Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the most important celebrations in Southeast and East Asian cultures. Families come together to honor traditions like decorating with red, sharing festive meals, and enjoying family-friendly crafts and activities. This year, we celebrate the Year of the Snake.
The Year of the Snake is traditionally associated with qualities such as spirituality, reproduction, and longevity. In Chinese culture, snakes are also considered guardians of the home, and harming them was historically believed to bring bad luck.
From baking special foods to wearing red, there are many ways to participate in the revelry. Just like Thanksgiving crafts or Christmas games for kids, Chinese New Year crafts and Chinese New Year activities are a simple and fun way to get little ones involved and excited for this special time. Whether you’re introducing these customs to kids or reconnecting with your roots, these fun Lunar New Year crafts are a great way to bring the festivities home.
Scroll through for easy ideas to make the most of this Lunar New Year!
Toast to the year of the snake with these 10 Lunar New Year craft ideas for kids
1. Snake masks
In Chinese culture, snakes are revered as symbols of wisdom and guardianship. Crafting snake masks is a fun way to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Click this link for free, printable snake mask templates. Let your child color the mask in vibrant greens, golds, and reds before cutting it out. Punch holes on either side of the mask, weave a string through, or tape it to an empty paper towel roll to create a handle.
2. Paper lanterns
Illuminate your house with these easy DIY paper lanterns. Simply fold a sheet of paper long ways (hotdog style), then cut strips along the fold toward the end but not quite all the way. Fold it into a cylinder and attach the edges using glue, tape, or a stapler. Use green or gold paper to represent the snake’s association with nature and prosperity.
3. Red envelopes
Gifting a red envelope is a classic Lunar New Year tradition. Add a snake-inspired twist by drawing or sticking snake designs on the envelopes. Use metallic or glitter pens to draw coiled snakes or add Chinese characters for “longevity” or “prosperity.”
4. Chinese New Year-themed sensory box
Fill your sensory box with snake-themed items. Add small plastic or rubber snakes, green or gold beads, and textured ribbons to simulate scales. To stay on theme, dye rice green with food coloring or use snake-shaped pasta for sensory fun.
Related: The magic of a month of rest: How a Chinese tradition can help postpartum mothers today
5. Snake rattles
Transform the classic rattle drum into a snake rattle! Use an empty paper towel roll as the base, and paint or wrap it with snake-scale patterns using green or gold construction paper. Attach beads or bells on strings to simulate the rattle sound. This fun craft ties in with the snake’s symbolic connection to sound and alertness.
6. Paper fans
Create snake-inspired paper fans by decorating your paper with coiled snake designs before folding it accordion-style. Use glitter pens or paint to add shimmering scales for a festive look.
7. Firecracker tubes
Use snake motifs to embellish your firecracker tubes. After forming the cylinders, draw or stick snake patterns, like scales or zigzag shapes, to represent the coiled energy of the snake.
8. Egg carton dragons
Instead of dragons, make snakes! Cut egg cartons into individual cups, string them together with yarn or pipe cleaners, and paint them with bright greens, golds, and reds. Add googly eyes to the first cup to make the snake’s head and forked paper tongue for a playful touch.
Related: 10 fiery dragon coloring pages for kids
9. Paper fortune cookies
Write fortunes inspired by the snake’s symbolism, such as “Wisdom will guide your path” or “This year brings transformation.” Decorate your fortune cookies with snake patterns or green and gold accents.
10. Snake puppets
Transform paper plates into snake puppets. Paint a paper plate with a spiral pattern to mimic a coiled snake. Cut along the spiral and attach a tongue made from red construction paper. Add googly eyes and use it as a playful toy to celebrate the Year of the Snake.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with these creative crafts that your kids will love. Which activity are you excited to try? Share your favorite craft ideas or photos of your creations on social media and tag us @Motherly!
FAQs: About Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake
- What is the Lunar New Year, and why is it important?
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations in East and Southeast Asian cultures. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming good fortune for the year ahead.
2. When is the Lunar New Year celebrated?
The Lunar New Year typically falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2025, it will be celebrated on January 29th, marking the start of the Year of the Snake.
3. What does the Year of the Snake symbolize?
The Year of the Snake is associated with wisdom, spirituality, and transformation. Snakes are believed to be symbols of good luck, guardianship, and longevity in Chinese culture. They also represent intuition and resourcefulness.
4. What are some traditional Lunar New Year activities?
Traditional activities include:
- Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck.
- Decorating with red to attract good fortune.
- Gifting red envelopes containing money.
- Preparing special meals like dumplings and fish for prosperity.
- Lighting fireworks and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.
