ESL WORKSHEET - Celebrations

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

YEAR OF THE HORSE

LinguaHouse

Feb. 24, 2026

Level: Starter (A0-A1)
Type of language: English for Teenagers
Tags: Celebrations and Special Events; People and Places; Situation Based; Vocabulary and Grammar; There is / There are; Speaking; Video; 10-12 Years Old; 13-15 Years Old; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 02/24/2026

This lesson introduces the Chinese Lunar New Year of 2026 – the Year of the Horse. The students will learn how it is celebrated in Asia and around the world. They will learn festival vocabulary (with parts of speech), and build understanding through an image-matching activity. Then they will practice listening with a simple audio about celebrations in countries such as China, Vietnam, South Korea and Singapore, followed by a short reading about common traditions (e.g. decorations, lanterns, dumplings and red envelopes). The lesson ends with a guided speaking task in which students work in pairs to plan a mini New Year event, using the target vocabulary in clear, simple sentences. (by Celia Paige)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/watch the video in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/watch the video in British English.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Chinese New Year is also called Lunar New Year. In 2026, it is on Tuesday February 17th. In the zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse.
In China, many people call it the Spring Festival. Before the holiday, families clean their homes and decorate with red paper and red lanterns. Families have a big meal. Some people eat dumplings. Children can get a red envelope for good luck. There can also be lion dances and fireworks.
This festival is celebrated in other Asian countries too. In Vietnam, people call it Tt. In South Korea, it is called Seollal. Families visit relatives and eat special food.
In Singapore, Chinese New Year is a public holiday on the 17th and 18th February 2026. Many people go to Chinatown to see lights and performances.
People also celebrate around the world. In London, there is a big parade and shows near Trafalgar Square and Chinatown.
People often say: ‘Happy New Year!’ and ‘Good luck!’

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/english-for-teenagers/year-of-the-horse. Accessed on February 27, 2026. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2026. All rights reserved.