What to do with the kids over Chinese New Year - 1

Chinese New Year 2025: Dates & CNY Events For Families In Hong Kong

Danielle Roberts — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 22:00:50 +0000

Here’s everything you need to know about welcoming the Year of the Snake in 2025 and all the Chinese New Year events to check out with your family in Hong Kong!

Chinese New Year is the Hong Kong’s most significant holiday and a great opportunity to experienced a traditional celebration with family. Previous years have seen streets decorated with CNY lanterns, dragon and lion dances, plus abundant Lunar New Year feast to be shared with loved ones.

2025 festivities promise to be bigger than ever. We’ve gathered all the info you’ll need on popular Chinese New Year customs and traditions in Hong Kong. Looking forward to welcoming The Year of the Snake!

Jump To:
When Is Chinese New Year?
Origins Of Chinese New Year
How To Celebrate Chinese New Year In Hong Kong
Family-Friendly Chinese New Year Events In Hong Kong
Chinese New Year Food

When Is Chinese New Year In 2025?

Following the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year usually takes place in either January or February. Traditionally, this festival used to take place over fifteen days but, in the modern working world, only three days are given in Hong Kong as public holidays. However, many festivities and traditions still carry on past this three-day holiday.

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday, 29 January 2024.

Chinese New Year is a time meant to be spent with family. It almost always records one of the largest human migrations in the world!

Origins Of Chinese New Year — The Spring Festival

Chinese New Year is believed to have originated in agrarian society from when farmers used to pray for success in the coming farming season, which is why the celebration is also known as the Spring Festival. Legend has it that a monster named Nian would come to the villages once a year and eat children and livestock and that the only way to banish it was with red decorations and plenty of loud noise. Fireworks and lion and dragon dances are some of the colourful and loud traditional displays that are still seen today.

The Chinese Zodiac — Welcome to the Year of the Snake

While the origins of this tradition aren’t certain, the zodiac has been a part of the Chinese calendar and new year since around the Tang dynasty (618 to 907 AD). The zodiac follows a 12-year cycle with each Chinese New Year representing a different animal. 2025 is the Year of the Snake. The (lunar) year when you are born determines what animal you’re associated with.

Similar to Western astrology, each animal attribution has its personality traits and will have different levels of luck depending on what year of the zodiac it is. Contrary to popular belief, the year of your zodiac is considered bad luck, so if you were born in the Year of the Snake you should take extra care to protect yourself from bad spirits this year! This can be done by wearing lots of red clothes.

How To Celebrate Chinese New Year In Hong Kong

Before the new year, locals clean out their homes and get haircuts as it is considered bad luck to do either of these activities during the time of the New Year. Then, on New Year’s Eve, families will gather for a special reunion dinner (nian ye fan, 團圓飯). Traditionally this dinner is meant to be held at the most senior family member’s home, but in modern times these dinners are often held wherever convenient (or at a family-friendly restaurant). During the first two days of Chinese New Year, families will visit each other and have large dinners, often wearing brand new clothes. Families will also take this time to visit temples to seek out blessings and luck for the coming year.

Sightsee the Chinese New Year Decorations

Just before the new year, families and businesses will start to decorate their homes with fai chun (揮春). These are bright red and golden banners and décor that contain sayings of luck and prosperity. Traditionally, fai chun used to be hand-painted but now you can easily find this décor just about anywhere in Hong Kong.

Many shopping malls around Hong Kong will have fabulous Lunar New Year decorations, and there is often a lovely lantern display near the clocktower at Tsim Sha Tsui.

Head To The Chinese New Year Flower Markets

The Hong Kong flower markets that pop up in Victoria Park and other locations around the city are back for 2024 for you to get your flower fix. You’ll see florists and nurseries overflowing at this time of year and a stroll through the Mong Kok flower markets can make for a lovely day out with the kids.

