new year.
Always supervise when using scissors. For a fun twist, add glitter or sequins for extra sparkle.
Steps:
- Flatten cupcake liners and cut slits around the edges to create bursts.
- Glue the liners onto the paper in clusters like fireworks.
- Add small dots of glitter or metallic paper for shine.
14. Fortune Teller Paper Game
This easy origami game is a hit with kids and teaches them about Lunar New Year wishes and fortunes. You’ll need a square sheet of red or gold paper, markers, and stickers for decoration.
Making it encourages folding accuracy, reading, and social interaction.
It’s also a playful way to include good-luck messages. For a fun variation, write simple fortunes or kind wishes inside each flap instead of numbers.
Steps:
- Fold a square paper into a classic fortune teller shape.
- Write messages or fortunes under each flap.
- Decorate the outside with symbols like lanterns or dragons.
15. Recycled Cardboard Drum Craft
This drum craft brings rhythm and fun to the celebration while promoting eco-friendly creativity.
You’ll need cardboard tubes, paper, glue, string, and beads.
Kids can paint and decorate their drums while learning about how drums are used in New Year parades to bring good luck and drive away bad spirits.
This activity builds rhythm awareness, creativity, and coordination. Use blunt scissors and child-safe materials. For a twist, use different-sized tubes to make drums with varied sounds.
Steps:
- Cover both ends of a cardboard tube with paper and glue.
- Paint or decorate the drum with bright red and gold patterns.
- Tie strings with beads on the sides so they hit the drum when shaken.
16. Good Luck Banner with Chinese Characters
Creating a good luck banner is a meaningful way for kids to decorate while learning about traditional symbols and writing. You’ll need red paper, black or gold markers, string, and glue.
Kids can draw Chinese characters that mean happiness, luck, or wealth, then hang the pieces as a banner.
This craft teaches writing awareness, creativity, and cultural understanding. Always help younger kids with spacing and character shapes.
For a fun twist, use gold glitter or fabric to make the letters stand out.
Steps:
- Cut red paper into rectangles or squares.
- Write or draw Chinese characters using gold or black markers.
- Glue the pieces to a string and hang the banner across a wall or doorway.
17. Year of the Dragon Coloring Page
A dragon coloring page is a calm and creative craft for all ages. You’ll need printed dragon outlines, crayons or markers, and optional glitter for details.
This simple activity builds color coordination and focus while teaching kids that dragons represent power, courage, and good fortune. For a fun variation, let kids design their own dragon scales or patterns.
Supervise if using glue or glitter to keep things tidy.
Steps:
- Print or draw a dragon outline on sturdy paper.
- Color the dragon using bright shades like red, gold, and green.
- Add glitter, stickers, or a background scene for decoration.
Tips for a Safe and Mess-Free Crafting Session
Craft time should be fun, not stressful. These are simple ways to keep your space safe, clean, and easy to manage while kids get creative.
- Set up a craft zone: Use a table covered with newspaper or an old cloth to catch spills and scraps.
- Use washable supplies: Choose washable paints, glue, and markers for easy cleanup.
- Keep tools safe: Supervise when kids use scissors, glue guns, or other sharp objects.
- Reuse and recycle: Save paper, cardboard, and fabric scraps for future crafts to reduce waste.
- Have wipes ready: Keep wet wipes or a damp cloth nearby for quick cleanups.
- Protect clothes: Give kids old shirts or aprons to wear while crafting.
- Clean as you go: Throw away scraps and wipe surfaces between projects to avoid big messes later.
Why Crafting Is Perfect for Kids During the Festival?
Crafting during the Lunar New Year is a fun way for kids to learn about traditions while staying creative.
When you make decorations, red envelopes, or paper dragons together, kids get to learn the meaning behind each symbol in a hands-on way.
These projects build fine motor skills, spark imagination, and teach patience as kids cut, fold, and glue their creations.
I’ve found that craft time also brings families closer. You can talk about the stories behind dragons, lanterns, or lucky colors while working side by side.
It’s a simple way for children to feel proud of their work and connected to their culture.
Whether at home or in class, these colorful crafts fill any space with joy, teamwork, and festive spirit.
Conclusion
The Lunar New Year is all about family, fun, and fresh beginnings. Crafting together is one of the best ways to help kids learn about the meaning behind the celebration while making lasting memories.
I love how simple materials can turn into colorful symbols of luck, joy, and hope.
Whether it’s a paper lantern, a dragon mask, or a handmade red envelope, each project adds a personal touch to your celebration.
So, gather your supplies, clear a little table space, and let the creativity begin. These crafts aren’t just about art, they’re about connection, learning, and laughter.
Try a few of the ideas from this list and make this Lunar New Year a celebration filled with color, culture, and family fun.
Ready to start crafting? Pick your favorite idea and get creative today!