Introduction to Chinese New Year 2026
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. In 2026, we welcome the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, freedom, movement, and new beginnings. According to traditional Chinese calendars, the Year of the Horse begins on 17 February 2026 and runs into early 2027. It’s a time of family reunions, festive decorations, music, dance, and rich cultural experiences—and if you want a calm, creative way to join in at home, custom paint by numbers can be a surprisingly meaningful project to work on during the celebrations.
I used to love celebrating the Chinese New Year with the kids when they were younger (I miss those days so much). We’d curl up with storybooks about the Zodiac, and spend afternoons making Chinese crafts tied to the animal of the year — such as paper hobby horses and spiral snakes, as well as Chinese Dragons and Lucky Red Money Envelopes (“hongbao”). We’d decorate the house with Plum Blossoms and lanterns, talk about the traditions, and marvel at dragon dances on video and planned to see it in real life one day. As they grow older, I still treasure those memories and we still celebrate just in different ways.
Why the Horse Matters in 2026
In the Chinese Zodiac, the Horse is known for its strength, independence, and lively spirit, making it a joyful theme for children’s activities and family learning. Crafts and cultural discussions around the Horse help connect kids to the traditions and symbolism woven into the Lunar New Year festivities.
Craft Ideas for the Year of the Horse
Here are some creative activities and resources you can use to help kids celebrate and learn about the Year of the Horse:
Chinese New Year Horse Craft Templates and Activities
• Printable Horse Craft Templates – Free printable build-a-horse templates that children can colour, cut, and assemble into their own Year of the Horse figure.
• Horse Crafts Compilation – A variety of simple horse craft ideas, including paper plate horses, paper bag horses, masks and suncatchers, perfect for Chinese New Year celebration projects.
• Year of the Horse Printable Resources – A collection of printable resources, colouring pages, and craft ideas themed around the Horse for creative classroom or home activities.
• Paper Horse Crafts and Ideas Gallery – Lots of inspiration for horse-themed Chinese New Year crafts, including easy-to-make projects you can try with children.
• Chinese New Year Hobby Horse – Our activity guide with instructions for a horse craft using simple materials.
These activities are a wonderful way to bring cultural learning and creativity together, and are great for quiet afternoons, half-term art sessions, or classroom stations.
Events and Celebrations in 2026
Celebrating Chinese new year is a great way to learn about Chinese culture. We live in Pembrokeshire, when the kids were young, there were no local celebrations as their are in the cities. Here are some places you and your family can enjoy Chinese New Year celebrations this year:
National and Local Celebrations
Celebration at the National Waterfront Museum
• Join the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea on 15th February 2026 for a family-friendly Chinese New Year celebration from 11 am to 3 pm. Expect music, performances, cultural presentations, craft workshops, and a traditional dragon dance display — all free to attend.
See our reel of Chinese New Year 2025 at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea below:
Other Events in the UK
• Chinese New Year activities and crafts at museums or libraries across the UK during the festival period.
Lunar New Year celebrations will take place on Sat 21 Feb at Cardiff Central Library Hub Hub from 12-3pm. Expect to experience Lion dancing, tea tasting, Chinese medicine, music & dance and more!
• Larger cultural performances or celebrations in cities such as London often include parades, music and dance.
• Community celebrations in places like Worcester (Royal Porcelain Works) featuring martial arts demonstrations, music, storytelling, and tea ceremonies.
Planning Your Visit
Cultural celebrations like these not only offer performances and crafts, but are great ways for families to engage with traditions like red envelopes (‘hongbao’), lantern making, lion and dragon dances, and Chinese storytelling.
Celebrating Chinese New Year at Home
If you’re celebrating in the comfort of your home:
- Create a Lunar New Year story hour with books about the Chinese Zodiac and Spring Festival traditions.
- Make red envelopes together and talk about the symbolism of good luck and blessing.
- Try your favourite Chinese New Year Crafts and Year of the Horse crafts from the links above with paper, crayons and a bit of imagination.
- Wear red clothes
- Make and drink Chinese tea.
- Make and eat Chinese foods.
Chinese New Year Books
Here are some children’s books we have enjoyed about the Chinese New Year (contains affiliate links):
- The Great Race- The Story of the Chinese Zodiac – Which animal will win the race and get the first year of the Chinese calendar named after them? Race along with Rat, Monkey, Dragon, and their companions while discovering the origin of the Chinese Zodiac. This bright and colourful book includes intriguing notes about the Chinese calendar, the festivals, and the animal that rules each year.
- Lanterns and Firecrackers: A Chinese New Year Story – It’s Chinese New Year! Join in the celebrations and follow a family as they let off firecrackers, watch the amazing dragon dances and light their beautiful lanterns to celebrate the start of their New Year. This delightful picture book is a simple introduction to the Chinese New Year festival for the very young. Part of a pre-school series that introduces young children to world religions and focuses on the way the festival is celebrated today. Also includes historical and cultural information at the end for parents and teachers.
- Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year Lift the Flap Book – A great introduction to the customs of Lunar New Year. This interactive lift-the-flap book is perfect for parents and early readers to enjoy together! It’s Lunar New Year and there are so many fun things to do! Shopping at the outdoor market for fresh flowers, eating New Year’s dinner with the whole family, receiving red envelopes from Grandma and Grandpa, and best of all-watching the spectacular Lunar New Year’s parade!
Pop to your local library to check if they have any children’s books about the Chinese New Year too.
Each year, the Chinese New Year offers a beautiful chance to explore another culture, remember traditions, and share fun with our families. Whether you’re attending celebrations inyour local area, crafting at home, or reading stories together, the spirit of the Year of the Horse brings energy and curiosity into the heart of winter.
Read more: Chinese New Year Posts
