To support the teaching of the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, we've created a collection of primary resources.
When is the Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year marks the start of a new lunar year and falls in January / February. In 2025 Lunar New Year begins on 29 January and is celebrated with gifts, fireworks and dragon and lion dances and culminates on the 15th day with a lantern festival.
In Chinese tradition, each year is represented by one of 12 different animals, which feature in the Chinese zodiac. 2025 marks the change from the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake.
School Radio: Chinese New Year Assembly pack. collection
A primary school assembly collection using a mixture of video, audio and related content to explore the Chinese New Year for KS1, KS2 and P1 - P7.
School Radio: Lunar New Year - Let's Move. collection
Let's Move is presented by Justin Fletcher and Cat Sandion (and guest presenters) and provides off-the-shelf dance resources for KS1. In this collection, Justin Fletcher has two sessions celebrating Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, with movement and dance.
Musical Storyland - The Great Race. video
A musical re-telling of the ancient legend of The Great Race, a story of how the years of the Chinese Zodiac were put in their order, is presented by Nihal Arthanayake and accompanied by members of the 91热爆 Philharmonic Orchestra.
Newsround: Lunar New Year - What you need to know. video
This Newsround video explains the story behind Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, and how it is celebrated. It also include a a quiz and a chance to find out which Lunar New Year you were born in.
Newsround: Lunar New Year - What is it and how will you be celebrating? video
In this Newsround video Zack and Leo talk about what, Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, means to them and how they'll be celebrating. It also includes a chance to find out what's your Chinese Zodiac animal.
CBeebies: Lunar New Year. collection
Abbie and her brother share their preparations and celebrations for the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, in this collection of videos from CBeebies.
