Lunar New Year 2027 begins on Saturday, February 6, 2027, starting the Year of the Goat (also called the Year of the Sheep) in the Chinese zodiac. Celebrated across many Asian communities and around the world, it is a great opportunity for high school lessons on culture, calendars and traditions. These Lunar New Year activities for high school work in social studies, math, science and English.
In this guide9 sections
Quick background
- The holiday follows a lunisolar calendar, so its date changes each year, usually falling between late January and mid-February.
- It is celebrated in China, Vietnam (Tết), Korea (Seollal) and many other places, each with its own traditions.
- Common traditions include family reunions, special foods, red envelopes and cleaning the home before the new year.
Social studies activities
- Celebrations compared. Groups research how Lunar New Year is celebrated in China, Vietnam and Korea and present similarities and differences.
- Symbolism research. Students explain the meaning of colors, foods and decorations, such as the color red.
- Diaspora celebrations. Explore how communities celebrate in cities around the world.
- Interview project. Students who celebrate may share traditions (always optional).
Math activities
- The 12-year cycle. Use modular arithmetic to find any year’s zodiac animal.
- Calendar math. Compare lunar months (about 29.5 days) with solar months and explain why the date shifts.
- Red envelope budget. Plan a family budget for gifts and food with percentages and totals.
Science activities
- Moon phases. Connect the lunar calendar to the phases of the moon. Our Gravity and Orbits lab makes a good follow-up.
- Fireworks chemistry. A short reading on how metal compounds produce different firework colors.
- Paper lantern engineering. Design and test a paper lantern for stability.
English and arts activities
- Folktale study. Read a version of the legend of Nian and discuss its themes.
- New year wishes. Students write goals for the new lunar year; see our study goals guide.
- Paper cutting art. Learn about traditional paper cutting and create a symmetrical design.
Quick activities
- Lunar New Year quiz game. See our classroom quiz games.
- Zodiac logic puzzle. A grid puzzle about animals and years. Try our logic puzzles for teens.
Planning table
| Time available | Best picks |
|---|---|
| 15 minutes | Zodiac cycle math, quiz game |
| One class period | Celebrations compared, moon phases, folktale study |
| Two periods | Diaspora research, paper lantern engineering |
Teaching it respectfully
- Use the name “Lunar New Year” when discussing all cultures that celebrate it.
- Avoid stereotypes and costumes; focus on traditions, history and meaning.
- Never require students to share personal or family traditions.
Frequently asked questions
When is Lunar New Year 2027?
Lunar New Year 2027 begins on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
What animal is 2027 in the Chinese zodiac?
2027 is the Year of the Goat, also called the Year of the Sheep.
Why does the date of Lunar New Year change each year?
It follows a lunisolar calendar based on the moon’s cycles, so it moves on the standard calendar.
Choose one culture activity and one cross-curricular activity for a meaningful lesson. Browse more seasonal activities.
Plan the whole year with our classroom activities calendar 2026–2027.
