Shadow Puppet Workshop: The Story of Nian
Sat, Dec 12
|Matthews Library Community Room
Children ages 5–12 are invited to explore Chinese shadow puppetry, learn The Story of Nian, and create their own handmade shadow puppet in celebration of Chinese New Year. Space is limited and RSVP is required.
Time & Location
Dec 12, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Matthews Library Community Room, 230 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105, USA
About the event
Join Charlotte Chinese Story Time for a special hands-on shadow puppet workshop celebrating Chinese storytelling, traditional arts, and Chinese New Year culture.
In this family-friendly workshop, children will learn about Chinese shadow puppetry, one of China’s traditional folk arts, and discover how stories can come alive through light, movement, characters, and imagination. Our youth volunteer leaders will introduce the basic history of shadow puppetry, demonstrate how shadow puppets work, and guide children step by step as they create their own paper shadow puppets.
This workshop is inspired by The Story of Nian, a traditional Chinese New Year tale that explains the origins of many Chinese New Year customs, including the color red, bright lights, loud sounds, and family reunion. Through storytelling and hands-on art making, participants will experience Chinese culture in a joyful, creative, and accessible way.
During the workshop, participants will:
Learn what shadow puppetry is and how it…
Tickets
Free Workshop Ticket
One child, one ticket. Each participating child must have their own ticket to attend the workshop and receive materials. Parents or caregivers do not need a ticket unless they are also participating in the craft. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times. This is not a drop-off program.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Nov 28, 8:00 AM EST