Some popular plants to decorate your home to welcome the new year include:

Kumquat or mandarin trees – Wealth and good luck
Orchids – Elegance and fertility
Lucky bamboo – Good fortune and happiness
Peach blossoms – Growth and prosperity

Exchange Chinese New Year Lai See (利市) packets

Children and adults who are unmarried will receive lai see (利市) packets, which translate as “lucky money” from family and friends. These little red envelopes contain money, often newly issued and never in unlucky denominations. The number four, for example, is – sei 四 – which is also the homophone for death – sei (死), so definitely not a lucky number!

Lai see is also given by bosses to employees, and married couples will also give lai see to those who provide them with a daily service like a doorman, security guard or a cashier at the supermarket.

Family-Friendly Chinese New Year Events In Hong Kong

If you’re looking for fun activities to do with the kids during Chinese New Year, check out these events taking place in 2025.

Lion Dances – Chinese New Year event held at various locations across Hong Kong

The lion dance is said to chase away evil spirits and usher in good luck and prosperity. The lion dance often has a common traditional element that takes place called “picking the greens” (採青). Oranges, tangerines or more often lettuce, as it sounds like a lucky word in Chinese (meaning to create wealth), are offered to the lion. Attached to the lettuce is a lai see red packet containing money. This is offered to the lion, who will then act curious and cat-like around it before taking the offering in his mouth. The lion will keep the lai see packet and spit out the greens and it is said that those who catch the greens will have exceptionally good fortune that year.

A few places to catch lion dances include:

AIRSIDE, 8 February 2025
Ngong Ping Village, 27 January to 31 January 2025
Lee Tung Avenue, 29 January to 1 February 2025
Citygate Outlets, 12 February 2025
The Peninsula Hong Kong, 29 January and 1 February 2025

2025 Cathay International CNY Night Parade

Experience the lively Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui area, featuring dazzling floats and talented performers. The parade will start at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and proceed along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, finishing off at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers. Tickets for spectator stands are sold out but if you arrive early, there will be free viewing spots along the parade route. Find more information here.

Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival – Chinese New Year event in Tai Po

This event takes place in Lam Tsuen, New Territories, with festivities taking place over the entire fifteen days of the new year. To partake in this custom, you just have to write a wish attached to a string, with an orange on the other end. You then throw the wish and orange up into the tree. You can also release a wishing lantern at the nearby river to participate in the carnival. This custom and carnival is great fun with kids!

Lantern Festival – Chinese New Year event signifying the end of the celebrations

The last day of Chinese New Year, the 15th day, is called the Lantern Festival (jyun siu zit, 元宵節). This year the Lantern Festival falls on Wednesday, 12 February 2025. Illuminating lanterns is a way of wishing a good start to the new year. Hong Kong holds beautiful Lantern Festivals in a few different spots during the time of Chinese New Year, with the main one in Tsim Sha Tsui. The Lantern Festival is also the equivalent of Valentine’s Day in the West so couples will often spend time together and go on dates.

Food To Savour During Chinese New Year

Food is an essential part of Chinese New Year. When families get together for their New Year dinners, trays of togetherness (cyun hap 全盒), or candy boxes, are brought out. These trays are circular and contain a lucky number of compartments within them, such as six or eight. Traditionally, these trays contain dried fruits, nuts and seeds but many modern ones now include sweets and chocolates. The tray of togetherness is never supposed to be empty during the new year!

Other important New Year dishes include:

Rice cake (nin gou 年糕) – A sweet and sticky treat that literally translates to “new year cake”
Turnip cakes (lok bak go 蘿蔔糕) – A savoury dish that is actually made from daikon, which is a Chinese radish rather than a turnip
Glutinous sweet rice balls (tang yuan 湯圓) – Being served in a bowl of sweet syrup is significant as the name is a homophone for “union”
Poon choi (盆菜) – A traditional Hong Kong dish also known as “basin dish” which originated in the New Territories sometime in the 7^thCentury. Villagers would bring meat and seafood all to be cooked in one pot and shared with the community. The food is arranged so that the delicacies sit on top. Poon Choi can now be eaten just about anywhere in Hong Kong from high-end Michelin-star restaurants to fast food.

Editor’s Note: “Chinese New Year In Hong Kong: Welcome The Year Of The Snake” was most recently updated in January 2025 by Sassy Mama.

