Top 16 Things to Do in the Office During Chinese New Year

Published on:
November 20, 2024

Chinese New Year (CNY) is a vibrant celebration filled with traditions, symbolism, and joy. For workplaces, it’s the perfect time to embrace cultural appreciation and boost employee morale through meaningful activities. Here are 16 ideas to make your office celebrations for Chinese New Year 2025 festive and memorable.

1. Hold a Prosperity Toss (Lo Hei) Session

A must-have during Chinese New Year in Singapore, a yu sheng (prosperity salad) toss brings teams together. Employees gather to toss the ingredients high into the air while shouting auspicious wishes for the year ahead. It’s an exciting way to bond and share good fortune.

2. Host a Chinese New Year Lunch

Plan a festive lunch with traditional dishes such as dumplings, nian gao (rice cakes), and pineapple tarts. You can even collaborate with catering services specialising in CNY menus. The shared meal fosters camaraderie and promotes cultural appreciation.

3. Red Packet (Ang Pow) Giveaways

Surprise your employees with red envelopes filled with small tokens, gift vouchers, or chocolates. These symbolise prosperity and good luck, adding a heartfelt gesture to the festivities.

Chinese New Year 2019 Celebrations at Amazing Borneo | Travelogue - Amazing  Borneo Tours
Picture Source: Amazing Borned

4. Invite a Lion Dance Performance

Bring excitement and cultural vibrancy to your office with a traditional lion dance performance. It’s believed to chase away evil spirits and bring blessings for the coming year. This lively spectacle can energize the workplace and leave everyone in awe.

5. Office Decoration Contest

Encourage employees to decorate their workstations with Chinese New Year-themed items like red lanterns, spring couplets, and paper cuttings. You could turn it into a friendly contest and award prizes for the most creative setups.

6. Organise a Calligraphy Workshop

Invite a calligraphy expert to teach employees how to write auspicious phrases in Chinese. These creations can be displayed around the office or taken home as keepsakes.

7. Cultural Quiz on Chinese New Year

Engage employees with a fun trivia session featuring questions about CNY traditions, zodiac signs, and myths. This interactive activity fosters learning and builds team connections.

8. Dumpling-Making Workshop

Host a hands-on workshop where employees can learn to make dumplings. This activity emphasises teamwork and allows participants to enjoy delicious rewards after their efforts.

Close-up of smiling young woman holding containers at home

9. Dress in Traditional Attire

Designate a day for employees to wear traditional Chinese outfits like cheongsams or changshans. This brings a vibrant cultural element to the office and makes for great photo opportunities.

10. Feng Shui Tips for the Office

Invite a Feng Shui consultant to share simple tips for improving harmony and prosperity in the workplace. This could include advice on desk arrangements, lucky plants, or symbolic decorations.

Woman pouring tea in clay teacup

11. Chinese Tea Appreciation Session

Introduce employees to the art of Chinese tea-making and its significance. Offer a tasting session with varieties like oolong, jasmine, and pu-erh teas. It’s a calming and educational activity.

12. Set Up a Wishing Tree

Place a decorative tree in a central office location where employees can write and hang their wishes for the year ahead. This practice symbolises hope and positivity.

13. Share Chinese New Year Stories

Organize a storytelling session where employees can share personal anecdotes or the history behind CNY traditions. It’s a meaningful way to deepen cultural understanding.

14. Offer Festive Goodie Bags

Prepare bags filled with traditional snacks such as love letters, bak kwa, and peanut cookies. Add small surprises like oranges or lucky charms for an extra festive touch.

15. Play Traditional Chinese Games

Introduce traditional games like Chinese chess (Xiangqi) or Mahjong. These activities are great for team bonding and provide insight into Chinese culture.

16. Run a Charity Drive

Embrace the spirit of giving by organising a donation drive. Employees can contribute food, clothes, or funds to a local charity, aligning the celebrations with meaningful acts of kindness.

In Conclusion

Incorporating these activities into your office's Chinese New Year celebrations not only fosters a festive atmosphere but also strengthens team spirit and cultural awareness. Whether through food, traditions, or creative workshops, these ideas ensure a memorable and prosperous start to the year.