As a Chinese American who grew up in the United States, I was fortunate to learn about and celebrate holidays that are important to both the Chinese and American communities. In many cultures, Lunar New Year celebrations are some of the most important days of the year. Lunar New Year 2025 celebrations begin on January 29, the beginning of the Year of the Snake. It ends about two weeks later on February 12th, which is known as Lantern Festival in China and other cultures. Learn about the holiday, including traditions, food, and more with our 2025 Chinese New Year resources for kids.
Plus, don’t miss out on our free downloads. Get a full set of ready-to-use Lunar New Year Google Slides for kids with kid-friendly explanations and discussion questions to use in your classroom.
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Chinese New Year 2025 Explanation for Children
What is Chinese New Year?
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Lunar New Year is an event that celebrates the arrival of spring. The beginning of the new year is determined by the lunisolar calendar (based on the sun and moon). Lunar New Year is celebrated during the first 15 days of the first month of the lunisolar calendar up to the first full moon of the year, so it falls on a different date each year. This year’s Lunar New Year begins on January 29, 2025. Click here for more information about Lunar New Year.
Who celebrates Chinese New Year?
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Lunar New Year is celebrated in different countries and cultures that usually follow the lunisolar calendar. These countries include China, Vietnam, and South Korea. Grand Lunar New Year celebrations are often held in other parts of the world, especially in places where large numbers of people from these countries gather.
Does Chinese New Year have another name?
Different countries call Lunar New Year differently. These include:
Spring Festival (Chinese) (Chinese New Year) Seollal (Korean New Year) Tet (Vietnamese New Year) Losar (Tibetan New Year)
When is Chinese New Year?
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The Lunar New Year begins with the arrival of the first new moon in the lunar calendar. It lasts 15 days and ends with the first full moon. The exact date varies slightly each year depending on the lunar cycle, but the holiday usually falls between January 21st and February 20th. Lunar New Year 2025 will be on Wednesday, January 29th.
How does Chinese New Year relate to the zodiac signs?
Each year in the Chinese calendar has a corresponding zodiac animal. The 2025 Lunar New Year begins in the Year of the Snake.
Is Chinese New Year related to Spring Festival?
In China, Lunar New Year is often referred to as the “Spring Festival” because the spring season of the traditional Chinese calendar begins at this time.
What are some Chinese New Year traditions?
People around the world celebrate Chinese New Year in different ways. Here are some of the most common traditions, activities, and foods.
cleaning
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During the two weeks leading up to the festival, people take the time to thoroughly clean their homes, get rid of old “bad spirits,” and prepare for a new year. Once the celebrations officially begin, any kind of cleaning is strictly prohibited on the first day.
parade
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Large parades with music, floats, and especially large puppets controlled by people inside are a classic part of many Lunar New Year celebrations. Thousands of people flock to these events, which take place day and night, in cities around the world. Highlights of these parades often include lion and dragon dances.
fireworks/firecrackers
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This is one of the oldest Chinese New Year traditions and is closely tied to the legend of the monster Nian. People attend large public fireworks displays or set off their own fireworks and firecrackers at home.
red treasure envelope
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In China and some other countries, red envelopes with cash inside are a traditional Lunar New Year gift to young people (often unmarried). Red symbolizes good luck and talisman, and envelopes are sometimes decorated with auspicious pictures and letters in gold. Learn more about Hóng Bāo here.
traditional food
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These foods and dishes are an important part of many Chinese New Year feasts in different countries. Click the links for more information on each. (Note that many of these foods are eaten in multiple countries and cultures, each with their own names.)
Videos about Chinese New Year 2025 for the classroom
Use the video below to share the traditions and cultural significance of this holiday with your students. (Always preview your video first to make sure it’s appropriate for your target audience.)
Sesame Street: Happy Chinese New Year Song
When it comes to introducing topics to young learners, there’s no better resource than Sesame Street. Preschoolers will love singing along to this cheerful Chinese New Year song.
Fortune Tales: Lunar New Year Stories
Here, we will explain Lunar New Year in an easy-to-understand manner for preschoolers and children in the lower grades of elementary school. It shares Nian’s story and also explains the Chinese Zodiac.
All about Chinese New Year for kids
We love this Lunar New Year video for elementary school students. Learn about the background of this holiday and how it is celebrated.
Nian: Lunar New Year Story
Nian is an important part of Chinese New Year and helps explain many holiday traditions. Learn Nian’s story in this video.
How the world celebrates Chinese New Year
This video is from 2022, so it focuses on the Year of the Lion. It’s a great way to see how different cultures around the world resonate with Lunar New Year.
Chinese New Year 2025 Children’s Books, Activities, Crafts, and Lesson Plans
These books, activities, and craft projects are a fun way to prepare for Chinese New Year. Use them to decorate your classroom as the holidays approach.
Amazon Ally Ogg / We Are Teachers
Chinese new year coloring page
Celebrate the Year of the Snake 2025 with this free printable coloring page.
Get: Lunar New Year Coloring Pages from We Are Teachers
Made with Happy First Palette
chinese new year red envelope craft
One of the most popular Chinese New Year traditions is hóng bāo, a red envelope containing money given to young people. Create your own red envelope using this template and decorate it however you like.
Details: red envelope craft
activities for kids
flickering lantern craft
Lanterns are another important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Create your own holiday cups using plastic cups and tissue paper.
Details: Chinese New Year illuminations
gift of curiosity
china pellet drum
The drumbeat is essential to Chinese music and dance. These pellet drums, called bolangoos, are easy to make and great fun to play.
Learn more: Chinese pellet drum crafts
More Chinese New Year lesson plans and learning resources
Use these lesson plans to share about Chinese New Years from around the world with students of all ages.
Get the 2025 Chinese New Year Google Slides for kids for free!
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Don’t miss your free download. Get a full set of ready-to-use Lunar New Year Google Slides for kids with kid-friendly explanations and discussion questions to use in your classroom.