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Where To Shop Cheongsam And Qipao For Mums And Kids In Hong Kong

Sassy Mama — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:00:41 +0000

Shopping for a Cheongsam or Qipao for Chinese New Year? These are the best places to buy off-the-rack or tailor-made cheongsams, qipaos and traditional Chinese jackets for you and your littlies in Hong Kong.

We can’t wait for the Chinese New Year celebrations! Embrace the local tradition and add a cheongsam or qipao to your party wardrobe. Whether you’re in the market for a modern interpretation, or going all out to have your Chinese dress tailor-made, here are some of the best places, including some local style brands, to get a cheongsam or qipao for you and the kids right here in the city. Dress to impress and welcome the Year of the Snake in style!

Yi-ming – Traditional Cantonese cheongsams and qipao alongside new, modern designs

Yi-ming is a lifestyle brand that’s got the best of East-meets-West fashion. You’ll find unisex oriental jackets, cheongsams and qipaos for little girls, and a Disney-inspired collection for kids and mamas! They’ve even got maternity qipaos for mamas-to-be.

Yi-ming, 50A, Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (Entrance on Tai Ping Shan Street), 3111 2268, www.yi-ming.asia

Qipology – Knitted qipaos for cold weather

If you’re looking to get your Qipaos tailor-made, Qipology can help. It also has knitted qipao dresses, capes and cardigans (perfect for the cold weather) on the rack. You’ll love seeing your little ones frolic in adorable tweed jackets and tulle qipao dresses.

Qipology, H310, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, 6061 4074, www.qipology.com

Sparkle Collection – High-street cheongsams with a western twist

Founded by Hong Kong-born and raised Karen Chan, Sparkle Collection offers the most trendy East-meets-West modern cheongsam designs. This year’s collection pays tribute to historical Hong Kong by transforming classic everyday items from the streets of the past century into modern, vibrant pop-art designs featuring bold neon colors.

Sparkle Collection, various locations across Hong Kong, 2773 5196, www.sparklecollection.co

Doppio”s – Affordable Chinese New Year qipaos and Mandarin collar shirts for kids

Doppio”s has super affordable Chinese New Year fashion for kids including Tang jackets, fleece sweatshirts with Chinese traditional prints, lace dresses with Mandarin collars and more. It also offers butterfly clips, Chinese-style tassel headbands and other festive-themed accessories for children.

Doppio”s, WhatsApp: 5119 9851, www.doppios-hk.com

The Elly Store – Matching qipaos and traditional Chinese outfits for the whole family

If you’re looking to shop for traditional Chinese clothing for the whole family, The Elly Store won’t disappoint. It has the cutest CNY outfits for everyone with various themes including Disney, floral, lanterns, zodiac and more. Plus, think of all the family photos you could take!

The Elly Store, www.theellystore.com

Shanghai Tang – Reversible silk jackets for kids and silk qipaos for women and girls

With gorgeous silk-cotton qipaos and traditional Jacquard reversible silk jackets for kids, to stunning mini and maxi-length qipaos for mamas, you’ll get quality (with the price tag to match) at Shanghai Tang. Take a look at the Year of the Snake collection that pays a contemporary tribute to the traditional Chinese knot, along with garments that showcase snake scale-inspired tweed designs.

Shanghai Tang, various locations across Hong Kong, www.shanghaitang.com

Yue Hwa Chinese Products – Traditional Chinese clothing including cheongsams and qipaos

It’s worth making time to browse this superstore in Kowloon. It has all sorts of great gift ideas, especially for visitors to Hong Kong – Buddha statues, jade jewelry, cheongsams and qipao for you and your cheeky cherub.

Yue Hwa Chinese Products, 301-309 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3511 2222, www.yuehwa.com

Linva Tailor – Traditional tailor of Chinese cheongsam dresses since 1965

Linva Tailor is one of the most well-known tailors of traditional Chinese cheongsams in Hong Kong. Here you’ll find a selection of pre-made dresses to choose from for you and your little one. It takes anywhere from one to two months to make, so make sure you book an appointment early!

