Chinese New Year
Here you can find out about Chinese New Year. Discover Chinese customs, traditions and the Chinese Zodiac. You can find out your Zodiac animal, read illustrated stories and try our activities.
The Year of the Horse
The Chinese New Year of the Horse began on 17 February 2026. It is year 4724 on the Chinese Calendar.
The date of Chinese New Year varies each year and the next will be on 6 February 2027, when it will be the Year of the Goat.
What is Chinese New Year?
Find out what Chinese New Year is about, its importance as a festival in China and when it is celebrated. Here we explain how the timing of this festival is based on the phases of the moon known as the Lunar calendar.
Chinese New Year Customs
One in every six people in the world celebrate Chinese New Year. Customs vary in different parts of the world but everywhere the main idea is to remember family and wish everyone peace and prosperity in the coming year.
Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac follows a twelve year cycle, each of the years being named after an animal.
Learn about the Chinese Zodiac Animals
There are several legends about how the Chinese Zodiac animals were chosen. We have illustrated one of the most popular legends as a story for you to enjoy.
Chinese New Year Games
Chinese Dragon maths game is an ordering and sequencing numbers game based on the Chinese New Year dragon theme. It's suitable for 5-11 year olds.
Enjoy the Chinese New Year celebrations with our jigsaw puzzles for 4-9 year olds. There are four pictures to choose from and you can work with either 9, 16 or 25 pieces.
Make a Chinese Dragon
Follow our free guide to craft this brightly coloured Chinese Dragon. It uses simple materials and includes a printable template to help children make their own decoration.
