
The much anticipated Chinese Year of the Rabbit starts on January 22, 2023! Little Steps digs into what exactly we are celebrating and where the fun is happening this CNY in Hong Kong. New decorations, traditional food, red packets, holiday fun activities for little ones… bring on the Year of the Rabbit!
More Chinese New Year Guides For Families In 2023
According to an ancient legend, people were once tormented by a beast called a Nian (Year), a ferocious creature with an extremely large mouth capable of swallowing several people in a single bite. Relief from the Nian came only when an old man tricked the beast into disappearing. In reality, Chinese New Year festivities are more of a desire to celebrate the end of winter and the fertility and rebirth that come with the spring. Today, New Year is about family reunions and wishing everyone good fortune in the coming year.
Prior to New Year's Day, Chinese families decorate their living rooms with beautiful flowers, platters of oranges and tangerines, and a candy tray with different kinds of dried sweet fruit. There are also the traditional feasts! Whole fish, which represents togetherness and abundance, and a chicken, which represents prosperity, are prepared for family and friends. Also, note that a lot of restaurants and shops will be closed during the New Year, so call ahead.
8 Unique CNY Traditions For Kids, Click here
Top Chinese New Year Books For Kids, Click here
Chinese New Year Events For You And The Family
Family-Friendly Events For Your Diary This January
We've rounded up the best events happening this month and many are of course related to the Lunar celebrations!
Last Minute Family-Friendly Chinese New Year Staycation Hotel Deals In Hong Kong 2023
It’s the year of the Rabbit and Hong Kong’s finest hotels are rolling out Chinese New Year and Winter/Spring staycation offers focused on family adventures and carefree quality time.
Chinese New Year Camps In Hong Kong - Top Picks For Kids For 2023!
From creative crafts to Mandarin fun, and from multi-sport play to jazzy musicals, here is our cherry-picked selection of Hong Kong’s best Chinese New Year camp offerings for kids!
Chinese New Year Dining And Takeaways In Hong Kong 2023
Many excellent Hong Kong restaurants have prepared fantastic menus to celebrate Chinese New Year in style. Whether you wish to eat out or take in, check out our guide here:
It's on! Tis' the season to dress to impress for Chinese New Year events, school celebrations, family gatherings, and more. Little Steps has shopped the markets, designers, and boutiques to give you the scoop on where to buy the perfect outfits for your little ones.
Guide On Where To Buy Cheongsams + Chinese Dress, Click here
During Chinese New Year, there is also a tradition of offering lai see or ya sui qian (red packets filled with money) to bring good fortune and to ensure that kids and single people can begin the new year with some cash in their pocket. The envelopes often have Chinese characters that translate to “good fortune” or “good in business” printed on them, and are sometimes accompanied by Chinese paper cuts.
Red Packets 101 (Do's & Don'ts), Click here
Chinese New Year is like Christmas in the West, a perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family to enjoy some traditional food. Check out Little Steps' guide to know what you and your kids should try during the festive season!
Little Steps Guide To Chinese New Year Food, Click here
DIY Sweet Dumplings - Chinese New Year Recipe For Kids, Click here
Editor’s Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many large-scale events, like the CNY parade, CNY fireworks, and flower markets have unfortunately been canceled. Please check the governmental websites for more information.
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