Linva Tailor, 38 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2544 2456, www.facebook.com/linvatailor

SAU LEE – Sophisticated and modern cheongsams in Hong Kong

This Hong Kong-based brand exudes style and sophistication. It offers modern cheongsams for mamas and teens, we’re talking pencil-cut dresses made with Chinese jacquard, faux leather mini dresses and crop tops with Mandarin collars and frog buttons.

SAU LEE, www.sau-lee.com

Cammie Chan Cheongsam (CCC) – Sustainable cheongsam designs in Hong Kong

Founded in 2016 Cammie Chan Cheongsam, offers pre-owned items at discounted prices, as well as founder Cammie’s own designs. You can find cheongsams for both kids and adults, along with Chinese-style tops, accessories (including a cheongsam apron!), and custom-made pieces. All the net proceeds from purchases go to the Arts with the Disabled Association, a charity organization dedicated to making art accessible to people with disabilities.

Cammie Chan Cheongsam (CCC), Unit CL127-CL128, CL/F, Lee Wang Building, 133-134 Connaught Road West, Hong Kong, www.cammiechancheongsam.com

More Places To Get A Cheongsam Or Qipao In Hong Kong

Yan Shang Kee – Qipao rental in Central. www.yanshangkee.hk
G.O.D. – Modern take on traditional Chinese qipao dress. www.god.com.hk
Vintage – Affordable qipaos and DIY jewellery. www.vintagehk.shop
Stanley Market – Bargain your way to a cheongsam or qipao in Hong Kong. www.hk-stanley-market.com
Ha Ha Ha Florist – While this is a florist first and foremost, it also makes floral patterned cheongsams! www.hahahaflorist.com
Etsy – A wide range of cheongsam and qipao dresses for women and kids. www.etsy.com
Olivia Couture – Based in Causeway Bay, these qipaos are definitely on the pricy side but beautiful nonetheless. www.oliviacouture.com
Retykle – Why shop for something new when you can find a pre-loved CNY outfit? www.retykle.com
Ganaskids – Offers Chinese New Year bodysuits for littles. www.ganaskids.com
Cotton On – While no cheongsams are here, it offers a great range of kids’ Lunar New Year fashion. www.cottonon.com

Editor’s Note: “Where To Shop Cheongsam And Qipao For Mums And Kids” was updated in January 2025 by Sassy Mama.

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The Etiquette Of Giving Lai See And Red Packets In Hong Kong

Sassy Mama — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 22:00:54 +0000

Chinese New Year is upon us and that means red packets need to be given (and received!). Our kids might be eagerly anticipating their lai see, but as parents, making sure to follow proper lai see etiquette can be fraught. Sassy Mama’s got you covered with all your red packet do’s and don’ts.

Whether you call them lai see, red packets, or red envelopes (or go for the traditional term, Hongbao), you’ll need to know the rules around this Chinese New Year tradition. These little envelopes are usually red (for luck) and contain money. It’s a time when kids can use their lai see money to save up for something they truly want, and a time for adults to bless those younger, or someone who offers a service, with luck, happiness and good fortune. Read through our handy guide and get clued up on your lai see etiquette.

Lai See Red Packet Traditions In Hong Kong

The tradition of lai see giving is carried out by married individuals and elders as a symbol of well-wishing and to bring good luck to juniors and unmarried singles. However, because giving lai see depends on hierarchy, red packets can also be handed out from “big to small”, “old to young”, and “senior to junior”.

So, for instance, you can have an unmarried boss hand out red envelopes to his or her older, married helpers. The amount of lai see given in red packets is largely dependent on the closeness of the relationship between the giver and receiver.

Red Packets And Lai See For Service Providers

Helpers and secretaries receive a larger amount in their red packets as they are your immediate employees. It’s not uncommon to provide a token lai see to helpers of friends who often spend time with your children on playdates. For services you frequently use or go to, such as building staff (security guards, doormen, club staff, etc.), a token amount in a red packet will do. You may choose to give a higher lai see amount to someone dedicated to your building and less in your red envelopes to those who are shared across the whole complex.

