Elf on the Shelf Matching Game Printable

This free Elf on the Shelf memory game is a fun and easy Christmas activity for kids, with 12 festive designs to match.

Simply print the page twice to create 24 cards and 12 matching pairs, then cut them out and start playing.

We’ve always loved memory games because they’re quick to set up and easy to bring out when you need a simple activity. This Elf on the Shelf matching game is perfect for a quiet December afternoon, classroom activity, or a little extra fun during the Christmas season.

Younger kids can play with fewer pairs to make the game easier, while older children can use the full set for more of a challenge.

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Elf on the Shelf Matching Memory Game

Memory games have always been popular in our house, especially once my son realized he could consistently beat me at them!

This festive version includes 12 different pictures, including elves, presents, trains, trees, and North Pole mailboxes.

It’s an easy activity for a quiet December afternoon and would also be fun to bring out during a North Pole breakfast.

How to Set It Up

Print two copies of the printable below so that every picture has a matching pair.

Cut out the pictures to create 24 cards, or 12 matching pairs. Printing on cardstock will make them sturdier, or we like to laminate ours so they last through multiple plays.

For younger kids, start with fewer pairs and add more as they get used to the game.

For an extra bit of fun, use our free printable elf name generator to give everyone a silly Elf name before you start.

How to Play

Shuffle the cards and lay them face down on a table or floor. If you’re using all 24 cards, four rows of six works well.

Players take turns flipping over two cards. If the pictures match, they keep the pair and take another turn. If they don’t, turn both cards face down again and move on to the next player.

As more cards are revealed, everyone has to remember where the different pictures are hiding. This is usually the point where the kids start remembering far more than the adults!

Keep playing until all 12 pairs have been found. The player with the most pairs at the end wins.

You can also change things up by hiding the cards around the room and having kids search for the matching pairs.

More Printable Elf on the Shelf Games

If you’re looking for more activities to use throughout December, we have lots of Elf on the Shelf printables, including games, scavenger hunts, and coloring pages.

• Christmas matching game – Another matching activity with festive Christmas pictures.
• Elf-Sized Games – Mini games your Elf can bring from the North Pole, including a tiny version of this matching game.
• Elf Scavenger Hunt – Follow the clues around the house to find where your Elf is hiding.
• Printable Elf Story + Coloring Pages – Read the short Elf story and color the accompanying pages for an easy December activity.

Elf on the Shelf Books

If you want another easy activity for a quiet December morning or bedtime, reading an Elf story together is a nice addition to the tradition.

You can find more recommendations in our guide to Elf-themed books, but these are three of our favorites:

• Elf on the Shelf: Meet the Scout Elves – A simple introduction to Scout Elves and their Christmas adventures.
• Elf on the Shelf Welcome to the North Pole – Takes kids behind the scenes at the North Pole to see where the elves live and work.
• A Night Before Christmas (Elf edition) – An Elf-themed take on the classic Christmas story.

They’re especially handy on those December days when you want something festive without planning another elaborate Elf setup.

Get Your Free Elf on the Shelf Memory Game Printable Here!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free printable.

Last Updated on 5 October 2026 by Clare Brown