Topmarks Logo

Chinese New Year

Red Packets called 'Hong Bao' Here you can find out about all about Chinese New Year. Discover Chinese customs, traditions and the Chinese Zodiac. You can find out your Zodiac animal, watch our videos and try our activities.

The Year of the Dragon

The Chinese New Year of the Dragon began on 10 February 2024. It is year 4722 on the Chinese Calendar.

The date of Chinese New Year varies each year and the next will be on 29 January 2025, when it will be the Year of the Snake.

The Year of the Dragon

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.

Learn more about Chinese New Year


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.

Learn about Chinese New Year Customs

Learn about the celebrations


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

Find out which animal you are

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.

Read our Chinese Zodiac story

Read our Chinese Zodiac story

Chinese New Year Games

Chinese Dragon Game - Ordering and Sequencing Numbers 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.

Play Chinese Dragon Game now

Chinese New Year Jigsaws 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.

Play Chinese New Year Jigsaws now


Make a Chinese Dragon

Make a Chinese Dragon

To mark the Chinese New Year of the Dragon, follow our free guide to craft this brightly coloured Chinese Dragon.

Make a Chinese Dragon