Free Chinese New Year Memory Game Printable
The Chinese New Year memory game works well because it combines something kids naturally enjoy, matching cards, with a small glimpse into the zodiac animals.
It’s lightweight, low-prep, and fits easily into a homeschool rhythm or a short classroom block.
If you want an activity that feels festive without turning into a big project, this one usually does the job.
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Chinese New Year Matching Game
Memory games are an easy way to bring a bit of the holiday into the day without committing to a big craft or lesson.
The zodiac animals keep it festive, and matching games tend to draw kids in quickly, especially the younger ones. It works well for morning work, early finishers, or a simple activity to add to your Lunar New Year plans.
How to Set Up
Getting the Chinese New Year memory game ready doesn’t take long. Print the page with the 12 zodiac images, then print a second copy so you have a full matching set.
If you want to decorate the backs, this is the moment to do it. My son always liked adding quick patterns or colors, and it does make the set feel more personal.
Cut the cards out, I usually reach for a paper cutter because it’s quick, but scissors work fine too.
Once your cards are ready, shuffle them and lay them face down. Younger kids do well with neat rows (six rows of four is a good fit). Older kids tend to enjoy a more mixed layout because it adds just a bit more challenge.
To play, take turns flipping over two cards. If they match, you keep them and go again; if not, flip them back and try to remember where they were. Kids usually get competitive fast, my son still beats me more often than I’d like to admit.
The player with the most matches at the end wins.
More Lunar New Year Printables
If you’re building out a small set of activities for the holiday, these work well alongside the memory game:
- Our free Chinese New Year printables with quick activities kids can jump into right away
- Chinese New Year bookmarks for a simple coloring project
- Chinese zodiac coloring pages for a calm art moment or early finisher work
And if your kids enjoy matching games, the New Year’s memory game is another easy one to pull out. It has the same quick setup and is a fun way to mark the start of the year with something light and playful.
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Best Kids Chinese New Year Books
Here are a few Chinese New Year books we’ve liked using alongside simple activities like the memory game. My son always connected more with the holiday when we paired a hands-on task with a short read-aloud.
Chinese New Year Wishes – A gentle picture book that introduces the celebration through simple language and bright illustrations. Great for younger kids who are just starting to learn about the holiday.
Celebrate Chinese New Year – This one gives a clearer look at traditions and symbols, so it works well when you want to explain why the zodiac animals or decorations matter.
The Night Before Lunar New Year – A fun, familiar rhythm that keeps kids engaged. It’s usually the easiest one to read aloud after an activity because it has a light, story-driven feel.
These are quick, calm reads that help tie the activity back to the meaning of the celebration.
Get Your Lunar New Year Memory Game Printable Here!
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Last Updated on 17 November 2025 by Clare Brown
