The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated by more than 20% of the world. Like Easter, it is calculated by the lunar calendar rather than the solar calendar – so the date changes from year to year, depending on the moon phases. Also, it is actually celebrated for 15 days – from the new moon to the full moon. In 2027, it begins on February 6th and ends on February 20th. According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2027 will be the Year of the Goat.
Here are some ways to celebrate at home or out and about the Twin Cities.
 Kid-Friendly Lunar New Year Celebrations
7 Ways to Celebrate at Home
1. Make a Craft
Lakeshore Learning offers directions to make your own Chinese New Year Drum or a Chinese Lanterns craft. A lantern festival is typically celebrated the last day of the 15 days of Lunar New Year when the moon is full. You could make both crafts on the first day to use as decorations for your family dinner party, and then have a lantern festival on the night of the full moon.
2. Order Take-out (or make your own) and Have a Family Dinner Party
As long as you are staying in, this would be a fun day to order take out or make your own Asian-inspired dinner. It doesn’t have to be Chinese – many Asian countries celebrate this holiday with feasts. Pick your favorite menu or sample food from several cultures – maybe try food from Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan or Thailand. You could even try a little of everything.
3. Give Your Kids Red Envelopes (Lucky Money)
Some Asian cultures give their kids red envelopes after dinner as a way to wish the children health, growth, and good studies. You don’t have to give them real money. You could use gold chocolate coins as your gifts. We find ours in the candy bins at our Cub.
4. Pull out some Leftover Sparklers
Firecrackers or glow sticks also would work to have your own mini-fireworks display in your backyard.
5. Watch a Chinese New Year Dragon Dance
6. Story Time with Lunar New Year Books
We’ve pulled together some children’s books about kids who celebrate the Lunar New Year around the world*.
7. Learn more about Chinese New Year Celebrations
Do a deep dive on the internet and see what new things you can learn together.
Upcoming Chinese Zodiac Years
- 2028: Year of the Monkey
- 2029: Year of the Rooster
- 2030: Year of the Dog
- 2031: Year of the Pig
- 2032: Year of the Rat
- 2033: Year of the Ox
- 2034: Year of the Tiger
- 2035: Year of the Rabbit
- 2036: Year of the Dragon
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