Chinese New Year is a wonderful time to introduce kids to traditions from around the world, and this cut and paste red lantern craft is a fun, hands-on way to do just that. Lanterns are one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday, and this printable paper lantern activity makes it easy for kids to explore the theme through simple paper craft and creative play. It works especially well as a January activity, whether you are learning about Lunar New Year at home, in the classroom, or as part of broader year crafts and new year crafts.
Chinese New Year Lanterns
Chinese lanterns are traditionally used during Chinese New Year celebrations to symbolize good luck, hope, and a bright future for the year ahead. Red is especially important in Chinese culture and is believed to bring happiness and ward off bad luck, which is why a red paper lantern is such a perfect fit for a Chinese New Year craft. This chinese lantern craft lets kids build their own lantern by cutting out the pieces and pasting them together, turning a cultural tradition into an easy and meaningful paper lantern craft. As they assemble the lantern template, children also get to practice fine motor skills, making it both a fun activity and a learning opportunity.
How to Use the Chinese Lantern Printable Cut and Paste Craft
To use the chinese lantern printable, simply print the template you want to use, either the color version or the black and white version. Kids can start by coloring the lantern pieces if they are using the black and white template, then carefully cut out each part of the paper lantern. Once all the pieces are cut, glue them together to build the chinese lantern, following the simple layout shown on the page. This cut and paste craft is an easy, low-prep activity that works well at home, in classrooms, or as part of a chinese new year learning theme, while also helping children practice fine motor skills through hands-on paper craft play.
Color Version Printable Chinese Lantern
The color version of this printable chinese lantern is ready to print and use straight away. Kids can cut out the pre-colored pieces and assemble their own new year lantern without worrying about choosing colors, which makes it great for younger children or group settings where time is limited.
This printable paper lantern works well as a quick chinese new year activity and looks bright and cheerful once completed. It is also a nice option if you want a finished paper chinese lantern that clearly reflects traditional red and gold lanterns.
Black and White Lantern Template
The black and white version acts as both a lantern template free and a coloring activity. Kids can color their own chinese paper lantern before cutting and pasting the pieces together, giving them more creative freedom. This paper lantern template is ideal for slightly older kids who enjoy adding their own designs and patterns, and it turns the lantern craft into a longer paper craft activity. It also works well if you want to talk about chinese lanterns while letting children personalize their own printable paper lantern.
Download the Free Chinese Lantern Printable PDF
You can download the free printable template as a PDF and print it at home or in the classroom. This lantern template free is part of a Holidays Around the World craft cut and paste bundle, making it easy to explore different cultures and celebrations throughout the year.
The bundle includes free printables designed to be simple, engaging, and easy to print, and this Chinese lantern template fits perfectly alongside other year crafts and seasonal activities, so be sure to select the correct page if you only need the Chinese lantern
Terms of use:
Whether you are planning lunar new year lessons, adding to your collection of paper lanterns, or looking for an easy printable craft for kids, this paper chinese lantern is a great addition to your craft lineup.
More Chinese New Year Crafts and Activities for Kids
If you are looking to extend the learning and fun, there are so many great chinese new year crafts and activities for kids to explore alongside this lantern craft. From paper crafts and coloring pages to simple printable activities that introduce lunar new year traditions, these ideas make it easy to build a themed activity day or week.
- Chinese New Year Shaker
- Chinese New Year Secret Code Pictures
- Roll and Color Chinese New Year Printable Activity
- Recycled TP Roll Chinese Lanterns for Chinese New Year
Pairing crafts with stories, music, or simple discussions about chinese new year traditions helps kids connect creativity with cultural learning in a way that feels fun and engaging.
If you found this chinese lantern craft helpful, please consider sharing the blog post with other parents, teachers, or homeschoolers.
Sharing helps more families discover easy, free printable crafts and supports our blog so we can continue creating new activities for kids to enjoy.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.