Join Quiao Hu to dance and say the lucky Lunar New Year expressions. What does a girl want to say to her Grandmother each Lunar New Year in Chinese? What can happen to a guest when he joins a traditional Chinese family Lunar New Year reunion dinner?… These videos are fun conversation topics about language and culture. You can download the Word List. Bonus: Make sure you also download the Coloring pages for the Year of the SNAKE! Enjoy!!
Exploring Chinese Lunar New Year Through 5 Vibrant Videos
Chinese Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and meaningful traditions that highlight the beauty of Chinese culture. For parents and educators introducing this festive season to children and teens, Chinese Lunar New Year videos offer an engaging and insightful way to connect language and culture. In this post, I will spotlight five YouTube videos that capture key elements of Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, providing value to those teaching or learning about this vibrant festival.
Each of these Chinese Lunar New Year videos can be used for various age groups, and parents or educators are encouraged to view them beforehand to decide what works best for their audience.
1. Qiǎo Hū Sing and Dance Spring Festival Special 巧虎 唱唱跳跳 賀春節
This lively video is perfect for young children ages 3–6. Hosted by the beloved character 巧虎, it combines fun music and energetic dancing to immerse kids in the festive atmosphere of the Year of the Snake.
Audio: Chinese Mandarin
Recommended Age: 4 and up
Subtitle: None
Company: Qiao Hu, Taiwan
Key highlights include:
- New Clothes and Shoes: Symbolizing fresh beginnings.
- Sticky Cake (年糕): Representing prosperity and success.
- Red Envelopes (紅包): A symbol of health and youth.
- Symbolic Fruits: Apples for safety and clam (平安) and tangerines for best luck (吉祥).
- Lucky Expressions: Phrases like 新年快樂 (“Happy New Year”) are featured, helping learners practice Lunar New Year greeting expressions.
Through music and movement, this video is perfect for creating a joyful and educational experience at home or in a classroom. Join in the celebrations and let 巧虎 bring endless happiness and blessings to your Lunar New Year festivities! Watch the fun video and practice high-frequency lucky expressions using the word list.
2. The Wish | 祝福
This heartfelt short film from McDonald’s Malaysia explores the deeper meanings behind Chinese New Year wishes, emphasizing that they go beyond just words.
Audio: Chinese
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Subtitle: Simplified Chinese, English, Malay
Company: McDonalds, Malaysia
Viewers will:
- Learn Lucky Expressions: The video highlights many Lunar New Year greetings and lucky expressions.
- Explore Cultural Themes: It beautifully portrays the importance of togetherness and blessings, inspiring meaningful conversations in the family.
The film’s warm and relatable narrative showcases the role of meaningful wishes in bringing families closer, making it an ideal resource to discuss culture, language, and the story of this short video. What does the girl want to do? What does her grandma say to her each year? Watch the video and use the word list to learn more about each expression.
3. Panda Express 2025 Lunar New Year Film: The Invitation
Experience the warmth and joy of the Lunar New Year through one family’s tradition in this delightful short film. It highlights the dynamics of a Chinese family during a Lunar New Year reunion and introduces diversity through a non-Chinese guest joining the celebration. What do the aunts say to the guest when they welcome him to the family?
Audio: English + a few Chinese expressions
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Subtitle: English
Company: Panda Express, United States
Key takeaways include:
- Cultural Etiquette: The importance of greetings like 你吃饱了吗 (“Have you eaten?”), which doubles as a warm expression of care.
- Family Traditions: The dinner showcases the cultural significance of food and connection. What activity is going on in the basement?
- Language and Connection: What does the guest say to the aunts?
This film captures the essence of the Lunar New Year, showcasing how traditions bring families together in meaningful ways. Watch the fun video and use the word list as a reference.
4. 2025 蛇年新年歌 – 你說蛇？Year of the Snake New Year Song – What Do You Say?
Audio: Chinese Mandarin
Recommended Age: 10 and up
Subtitle: Simplified Chinese
Company: Dance Group, Malaysia
This energetic music video is perfect for youth and adults:
- Playful Wordplay: The lyrics use the word “Snake” (蛇) in creative phrases like “有蛇（捨）有得” (“Give away something and gain something”).
- Zodiac Sign Insights: It briefly describes the luck associated with the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, offering guidance for the year. (Note: Only for a reference)
- Lucky Expressions: Festive phrases are woven into the song. “蛇(十)全蛇(十)美” (“Perfect snake year”), adding a playful touch.
- Themes of Renewal: Lyrics encourage viewers to let go of past worries, embrace the new year with joy, and cherish traditions like family reunions, red envelopes, and festive meals.
- Cultural Context: The video blends modern humor with traditional values, making it relatable and engaging for audiences of all ages.
- Watch the fun video and refer to the word list for cultural references.
5. Chinese New Year – I Made a Mixtape for You
Meet Wei, the protagonist of this beautifully crafted short film. While traveling home for Chinese New Year, Wei discovers his parents’ ‘90s mixtape and is transported into a nostalgic dream world.
Audio: Chinese Mandarin
Recommended Age: 10 and up
Subtitle: English
Company: Apple, United States
Highlights include:
- Dating and Family Dynamics: It portrays the cultural expectations that young people face when returning home for the Lunar New Year holidays.
- Musical Nostalgia: Featuring classic ‘90s hits, the film rekindles emotions and connections across generations.
- Creative Inspiration: Wei’s journey into the dream world reminds viewers of the evolving ways to celebrate connections.
- Emotional Storytelling: Directed by Michael Gracey, the narrative resonates with viewers, combining heartfelt moments and a celebration of romance and family.
Why These Videos Matter
These videos are entertaining and are rich resources for learning about the Chinese language and culture. Through stories, songs, and meaningful moments, they spark curiosity and foster appreciation for Chinese traditions. You can use these Chinese Lunar New Year videos to:
- Teach vocabulary and expressions in an authentic context.
- Inspire discussions about cultural values, stories, and characters.
- Encourage children to explore the joy of learning a new language.
By previewing the videos, you can tailor your selections to the appropriate age group and learning goals, ensuring the best fit for your audience. Chinese Lunar New Year videos bring traditions to life, making language learning an exciting discovery and exploration. With these resources, you can create meaningful and engaging lessons that resonate with young learners and their families from all cultural backgrounds- invite them to share their New Year traditions and practices. Embrace the joy of connecting cultural treasures and experiences, and let’s celebrate the New Year by building bridges of connections!
Do you enjoy the videos in this Watch List and find the Word List helpful? – Download the whole set of Word lists in PDF Here!
More Chinese New Year Spring Festival Resources
Chinese Lunar New Year Guide
Year of the Snake Coloring Pages