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    Embrace the vibrancy of Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, and share in the magic with seniors in aged care from February 10th to 25th.

    aged care seniors in a lunar new year themed gathering hall

    The date does vary each year, influenced by the lunar calendar, this year in 2024 Chinese New Year will fall on Saturday, February 10. In this article, we share loads of great ideas and resources to enhance your big event in aged care.

    Don’t forget to download our printer-friendly guide which can be found on the link at the bottom of this page.

    The upcoming year, 2024, welcomes the spirited Dragon, followed by the Snake in 2025, the Horse in 2026, and the gentle Goat in 2027. Festivities extend over 15 days, offering a splendid opportunity for our seniors to revel in the rich culture of Chinese traditions


    Decorating your Space in Aged Care

    Transform your activity or dining room into a sea of festive red with captivating themed decorations. Engage your craft group in the creation of paper Chinese lanterns.

    DIY paper Chinese Lanterns Thumbnail
    DIY Chinese Lanterns

    Elevate the ambiance by setting tables with red cloths adorned with golden accessories! This creates a visual feast that resonates with the spirit of the festival.

    Chinese New Year Themed Room
    Year of the tiger chinese ny table cloth

    Prepare a playlist of soothing traditional music from China. Seniors in care will love the sensory stimulation that music provides creating a festive atmosphere. Here is a suggested Traditional Lunar New Year Music you can play!


    Serving Delicious Chinese Cuisine in Aged Care

    Encourage the kitchen to craft an authentic menu featuring spring rolls, prawn crackers, dumplings, fried rice, and savory sweet and sour chicken or pork. As a delightful touch, introduce the seniors to the invention of fried ice cream, believed to originate from ancient China.

    Authentic Chinese cuisine
    Authentic Chinese cuisine

    Conclude the feast with fortune cookies, spreading good fortune and sweet moments.

    Seniors eating fortune cookies

    Chopsticks Challenge for Seniors

    Add an element of amusement with a chopsticks challenge—a game where participants skillfully pick up lollies one by one and transfer them to another bowl. This lively activity not only fosters dexterity but also guarantees smiles and laughter.

    Seniors eating authentic Chinese cuisine  while using chopsticks

    Host our Chinese Quiz for Seniors

    Stimulate the mind with a Chinese quiz, testing everyone’s knowledge about the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. Here is a quiz we have prepared for you. Click the button below to open the Chinese New Year Quiz.

    Chinese New Year Quiz Thumbnail

    Host some Vibrant Chinese Traditions

    A traditional Chinese dance performance is a great idea, you may find a performance group in your city that can come and perform live in your center, if not you can always present it on the big screen. Check out the video below for a Chinese Dance Performance reference.

    Traditional Chinese Dance Performance
    Traditional Chinese Dance Performance

    Lucky Envelopes

    Chinese red envelopes

    Embrace the tradition of red envelopes, an integral part of Chinese New Year. Gift each participant an envelope adorned with a dragon sticker, symbolizing the approaching Year of the Dragon. Fill these envelopes with foil-covered chocolate coins, heralding good fortune and spreading joy throughout the community.

    Chinese red envelopes

    In this Chinese New Year extravaganza, let the rich traditions and festivities bring a wave of joy, connection, and cultural enrichment to your aged care community.


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    Download your printable PDF copy of Chinese New Year Celebrations in Aged Care