27 Beautiful and Lucky Chinese New Year Decorations for 2025
Chinese New Year decorations are a must as the season is always around the corner. Finding the right New Year's Eve cocktails or making New Year’s Eve food, especially Chinese New Year food, is easy compared to decorating for Chinese New Year. You need the right amount and variety of indoor and outdoor decorations.
Use this guide to discover the perfect traditional and new-age decorations for your home. Start planning early and remember to always save last year’s decorations. Let’s get started on a wonderful new year.
Jump to Section
- Traditional and Lucky Chinese New Year Decorations
- Indoor Chinese New Year Decorations
- Outdoor Chinese New Year Decorations
- DIY Chinese New Year Decorations
- Chinese New Year Decorations FAQs
Traditional and Lucky Chinese New Year Decorations
1. Red Chinese Lanterns
Red Chinese lanterns are an important symbol of the Chinese New Year. In the early days, lanterns were more functional than fantastical. The Chinese first crafted lanterns during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD) as a practical solution to protect candle flames from wind. By stretching silk or paper over a frame of bamboo or wheat straw, they created simple yet effective light sources.
Over time these lanterns were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The bright red color, associated with joy and good luck, is believed to scare away negative energy. It’s common to see these lanterns illuminating streets, homes and businesses with their warm, inviting glow.
2. Upside-Down Fu Characters
Chinese New Year decorations often feature "Fu" characters displayed upside down. "Fu" means "good fortune" or "blessing," and inverting it symbolizes the "pouring down" of good fortune and blessings. This clever play on words is a popular way to invite prosperity into homes and businesses.
3. Spring Festival Couplets
Spring Festival couplets or chūn lián, are a time-honored tradition that dates back to the Shu era, over a thousand years ago. Originally carved into peach wood tablets, these poetic couplets have evolved into colorful red paper hangings that adorn doorways during the Chinese New Year.
According to ancient myth, a giant peach tree guarded the entrance to the spirit world. Two powerful gods stood watch, preventing mischievous spirits from entering the human realm. Inspired by this legend, people began to carve the names of these guardian gods onto peach wood to protect their homes. Over time, this practice evolved into writing auspicious phrases and poems on red paper.
Today, Spring Festival couplets are a beloved tradition. Each couplet is carefully crafted to express heartfelt wishes for the new year, such as prosperity, happiness and good health. The number of characters in each line is often matched and the rhythm and tone are carefully considered. Some poets even challenge themselves to use alliteration or specific word radicals to create more elegant and sophisticated couplets.
Whether simple or complex, Spring Festival couplets are a beautiful way to celebrate the new year and invite good fortune into the home.
4. Kumquat Trees
Kumquat trees are a beloved Chinese New Year decoration, especially in regions like Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong and Guangxi. The word "kumquat" sounds similar to words for "gold" and "luck" in Chinese dialects, making it an auspicious choice. Keeping a kumquat tree at home symbolizes a wish for both wealth and good luck. The golden fruits and evergreen foliage represent prosperity and longevity, respectively.
5. Paper Cuttings
Paper cutting or chuāng huā, is a traditional Chinese folk art form that adds beauty and auspiciousness to homes, especially during the Spring Festival. These intricate designs, often featuring animals, flowers and symbolic patterns, are cut from red paper and pasted onto windows using rice paste.
The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These are popular subjects for paper cuttings. Other common motifs include fish, peaches, grains, dragons and phoenixes. These symbols carry specific meanings: fish represent abundance, peaches symbolize longevity, grains signify a bountiful harvest and dragons and phoenixes are powerful creatures associated with good luck and prosperity.
6. Door Gods
Another traditional Chinese New Year decoration is the door god. These are paintings or calligraphy of legendary figures, often depicted with fierce expressions and holding weapons, who are believed to protect homes from evil spirits. The most famous door god is Zhong Kui, a legendary figure known for his ability to exorcise demons.
While these customs have evolved over time, they continue to be cherished and practiced by many Chinese families, especially in rural areas. These decorations not only add beauty to homes but also serve as a reminder of ancient traditions and beliefs.
7. Blooming Flowers
Chinese New Year marks the beginning of spring and blooming flowers are a beautiful way to celebrate this renewal. Plum blossoms, orchids, peonies and peach blossoms are popular choices, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune and the arrival of spring. These vibrant blooms add a touch of beauty and elegance to homes and festive gatherings. You really can’t go wrong with using flowers as decorations for the New Year.
