Games for the New Year

5 Free Printable Games You Can Download Now

These free Games for the New Year offer a simple way to add variety to the start of the year without planning from scratch. With different game types to choose from, you can pick what fits the moment and get started right away.

Five free Games for the New Year, including trivia, puzzles, and picture games

Below, you’ll find five free printable games, including a trivia quiz you can play on this page and print for later. The set includes a trivia quiz, word search, crossword puzzle, hidden-image scavenger hunt, and three matching memory games. Each game is designed to work on its own, so you can use just one or all of them.

Nothing here requires a big setup. Print what you want and play at your own pace.

What’s Included

The 5 free games on this page are all free to download:

1. NYE Trivia Quiz of the Year (printable + play on page) – 20 questions with answers you reveal when ready
   
   
2. New Year Word Search – themed vocabulary hunt
   
   
3. New Year Crossword – clue-based puzzle
   
   
4. New Year Scavenger Hunt – hidden images in a champagne bottle mosaic + checklist
   
   
5. New Year Picture Match – 3 levels: 8, 12, and 16 images
   
   

Difficulty: Easy → more challenging
Players: Solo or 2+
Supplies (printables): printer, paper, pen/pencil (timer optional)

How to Use These Games for the New Year

These games are designed to be flexible. You might print one and work through it quietly or print several and rotate through them over a few days. Some work best in short bursts, while others invite a longer sit-down session.

If you’re hosting, trivia works well early on while snacks are out - people can jump in and out without losing the thread. Later, I switch to the printable puzzle when I want things to get calmer.

If you’re keeping things low-key, I’d pick one printable and finish it at your own pace. The picture match is great when you want a clear challenge that doesn’t depend on word capabilities.

Games for the New Year

A quick look at the games included in the free download

Get the Free Printable Games for the New Year

Enter your email to receive the download link for all five printable games on this page.

1. NYE Quiz of the Year (Download or Play Here)

You have two ways to use this trivia quiz. You can download it to print and play, or preview the same questions directly on this page.

The printable version includes 20 questions split across two pages, with 10 questions per page. Each question asks you to choose the correct answer from the options shown at the bottom of the page.

Important:

If you plan to download and print this trivia game, avoid clicking the arrow below to reveal the answers on this page, as they match the printable version.

Want to play right now?

This is the no-download option. Read a question, answer out loud or on paper, then tap the arrow to reveal the answer when you’re ready.

2. New Year Word Search

Next up, we have the New Year's Eve Word Search. This word search puzzle features words related to New Year's. This game is fantastic for memory stimulation and can be played individually or competitively in a group. It's a great way to keep your mind active and engaged.

To play - print the page, grab a pen, and circle each themed word you spot. If you want a challenge, set a timer and compare results after.

Print and circle the themed words you find

3. New Year Crossword Puzzle

Decipher the clues first with the New Year's Crossword Puzzle. It's like a mental gym session, but way more enjoyable. Ready to flex those brain muscles?

Here's how to play - hand out the grid and clues. You can solve solo, or team up and talk through tricky entries together.

Use the clues to complete the New Year crossword

Clue list used to solve the crossword puzzle

4. New Year Hidden Image Scavenger Hunt

You’ll use two game cards:

• a champagne bottle mosaic image

• a checklist of 22+ items to find
  

Mark each item as you spot it in the mosaic. Sounds simple, right? Not so fast.

The images vary in size and orientation and are layered to increase the challenge. You’ll see a single champagne bottle made up of dozens of small images and symbols woven together. From party hats and confetti to cocktails and fireworks, each element blends into the design, making items harder to spot than you might expect.

The checklist card guides the hunt. It lists all 22+ hidden items so you can mark them off as you find each one in the mosaic. You can add a countdown if you want a bit of friendly competition. Take your time or race the clock - it works either way.

Find hidden items woven into the champagne bottle design

Use the checklist to track each item you spot

5. New Year Picture Matching Game (3 Levels of Difficulty)

This picture matching game is available in three levels, so you can choose how much challenge you want.

• Easy: 8 images
• Level 2: 12 images
• Level 3: 16 images
  

As the levels increase, this game improves memory and improves recall by asking you to remember both the images and their placement.

Quick How to Play:

1. Print the level you want (one per player).
2. Study the image sheet for a set amount of time (up to 5 minutes works well).
3. Turn the page face down.
4. Wait 1–3 minutes (timer optional), then fill in the blank answer sheet from memory.
5. Compare results and score however you like - most correct answers, best improvement, or a set number of rounds.
   
   

Easy picture matching game with 8 New Year images

Cut-out picture cards used for the matching game

Level 2 matching game with 12 New Year images

Advanced picture matching game with 16 New Year images

How to Play Step-by-Step (Detailed Instructions)

1. Prepare
   Print the game cards. If you’re using the cut-out version, trim the images on the Cut Outs page.
   - Only the Easy (8-image) level needs to be cut or folded in half.
   - The 12- and 16-image levels do not need cutting.
   
   
2. Study the Images
   Give each player a copy. Study the images for no more than 5 minutes. A timer helps keep things consistent.
   
   
3. Hide the Cards
   Turn the image sheet face down and place it where it can’t be seen.
   
   
4. Wait and Reset
   Set a timer if you like. Waiting 3 minutes works well, but beginners can start with 1 minute and increase the time later.
   You can step away, chat, or grab a drink during this break.
   
   
5. Recall and Record
   When time is up, write down as many image names and locations as you can remember on the answer sheet.
   
   
6. Decide How to Win
   Choose one method before starting: 
   - most correct answers
   - best improvement over rounds
   - first person to correctly identify all images and locations
   
   
7. Try Variations
   For a bigger challenge, stretch the time between studying and recalling to several hours or even the next day. Look once, go about your day, then come back and see what you remember.
   
   

Remember to be kind to yourself while playing. This game can be challenging, and that’s part of the fun. A simple “great memory” or “I’ll get that next time” keeps the experience positive and enjoyable.

>> Click here for the download link to your free games for the New Year

Want More Than the Free Set?

If you like these games and you want a bigger stack of options ready to print, my game bundles give you a lot more variety all in one download. Plus, you get more for less $$$.

11 Game Bundle

20 Game Bundle

30 Game Bundle

FAQ

One last thing...

If you want an easy way to make New Year’s Eve feel less like “just another night,” and a little more intentional, these games give you something ready to use without planning or pressure. Pick one, take your time, and keep it simple.

Want More New Year Games?

If you'd like more variety than the free set, you'll find New Year game bundles in the shop with additional printable games ready to download.

Download Your Free Games for the New Year

Get instant access to all five games and start whenever you’re ready.

5 Free Games Included | Easy to Hard

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