Blog Post How to Draw & Color Chinese Lunar New Year Lanterns for Kids

How to Draw & Color Chinese Lunar New Year Lanterns for Kids

Several colorful Chinese Lanterns hung above the street.

Chinese New Year Traditions

As January comes to a close and February begins, the Chinese New Year is just beginning for Chinese and some Asian cultures! This vibrant celebration ushers in a fresh start with traditions like red money envelopes, thorough house cleaning to sweep away bad luck, and, of course, stunning lanterns. To honor this cultural celebration and bring creativity into the classroom, I’ve developed the Chinese Lunar New Year Lanterns Art Activity for Kids. This engaging How to Draw and Color Chinese Lunar New Year Lanterns Art Activity for Kids combines meaningful art concepts with the fun of designing unique, personal lanterns—a perfect way to celebrate diversity and spark artistic expression.

Watch now a mini Lesson about How to Draw & Color Chinese Lunar New Year Lanterns for Kids, then click below:

Lanterns for the Chinese Lunar New Year art lesson

The Chinese Lunar New Year is tied to the phases of the moon. It begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice, welcoming a season of gatherings, festive foods, and colorful traditions. One of the most enchanting events is the Lantern Festival, which marks the first full moon of the new year.

Chinese New Year Lantern drawing to show space and balance.

All kinds of round Lanterns with different Shapes and Colors

Did you know lanterns were originally lit by monks to honor Buddha? Over time, this tradition grew, filling streets with glowing lanterns in all shapes and sizes. Lantern riddles add an interactive element to the festivities, while the round shapes symbolize family unity, forgiveness, and peace.

Drawing of Chinese Lunar New Year Lanterns for kids that show different sizes and shapes and are colorful.

Chinese Lunar New Year Lanterns Art Activity for Kids

With the Chinese Lunar New Year Lanterns Art Activity for Kids, you can guide your students in creating their own colorful lanterns. This project makes a great hallway display to welcome the end of winter and the hopeful beginnings of spring!

The lesson includes:

  • Detailed explanations of balance and space, key art concepts to inspire creativity.
  • Printable references to simplify the drawing process for young artists.
  • Step-by-step written instructions and visuals to make teaching easy and stress-free.
  • Closure and reflection activities to help students connect personally with their artwork.

Bring the magic of the Lunar New Year into your classroom with this creative and educational activity! Celebrate culture, art, and the hope of brighter days ahead.

Check out the following posts for more art ideas:

How to Make Quiet Fireworks Arts and Crafts for Creative Kids

How to Draw a Pair of Rain Boots in a Puddle!