Chinese New Year is one of my favorite times of the year; it’s all about family, joy, and togetherness.

If you’re looking for ways to make your celebration more lively, this list of some fun Chinese New Year games for family and friends is just what you need.

In this post, I’ll share simple and exciting games that anyone can play, from kids to grandparents.

You’ll find ideas for team games, quick challenges, and even a few traditional favorites. These games don’t need fancy setups, just a little space, laughter, and good company.

If you’re hosting a big party or keeping it small, these ideas will help you make lasting memories while celebrating the holiday’s spirit of connection and fun.

How to Prepare for a Fun Game Night?

When I plan a game night for Chinese New Year, I like to make sure everyone feels relaxed and ready for fun. Start by clearing enough space so people can move freely.

A few chairs around the edges keep things comfortable, but leave the center open for laughter and games.

Think about who’s playing, you’ll want a mix that suits kids, adults, and elders. Simple guessing or relay games work great for mixed ages, while trivia or quick challenges keep everyone involved.

Next, set up snacks and drinks nearby so no one has to pause the fun.

Add red and gold decorations for luck and a festive look. I also play upbeat Chinese New Year music to keep the mood lively.

A few small prizes, like lucky envelopes or candy, make the night even more exciting and memorable.

Fun Chinese New Year Ideas, Activities, and Games

These games bring laughter, connection, and a touch of tradition to your celebration. Each one is simple to set up and fun for all ages.

1. Red Envelope Treasure Hunt

This game mixes tradition with excitement and works perfectly for all ages. To play, hide red envelopes (hongbao) around your home, each filled with coins, candies, or small prizes.

Set a five-minute timer and let everyone start the hunt at once. Whoever collects the most envelopes wins a bonus prize or an extra lucky envelope.

You’ll need at least three players, but larger groups make it more fun.

Add one special “golden envelope” for a big reward to keep everyone alert and engaged throughout the game.

2. Zodiac Animal Match

This game is a fun way to learn about Chinese zodiac signs while playing together. Write the 12 zodiac animals on one set of cards and their traits or years on another.

Mix them up and spread them out on a table. Players take turns flipping two cards to find matching pairs.

The player with the most matches wins. You’ll need 2 to 6 players for this activity.

It’s a simple yet engaging game that encourages learning, laughter, and a few surprises as players discover their zodiac traits.

3. Chopstick Challenge

The Chopstick Challenge adds laughter and energy to any Chinese New Year gathering.

To play, place small items like marbles, beans, or candy pieces in a bowl. Give each player a pair of chopsticks and an empty bowl.

Set a one-minute timer and see who can transfer the most items without dropping them.

This game is best with 2 to 4 players competing at once. It’s a quick and funny challenge that tests hand-eye coordination and brings out friendly competition among players of all ages.

If you want to watch how to play, check out the video below by Cooking with The Crazy Pop.

4. Lantern Crafting

Lantern Crafting is a relaxing and creative activity that adds to your festive décor.

Gather red and gold paper, scissors, glue, and string, and guide everyone in folding and cutting paper into lantern shapes. Once finished, hang them around your space for a warm, festive glow.

This works well for 3 to 5 players or families crafting together.

It’s a calm and enjoyable way to decorate while letting kids and adults show their creativity and celebrate the spirit of the Chinese New Year.

If you want to see how to make one, check out the video below by Welcome To Nana’s, it shows an easy way to create colorful paper lanterns at home.

5. Chinese Calligraphy Tryout

Chinese Calligraphy Tryout lets you connect with one of the oldest art forms in Chinese culture. Set up a small station with brushes, ink, and white paper.

Teach simple words like “fu” (luck) or “he” (peace) and let everyone try writing them.

You can make it more fun by turning it into a friendly contest for the neatest writing.

This activity works for 2 to 4 players at a time and helps everyone slow down, focus, and appreciate the beauty of Chinese traditions.

If you want to see how to make your setup or write the characters correctly, watch the video below by Learn Chinese Now, it shows easy steps to start your first calligraphy practice.

6. Fortune Telling Game

The Fortune Telling Game adds mystery and laughter to your celebration. Write fun fortunes or lucky messages on small slips of paper and place them inside red envelopes or fortune cookies.

Players take turns drawing one and reading it aloud. You’ll need at least three players for the best experience.

You can mix traditional sayings like “Good luck will follow you this year” with funny ones to keep the mood light. It’s a simple game that reminds everyone of the hopes and blessings tied to the Chinese New Year.

If you want to see how to make one, watch the video below by PPO for a quick guide.

7. Chinese New Year Bingo

This game puts a festive spin on classic bingo. Create bingo cards featuring Chinese New Year icons like dragons, lanterns, dumplings, and fireworks.

Prepare matching image cards to call out. As each image is shown, players mark it on their card.

The first to complete a row shouts “Happy New Year!” and wins a small prize.

You’ll need 3 to 8 players for this game. It’s colorful, easy to set up, and great for keeping both kids and adults entertained.

