Welcoming the Year of the Horse: Chinese New Year at Young Creatives
- Marx James
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
As winter begins to soften and the first signs of spring appear, Young Creatives is delighted to welcome the new year with a celebration rooted in culture, creativity and learning. This February half term, we will be hosting our Chinese New Year Young Creatives Workshop at Burston Garden Centre, marking our first creative event of 2026 and the starting point of an exciting year ahead.
This special workshop not only celebrates Chinese New Year, but also sets the tone for our Spring Young Creatives Exhibition, which will be announced very soon. It’s a moment of beginning, reflection and growth – themes that sit at the heart of everything we do.
What Is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, follows the lunar calendar and is celebrated across China and many other parts of Asia, as well as by communities around the world. Rather than being a single day, it traditionally spans 15 days, beginning with the new moon and ending with the Lantern Festival.
Each year is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, cycling through a repeating pattern. These animals are more than symbols – they carry stories, values and characteristics that are often used to explore personality, nature and destiny.
2026: The Year of the Horse
In the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Horse is traditionally associated with energy, movement and a strong sense of independence. The Horse is often linked to enthusiasm, confidence and a forward-looking spirit, symbolising progress and the freedom to explore new paths. In cultural storytelling, it represents momentum and optimism, making it a fitting symbol for new beginnings, fresh ideas and creative expression as we move into a new year.
What Children will Create:
Chinese Lantern making
Making Chinese Symbol Bookmark
Cherry Blossom Tree
Personal ideas and imagination
Importantly, the session is designed to be accessible and playful, blending cultural learning with hands-on making. It’s about curiosity rather than perfection – encouraging children to ask questions, experiment with materials and express their ideas freely.
A Creative Start to the Year at Burston
Held at Burston Garden Centre, the workshop offers a relaxed and welcoming environment for families during half term. Burston has become a familiar and friendly home for Young Creatives events, providing space for imagination to flourish.
This workshop also represents something bigger. It is the first step in our 2026 programme, leading directly into our upcoming Spring Young Creatives Exhibition. Themes explored in this session - growth, change, identity and cultural storytelling,
will echo throughout the season ahead.
Creativity With Purpose
This workshop is also an opportunity to create positive impact beyond the art table. Proceeds from the Chinese New Year Young Creatives Workshop will go towards supporting TCS London Marathon fundraising efforts by Jenny Blowers, helping raise vital funds for a cause close to our hearts. By taking part, families are not only giving children a chance to explore culture and creativity, but are also contributing to something meaningful, reinforcing the idea that creativity can be a force for generosity, connection and change.
Join Us This Half Term
Chinese New Year is a time of renewal, hope and fresh beginnings, values that sit beautifully alongside our mission at Young Creatives. We’re excited to begin the year by welcoming new and returning families, sparking creativity, and setting the stage for what promises to be a vibrant spring season.
Our Spring Exhibition announcement is coming soon!
👉 Full workshop details can be found here:
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