From a lantern on the shelf to a mini reunion dinner scene, LEGO can bring CNY vibes to any corner. Chinese New Year prep often follows a familiar pattern: red decorations go up, the living room gets a quick refresh, and space is cleared for family visits. It feels festive almost instantly, but after a while, the decorations can start to feel a bit repetitive.
So this year, why don’t you try a fun twist and build your CNY décor with LEGO? With a handful of bricks, you can create display lanterns for shelves and entryways, craft cute zodiac animals for the table, and set up a small Spring Festival scene that’s easy to expand whenever inspiration hits. So let’s first find out what all you will need for the decoration.
LEGO Checklist For CNY Decorations:
LEGO bricks in festive colours
Red (main colour for lanterns and décor)
Gold or yellow (accents and highlights)
White and black (details, eyes, outlines)
Green (plants, trees, small scene details)
Special pieces for shaping and finishing
Round bricks, round plates, or curved slopes (for lantern shapes)
Flat tiles (for smooth signs, couplets, and clean surfaces)
Transparent or translucent pieces (clear, yellow, orange) for a glowing lantern effect
Building bases
Small plates or baseplates to support lanterns, animals, or mini scenes
Optional decorative extras
Minifigures for Spring Festival scenes
Small accessories (food pieces, tools, decorations)
Chains, bars, or cone pieces for lantern tassels
Display materials (optional)
Clear fishing line or string for hanging lanterns
A tray, board, or shelf space for displaying finished pieces
Missing red or gold pieces, or looking for minifig accessories to finish your build? My Toy Shop makes it easy to top up without overbuying. We’ve got plenty of options to help you fill in the missing pieces and complete your CNY LEGO decorations your way.
How To Build CNY Decoration With LEGO Bricks: A Simple Guide
Building your own Chinese New Year decorations with LEGO doesn’t require advanced skills or a huge collection. The key is to break it down into simple builds and focus on shapes, colours, and small details that feel festive. Below are practical pointers to help you get started and build with confidence.
1) Start with lanterns for instant festive impact.
Choose red as your base colour and add gold or yellow accents for contrast.
Use round bricks, curved slopes, or stacked plates to create a lantern shape.
Add a simple tassel using chains, bars, or cone pieces at the bottom.
Place transparent or light-coloured pieces in the centre to suggest a glowing effect.
Keep lanterns sturdy so they work as shelf or tabletop decorations.
2) Build zodiac animals in a simple, recognizable style.
Decide on one zodiac animal at a time, either the year’s animal or your family’s signs.
Focus on key features, such as horns, ears, or a tail, rather than fine details.
Stick to two or three colours to keep the build clean and readable.
Build them small enough to fit on tables, shelves, or even as place markers.
This is a great group activity for kids using LEGO toys they already own.
3) Create a mini Spring Festival scene as a centrepiece.
Start with a small plate or baseplate to define your space.
Build a simple background, such as a doorway or wall, and frame it with red couplets.
Add minifigures sharing a reunion meal, exchanging oranges, or greeting each other.
Include small details like potted plants to bring the scene to life.
4) Display your builds like real decorations.
Group lanterns in pairs or threes for a balanced look.
Use trays or shelves to turn your builds into intentional décor pieces.
Position scenes where they’re easy to see, such as coffee tables or TV consoles.
5) Fill in missing pieces when needed.
Build with what you have first, then identify what’s missing.
Add only the bricks or accessories you need to finish your ideas.
This approach is more practical than buying full sets, since you can shop only for the specific LEGO pieces that you need.
However, it’s always best to start with simple, modular, and flexible builds, so you can create CNY decorations that feel personal and festive without the pressure of perfection.
Conclusion:
With just a few bricks, you can turn your home into a festive CNY display that’s personal, playful, and totally your own. Start small with a lantern or zodiac animal, then build up to a mini Spring Festival scene you can proudly display year after year. The best part is you can keep expanding and upgrading your builds whenever inspiration strikes. Ready to get started or missing a few key pieces? Visit My Toy Shop to grab the bricks, minifigs, and accessories you need, and bring your CNY LEGO decorations to life.