Chinese New Year Activities

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year, which falls between January 21 and February 20 each year. With its roots in ancient traditions, Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and ushering in a new year filled with prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.

In 2025, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 17, and millions of people around the world will join in the festivities. The celebrations last for up to two weeks, filled with a range of exciting and meaningful activities that have been passed down through generations. From family dinners to vibrant parades, each activity during Chinese New Year is rich in symbolism and culture.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular Chinese New Year activities and explain their significance in welcoming the new year.

1. Reunion Dinner: The Heart of Chinese New Year

One of the most cherished activities during Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner held on the evening of New Year’s Eve. This meal is a time for families to come together, share a sumptuous feast, and honor their ancestors. The reunion dinner is the most important meal of the year, and no matter where family members are, they make it a priority to gather around the dinner table.

The dishes served during the reunion dinner carry significant meaning. Some of the most popular foods include:

• Dumplings (Jiaozi) – Symbolizing wealth, as their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots.
• Fish (Yú) – Representing surplus and abundance. The fish is typically served whole to symbolize completeness and prosperity.
• Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake) – A symbol of progress and growth, as the word “nian” sounds like “year,” and “gao” means “high,” suggesting improvement.
• Spring Rolls – Representing wealth, as they resemble gold bars.

The reunion dinner is not just about food but about strengthening family bonds and reflecting on the year gone by while wishing for good fortune in the year ahead.

2. Red Decorations: Welcoming Good Luck

In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, homes, businesses, and public spaces are decorated with red items to invite good luck and ward off evil spirits. Red is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, symbolizing happiness, prosperity, and protection from misfortune.

Common decorations include:

• Red Lanterns – Hung in homes and along streets, they symbolize light and the drive to dispel darkness, as well as safety and good fortune.
• Couplets – Pairs of red banners with poetic phrases or sayings that wish for happiness, prosperity, and longevity in the new year.
• Paper Cuttings – Intricate designs often depicting animals, flowers, and symbols of prosperity are placed on windows and doors.
• Fu Characters – The Chinese character “Fu” (福), meaning fortune or blessing, is commonly displayed upside down to signify that good luck has arrived.

These decorations create a festive atmosphere and reflect the hope for a prosperous and lucky new year.

3. Giving Red Envelopes (Hongbao)

One of the most exciting and anticipated traditions during Chinese New Year is the exchange of hongbao or red envelopes. These envelopes, filled with money, are given as gifts to children, unmarried adults, and employees. The red color of the envelope symbolizes luck and prosperity, while the money inside represents good fortune and blessings for the year ahead.

The amount of money given in a red envelope typically ends in an even number, as even numbers are considered lucky in Chinese culture. The number 8, in particular, is highly regarded for its association with wealth and prosperity. The act of giving hongbao helps foster positive energy and strengthens social and familial ties.

In modern times, digital hongbao have also become popular, allowing people to send virtual red envelopes with money through apps like WeChat, expanding the tradition to a broader audience.

4. Fireworks and Firecrackers: Driving Away Evil Spirits

Fireworks and firecrackers are a quintessential part of Chinese New Year celebrations. The loud sounds and bright flashes are believed to drive away evil spirits and bad luck, ensuring a fresh start for the new year. The tradition of setting off fireworks dates back to ancient China, where people used firecrackers to ward off the mythical beast “Nian,” which was said to terrorize villages during the new year.

Throughout the two-week celebration, cities and towns light up the night sky with spectacular fireworks displays. The noise, combined with the vibrant colors, creates a festive and joyful atmosphere. However, in recent years, some cities have implemented restrictions on fireworks due to safety and environmental concerns. Still, fireworks remain a central part of the Chinese New Year experience.

5. Lion and Dragon Dances: A Symbol of Good Luck

Lion and dragon dances are popular forms of traditional performance during Chinese New Year. These lively and colorful dances are performed in parades, streets, and temples to bring good luck, drive away evil spirits, and celebrate the new year with joy. The lion dance, in particular, is a favorite of both children and adults.

The dancers, dressed in elaborate lion or dragon costumes, mimic the movements of the animals to the rhythm of drums, cymbals, and gongs. The performance is often accompanied by the throwing of “lucky” red envelopes or treats to the crowd. The dragon dance, which is typically longer and requires more performers, is a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune.

In some areas, dragon and lion dance performances are a highlight of large-scale public celebrations, where both locals and tourists gather to witness the colorful spectacle.

6. Visiting Relatives and Friends: Spreading Good Wishes

Chinese New Year is a time to visit family and friends, exchange well wishes, and strengthen relationships. The first day of the new year is traditionally reserved for visiting the eldest members of the family, while the second day is often spent visiting friends and colleagues. During these visits, hosts and guests exchange greetings such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Wishing you prosperity) and “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year).

When visiting family, especially elders, it is customary to bring gifts like fruit, tea, or other symbolic offerings. The exchange of well-wishes is seen as a way of sharing joy and inviting good fortune into everyone’s lives.

7. Lantern Festival: The Grand Finale

The Lantern Festival, which takes place on the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year, marks the grand finale of the two-week celebration. This festival is celebrated with lantern displays, parades, and the traditional eating of tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings), which symbolize family unity and togetherness.

Lanterns are often beautifully crafted and come in various shapes and sizes, from traditional lanterns shaped like animals or flowers to modern, illuminated displays. In some regions, there are lantern riddles—where people try to solve riddles written on the lanterns, adding a fun and interactive element to the festival.

The Lantern Festival not only brings an end to the Chinese New Year celebrations but also marks the arrival of the full moon, symbolizing the reunion of families and the start of a new year of harmony and prosperity.

Chinese New Year is a vibrant and meaningful celebration filled with activities that reflect the culture, values, and traditions of China. From the reunion dinner to the Lantern Festival, each activity plays a significant role in welcoming the new year and sharing good fortune with loved ones. Whether you are participating in these customs with family or observing the festivities from afar, Chinese New Year is a time to embrace renewal, hope, and joy as you welcome a prosperous and happy new year.