Advent Activity Ideas for Kids

An activity advent calendar swaps chocolate for memories. Write each idea on a card and pop one in each day's pocket.

Keep weekday ideas quick and save bigger outings for weekends.

Make it work for your family

Every family's different, so tailor your advent calendar activities to suit your own pace and traditions. Think about your kids' ages, what excites a toddler might not thrill a teenager, though some classics like watching a Christmas film are always winners! You don't have to follow a strict daily schedule; if one day feels too busy, simply swap it with an easier activity from later in the month. The goal is to create happy memories, not add stress to an already busy time of year, so be flexible and enjoy the festive fun.

Creative crafting fun

December is a brilliant time to get crafty without needing lots of special supplies. Think about using items you already have around the house. Old magazines can become festive collages, and empty toilet roll tubes can transform into Santa's elves or reindeer. You could even use natural elements collected on a winter walk, like pinecones or leaves, to make unique decorations. It's not about perfection; it's about the process and spending time together creating something special to hang on the tree or give as a thoughtful gift.

Personal touches and lasting memories

Beyond the daily activities, think about how you can add a personal flair to your advent calendar. Perhaps you could include a special family photo or a hand-drawn picture on some of the activity cards. Or, for a truly memorable experience, dedicate one day to starting a new family tradition, like decorating a specific part of the house together or choosing a charity to support. These unique touches are what make your advent calendar truly yours and will be remembered long after the Christmas decorations are packed away for another year.

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Quick weekday ideas

• Write a letter to Santa
• Make paper snowflakes
• Watch a Christmas film
• Drink hot chocolate in pyjamas
• Make a Christmas card for a neighbour
• Read a Christmas story

Weekend ideas

• Bake gingerbread
• Go see Christmas lights
• Visit a Christmas market
• Pick a tree
• Make a gingerbread house
• Donate a toy

Kind ideas

• Make cards for a care home
• Leave a treat for the postie
• Help wrap presents

Key things to remember

• Plan the week ahead.
• Mix quick and big.
• Include kind acts.

Frequently asked questions

What are good advent activities?

Letters to Santa, baking, Christmas films, lights and making cards.

What is a good example of advent Activity Ideas for Kids?

"Write a letter to Santa" is one of 15 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Can I copy these messages word for word?

Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.

How long should a card message be?

One to three lines suits most cards. Write the message before the name so you can start again if it goes wrong, and if you run out of room, carry on inside the back cover rather than shrinking your handwriting.

What's the best way to store advent activity cards?

Once Christmas is over, pop your activity cards into a small box or an envelope and keep them with your festive decorations. That way, they'll be ready for next year, and you can easily reuse your favourites or adapt them slightly as your children grow. It saves time and means you're not starting from scratch each December.

Can I include learning activities in an advent calendar?

Absolutely! Advent can be a fun way to sneak in a little learning. You could include cards that suggest reading a Christmas story, looking up Christmas traditions from another country, or even writing a short festive poem. Keep it light-hearted and engaging, the aim is to make learning feel like part of the holiday fun, not a chore.

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