Indoor Chinese New Year Decorations
8. Hong Bao Tree
Create a money tree to distribute red envelopes, called hong bao, during Chinese New Year. This is a unique way to add an extra layer of excitement to this traditional gift-giving process. Money trees are especially fun for the kiddos.
To make this Chinese New Year decoration, you will need:
- Red envelopes (hong bao)
- A metal tree stand or a real branch
- A container to hold the branch (e.g., a pot or a tin bucket)
- A hole punch
Simply punch a small hole in the top corner of each red envelope. Then, carefully hang the envelopes from the branches of the tree stand or the real branch.
Get a more festive look by decorating the tree with additional Chinese New Year ornaments, such as small red lanterns or paper cuttings. Place the decorated tree in a prominent location in your home, such as the living room or dining room. Kids will be filled with anticipation and excitement as they spot their red envelopes hanging from the tree. This playful twist on a traditional custom is sure to create lasting memories.
9. Silk Placemats
Silk placemats instantly elevate the elegance of your dining table. These luxurious textiles are adorned with intricate Chinese calligraphy or embroidery and add a touch of sophistication to your Chinese New Year. Consider pairing them with fine china and silverware to complete the look.
Tip: These placements should be in rich hues of red or gold only.
10. Red Table Runners
A simple yet effective way to infuse festive cheer into your dining table is by using a vibrant red table runner. This bold color symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Pair it with gold or silver accents, such as metallic chargers or napkin rings, to create a striking contrast.
11. Gold Coins
Gold coins, often stylized and made from various materials like plastic, paper or metal, are a popular and auspicious decoration for Chinese New Year. They symbolize wealth, prosperity and excellent fortune.
Here’s how to incorporate gold coins into your Chinese New Year decorations:
- Table Centerpiece: Fill a bowl or vase with gold coins, red envelopes and other festive decorations.
- Door Decoration: Hang a string of gold coins on your front door to welcome good fortune.
- Tree Ornament: Attach these gold coins to your hong bao tree.
- Gift Wrapping: Use gold coins as decorative pieces strung on gift boxes or bags.
- Place Setting: Place a gold coin at each dinner setting as a lucky charm.
12. Red Ceiling Runners
Drape red fabric across your ceiling for a truly dramatic effect. This bold and festive decoration can transform your space into a celebration of Chinese New Year. Pair it with Chinese lanterns or paper decorations for a stunning and celebratory look.
13. Origami Flowers
The Chinese, having invented paper around 100 BC, quickly began exploring its creative potential. Lanterns, fans and paper flowers were among the earliest paper creations. These paper flowers, often lotus blossoms, were placed in buoyant containers and floated on water as a meditative religious offering.
The influence of Chinese papermaking and paper art extended far beyond its borders. These innovations spread along the Silk Road which was the network of trade routes that connected Asia, the Middle East and Europe for over 2,000 years. The combination of this gorgeous practice and the impressive connectivity of the trade route left a lasting impact on papermaking and artistic traditions worldwide.
Modern origami flowers can bring a burst of color and creativity to your Chinese New Year decorations. Honor this ancient tradition by folding paper into beautiful blooms in shades of red or gold. Hang them from the ceiling or use them as table centerpieces. These delicate creations add a touch of tradition and charm to your space.
14. Hanging Red Tassels
Hanging red tassels are a classic Chinese New Year decoration. These vibrant accents can hang from the ceiling or doorways and add energy to any space. You can customize the tassels by adding gold or silver accents or even incorporating Chinese characters for a personalized touch.
We recommend getting enough tassels to place throughout your home in designated spots for the best impact. Just keep track of these Chinese New Year decorations in 2025 or you may be finding errant tassels in 2027.
Outdoor Chinese New Year Decorations
15. Lotus Lanterns
Lotus lanterns, inspired by the beautiful lotus flower, are a popular Chinese New Year decoration. They can be made from paper, silk or other materials and are often adorned with intricate designs. Lotus lanterns symbolize purity, enlightenment and good fortune. Hang them from gates or along outer walls.
16. Firecrackers
This isn’t technically a decoration but we would be remiss not to mention this classic feature of Chinese New Year. The fireworks are a quintessential part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Firecrackers were used to ward off evil spirits and are associated with good luck around the world. The loud bangs and colorful sparks create a festive atmosphere and symbolize a fresh start.
17. Large Candles
Place large, ornate candles along footpaths to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Red candles are particularly auspicious since red is considered a lucky color.