If you want to see how to playthis game, then watch the video below by ShaoLan: Chineasy & Lifeasy.

8. Guess the Zodiac Year

This game is perfect for testing everyone’s knowledge of Chinese zodiac signs.

Write short clues about zodiac animals, for example, “I’m brave and known for my roar.” Players take turns guessing which animal fits the clue.

Each correct answer earns a point, and the person with the highest score wins. You can play this with 4 or more players.

It’s an educational and lighthearted way to help kids and adults learn about zodiac symbols while keeping everyone laughing and engaged.

9. Paper Cutting Contest

Paper Cutting is a beautiful and traditional way to bring art into your celebration.

Give each participant red paper, scissors, and pattern templates. Set a timer for 10 minutes and see who can make the most detailed or creative design.

Display the finished pieces on windows or walls. You’ll need 2 to 5 players for this activity.

It’s a peaceful, hands-on game that lets everyone express creativity while honoring one of the oldest Chinese art forms.

If you want to watch how to make one, see the video below by Walters Art Museum.

10. Dumpling Making Race

This lively game turns a favorite New Year tradition into a fun challenge. Set up a table with dumpling wrappers, fillings, and small bowls of water.

Players race to make as many neat dumplings as possible within five minutes.

The winner is the one with the most well-shaped dumplings.

It’s best with 3 to 6 players working side by side. This activity combines teamwork, laughter, and delicious results, perfect for bonding while keeping the Chinese New Year spirit alive.

If you want to see how to play the Dumpling Challenge and wrap dumplings like a pro, watch the video by Temple University for quick and easy steps.

11. Trivia Game

The Trivia Game brings energy and excitement to any Chinese New Year celebration. Prepare 10 to 15 questions that cover fun facts about the zodiac animals, traditional foods, and common customs.

You can divide everyone into small teams or let players compete individually.

Each correct answer earns one point, and the person or team with the most points wins a small prize.

You’ll need at least three players, but it’s more fun with larger groups. This game is fun for all ages and teaches Chinese culture playfully.

If you want to see some trivia game questions with thier answers, then check out this video.

12. Dragon Dance Relay

The Dragon Dance Relay is one of the liveliest games for big family gatherings. Use a long cloth or blanket to form a dragon, and have each team line up while holding onto it.

The first person becomes the dragon’s head, leading the team from one side of the room to the other.

Everyone must move together; if the line breaks, they start over. You’ll need six or more players. The first team to finish without breaking formation wins.

This game captures the festive spirit and gets everyone laughing as they try to stay in rhythm.

13. Lucky Draw Game

The Lucky Draw Game adds suspense and joy to your New Year gathering. Write fun prizes, lucky fortunes, or small challenges on pieces of paper, then seal them inside red envelopes.

Put the envelopes in a bowl for players to pick. Some win candy or coins, others perform a task or share a wish.

You’ll need three or more players for this activity. It’s lighthearted, easy to organize, and perfect for both kids and adults.

The mix of laughter, luck, and surprises makes it a must-have at any Chinese New Year celebration.

14. Lantern Riddle Guessing

Lantern Riddle Guessing is a beloved Chinese New Year tradition that combines fun and learning. Write short riddles or clues on paper and attach them to lanterns around the room or garden.

Guests walk around, read the riddles, and try to solve them. The first person to guess correctly wins a prize.

You’ll need four to eight players, though more can join in easily. This activity encourages thinking and laughter, making it a perfect indoor game after dinner.

It’s also a great way to teach kids about an old custom that celebrates curiosity and wisdom.

If you want to learn more about the Lantern Festival and the meaning behind lantern riddles, check out this video by Skritter:

15. Photo Booth Fun

Photo Booth Fun is the perfect way to capture memories from your Chinese New Year party. Choose a wall or corner and decorate it with red and gold fabrics, lanterns, and fairy lights.

Set out props like fans, dragon masks, red envelopes, and banners with festive sayings.

Let everyone take turns posing for fun photos alone or with loved ones. This works well for any group size, from small families to big gatherings.

You can also hold a contest for the funniest photo. It’s simple to set up, adds laughter, and leaves everyone with great memories.

Adding a Cultural Twist to the Fun

Adding a cultural twist makes every game more meaningful and festive. You can mix fun with tradition and help everyone feel connected to the spirit of the Chinese New Year.

• Use red envelopes (hongbao): Give small prizes or lucky money in red envelopes to make every win feel festive.
• Add zodiac themes: Create games around the 12 Chinese zodiac animals; for example, match traits or guess the zodiac year.
• Include lucky symbols: Decorate with red, gold, and lanterns. Use lucky numbers like 6, 8, or 9 for scorekeeping.
• Try quiz or storytelling games: Ask questions about Chinese New Year customs or share short stories about family traditions.
• Invite family sharing: Let elders talk about past celebrations or explain old customs. It keeps traditions alive and brings everyone closer.

Conclusion

• Summarize the joy of celebrating with games and loved ones.

• Encourage readers to blend fun with tradition.

• End with a warm note inviting families to create new memories this New Year.