articles

3 Kid-Friendly Lunar New Year Crafts to Celebrate Year of the Dragon

Lunar New Year is Feb. 10

By Macaroni KID January 23, 2024

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a time of vibrant celebrations enjoyed by families around the world. In 2024, we're stepping into the Year of the Dragon, and what better way to make this occasion extra special for your little ones than with some fun and creative Lunar New Year crafts? 

We've rounded up three easy craft ideas that are not only sure to provide your little ones with a creative outlet, but also give you an opportunity to introduce them to the rich traditions of Lunar New Year.

So, gather a few supplies and get ready to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in style!



Maria Teresa Bellomo | Canva

Paper Lanterns

Illuminate your Lunar New Year celebrations with beautiful paper lanterns. These lanterns are not only fun to make but also a fun decoration. 

What you need: Red and gold colored paper • Pencil • Ruler • Scissors • Glue or tape • String or ribbon 

Directions: Decorate your paper. Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Draw and cut evenly spaced horizontal lines 1 to 2 inches apart, leaving an inch or two at the top and bottom uncut. Unfold the paper and form a tube, securing the edges with glue or tape. Fold down the top and bottom to create open ends and secure them with glue or tape. Add a handle by punching holes on opposite sides of the top edge and threading a string or ribbon through to hang. 




Artem Podrez | Canva

Zodiac animal masks

Each year in the Chinese zodiac cycle is associated with a different animal. This is the Year of the Dragon! Create masks using the theme of the Year of the Dragon and have a mini zodiac parade at home. Use simple materials like construction paper or paper plates, paint, markers, and craft sticks and let kids bring their version of a dragon mask to life.



Core Lens | Canva

Cherry blossom tree art

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of renewal and beauty during Lunar New Year. Create a keepsake cherry blossom tree art piece using paint and your child's fingerprints. It's a lovely way to add a touch of nature to your Lunar New Year decorations.


These three kid-friendly Lunar New Year crafts will not only keep your children entertained, but also help them learn about the rich cultural traditions associated with this festive holiday. Get creative and have a blast celebrating the Year of the Dragon with your little ones. Happy Lunar New Year!


Have you found some great, family-friendly events through Macaroni Kid? Share the love and forward the newsletter to a friend, share it with a Facebook group, or tell your child's school about this free resource! 

Macaroni Kid Centreville-South Riding is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in South Riding, Aldie, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax Station, Stone Ridge, and Clifton, VA. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more. Macaroni Kid Centreville-South Riding is full of useful local information like this PLUS tons of kid-friendly events on our event calendar. Have an event you'd like submitted to our calendar for consideration? Submit an event here

Like what you see here and want to get all the fun delivered to your inbox weekly? Subscribe to our FREE weekly e-newsletter for all your family fun!