It’s always good to carry spare red packets containing $20 in your bag, so you can hand the lai see out to miscellaneous service staff like waiters, those who help you find cabs at hotels, etc.

Giving Red Packets — More Hong Kong Lai See Etiquette

Never give money in odd numbers (it’s associated with funerals). Start with red packets containing $10 and work upwards in multiples of 10. Some people even choose to give multiple red envelopes at a time, so if you want to give $60, you could give three lai see with $20 each.
Never give coins. Most people prefer to give red packets containing new banknotes, which is why you see long lines outside banks, starting two weeks before CNY.
As you may have noticed in lifts and even with the numbering of buildings, numbers ending in four are considered unlucky. So you would never give $14 or $24 in red envelopes. However, if you have followed the no-coins rule, there is no risk of going wrong here, just avoid lai see with $40 or $400.
When giving, express your blessings and well wishes to the receiver. Don’t forget to give your lai see with both hands as this is regarded as a sign of courtesy. The right moment to give your red packets is normally when you arrive at a host’s place or greet someone, not while leaving. Never let children give out lai see to older folk or service staff, as this is considered insulting.
Just as while giving, receive your red packet (and teach your children to, as well) with both hands as a sign of courtesy. It is also impolite to open the red envelope immediately to check the lai see amount in front of the giver. If your little one has got lai see from one of your friends and you plan to give her child a red packet as well, wait for a moment, so it doesn’t look like an exchange.

Chinese Red Packets — What To Say When Giving Lai See

If you are a teacher, you can say Hok Yip Jun Bo (wishing for academic improvement), or another generic blessing for anyone is Sun Tai Kin Hong (wishing for good health).

Of course, the most common blessing when giving red packets, and a greeting that you will hear throughout the holiday is Kung Hei Fat Choy (good wishes, good fortune).

Lai See — How Much To Give In A Red Packet?

How much to give in a red packet is completely dependent on individual relationships as well as each family’s financial situation. Immediate family members are typically given the most generous red packet amounts, followed by close relatives and friends, then distant friends and children of acquaintances and so on.

Also, when giving lai see to children, it makes sense to give older children (who are responsible for their own savings, pocket money and spending) a higher amount in their red packets than a child who wouldn’t know the difference between two numbers anyway!

Now that you know exactly how to lai see like a local, from all of us at Sassy Mama, Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Editor’s note: “The Etiquette Of Giving Lai See And Red Packets In Hong Kong” was originally published by Anita Balagopalan and most recently updated in January 2025 by Veena Raghunath. With thanks to Jess Mizz for her contribution.

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Chinese New Year Camps: 2025 CNY School Holiday Camps in Hong Kong

Sassy Mama — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 22:00:56 +0000

Chinese New Year camps are an excellent opportunity for kids to join workshops and develop lifelong skills while trying something new! If you’re looking to enrol your child in a CNY camp during the next round of school holidays, here are our top picks for 2025 CNY camps in Hong Kong.

The Year Of The Snake is almost here! For kids, that means the Chinese New Year school holidays and for us parents, it means finding ways to keep the kids occupied so that we can enjoy a bit of downtime. Whether you’re looking for multi-activity, sports, performing arts or STEM camps, we’ve found the most entertaining and educational Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday camps in Hong Kong for children of all ages.

Editor’s Note: We will update this article with new Chinese New Year camps as more information becomes available. Bookmark this page and check back in!

Jump To:
Multi-Activity
Academic
Adventure & Outdoor
Arts & Creative
Coding, Science & STEM
Dance, Drama, Music
Languages
Sports & Swimming

Read More: Extracurricular Activities In Hong Kong – After-School Classes For Kids

Multi-Activity Chinese New Year Camps

ESF Explore Camps – Festive, Activity-Based Chinese New Year Camps

Kick off the Year of the Snake with ESF Explore’s vibrant Chinese New Year camps, perfect for children aged 6 months to 8 years. Set across two convenient campuses in Wan Chai and Ho Man Tin, these hour-long workshops and week-long, themed programmes blend festive fun with skill-building activities. Little ones can dive into sensory play workshops with sparkling scales and gooey slime, while older kids will discover the magic of Chinese traditions through creative storytelling, drama and art. For sporty adventurers, multi-sports sessions focus on teamwork, agility and ball skills – all taught in a fun and engaging way. Flexible scheduling and parent taster sessions make these camps a brilliant opportunity to explore ESF’s unique offerings before committing to regular courses.

