Chinese Festivals for Kids: New Year, Lanterns & More
Festivals play a very important role in Chinese culture. They are not only joyful occasions but also full of deep meanings—family, nature, the seasons, and even honoring ancestors. Through food, traditions, and symbols, Chinese festivals help children and adults feel connected to their heritage and to one another.
Let’s take a look at the most celebrated holidays in China and what makes each one so special!
Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival
The most important celebration in China is Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. It begins on the first day of the Chinese calendar, which usually falls between January and February. Families prepare weeks in advance by cleaning their homes, hanging red decorations, wearing new clothes, and cooking lucky foods like dumplings and noodles.
Children often receive red envelopes filled with money, believed to bring good fortune.
The New Year celebrations continue for 15 days and end with the Lantern Festival. On this day, people light beautiful lanterns, write riddles or puzzles on them, and enjoy family reunions. It’s a bright, colorful celebration that marks the start of a hopeful year ahead.
Dragon Boat Festival
Celebrated in June, the Dragon Boat Festival honors a famous poet named Qu Yuan. People race in long, dragon-shaped boats and eat a special food called zongzi, which is sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves. This festival is filled with excitement and a strong sense of tradition.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is also called the Moon Festival, and it usually takes place in September. Families gather together to look at the full moon, which symbolizes reunion. They eat delicious mooncakes and enjoy time outdoors. It’s a peaceful celebration that reminds people to be thankful and stay close to their loved ones.
Hungry Ghosts Festival
A lesser-known but fascinating celebration is the Hungry Ghosts Festival, often held in August or September. On this day, people believe that the spirits of deceased relatives come back to visit the living. Families light incense, leave food offerings, and perform rituals to honor their ancestors and bring peace to the spirits.
National Day of China
October 1 is National Day in China, marking the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Across the country, people celebrate with music concerts, parades, and fireworks. It’s a patriotic and festive time that reflects pride in Chinese history and culture.
Festivals + Language = Learning Through Fun
One of the best ways for children to learn about another culture is through its holidays and celebrations. Programs like Dinolingo make it easy to introduce kids to Mandarin Chinese while teaching about traditions, symbols, and stories related to Chinese festivals. With songs, videos, games, and printable materials, language learning becomes fun and meaningful.