Chinese New Year for Kids

Of all the Chinese festivals, Chinese New Year is for kids of all ages the most loved and anticipated.

In China, planes, trains, buses, boats, donkeys, and any means of transportation you can imagine, are jammed packed with people returning home to enjoy the celebrations with their friends and family.

And all over the world, wherever there is a Chinatown, the festivities are a colorful display of dragon dances, lantern festivals, feasts, and of course firecrakers!

The History of Chinese New Year

This traditional fest has been celebrated for more than four thousand years.

It came about from ancient celebrations to mark the end of the long winter season and the beginning of spring. It celebrates the earth coming back to life and the beginning of the growing cycle.

This is why it is also called the Spring Festival.

When is Chinese New Year?

In western countries, New Year's day always falls on January 1st. In China, New Year's day is also the first day of the first month of the Lunar Calendar! therefore, Chinese New Year dates vary each year and could fall at the end of January or in February.

The New Year celebrations begin on New Year's eve and end 15 days later with the Lantern Festival.

Each year is assigned an animal according to the Chinese Zodiac. Click here to learn more about the Chinese Zodiac.

The Traditions...

There are many Chinese traditions associated with the New Year celebrations, beginning with

• the Preparations: house-cleaning, putting away knives... learn about the many superstitions and traditions to get ready for the new year.
  
  
• New Year's Day celebrations: and the fun begins... red envelopes and feasts... and of course...
  
  
• the Lion Dances
  
  
• the Dragon Parade
  
  
• and firecrackers!

Send a FREE Chinese New Year e-Card!

It's easy and it's free! Choose from more than 60 great designs, customize and personalize your greeting.




Here's a short Chinese New Year clip from the celebrations in China, click on the arrow to play!

Tell us how You celebrated Chinese New Year.

How others are celebrating Chinese New Year around the world.

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You can learn more about how this festivity is celebrated in China and around the world, the different customs and traditions with these short stories and easy to read books:

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