10 easy Lunar New Year crafts and activities for kids to celebrate the Year of the Horse

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Celebrate the Chinese New Year with fun crafts.
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Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the most important celebrations in Southeast and East Asian cultures. Families come together to honor traditions like decorating with red, sharing festive meals, and enjoying family-friendly crafts and activities. This year, we celebrate the Year of the Horse.
The Year of the Snake is traditionally associated with qualities such as energy, independence, and freedom. In Chinese culture, horses symbolize success, progress, and the ability to overcome obstacles through strength and determination.
From baking special foods to wearing red, there are many ways to participate in the revelry. Just like Thanksgiving crafts or Christmas games for kids, Chinese New Year crafts and Chinese New Year activities are a simple and fun way to get little ones involved and excited for this special time. Whether you’re introducing these customs to kids or reconnecting with your roots, these fun Lunar New Year crafts are a great way to bring the festivities home.
Scroll through for easy ideas to make the most of this Lunar New Year!
Toast to the year of the Horse with these 10 Lunar New Year craft ideas for kids
1. Horse masks
In Chinese culture, horses are revered as symbols of vitality and perseverance. Crafting horse masks like these from Jannie Ho’s Happy Chinese New Year book is a fun way to celebrate the Year of the Horse. Click this link for free, printable horse mask templates. Let your child color the mask in vibrant golds, reds and browns before cutting it out. Punch holes on either side of the mask, weave a string through, or tape it to an empty paper towel roll to create a handle.
2. Paper lanterns
Illuminate your house with these easy DIY paper lanterns. Simply fold a sheet of paper long ways (hotdog style), then cut strips along the fold toward the end but not quite all the way. Fold it into a cylinder and attach the edges using glue, tape, or a stapler. Use red or gold paper to represent the horse’s association with energy and good fortune.
3. Red envelopes
Gifting a red envelope is a classic Lunar New Year tradition. Add a snake-inspired twist by drawing or sticking snake designs on the envelopes. dd a horse-inspired twist by drawing or sticking horse designs on the envelopes. Use metallic or glitter pens to draw galloping horses or add Chinese characters for “success” or “progress.”
4. Chinese New Year-themed sensory box
Fill your sensory box with horse-themed items. Add small plastic or rubber horses, brown or gold beads, and textured ribbons to simulate a mane. To stay on theme, dye rice brown with food coloring or use horseshoe-shaped pasta for sensory fun.
Related: The magic of a month of rest: How a Chinese tradition can help postpartum mothers today
5. Galloping rhythm sticks
Create rhythm sticks to mimic the sound of galloping hooves! Use two empty paper towel rolls as your base, and wrap them with brown construction paper or paint them in horse colors like chestnut, black, or palomino. Decorate with gold accents or add flowing ribbon “manes” at one end. Kids can tap the sticks together in different rhythms to create galloping sounds—slow for a trot, fast for a full gallop. This fun craft ties in with the horse’s symbolic connection to movement and energy.
6. Paper fans
Create horse-inspired paper fans by decorating your paper with galloping horses or flowing mane designs before folding it accordion-style. Use glitter pens or paint to add shimmering details for a festive look.
7. Firecracker tubes
Use horse motifs to embellish your firecracker tubes. After forming the cylinders, draw or stick horse patterns, like galloping silhouettes or horseshoe shapes, to represent the dynamic energy of the horse.
8. Egg carton snakes
Instead of dragons, make horses! Cut egg cartons into individual cups, string them together with yarn or pipe cleaners to form the horse’s body, and paint them with browns, blacks, or white. Add googly eyes to the first cup to make the horse’s head, and attach yarn or ribbon for a flowing mane and tail for a playful touch.
Related: 10 fiery dragon coloring pages for kids
9. Paper fortune cookies
Write fortunes inspired by the horse’s symbolism, such as “Success gallops your way” or “This year brings freedom and progress.” Decorate your fortune cookies with horse patterns or red and gold accents.
10. Snake puppets
Transform paper plates into horse puppets. Paint a paper plate brown, black, or white to create the horse’s face. Cut out ear shapes from construction paper and glue them to the top of the plate. Add googly eyes, draw on a nose and mouth, and attach yarn or ribbon for a flowing mane. Use it as a playful toy to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with these creative crafts that your kids will love. Which activity are you excited to try? Share your favorite craft ideas or photos of your creations on social media and tag us @Motherly!
FAQs: About Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse
What is the Lunar New Year, and why is it important?
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations in East and Southeast Asian cultures. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming good fortune for the year ahead.
When is the Lunar New Year celebrated?
The Lunar New Year typically falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2026, it will be celebrated on February 17th, marking the start of the Year of the Horse.
What does the Year of the Snake symbolize?
The Year of the Horse is associated with energy, independence, and success. Horses are believed to be symbols of progress, strength, and the ability to overcome obstacles in Chinese culture. They also represent freedom, perseverance, and optimism.
What are some traditional Lunar New Year activities?
Traditional activities include:
- Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck.
- Decorating with red to attract good fortune.
- Gifting red envelopes containing money.
- Preparing special meals like dumplings and fish for prosperity.
- Lighting fireworks and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.

















































































