Celebrating Lunar New Year - 7 Ideas to Share at Home & Around Town

The Lunar New Year, is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar/solar calendar used by some East Asian cultures. It traditionally marks the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season. This year. Lunar New Year, marked by the new moon, is January 29th and celebrates the Year of the Snake. 

The snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac and is known for its mysterious, wise, and intuitive nature. People born in the Year of the Snake are thought to be deep thinkers and problem solvers. As you celebrate, take time to think about the qualities of the snake and how you can embrace its symbolism to inspire personal growth and transformation in the year ahead.

While celebrating Lunar New Year should be done with friends for whom this holiday holds importance, here are 7 fun ways to bring awareness to your children about Lunar New Year: 

• Make a traditional food: Try making dumplings, spring rolls, or other traditional Lunar New Year dishes with your kids. 
• Create a paper lantern: Hang colorful paper lanterns around the house to celebrate the holiday. You can also have your kids help decorate the lanterns with markers, stickers, or glitter.
• Attend a local event:
  • Chinese New Year Gala (Ticketed)
    Saturday, February 1, 2025
    7:00 - 9:00 PM
    Dale F. Halton Theater
    1206, Elizabeth Street, Charlotte, NC
  • Chinese New Year Celebration Cultural Fair (Free)
    Saturday, February 1, 2025
    3:00 - 6:00 PM
    Dale F. Halton Theater
    1206 Elizabeth Street, Charlotte, NC
  • Chinese New Year at Resident Culture Brewing Plaza Midwood
    Saturday, January 25, 2023
    6 p.m.
    Resident Culture Brewing Plaza Midwood
    2101 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC
• Make red envelopes: Red envelopes, also known as "hongbao," are often given to children during the Lunar New Year as a symbol of good luck. Have your kids help you make homemade red envelopes by decorating paper with markers or stickers.
• Learn about the zodiac: The Lunar New Year is also associated with the Chinese zodiac. Have your kids find out what their zodiac sign is and learn about its associated characteristics.
• Watch a Lunar New Year movie: There are many movies and TV shows that feature the Lunar New Year as a central theme. Oddbods has a show as does Peppa Pig. 
• Read a Book about Lunar New Year: 

  • "Ruby's Chinese New Year" by Vickie Lee
    This heartwarming tale follows Ruby as she delivers a special gift to her grandmother for Chinese New Year. Along the way, she encounters various animals from the Chinese zodiac, each lending a helping hand. It's a sweet introduction to the holiday's traditions and symbolism.

  • "Bringing in the New Year" by Grace Lin
    This vibrant picture book celebrates the sights, sounds, and traditions of Lunar New Year. With colorful illustrations and simple text, it's perfect for young readers learning about the holiday for the first time.
  • "The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac" by Dawn Casey
    This engaging retelling of the famous Chinese zodiac story introduces kids to the 12 animals of the zodiac and their personalities. It's a fun way to connect the holiday to its cultural roots.
  • "Happy Chinese New Year, Kai-lan!" by Catherine Lukas
    Join Kai-lan and her friends as they prepare for and celebrate Chinese New Year. This book is based on the popular TV show Ni Hao, Kai-lan and features interactive elements that engage young readers.

Celebrating Lunar New Year at home is a wonderful way to connect with family, honor traditions, and welcome good fortune for the year ahead. Whether it’s through food, decorations, or meaningful activities, these ideas will help you create a festive and memorable Year of the Snake.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Wishing you great happiness and prosperity!)