Jan / Feb
Chinese New Year Workshops for Schools
A new year, a new zodiac animal, a full classroom story.
Chinese New Year marks the start of the lunar calendar and is one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture, welcomed with family gatherings, lanterns, and a new zodiac animal each year. Our workshop brings the story, traditions, and celebration into your classroom with real context, not just decorations.
What pupils will learn
- The story behind Chinese New Year and the lunar calendar
- The meaning of the Chinese zodiac and which animal is being welcomed this year
- Key traditions: red envelopes, lanterns, dragon and lion dances, family reunion meals
- How Chinese New Year is celebrated in the UK's Chinese communities today
What's included
Jan / Feb
- Storytelling session on the origins of the festival and this year's zodiac animal
- Lantern-making or zodiac-themed craft activity
- Optional dragon or lion dance demonstration
- Take-home resource explaining the zodiac to share with family
Key dates
Jan / Feb
Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and typically falls in late January or February. The zodiac animal changes every year — we'll confirm both when you book.
What schools say
What schools say about our Chinese New Year workshop
“Adapted brilliantly on the day when we had to move indoors. Calm, flexible, and clearly very used to working with large groups of excited children.”
Nicola BarrettKS1 Lead, primary school in Cheltenham
Questions schools ask
Does the date change every year?
Yes, it follows the lunar calendar, so it shifts each year — we'll confirm the current date when scheduling.
What if this year's zodiac animal isn't decided yet in your materials?
We update our materials every year, so pupils always learn about the current zodiac animal.
Is there a performance element?
An optional dragon or lion dance demonstration can be added depending on availability.
Is this suitable for all key stages?
Yes, adapted from simple storytelling at EYFS/KS1 to more detailed cultural and historical discussion at KS3/KS4.
A new year, a new zodiac animal, a full classroom story.
Curriculum-linked cultural workshops and assemblies for UK primary and secondary schools.