Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a vibrant and festive holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. Celebrating Chinese New Year in an early years setting can be a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to different cultures and traditions.

Red Decorations: Decorate your setting with the color red, which is considered lucky and auspicious. Children can help with hanging up lanterns, banners, or their own artwork.

Zodiac Animals: Each Chinese New Year is associated with an animal from the Chinese zodiac. Use this as a learning opportunity and talk about the characteristics of the different animals.

Food: Food plays a big role in the Chinese New Year. If possible, consider preparing or sharing some traditional dishes or snacks.

Crafts: Chinese New Year is associated with lots of colorful and creative traditions. Children can make red envelopes (known as hongbao), lanterns, dragon puppets, or paper blossoms.

Calligraphy: Set up a calligraphy station with brushes and paper where children can try their hand at Chinese writing. For younger children, they could simply paint with water on colored paper.