Free Advent Calendar and Activities
A post that includes Free Advent Calendar Printables as well as Advent Calendar ideas to go with it!
One of our favorite family traditions is to have a countdown Advent calendar. Each year looks a little bit different, but the idea behind it always stays the same.
We start on December 1st and will count down each day until Christmas morning on December 25th.
Each day one of the kids will take a turn reading the Advent paper for the day. We always have a Bible verse and some sort of activity to go along with it.
Some days the activities are a little more in depth and other days it might be something as simple as reading a Christmas story together.
The idea behind the Advent calendar is to build anticipation for Christmas morning… the birth of Christ!
Below you will find a link to get your own FREE Advent Calendar printables. I have included a daily countdown card as well as a coordinating daily Bible verse. You can use both or just one style of print.
On the back of each countdown card, I will write the Christmas activity for the day. The other Advent card includes the Bible verse for the day.
How to display your Advent Calendar Printables
There are several ways in which you can use your Advent Calendar Printables.
- Hang them from a Christmas tree
- Hang them in a row on bakers twine with clothes pins
- Place them in a wooden Advent Calendar with doors
Supplies for turning your Advent Calendar into a garland
A few years ago I found a beautiful wooden Advent Calendar that lit up. It’s absolutely magical!
I have linked a few below that are similar to the one that we have. You can place your free Advent Printables (scroll down to get yours) inside the little count down doors.
Supplies for turning your Advent Calendar into a garland
If you choose to hang your Advent Calendar in a row, below are some simple supplies to make it look festive!
Advent Calendar Activities
On the back of each countdown card you can write a fun activity for your family to do together. Some days can be something simple and others can be something a little more detailed.
The goal is to make the advent countdown enjoyable and a special memory for your family! Customize it to what your family enjoys!
Below I have a list of ideas that you can hopefully find inspiration from.
- Go caroling as a family or with friends
- Put on comfy pajamas and go on a light drive
- Build a fire
- Make Christmas cookies
- Make paper snowflakes
- Make Christmas ornaments
- Deliver canned goods to those in need
- Decorate the Christmas tree
- Make a gingerbread house
- Wrap Christmas presents
- Have a Christmas dance party in your living room
- Drink hot cocoa
- Pick out a Christmas tree
- Wear new Christmas pajamas
- Watch a Christmas movie
- Make homemade gifts for your neighbors
- Read a Christmas story together
- Hang the stockings
- Read Luke 2 as a family
- Do something nice for someone else
- Have a family game night
- Do a puzzle together
- Write a letter and mail it to someone who might need encouragement
- Make cupcakes to celebrate Jesus’ birthday
- Open one small present
- Go to a candelight church service
- Make a family gratitude list
Favorite Christmas Books
Throughout our Advent countdown, several of the days will include reading a Christmas story. I have included a few of our favorite Christmas stories to read below.
Christmas Gift Ideas
If you’re needing some gifting inspiration or ideas, I have two blog posts that will hopefully be helpful! A Christmas Gift Guide for the entire family and also a Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide for the entire family.
Christmas Breakfast Ideas
Making delicious Christmas breakfasts together could be one of your Advent Calendar activities! Below are a few of our favorite recipes.
