I put together this list of advent calendar activity ideas based on all the fun things we’ve done throughout the years. Many are sweet festive things to do together and are such a wonderful way to create lasting family memories.
Counting down to Christmas with a daily activity has long been a tradition in our house.
Ever since the kids could read, they’ve been excited to open up a new card each day, and it’s something they look forward to every single year.
I originally created these cards and sewed a fabric advent calendar to hold them (see the picture below – No, I’m sorry, I don’t have a tutorial).
But honestly, you can just as easily use simple numbered envelopes—it works perfectly! (And I have a printable for that)
Here are my girls (a while back) getting super excited about a trip to Disney On Ice.
It’s such a fun way to countdown to Christmas. But no worries, you don’t have to make a special craft or go to a special event every day, it can be as easy as reading a book or watching a movie.
To make things easier, I always mixed in the events that were already on the calendar, like the school Christmas party or the church Christmas concert.
The excitement builds each day as we check off another activity, and in our house, we always finish with a reading of Luke 2 on Christmas Eve—a perfect way to end the countdown and remember what Christmas is all about.
Printable Advent Calendar Cards
Use these festive cards from my shop to easily create your own Christmas activity calendar!
You’ll get pre-filled cards or customize your own with the editable designs.
The set includes both rustic and white backgrounds, so you can print with a rustic feel or save ink with the white option—great for printing on kraft paper too.
Plus, the numbered printable envelopes are included, making it even easier for your kids to open a new surprise each day as you count down to Christmas!
Advent Calendar Activity Ideas
If you’re looking for great ideas to include in your Christmas advent calendar, here’s a list of creative activities to help you countdown to Christmas in the most festive way possible.
Go for Ice Cream – It might be cold outside, but who says you can’t enjoy a sweet treat?
Go See Christmas Lights – Bundle up and drive through the best Christmas light displays in your town. Don’t forget the hot chocolate!
Get Pictures with Santa – A classic Christmas tradition that’s always fun for little kids (and big kids too!).
Make Christmas Cookies – You could make gingerbread men or check out this Hot Cocoa cookie recipe.
Make a Gingerbread House – A great way to spend quality time together, plus it makes a fun decoration!
Make an Ornament – Create a new Christmas ornament to hang on the tree every year.
Make a Christmas Craft – From paper chains to reindeer food, there are so many fun ideas to try.
Movie Night – Snuggle up and watch your favorite Christmas movie. This can be repeated with different movies!
You’ll also love:
Make Paper Snowflakes – A fun way to get creative and decorate the house.
Read a New Christmas Book – Spend some time together reading a Christmas story.
Popcorn Garland – Make popcorn, then string it on the tree—so festive!
Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder – A great activity for different ages and a way to help out our feathered friends.
Read the Christmas Story from the Bible (Luke 2) – A meaningful family activity to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.
Make Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows – A simple treat, but so much fun for little kids and adults alike.
Make Christmas Cards for Teachers – A thoughtful way to say Merry Christmas.
Go Gift Shopping for Cousins – Help your little ones pick out small gifts for family members.
Write Santa a Letter – Get those Christmas wishes ready with this free Santa letter template!
Dollar Store Surprise – Let the kids pick out a small treat or toy—perfect for those on a budget.
Bring a Meal to a Needy Family – This is a great time of year for giving back.
Decorate the Christmas Tree – Whether it’s setting up the tree or adding the finishing touches, it’s always a highlight.
Make Popcorn Balls – A fun and tasty holiday snack.
You’ll also love:
Go Skating – Head to your local rink for a fun outdoor family activity.
Draw or Color a Christmas Picture – Let the kids get creative with their favorite Christmas scene.
Set Up the Nativity Scene – A great family activity to bring the Christmas story to life.
Roast Marshmallows in the Fireplace – Cozy up and enjoy some tasty marshmallows by the fire.
Have a Special Breakfast – Kick off the Christmas countdown with pancakes, waffles, or the special breakfast that your family loves!
Make a Christmas Playlist – Put together a playlist of your family’s favorite Christmas music and have a dance party!
Bake a Pie – Get in the kitchen and bake some delicious traditional pies.
Go to a Christmas Market – Visit a local market to explore crafts, food, and festive decorations.
Donate Toys to Charity – Teach the kids the spirit of giving by picking out some toys to donate to a charity shop or toy drive.
Host a Family Game Night – Pull out your favorite board games or try a new Christmas-themed one!
Make Homemade Christmas Decorations – From garlands to paper chains, it’s a great way to decorate the house with your own creations.
Do a Good Deed – Challenge your kids to do something kind for a family member or neighbor, like shoveling snow or helping with chores.
Go to see a Christmas theater production – Local theaters always have a fun production around Christmas, like Elf or Miracle on 34th Street.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt – Create a small scavenger hunt in your house leading to a small gift or piece of candy.
Each of these advent activities is a fun way to bond as a family while enjoying the best things about the holiday season.
Whether you’re baking gingerbread men, going on a scavenger hunt, or enjoying a Christmas movie night, these little daily surprises make December a month full of joy and quality time.
Don’t forget to sprinkle in some simple treats like candy canes, small toys, or a new Christmas ornament as great gifts along the way.
And if you have little ones who want their own countdown fun, don’t miss my Santa Beard Countdown Calendar—it’s a simple and adorable way for younger kids to get excited for Christmas as they help Santa grow his beard each day!
With so many great ways to count down to Christmas, this tradition is sure to become a family favorite year after year.
Don’t forget to pin these advent calendar activity ideas: