Free Chinese New Year Activity Mat
Ring in the Chinese New Year with our free printable Chinese New Year Activity Mat, packed with festive and educational activities to entertain kids while celebrating this special holiday.
Perfect for classrooms, family gatherings or quiet time at home, this mat offers a creative way to honor the Lunar New Year.
Be sure to check out more fun printable activities to do at home or in the classroom.
Come celebrate the holiday with us with a fun and engaging Free Chinese New Year Activity Mat!
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10 Fun Facts about Chinese New Year for Kids
Here are 10 fun facts about Chinese New Year for kids:
It’s the Lunar New Year: Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, so the date changes every year, usually between January 21 and February 20.
Year of the Zodiac: Each year is represented by one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, like the dragon, tiger or rabbit.
Spring Festival: It’s also called the Spring Festival because it marks the end of winter and the start of spring in China.
Red Everywhere: Red is the main color for decorations because it symbolizes good luck and happiness.
Lion and Dragon Dances: Traditional dances with colorful lion or dragon costumes are performed to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits.
Red Envelopes: Kids receive red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money as a gift for good luck and prosperity.
Biggest Fireworks Show: Fireworks are used to celebrate and scare away the mythical beast Nian, who is said to dislike loud noises. Learn about Nian in the video below.
Family Reunions: It’s the most important time for families to gather, often with a big feast on New Year’s Eve.
Food for Luck: Special dishes like dumplings, fish and sticky rice symbolize wealth, prosperity and unity.
Longest Celebration: The holiday lasts 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival, when people light lanterns and enjoy more festivities.
What’s Included in the Chinese New Year Activity Mat?
Word Search – Find words like lantern, dragon and luck to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.
Tracing Activity – Practice handwriting with simple Lunar New Year-themed good luck fish.
Word Scramble – Unscramble festive words for a fun brain-teaser.
Color the Dragon – Spark creativity by designing a vibrant Chinese dragon, a symbol of strength and good fortune.
Writing Prompt – Encourage reflection with a prompt about their favorite New Year traditions or wishes for the year ahead.
Word Bank – A helpful list of themed words to guide the activities and inspire creativity.
Why Kids Will Love This Activity Placemat
- Engaging and Educational – Combines fun puzzles, writing, and coloring with the rich traditions of Chinese New Year.
- Simple to Use – Print and enjoy, making it a hassle-free option for parents and teachers.
- Perfect for Celebrations – Adds an interactive and cultural touch to Lunar New Year festivities.
Download Your Free Chinese New Year Activity Mat
Ready to start the New Year with fun and creativity?
Scroll down to the end of this post to get your free Chinese New Year activity mat.
From dragon coloring to word puzzles, this festive mat will make learning about the Lunar New Year an exciting experience for kids!
More Chinese New Year Activities for Kids
Explore more exciting and educational Chinese New Year activities for kids to go along with our Chinese New Year activity mat!