The celebration's original purpose was to scare away mythical beasts with loud noises and beaming lights. Nowadays, the festivities include celebrating each year of the Chinese zodiac animal (2025 marks the year of the snake), setting off firecrackers and large lantern festivals.
The Chinese New Year begins on 29th January this year. This date changes every year because the first full moon of the year initiates the beginning of the lunar new year. It lasts for 15 days, which means you've got plenty of time to celebrate with our three simple craft activities. These can be done either at school or at home!

Create an eggbox Chinese dragon and ignite the imagination of your children. Dragons represent power and strength in Chinese culture, but who will make the strongest dragon? Follow our simple steps below:
What you'll need:
Method:
Step 1 - tear or cut out with scissors, 6 of the egg holders
Step 2 - paint each holder with red paint or a colour of your choice and leave to dry overnight
Step 3 - staple each of the holders together to create a line
Step 4 - use PVA and your chosen decorations to personalise your dragon
Step 5 - punch 4 holes into the first egg holder, 2 on the top and 1 on either side at the front
Step 6 - cut a pipe cleaner into 2 smaller pieces and thread each end out of the top and side holes
Step 7 - glue 2 google eyes onto the head of the dragon to make a face
Step 8 - cut out 3 white triangles from a white sheet of paper and glue to the bottom of the fame to create the teeth
Step 9 - cut out fire shapes from the cellophane and stick underneath the front egg holder, just below the teeth, using PVA or glue

This is a simple activity which can demonstrate free flowing creativity in the classroom. Children could create their own take home card or perhaps something on a larger scale to brighten up the classroom wall of art.
What you'll need:
Method:
Step 1 - cut the ends of the rolls several times for approx., 4cm in length
Step 2 - fold these outwards and set aside
Step 3 - layout your paints and glitter for your fireworks decorations
Step 4 - place your card or sheets of paper in front of the children and let them create!

Celebrate the Chinese New Year by getting your class to make their own traditional red envelope. The colour red symbolises good luck and the envelopes are often given during the festival by family members, containing money to wish good fortune.
What you'll need:
Method:
Step 1- Download our simple create your own envelope template and fold!