Use code ESF_SM5 to enjoy a 5% discount on all ESF Explore programmes! Plus use the Refer-a-Friend scheme, allowing current, former and new students to receive a $200 credit voucher on verification! Offer valid until 31 August 2025.

When: 20 January to 9 February, 2025 (enrol by the week)
Where: 2/F, Prime Mansion, 183-187 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; 2/F, The Jockey Club Sarah Roe Centre, 2A Tin Kwong Road, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong
How Much: Workshops start from $200; Week-long programmes start from $900
Contact: 2711 1280; info@esfexplore.org.hk; www.esfexplore.org.hk

More Multi-Activity Chinese New Year Camps

Move For Life – Dance, sports, arts and crafts, free play and sensory activities for kids from 2 to 12 years old. www.moveforlife.asia
YWCA – Wide variety of multi-activity Chinese New Year camps. www.clle.ywca.org.hk
ActiveKids – Chinese New Year camps offering robotics, chef skills, arts and crafts and more. www.activekidshk.com/cny-camps-2024

Academic Chinese New Year Camps

Debate Hong Kong – Debate and public speaking Chinese New Year camp in Hong Kong

Debate Hong Kong provides intensive week-long programmes to take your child’s debating and public speaking game to the next level.

Editor’s Note: You’ll have to get in touch with Debate Hong Kong via the website contact form for details about the dates, locations and prices of the Chinese New Year camps.

Contact: WhatsApp: 5536 2528, 1502, Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, www.debatehk.com

Adventure & Outdoor Adventure Chinese New Year Camps

The Backyard Gang – Outdoor adventure kids’ camp for Chinese New Year

Offering holiday adventures for kids, The Backyard Gang will keep your kids busy with loads of activities, games and socialising with new friends.

When: 27 to 28 January, 2025
Where: South Bay, South Bay Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
How Much: $1,290 per child
Contact: Check out more details on the holiday camps here

More Adventure & Outdoor Adventure CNY Camps

Ark Eden – Chinese New Year forest camps for kids from 5 to 11 years old. www.arkedenonlantau.org
Hong Kong Forest Adventures – Forest school CNY camps featuring cooking, arts and crafts, games, camping and more. www.hongkongforestadventures.com

Arts & Creative Chinese New Year Camps

Banana Art Club – Art-focused CNY camps for kids in Hong Kong

This art school offers painting, drawing, sketching, Chinese art and 3D sculpture workshops so you are sure to find something suitable for your little one.

Age: 3 years and up
When: 13 January to 21 February, 2025
Where: Banana Art Club, Flat 49, 14/F, Eton Tower, 8 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How Much: From $520 per two-hour class; from $750 per three-hour class
Contact: WhatsApp: 6020 5476, www.bananaartclub.com

More Arts & Creative Chinese New Year Camps

Faust – Drama, writing and performance art Chinese New Year workshops. www.faustworld.com
Babel – Film and media Chinese New Year camps. www.babel.com.hk

Coding, Science And STEM Chinese New Year Camps

Growing IQ – Mathtastic CNY Camp in Hong Kong

In this 3-day camp, kids will participate in learning Maths concepts through CNY-themed activities.

Age: 2.5 to 10 years
When: 27 January to 7 February, 2025
Where: 4/F, China Hong Kong Tower, 8-12 Hennessy Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong
How Much: From $1,500 per week
Contact: 2323 9899, www.growingiq.com.hk

More Coding, Science And STEM Chinese New Year Camps

Newtonshow – Holiday camp from Singapore offering science camps for 3 to 12-year-old kids in Hong Kong. www.newtonshow.hk
The Genius Workshop — STEM holiday camps with dates to be announced soon. www.g-workshop.com

Dance, Drama And Music Chinese New Year Camps

Ballroom Bees – Private dance classes for children. www.ballroombees.com

Languages CNY Camps

The C Club – Chinese New Year festival calligraphy, cooking workshops and more

If your child has an interest in Chinese calligraphy, enrol them at The C Club this Chinese New Year. It also offers cooking, art, drama, STEM classes and more.

