5 of the Best Family Games to Play This Chinese New Year!
Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) is all about reunion, laughter, and making memories together. After the delicious food has been shared and the red envelopes opened, what better way to keep the celebration going than with a few games everyone can enjoy?
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or planning a smaller get-together, these five printable games are easy to set up, screen-free, and guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs (and a little friendly competition).
Here are five of our favourite family games to play this Chinese New Year.
1. Lunar Family Face-Off
A Moon-Powered Battle of Brains
If your family loves a bit of drama (the fun kind!), this one is for you.
Lunar Family Face-Off turns your living room into a fast-paced, game-show-style showdown. Expect quick thinking, clever guesses, and lots of cheering from the sidelines. Best played with 6–12 players and a host, this high-energy game is easy to learn and quick to set up. Players go head-to-head answering questions and competing in rounds that keep everyone involved, even those waiting for their turn.
Perfect for:
- Larger family gatherings
- Mixed age groups
- Competitive households who love a challenge
Nothing brings people together quite like a good old-fashioned Face-Off.
2. Festival Lantern Riddles
A Bright & Brainy Party Tradition
Lantern Riddles date back to the 13th century, when scholars would write riddles on slips of paper and attach them to glowing lanterns during festivals. Passersby would stop to solve them and the cleverest minds would win small prizes. This modern printable version keeps that tradition alive in a fun, family-friendly way.
Hide the riddles around your home or attach them to decorative lanterns. For every correct answer, a player or team scores one point. The person (or team) with the most points at the end wins. It’s simple, meaningful, and a lovely way to weave tradition into your celebration.
Perfect for:
- Families who love brain teasers
- Adding a cultural touch to your party
- Creating a calm but engaging activity
Easy to learn. Fun to play. A tradition reborn.
3. Chinese True or False
Ancient Wisdom or Absolute Nonsense?
Is that “fact” rooted in centuries of tradition… or completely made up?
Chinese True or False is a brilliantly simple game that sparks curiosity and conversation. From legendary tales and ancient customs to surprising modern-day facts, players must decide: True or False? Play individually or in teams. A statement is read aloud, and the active player decides. Correct answers earn a point, and the player or team with the most points wins.
What makes this one special is that it’s not just fun, it’s a gentle way to learn something new together.
Perfect for:
- Families who enjoy trivia
- Classrooms or cultural gatherings
- Celebrations with mixed age groups
Quick to set up. Easy to play. Surprisingly addictive.
4. CNY Word Rush
Your Brain, Their Clues, Total Word Chaos
If your family gets loud during games… this one will not disappoint.
In CNY Word Rush, players race against the clock to shout out five hidden words based on clues. Every correct word earns points but the real twist comes at the end of each round when teams try to guess the connection linking them all. It’s fast-paced, energetic, and full of those glorious “OH! I see it!” moments.
Perfect for:
- Quick thinkers
- Word game lovers
- Keeping energy high between dinner and dessert
Ready in minutes and guaranteed to get everyone talking.
5. Dragon Says
The Classic Game With a Lunar Twist
We all know and love Simon Says, but this Chinese New Year, it’s Dragon Says. Choose one player to be the Dragon. They draw command cards and read them aloud to the group. Players must only follow instructions that begin with “Dragon says…”
If you follow a command that doesn’t start with those magic words — you’re out! Be warned: some cards include other characters giving instructions, so players must listen carefully. Only the Dragon’s word counts.
Perfect for:
- Younger children
- High-energy moments
- Burning off excitement before dinner
Simple. Silly. Always a hit.
Make This Chinese New Year One to Remember
The heart of Chinese New Year isn’t just the food or decorations — it’s the time spent together. These five games are designed to bring families closer, spark laughter across generations, and create those little moments you’ll talk about long after the lanterns have been packed away.
So gather everyone around, pour the tea, shuffle the cards, and let the games begin. Happy Chinese New Year — may it be filled with joy, luck, and lots of friendly competition.
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