An activity advent calendar swaps a daily chocolate for a small shared moment. Most ideas cost nothing, take 15 minutes and still feel special. Here are 24 we love, one for each day of December.
Week 1: getting cosy
- Write a letter to Santa
- Make hot chocolate with all the toppings
- Hang the tree lights together
- Bake gingerbread cookies
- Watch a cosy Christmas film in pyjamas
- Make paper snowflakes for the window
Week 2: kindness
- Write a kind note for a neighbour
- Read a Christmas story by candlelight
- Draw your dream Christmas tree
- Make and wrap a small gift for someone
- Sing three Christmas songs out loud
- Build a blanket fort and read inside
Week 3: making things
- Make a Christmas card for a grandparent
- Decorate the table for dinner
- Go for an evening walk and spot the lights
- Make popcorn and string a garland
- Play a board game as a family
- Donate a toy or book to someone
Week 4: the final countdown
- Cook a special breakfast together
- Make ornaments from salt dough
- Write three things you are thankful for
- Wrap the presents with music on
- Leave a snack out for Santa and the reindeer
- Christmas Eve: read together and go to bed early
How to set it up
Write each activity on a card, fold it, and tuck it into envelopes, small boxes or a jar. Busy day? Swap any card for a quieter one: nothing here needs to be perfect.
Want it ready to print?
Our Advent Countdown Calendar printable has all 24 activities on cut-out cards, an instructions page and an "Our December" wall chart to colour in as you go. Instant download in A4 and US Letter. For more ideas, browse our Christmas printables.