Sassy Mama Tip: Enrol and pay before 11 January, 2025 for 5% discount!

Age: 4.5 to 10 years old
When: 27 January, 28 January, 2025; 3 to 7 February, 2025; 9am to 3pm
Where: The C Club at Southside, Unit 1702, 17/F, M Place, 54 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong
How Much: Starting from $950; varies by the number of sessions
Contact: 3427 9619, WhatsApp: 6505 0150, www.thecclub.com.hk

More Languages Chinese New Year Camps

JEMS — Character-building workshops for children aged 3 to 12 years old, stay tuned for 2024 CNY camps info. www.jems.com.hk

Sports & Swimming Chinese New Year Camps In Hong Kong

Rugbytots Hong Kong – Exciting sports adventure Chinese New Year camps

More Sports & Swimming CNY Camps

Australasia Tennis Aces – Chinese New Year tennis camp catering to all levels of experience. www.atatennisaces.com
Kinder Kicks – Multi-sport activities for kids, 2024 CNY Camps schedule will be announced soon. www.kinderkicks.hk.

Editor’s Note: “Chinese New Year Camps: 2025 CNY School Holiday Camps” in Hong Kong was most recently updated in January 2025 by Anna lentchner.

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Hong Kong’s First UNESCO-Awarded Hotel Welcomes The Year Of The Dragon

Sassy Mama — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 22:00:17 +0000

Embark on an auspicious journey into the Lunar New Year at Hong Kong’s first UNESCO-awarded hotel. Here’s what you can expect…

If you’re looking to celebrate Chinese New Year in a unique and picturesque setting, you’re not going to want to miss the traditional festivities at Tai O Heritage Hotel. Dating back to 1902, the building was formerly the Tai O Police Station. It was then revitalised into the remarkable Tai O Heritage Hotel that stands today, complete with colonial-style rooms, a Heritage Interpretation Centre, and a breathtaking open-view restaurant. This year, its Lunar New Year festivities will take place on Saturday, 17 and Sunday, 18 February 2024 and promise a ton of fun for families.

Lunar New Year Art Installation At Tai O Heritage Hotel

To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, Tai O Heritage Hotel has collaborated with Tai O artist, Mr. Stanley Wong, and a team of volunteers to create a captivating Lunar New Year art installation. This artistic work beautifully blends the essence of the festival with the charm of Tai O. After all, there’s no better way to welcome the New Year than to immerse yourself in an artistic expression of Chinese culture.

Cuisine featuring Tai O ingredients, Docent Tours And More Offers

Tai O Lookout’s special Tai O Kung Hei Fat Choy set menu, loaded with Tai O indigenous flavours and priced at $338 for two persons, features traditional Chinese delicacies such as Tai O Lo Hei (Prosperity Toss), Steamed Lotus Leaf-Wrapped Fried Rice with Abalone, Pan-Fried Turnip Pudding with Tai O Dried Shrimp XO Sauce and more. Celebrate deliciously this holiday season!

Call 2985 8383 to make your reservation.

If you’re looking to learn more about the history of Tai O Heritage Hotel, book its complimentary docent tours. Conducted by local students, the informative and engaging tours are the perfect opportunity to delve deep into the history of this architectural gem.

Sassy Mama Tip: If you register for the complimentary docent tours online you’ll receive a HK$200 hotel accommodation voucher. Don’t forget to secure your spot early – the first 500 online registrants will also receive a special gift! Plus, you’ll receive a $50 dining voucher for Tai O Lookout (which you can use on your next visit!).