18. Chinese New Year Wreath
A modern take on a classic decoration, a Chinese New Year wreath can be made using red and gold ribbons, ornaments and Chinese characters. It can be hung on the front door to welcome guests and symbolize good luck.
19. Stone Lanterns
Stone lanterns are a timeless architectural element found in East Asian gardens and temples. Originating in China during the Han Dynasty, these elegant structures have been used to illuminate pathways, mark significant locations and create serene atmospheres.
The enduring appeal of stone lanterns lies in their timeless beauty, their ability to create a serene ambiance and their symbolic significance. They are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of China and continue to inspire and delight visitors today.
Stone lanterns can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to outdoor spaces in your home. These lanterns are typically made of granite or marble and are durable and weather-resistant. They can be illuminated with candles or electric lights, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. We recommend placing stone lanterns in gardens, along pathways or near the entrance to a home.
20. Colored LED Lights
Colorful LED lights can be used to illuminate trees, buildings and other outdoor decorations. They create a festive and magical atmosphere, especially at night.
21. Animal Decorations
Decorations featuring the animal of the year, such as the Dragon for 2024 and the Snake for 2025, are a popular way to celebrate Chinese New Year. These decorations can be hung on doors, windows or placed in gardens. They can take many forms, such as paper cutouts, fabric banners or three-dimensional sculptures. Incorporate the animal of the year into your decorations. This adds a personal touch and enhances the festive atmosphere.
22. Illuminated Chinese Characters
Large, illuminated Chinese characters, such as "福" (fú, meaning "fortune") or "春" (chūn, meaning "spring"), can be prominently displayed outdoors to create a stunning visual impact. These characters are often made of LED lights or neon and can be hung on walls, placed on rooftops or used as standalone decorations. They symbolize good fortune and the arrival of spring, respectively.
DIY Chinese New Year Decorations
Master the techniques you’ll need in online art classes or through art classes near you.
23. Handmade Chinese Dragon
A Chinese dragon is a powerful symbol of good luck and prosperity. Creating a handmade dragon decoration is a fun and rewarding way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. We recommend making small tabletop dragons using basic crafting techniques.
24. Fabric Garlands
Use scraps of fabric you have lying around or special red and gold fabrics to create these garlands. You’ll need to cut fabric strips, assemble the garland, add embellishments like beads and hang your garland.
25. Wind Chimes
Hang wind chimes adorned with Chinese knots or other traditional symbols outdoors to create a soothing and lucky ambiance. These Chinese New Year decorations provide gentle clinking of the chimes and can bring peace to your space.
26. Chinese New Year Photo Booth Props
Craft fun photo booth props like red lanterns to capture festive moments with friends and family. Get creative and let your imagination run wild.
27. Chinese New Year Doormat
Personalize your front door with a custom Chinese New Year doormat. Paint auspicious Chinese characters or symbols onto a plain doormat using fabric paint or markers. This simple DIY project adds a festive touch to your home's entrance.
Chinese New Year Decorations FAQs
We can’t help you decide between your New Year's resolution ideas but we can clarify your most pressing questions about Chinese New Year.
What is the lucky color to wear for Chinese New Year?
Much of the Chinese New Year decorations' meanings can be found in color. Since Chinese New Year is a time for celebration and good fortune, it’s important to use and wear the right colors. Invite luck and prosperity into the new year with the following lucky colors.
- Red: According to the National Museum of Asian Art, “red is auspicious—associated with life-generating energy (the sun, blood and fire)—and is the color of celebrations and prosperity.”
- Gold: Associated with wealth, luxury and success.
- Yellow: Represents happiness, good health and longevity.
- Green: Symbolizes growth, renewal and prosperity.
- Purple: Associated with royalty, nobility and good fortune.
- Pink: Represents love, happiness and good fortune.
- Orange: Symbolizes good luck, happiness and prosperity.
- White: Associated with purity, innocence and good fortune.
- Black: Surprisingly, black is also considered lucky, symbolizing stability, reliability and good fortune.
- Brown: Represents stability, reliability and good fortune.
What are the decorations for the Chinese New Year?
Chinese families typically decorate their homes for Chinese New Year on New Year's Eve, though some may start preparations up to ten days in advance. Decorations often feature the color red and lucky symbols.
Use these beautiful and lucky decorations to celebrate Chinese New Year in style. Remember, the key to a prosperous new year is to infuse your home with positive energy and good fortune.
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