Chinese New Year celebrations don’t always require big gatherings or festive outings. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen right at home - surrounded by family, good food and familiar traditions. Whether you’re keeping it simple this year or just prefer a cosy celebration, there are plenty of ways to make your home feel festive, joyful and full of prosperity.

Here are 18 enjoyable things to do at home during Chinese New Year, perfect for all ages.

Top 18 Things to Do at Home During Chinese New Year

1. Enjoy a Heartwarming Reunion Dinner

A reunion dinner at home sets the tone for togetherness. Prepare traditional dishes like fish for abundance, dumplings for wealth and longevity noodles for good health. Home-cooked or catered, it’s the company that matters most.

2. Toss Your Own Lo Hei/Yusheng

Gather everyone around the table for a lively lo hei toss. Shouting auspicious phrases while tossing the ingredients brings a burst of positive energy - and a whole lot of laughter.

3. Do a Pre-CNY Spring Clean

Spring cleaning before the first day of the new year helps clear out stagnant energy. Once CNY begins, avoid sweeping to symbolically “keep the luck in.”

4. Decorate the Home for Good Luck

Turn your living space festive with lanterns, spring couplets, cherry blossoms and red décor. These touches instantly brighten the home and bring in auspicious vibes.

5. Host a Home Game Night

Games bring people together. Mahjong, poker, Chinese chess or simple carnival-style games create lively bonding moments. It’s a fun way to fill the evening with activity and cheer.

6. Give and Receive Ang Baos

Whether physical or e-ang baos, this tradition spreads blessings across generations. Children look forward to it, and adults enjoy the joy of giving.

7. Create a Chinese New Year Snack Table

Fill your home with the fragrance of festive treats like pineapple tarts, bak kwa and love letters. A snack table encourages everyone to relax, mingle and nibble throughout the day.

8. Watch CNY Movies or Variety Shows

Queue up classic comedies, family dramas or festive specials. This is a wonderful way to unwind while keeping the celebratory spirit alive.

9. Arrange Virtual Visits with Loved Ones

If some family members can’t join in person, a quick video call bridges the distance. Share greetings, smiles and a few moments of festive joy together.

10. Enjoy Simple Chinese New Year Crafts

Craft time is especially fun for younger kids. Try making lanterns, red packet decorations or zodiac animal art pieces that double as home décor.

11. Build Your Own “Tray of Togetherness”

A prosperity tray filled with sweets, nuts and dried fruits adds meaning and beauty to your home. Each item represents blessings of harmony, sweetness and abundance.

12. Do a Mini At-Home Photoshoot

Pull out your new outfits, decorate a small corner and take family photos. It’s a great way to capture memories without needing a professional setup.

13. Brew Festive Drinks & Teas

Make longan red date tea, chrysanthemum tea or fruity mocktails. These warm, comforting drinks pair well with snacks and long conversations.

14. Have a Lighthearted Fortune Reading Session

Look up zodiac predictions or lucky colours for the new year. It’s meant to be fun and always sparks lively conversations.

15. Invite a Lion Dance Performance to Your Home

A home lion dance performance brings vibrant energy and blessings straight to your doorstep. The lions enter with drum beats, perform auspicious movements and complete a cai qing (plucking the greens) to symbolise prosperity for the household.

It’s a beautiful way to:

- Bless your home with good fortune
– Welcome the new year joyfully
– Thrill children with an up-close encounter
– Create a memorable highlight for guests

Many families choose a simple blessing package with drums, lions and a short roaming session around the house.

16. Play Festive Music Throughout the Day

Chinese New Year songs bring instant joy. Soft background music keeps the home cheerful and filled with life.

17. Make Homemade Gifts or Goodies

Wrap sweets, bake butter cookies or prepare blessing bags for neighbours and visiting friends. Simple gifts carry heartfelt meaning.

18. Slow Down and Enjoy a Peaceful Reset

After the rush of preparations, take time to rest. Journal, meditate or spend a quiet morning with family. A peaceful new year is a beautiful blessing in itself.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating Chinese New Year at home doesn’t mean doing less - it simply means doing things at a pace that feels warm, meaningful and connected. From cosy meals to creative crafts and heartfelt traditions, these 18 ideas help you create a festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for bonding moments, playful activities or a calm reset to start the year, there’s something here for every family.

FAQs

1. What are some fun things to do at home during Chinese New Year?

You can enjoy a home reunion dinner, toss a lo hei, play family games, make simple crafts or set up a festive snack table. These activities keep everyone engaged and connected.

2. How do I make my home feel festive without spending too much?

Hang up red packets as decorations, place cherry blossom branches in a vase, put up spring couplets and play Chinese New Year music. Small touches create a big festive mood.

3. What games work well for home celebrations?

Easy classics like mahjong, card games, ring toss, bean bag toss or simple carnival-style booths work beautifully. They don’t take up much space and everyone can join in.

4. When should I clean the house for Chinese New Year?

Do your major cleaning before the eve or morning of CNY. Once the new year begins, avoid sweeping or mopping to keep your “good luck” inside the home.

5. How can I involve young children in the celebration?

Let them help decorate, join craft sessions, toss the lo hei, or enjoy snack-making activities. Kids love hands-on tasks, especially when the whole family participates.

6. What can I do if we can't visit relatives this year?

Plan virtual calls, send digital ang baos or share photos of your home celebration. Even from afar, these gestures keep relationships strong and festive.