Hotel Docent Tours
When: Saturday, 17 February from 12:30pm to 5:30pm and Sunday, 18 February 2024 from 11am to 5pm; 20 minutes per tour
Where: Tai O Heritage Hotel Pavilion
How Much: Free

Tai O Heritage Hotel, Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2985 8383, Instagram: @taioheritagehotel, Facebook: taioheritagehotel, www.taioheritagehotel.com,

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Chinese New Year Crafts To Try With The Kids

Sassy Mama — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:00:32 +0000

These easy Chinese New Year-inspired crafts will keep the kids busy and get them into the festive spirit.

Get ready to celebrate Chinese New Year with these fun and festive DIY arts and crafts to do with the kids! From DIY lantern decorations to red packets and cherry blossom trees, these crafts make wonderful gifts and will add a festive atmosphere to your home. Get everyone involved for a truly memorable Chinese New Year celebration!

DIY Lantern Decoration

What You’ll Need:

Black construction paper
Red origami paper
Ribbon or string
A red envelope or packet (lai see)
Glue
Scissors

Method:

Cut your red and black paper into strips — make sure they’re plenty wider than the red envelope. Accordion fold the red paper strip and glue it down to the longer black paper, leaving space at the top and bottom. Round the corners and add black paper pieces to the top and bottom, to create the lantern shape. Finally, glue your lai see envelope onto the lantern, make a tassel from red paper strips, and attach a ribbon.

Source: MamaBabyMandarin.com

Origami Fortune Cookies

What You Need:

4-inch (diameter) jar, about 10cm, or container lid, a saucer or another object to trace a circle round
Decorative paper
Pen
Scissors
White paper
Glue or glue gun

Method:

Start by cutting out a 4-inch circle of your chosen decorative paper. Next, grab some white paper strips and write your fortune messages on them. Take the fortune message and place it in the centre of the circle. Fold the top side down (do not fold all the way, let it be folded at close to the top third of the circle). Do the same thing with the bottom third of the circle, so that there is an overlapping portion. Now, bend the paper backwards to form a crease at the centre and apply a dot of hot glue on the inside of the crease. Hold the fortune cookie in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to dry.

Sassy Mama Tip: Little hands will find scrapbook paper much easier to work with than traditional origami paper. Also, if the paper is too light and thin and doesn’t retain its folds, use a small speck of glue to keep the overlapping portions in place.

Source: Maribeth Janikowski

Salt Art Fireworks

What You’ll Need:

Table salt
Paper (black works best)
Watercolours
Paintbrushes
White glue
Cookie sheet

Method:

Start by placing your paper on a cookie sheet to keep the salt contained. Use glue to draw out your design. If you prefer a more precise outline, sketch it first with a white crayon or coloured pencil, then trace over it with glue. Sprinkle salt generously over the glue and shake off any excess onto the tray. Now, prepare your watercolour paint by adding plenty of water. Lightly dab the paint onto the salt, allowing it to create mesmerizing patterns. Let the project dry completely and you are done! Your kids will love how the salt sparkles when it’s all dry.

Source: Maribeth Janikowski

Paint-It-Yourself Red Packets

What You’ll Need:

Plain red packets – you can find these in any of the little stationery shops or wet markets throughout Hong Kong
Gold glitter glue or markers
Pencil
Chocolate coins

Method:

Using a pencil have your child write out simple Chinese characters used for CNY greetings (we looked a few up online!).
Use glitter glue or pen to trace the characters onto the plain red packets and let it dry. Once dry, insert a few chocolate coins into the packet and you’re officially CNY-ready!

Source: Maribeth Janikowski

Cherry Blossom Trees

What You’ll Need:

Tissue paper or wrapping paper scraps that have been torn up and crinkled into small pieces
Cotton balls and/or various colours and sizes of craft pom poms
Coloured craft paper
Paint and paintbrushes
Glue

Method:

Paint a few tree trunks and branches onto a piece of craft paper (red and black paper are ideal for CNY). Once the paint has dried, glue on the scraps of tissue paper, cotton balls or craft pom poms to create your citrus fruits. Once the glue has set, use cotton buds or swabs, or a small paintbrush to create any additional details.

Source: Maribeth Janikowski

Editor’s Note: “Chinese New Year Crafts To Try With Kids” was most recently updated in February 2024.

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