Chinese New Year Activities for Preschool

Celebrating Chinese New Year

I have compiled my favorite books and activities for celebrating Chinese New Year in the preschool or kindergarten classroom.

I’ve also included two free printables; keep reading to download your freebies!

Activities and Printables for Celebrating Chinese New Year

Here are some fun Chinese New Year activities and Chinese New Year crafts that your kids will love to partake in!

Oranges and Tangerines {FREE PRINTABLE}

Oranges and tangerines are given during the Chinese New Year because the Chinese words for these items sound like luck and wealth.
Supplies

one orange or tangerine for each child
red tissue paper
printable leaf pattern {see freebie below}
ribbon
scissors
hole punch
green cardstock or construction paper

Give each child an orange or tangerine. Invite the children to wrap their item in red tissue paper and help them tie a ribbon around the top. Next, print the leaves on green paper and cut out, then punch one hole in the top of each leaf. Insert the end of the ribbon in the hole in each leaf and tie the leaf securely to the wrapped orange or tangerine. Invite the children to give their “gifts” to friends or family. Download the free leaf printable HERE.

Red Envelopes {FREE PRINTABLE}

The Chinese New Year Red envelopes containing money are given on special holidays such as the Lunar or Chinese New Year. Red symbolizes good luck and is believed to ward off evil spirits. The money contained within the envelope usually adds up to an even number which is considered lucky. Download the free printable envelope pattern HERE.

Supplies

red cardstock or construction paper
printable envelope pattern
gold glitter glue
scissors
glue stick
pretend money or chocolate coins

Copy one red envelope pattern per child on red paper. Cut out each envelope and fold along the dotted lines, then glue the flaps down leaving the top flap open. Invite the children to use the gold glitter glue to decorate the front of their envelopes and allow to dry. Place play money or chocolate coins in each Chinese New Year red envelope. Gold represents wealth and good fortune.

Firecracker Craft

Traditionally, firecrackers are set off during Chinese or Lunar New Year celebrations to scare away bad spirits and welcome the New Year.

Supplies

one small cardboard tube for each child
gold glitter glue
red tissue paper
ribbon
small treats or trinkets to place inside tube

Invite your students to paint their cardboard tubes red. When dry, the tubes can be decorated with gold glitter glue. Next, place small treats or trinkets inside a piece of red tissue paper and tie the ends with ribbon. Insert the tissue paper package into the cardboard tube. At the end of your celebration the children can open the tubes to get the treats inside.