Activity Advent Calendar for Kids: 24 Free Printable Ideas

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24 activity advent calendar ideas

Here are 24 ready made ideas split into three types so every day has something to open. Pick a mix of quick, crafty and cosy days to suit your week.

Quick and easy days

1. Draw a Christmas card for someone you love
2. Learn the first verse of a carol and sing it
3. Write your wish list and read it aloud
4. Count how many red things you can spot in the house
5. Make a paper chain for the tree
6. Give someone in your family a surprise hug
7. Spot five Christmas lights on a short walk
8. Draw a snowman and give him a funny name
9. Say thank you to the postie or a neighbour

Crafty and making days

1. Cut out paper snowflakes and stick them on a window (use safety scissors with a grown up)
2. Paint or draw a bauble design for the tree
3. Make a salt dough star to hang up
4. Decorate a gingerbread biscuit with icing (check for food allergies first)
5. Build a tower of blocks and top it with a star
6. Make a card for a grandparent and post it
7. Thread a bead garland to hang on the stairs
8. Draw your own wrapping paper with festive patterns
9. Make a simple pom pom robin or reindeer

Cosy and kind days

1. Pick a bedtime story about winter or Christmas
2. Have a pyjama film afternoon with a warm drink
3. Choose a toy to give to a charity collection
4. Do a kind deed for someone without being asked
5. Make hot chocolate and talk about your favourite day so far
6. Have a family game night with a board game
7. Set the table nicely for dinner tonight
8. Call or video a relative who lives far away

How to make an activity advent calendar, step by step

1. Write or print 24 activity ideas onto small slips of paper.
2. Number 24 pockets, envelopes or little bags from 1 to 24.
3. Fold one idea into each numbered pocket and mix the types up.
4. Hang the calendar somewhere the children can reach it.
5. Open one slip each morning and do the activity together.

Ways to use your activity advent calendar

• Keep it on the fridge. A low spot means little ones can open the day's slip themselves before breakfast. It builds a lovely morning routine.
• Mix quick days with treats. Save the longer craft and film days for weekends when you have more time, and keep weekdays short and simple.
• Add a games night slot. Write a family game evening on a couple of the slips and gather round something like Snakes and Ladders with Ludo.
• Share the jobs. Let each child take turns opening the slip and leading the activity. It keeps older and younger siblings involved.
• Build in kindness. A few kind deed days turn the countdown into something thoughtful, not just a list of fun things to get through.

Games and gifts for a festive countdown

Fill some advent days with a family game or a craft set you can enjoy together. Here are our favourites for cosy December evenings and gifts under the tree.

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Snakes and Ladders with Ludo - Family Board GameShop nowWooden Family Games SetShop nowScavenger Hunt GameShop nowRainbow Scratch Paper - Scratch Art PadShop nowMini Whiteboard - Educational ToyShop nowArt Set - Sketch Drawing PencilsShop nowGrey Dream Catcher - DIY For KidsShop nowKids Art Set - Water Colouring PencilsShop nowGiant XL Tumble Tower - Wooden Tumble Tower GameShop nowFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsShop nowDouble Six Dominoes - Dominoes Set in Tin BoxShop nowGiant Playing CardsShop nowThreading Beads - Threading Beads for KidsShop nowAnimal Travel Art Set - Doodle BookShop now

Activity advent calendars by age and key stage

What children learn from an activity advent calendar

• Routine. A daily slip builds a calm, predictable morning habit through a busy month.
• Reading. Children read and follow the day's instruction, which supports early literacy.
• Creativity. Craft and drawing days give open ended chances to make and design.
• Kindness. Kind deed days encourage thinking about others and sharing.
• Patience. Opening just one slip a day helps children wait and look forward to things.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Christmas Kindness and Gratitude CardsFree printableChristmas Story Starter CardsFree printableChristmas Charades CardsFree printableChristmas Maths MysteryFree printableChristmas Eve Box PlannerFree printableColour-In Christmas Gift TagsFree printableElf Mischief IdeasFree printableReindeer Food RecipeFree printableChristmas BingoFree printableChristmas Scavenger HuntFree printable

Make it a Christmas tradition

An activity advent calendar is easy to bring back year after year. Keep the pockets or envelopes and just swap the slips for fresh ideas. Let the children add their own suggestions as they grow, so the calendar changes with your family. Over time it becomes a December ritual everyone looks forward to.

Frequently asked questions

When do we start an activity advent calendar?

Traditionally on 1 December, with one slip opened each day up to Christmas Eve on the 24th. You can start whenever suits your family.

How many activities do I need?

You need 24 if you count from 1 to 24 December. Some families do 25 to include Christmas Day.

What can I use for the pockets?

Small envelopes, paper bags, pegged cards on a string, or a fabric calendar with pockets all work well. Use what you have.

My child cannot read yet, will it still work?

Yes. A grown up reads the slip aloud, or you can draw a little picture clue instead of words for each day.

How do I keep weekdays manageable?

Save longer craft and film days for weekends and keep school days to quick five minute activities like a song or a drawing.

Can I mix in small treats?

Of course. You can add the odd sticker or small item to some slips, just be mindful of choking risks with very young children.

What if we miss a day?

Simply open two the next day or skip one. The calendar should feel like fun, not another thing to tick off.

Where can I find festive game and craft ideas?

Have a look at the gift ideas above for family games and craft sets that fit nicely into advent days.

Browse by age and type

Family gamesCraft sets for kidsGifts for kidsWooden gamesBoard gamesIndoor gamesLet's Create rangeChildren's toys

Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

Kids' Activities by Age | All free printable activities

Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.