20 Chinese New Year Dragon Crafts for Kids

A beautiful collection of Chinese New Year dragon crafts for kids to make and celebrate the Lunar New Year.

This week we are going to celebrate the Lunar New Year and enter the Year of the Dragon, known for its symbolism of power, luck, and new beginnings.

Engaging in crafts, especially those themed around the Chinese dragon, offers a unique opportunity for children to dive into the Chinese culture.

You’ll find an array of dragon-inspired projects here, from simple coloring activities to more intricate creations, all designed to ignite creativity and honor this special occasion.

20 Chinese New Year Dragon Crafts for kids

What Does The Dragon Symbolize?

In Chinese culture, dragons symbolize power, strength, and good luck.

They are viewed as bringers of prosperity and harmony, playing a central role in Chinese New Year celebrations.

Dragons embody wisdom and longevity, qualities admired and aspired to.

By making Chinese dragon crafts, kids can connect to the vibrant festivities of the Lunar New Year.

20 Chinese New Year Dragon Crafts for preschoolers

Celebrate The Chinese Dragon New Year

As the Chinese New Year approaches, families can get excited about the rich cultural festivities by creating dragon-themed crafts together.

From vibrant masks to captivating paper dragons, each activity not only adds to the festive decor but also brings everyone closer through shared creativity.

Engaging in these crafts, you’ll find a special way to honor the Year of the Dragon.

Let’s explore some ideas to get started.

Chinese New Year Dragon Hat

Kick off the festive spirit by creating this enjoyable craft.

You’ll love the simple yet fun Chinese New Year dragon paper hat.

Perfect for both kids and adults to add a splash of color to.

What makes this even better?

There’s an easy-to-use paper hat printable just waiting for you.

Just grab your favorite crayons or markers and transform this template into a vibrant celebration of the Year of the Dragon.

Chinese Dragon Handprint Craft

This project uses handprints, creating a unique and personal touch to the dragon craft.

You’ll mix red and yellow construction paper to get vibrant prints that stand out.

Not only does this craft serve as a creative afternoon activity, but it also turns into a cherished keepsake.

Handprint Chinese Dragon Puppet

Grab some colorful paper and let’s get busy scissors cutting.

You’re about to make a handprint Chinese dragon puppet!

This craft not only brings out the creative play but also shines as a storytelling aid.

Imagine those vibrant handprints transforming into the scales of a Chinese dragon, becoming the star of your next story hour.

It’s simple, engaging, and a beautiful way to bring stories to life.

Paper Plate Dragon Twirler

Transform a simple paper plate into a mesmerizing twirling dragon decoration for Chinese New Year.

Start by painting the plate a vibrant red, symbolizing good fortune and joy.

Next, use the elements from the printable to add head, arms and tail.

Once decorated, hang it where it can spin freely, catching the eye with its dynamic movement.

This craft not only adds a festive touch to your home but also engages kids in the joy of creating.

Fire Breathing Chinese Dragon Craft

For a burst of festivity, try your hand at this fire breathing Chinese dragon craft.

All you need is the printable for the dragon’s head to kick things off.

With just a few colorful paper strips, you will transform the template into a magnificent dragon that seems to breathe fire.

It’s a thrilling project for kids, igniting their imagination and bringing the spirit of the Chinese New Year right into your home.

This craft not only entertains but also educates on the rich traditions of Chinese culture.

Cupcake Liner Dragon Craft

Grab your cupcake liners and let’s make a playful dragon craft.

Arrange the flattened cupcake liners and glue them onto a piece of construction paper, forming the dragon’s shape.

Children will love this craft for its straightforwardness and the ability to use their creativity in choosing colors and patterns.

It’s the perfect activity for tiny hands exploring the festivities of Chinese New Year.

Recycled Chinese Dragon Craft

Gather your paper rolls, egg cartons, and cardboard boxes to create a recycled Chinese Dragon craft with your kids.

This project not only fosters creativity but also teaches the value of recycling.

By transforming everyday materials into a colorful dragon, children learn to see potential in things around them.

This craft offers both a fun activity and a practical lesson in sustainability, making it a rich educational experience.

Paper Roll Dragon Craft

Grab some paper rolls and let’s get crafting!

By pairing these with colorful tissue paper, you can create a stunning dragon that will catch everyone’s attention.

Don’t forget to add big, colorful pom-poms and googly eyes for that extra flair.

Feel free to customize your dragon with any color or decoration you see fit.

Whether used as a decorative piece or as a character in your kids’ imaginative stories, this craft promises a fun way to engage with the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Dragon Puppet

Grab the free printable to make a fun Chinese New Year dragon puppet.

You’ll find that weaving traditional colors and designs into your creation not only pays homage to rich cultural practices but also turns this craft into an enchanting spectacle.

Kids will revel in using their hand-made puppet for parades or engaging puppet shows, bringing the story and spirit of the Chinese New Year right into your living room.

Chinese New Year Pop Up Cards

These cards aren’t just easy to make, they are beautiful and can be created for friends and family.

Consider adding messages that resonate with the spirit of the Chinese New Year.

It’s a great way to share wishes of prosperity, happiness, and health with your loved ones.

Handprint And Paper Bag Chinese Dragon Crafts

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with two imaginative crafts – a dragon made from handprints and another crafted from a simple paper bag.

For both crafts, snag the printable designs for the dragons’ heads.

These projects not only fuel your child’s imagination as they design their unique dragons but also transform into interactive toys or decorations.

Watch as your little ones breathe life into these mythical creatures, making the Lunar New Year celebration even more magical and memorable.

Easy Origami Dragon

Have you ever tried origami with your kids?

This easy origami dragon can be a first origami project for them.

This craft is not just about folding paper; it’s a wonderful way to introduce your little ones to the art of patience and precision.

As you fold each crease, you’re guiding them through a process that requires focus and careful attention to detail.

It’s a magical way to combine crafting and learning, all while celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Paper Roll Chinese Dragon Craft

Grab those paper rolls, before you toss them into the recycling bin!

Let’s put a different twist on creating a Chinese dragon.

This time, think fire – lots of red and yellow paper strips glued around the paper roll to mimic flames.

The process is simple, yet the outcome looks vibrant and full of energy.

It’s a craft that turns something as ordinary as a paper roll into a brilliant fiery dragon, perfect for adding to your Chinese New Year decorations.

Egg Carton Chinese Dragon Craft

Grab some egg carton pieces and add a lively coat of red paint.

Once they’re dry, link them up with lengths of red string.

The rough texture of the carton combined with the smooth string creates a fascinating tactile experience.

Kids will love this craft for its hands-on fun and the endless possibilities it opens up for imaginative play.

Let them lead their dragon through legendary adventures, breathing life into stories of their own making.

Paper Plate Dragon Puppet

Grab a paper plate and some paper to kick off an exciting project – a vibrant red dragon head puppet.

This simple yet engaging craft allows you to bring the dragon to life with movements and decorations that captivate the imagination.

Kids can flap its fiery red jaws or sway its head to mimic a dragon’s majestic movements.

This puppet isn’t just a craft; it’s a gateway to storytelling, letting children dive deep into the world of dragons and mythical tales.

Plus, it makes a stunning decorative item, adding a touch of Chinese New Year spirit to any room.

Chinese Dragon Puppet

Use red crepe paper to seamlessly connect the head and tail of this beautiful Chinese dragon.

For the magic touch that brings your dragon to life, attach paper straws—one at the head and another at the tail.

This simple mechanism allows you to maneuver your dragon, making it dance and leap with every tilt and twist of your hands.

Not only is this craft a fun activity for kids, but it also serves as a gentle introduction into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.

Printable Chinese Dragon Puppet

Getting ready for the Chinese New Year doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you’re involving the kids in festive preparations.

One excellent project is creating a dragon hand puppet, a craft that combines traditional symbolism with a dash of playful creativity.

You start by printing the dragon design, readily available for download.

Kids will love bringing their dragon to life with a burst of color, using crayons, markers, or even paint.

Once done, the magic unfolds as they fold their artwork to create a puppet.

It’s a straightforward process but promises hours of imaginative play.

Paper Bag Chinese Dragon Puppet

Turning a plain paper bag into a lively Chinese dragon puppet brings a delightful combination of crafting and playtime.

You start by lending the dragon its unique scales and textures with yellow paper handprints – an engaging activity that allows kids to leave a personal touch on their creation.

Children can use their puppets to enact stories, bringing to life tales of power, wisdom, and fortune associated with the Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Dragon Mask

Ready to bring the spirit of Chinese New Year right into your home?

All you need is the free printable to kick off the adventure.

Grab some markers, crayons, or paint and breathe life into the dragon mask with a spectrum of vibrant colors.

Don’t hold back—let your imagination run wild!

Once you’ve filled in the mask, why not give it an extra splash of excitement?

Cut out pieces of colorful paper and glue them around the edges for a more dramatic effect.

Wearing this mask can transform any event into a festive celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun activity, this mask becomes a symbol of joy, creativity, and the magic that is Chinese New Year.

Paper Strip Chinese Dragon Craft

This vibrant project not only celebrates the Chinese New Year but also offers a fun way for kids to enhance their fine motor skills.

You’ll be working with simple materials to bring a colorful dragon to life, creating something truly special to display or share as a gift.

Start by gathering strips of blue, red, and yellow paper.

These colors are not just visually appealing but also hold significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.

On a piece of black paper, which will serve as your canvas, you’ll begin to layout and glue down these strips to form the dragon’s body.

Why black paper, you ask?

It makes the perfect background to make your dragon’s colors pop and simulates the night sky during a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration.

Plus, the contrast helps in defining fine details, making your dragon more life-like.

As you carefully place each strip, pay attention to the overlapping and arrangement to mimic the graceful curves of a dragon’s body.

This process is more than just an arts and crafts project; it’s a valuable exercise in precision and patience.

For little hands, manipulating these strips, applying glue, and positioning them accurately on the paper are excellent ways to develop fine motor skills.

These are fundamental abilities that children use in writing, buttoning, and other daily activities.

The beauty of this craft lies in its simplicity and the depth of skill it nurtures.

Each step, from selecting the paper to the final placement, encourages decision-making, creativity, and motor skill refinement.