How To Host A Chinese New Year Party in 2024

If you are looking for a reason to celebrate in 2024, why not throw a party for the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year which starts on Saturday, February 10, 2024? This is the most important holiday in Chinese culture and this year you too could welcome the Year of the Dragon with a fabulous party for the Lunar New Year.

The Chinese New Year focuses on bringing luck for the coming year and looking forward to the spring festival—both are great reasons to celebrate! If you aren’t that well versed in Chinese culture, we can give you a crash course in planning a great Lunar New Year party.

Here are 5 things to consider when hosting a Chinese New Year Party for 2024.

Decorations

Party supply places like Oriental Trading will have everything from dragon decorations to chopsticks, paper lanterns, and even more Chinese New Year decor. You can also visit your local Chinatown to find all sorts of goodies. These areas are always rich in culture and full of great shopping (especially when you are planning a Chinese New Year party). Picking up authentic decorations and Chinese décor would really add great flair to your party.

Food

You can’t host a Chinese New Year party without some Chinese dishes. Of course, you can keep things simple and serve your favorite Chinese food dishes, or you can branch out and try your hand at serving guests something new. 

For example, pork and ginger pot stickers would be a great party option. Displaying and serving tangerines and oranges is also a good idea–doing so is said to bring wealth and luck. And of course, no Chinese New Year party would be complete without offering your guests some fabulous fortune cookies.

Pro Tip: Consider hiring a local caterer to handle the food preparation for the special day.

Activities

If you are planning a gathering that involves the kids, it’s always a good idea to have some activities on hand to keep them entertained. Oriental Trading has a few different ready-to-go crafts that would be perfect for the little ones.  Color your own dragon masks or these Chinese New Year activity books are all great activity ideas for the kids that fit this theme.

Pro Tip: Traditional Chinese New Year gifts and party favors include “lucky money” handed out in bright red envelopes symbolizing good wishes and luck for the new year.

Entertainment

It’s always a good idea to add entertainment, no matter what you are celebrating. Hiring a DJ or live band always livens up any festivity. If you want to include something special for the kids, you can hire a variety entertainer to show your tiny guests a great time.

Consider a Virtual Option

It's the Year of the Water Rabbit, and we hope lots of good fortune is ahead. Hosting a virtual Chinese New Year Party is a great addition to your 2023 celebration and is an easy way to celebrate with family and friends near and far. 

Use a Chinese New Year Zoom background, hire some special virtual entertainment, share the rest of the tips below with online party guests, and get ready for a virtual Chinese New Year celebration you won’t soon forget. 

We are wishing you luck and good fortune during the Year of the Water Rabbit. Happy Lunar New Year!

Find more party inspiration and ideas on The Bash.