Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit this year? You’ll love this free printable Christmas memory game featuring awesome Star Wars ugly Christmas sweaters! It’s sure to be a hit with your kids!
This Star Wars Christmas memory game was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
You know that weird limbo between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the kids are bouncing off the walls with excitement? Or those endless hours on Christmas Day after presents are opened but before dinner is ready?
This free Star Wars Christmas memory game is about to become your secret weapon.
I’m talking about a printable that takes maybe five minutes to prep but keeps kids entertained for hours. And it’s got Star Wars characters wearing the most ridiculous ugly Christmas sweaters you’ve ever seen. Trust me, your kids will lose it when they see Darth Vader in a holiday sweater.
Why Memory Games Are Actually Genius for Kids
Look, I could tell you that memory games help with cognitive development and information retention (because they totally do). But here’s what really matters: they keep kids busy without a screen.
Memory games work for mixed age groups too. Your 4-year-old can play with your 10-year-old without anyone getting frustrated. And unlike most activities, once you set it up, kids can actually play independently while you finish wrapping presents or prep dinner.
Plus, there’s something sneaky-educational about the whole thing. Kids are learning matching, concentration, and turn-taking without realizing they’re building important skills.
What’s Inside This Star Wars Memory Game
The printable PDF includes cards featuring Star Wars characters decked out in holiday sweaters. We’re talking Yoda, Darth Vader, stormtroopers – all wearing their festive best.
Each sweater design is purposely ridiculous in the best way possible. The graphics are bright and clear, so even younger kids can easily spot matches.
You get enough cards for a proper game that lasts longer than 30 seconds (because we’ve all been there with games that are over before they start).
How to Prep Your Game Cards
First, you’ll need to print the PDF. I always use white cardstock instead of regular paper because it makes the cards sturdier and you can’t see through them when they’re face down.
A color printer is pretty much essential here since the whole point is seeing those colorful ugly sweaters. If you don’t have one at home, most office supply stores will print it for cheap.
Once everything is printed, cut the cards apart with good scissors. Take your time here because cleanly cut cards just look more professional (and are easier for little hands to flip over).
Want to make these cards last through multiple holiday seasons? Run them through a laminator. Game changer. The cards become basically indestructible and you can wipe them down if someone plays with sticky candy cane hands.
If you don’t have a laminator, you can also glue the cards onto thin cardboard (like cereal boxes) to make them thicker. Or grab some card sleeves if you want a quick solution.
How to Play
It’s your standard memory game setup, which means kids of any age can jump right in without a lengthy explanation.
Lay all the cards face down in rows. Each player takes turns flipping over two cards trying to find matches. If the cards match, that player keeps the pair and goes again. If they don’t match, flip them back over and the next person goes.
The game continues until all matches are found. Whoever has the most pairs at the end wins.
Honestly, the rules are so simple that kids can play while adults are doing other things. It’s perfect for keeping cousins entertained during family gatherings without needing constant supervision.
Making It Extra Special
If you want to go all out (no judgment, I’ve been there), here are some fun extras:
Put the finished game in a small gift box and wrap it up as a stocking stuffer. Kids love games that are “just for them” and it’s way cheaper than store-bought options.
Make two sets and let kids race to find matches first. Or create a tournament bracket if you have multiple kids playing.
You could even turn it into a teaching moment about Star Wars characters if you have a super fan who wants to talk about each one. Though let’s be real, they probably already know more about Star Wars than we do.
As a Disney blogger who’s always planning the next theme park adventure, I love how this ties into the Star Wars universe that kids go crazy for at Disney parks. Speaking of which, if you’re planning a Disney trip soon, my free Disneyland planning course and Disney World planning course will save you so much time and stress.
More Star Wars Fun for the Holidays
If your kid is all-in on Star Wars right now (or let’s be honest, always), you’ll want to check out my Star Wars gift guide for even more ideas. I’ve rounded up the best Star Wars presents that actually get used instead of collecting dust.
This memory game pairs perfectly with other Christmas activities too. Print it alongside this Christmas activity placemat for a complete holiday entertainment setup. Or add it to your collection with this Christmas countdown and Disney Christmas countdown.
Looking for more hands-on Christmas fun? Kids love this Mickey gingerbread man craft and this Twas the Night Before Christmas craft. And don’t miss the Santa letter envelopes if you’re doing letters to the North Pole this year.
Download Your Free Game Now
The best part about this whole thing? It’s completely free and ready to go right now.
Download the Star Wars Ugly Christmas Sweater Memory Game PDF, print it out, and you’ll have a holiday activity that actually keeps kids engaged without requiring you to hover over them explaining complicated rules. May the Force be with you this holiday season.
