Chinese Lunar New Year Paper Lantern Template Free Printable
Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year with a fun and creative kids’ craft: DIY Chinese paper lanterns!
Having been born and (mostly) raised in Hawaii, a cultural melting pot, this tradition and celebration was apart of my culture growing up.
We always celebrated the Chinese New Year with firecrackers, fireworks, and get togethers with friends and family.
Nothing says fun like a simple craft with your kids that doubles as decorations. Or if you’re a teacher add it to your classroom activities!
What’s Included in this Paper Lantern Template Set
This easy-to-follow tutorial includes two free printable templates to make your own traditional adorable miniature Chinese paper lanterns.
Red Lantern Template: Ready to print and assemble for a classic Chinese New Year look.
Blank Lantern Template: A plain version you can print on red paper to save ink or let kids decorate with their own designs.
How to Make Your Own Chinese Paper Lantern
This is a simple and quick craft, but you will need a few things to get you started.
Supplies Needed
- Printable template (download below)
- Scissors
- Glue stick or double-sided tape
- Hole punch (optional)
- String or ribbon (optional)
- 80 lb cardstock (for best results)
- Battery powered votive (optional)
Note: Or for added fun, try some colorful scrapbooking paper to print them on!
Step by Step Instructions
- Print your chosen template on white or red paper.
- If using the blank template, decorate it with markers, stickers, or washi tape.
- Cut along the dotted lines and fold where indicated.
- Roll the paper into a cylinder and secure the edges with glue or tape.
- (Optional) Use a hole punch to create holes at the bottom and thread string or ribbon through to add a decorative tassel.
Optional Display Ideas: If displaying it sitting add a battery powered votive to the inside. Or hang it with string.
Other Fun Kids’ Crafts and Activities for the Chinese New Year
Looking for more ideas to keep the celebration going? Try these engaging activities:
- Chinese Zodiac Animal Masks: Craft masks representing the animals of the Chinese zodiac.
- Dragon Dance Streamers: Make colorful streamers to mimic the movements of a dragon dance.
- Red Envelope Art: Design your own red envelopes and learn about the tradition of giving “Hongbao.”
- Chinese New Year Coloring Pages: Print and color traditional Lunar New Year symbols like dragons, lanterns, and firecrackers.
- Paper Fans: Create and decorate folding fans inspired by Asian culture.
Download Your Free Printable Lantern Templates
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Chinese New Year Celebrations and Traditions
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture.
It marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar and is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and traditional practices meant to bring good luck, health, and prosperity.
Common traditions include giving red envelopes (Hongbao), lighting firecrackers, and decorating homes with red and gold symbols to ward off evil spirits.
Crafts like these paper lanterns are inspired by the traditional red lanterns that symbolize joy, vitality, and good fortune.
By making these lanterns, kids can learn about and connect with the cultural significance of this festival in a fun and hands-on way.
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