Activities Advent Calendar

Unfortunately, I couldn't find an image of the many that I made…but I found several online to share with you!

Our gift to you today is an Advent Activities Calendar.

Way back when my daughter was just two years old, I decided that instead of the usual cardboard Advent calendar with its tiny square of chocolate, we would do something more meaningful, something rooted in presence, connection, and the gentle rhythm of the season. So we began our tradition of doing a special seasonal activity for each day of Advent.

Late in November, I would thoughtfully plan out our month, choosing activities that fit our schedule. I needed a variety of activities that could work in with our usual days. I choses some simple and quiet ones along with some other more adventurous ones. Then I would create a display for the season. Over the years it changed: sometimes numbered mini burlap sacks, sometimes little boxes, sometimes envelopes strung like garland. Whatever form it took, it was always crafted with love and anticipation.

Each morning, she would wake up and run to the Advent calendar. She’d take the envelope for the day in her tiny hands, and together we’d open it, discovering what seasonal magic awaited us. It was such a sweet, shared moment. And as she grew, the meaning only deepened. Many years we repeated the same activities, and she would look forward to them anticipating on which day each tradition would fall. These became the memories that shaped our Decembers, the laughter, the coziness, the time together.

This kind of Advent, made of experiences rather than chocolates, is so much more nourishing. It invites connection, wonder, and a sense of grounding in the season.

Below is a list of 24 activities to inspire your own Advent. Feel free to use them exactly as they are or weave in your own traditions. Some activities fill a whole day; others take only an hour and can be done right at home. That’s the beauty of this kind of Advent, you can shape it to fit your family, your energy, and your days.

May this bring joy, anticipation, and many sweet memories to your home this December.Drive to See Christmas Lights

Bundle up, grab some warm treats, and take a slow, wonder-filled drive through neighborhoods glowing with twinkling lights. Let the magic of the season wash over everyone in the car.

Open an Early Present

Choose one small gift to unwrap early.

Make Hot Cocoa (Extra Special!)

Stir up the ultimate hot cocoa with heavy cream, mountains of whipped cream, fluffy marshmallows, and a candy cane perched on the mug. Sip slowly and savor every warm, chocolatey moment.

Write a Letter to Santa

Gather paper, crayons, and your most hopeful wishes. Writing to Santa is a chance to reflect on the year and share dreams, big and small.

Go Ice-Skating

Lace up skates and glide across the ice. Hold hands, laugh, and enjoy the crisp air and rosy cheeks.

Christmas Movie Night

Choose a favorite holiday film, pile onto the couch with soft blankets, and let the glow of the screen and the magic of the story bring everyone together.

Decorate Cookies

Bake simple sugar cookies or gingerbread and turn your kitchen into a joyful mess of sprinkles, icing, and creativity. Share them or save them for Santa.

Make an Ornament or Snowflakes

Create a keepsake ornament or paper snowflakes to hang around the house. Simple crafting becomes a memory that lasts for years.

Make Popcorn Garland

Thread warm popcorn on a string and drape it on the tree. It’s slow, simple, and delightfully old-fashioned.

Buy a Present & Drop It at a Toy Drive

Choose something special for a child you’ve never met. Giving this way warms the heart and teaches kindness.

Wrap Presents

Spread out paper, ribbons, tape, and tags. Turn gift-wrapping into a joyful ritual with bows, doodles, or handwritten notes.

Visit Santa

Share wishes, smiles, and maybe a little holiday bravery as you visit Santa. Snap a photo to remember the moment.

Go Caroling or Sing Carols at Home

Lift your voices in songs of the season in the neighborhood or cozied up at home. Singing together creates its own kind of magic.

Roast Chestnuts or Marshmallows

Warm your hands and hearts around a fire as you roast marshmallows or chestnuts.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Hide small treasures around the house or yard, a candy cane, a pinecone, a jingle bell, and send the kids on a merry hunt.

Make Christmas Soup (Red & Green Ingredients)

Chop, stir, and simmer a pot of festive soup using red and green vegetables. Enjoy a warm, nourishing meal made together.

Holiday Tea Party

Set up a cozy tea party with friends or your favorite stuffed animals. Sip warm tea, nibble treats, and enjoy gentle conversation.

Go to a Gingerbread Exhibit

Marvel at gingerbread houses, candy-studded creations, and whimsical designs.

Decorate the Christmas Tree

Turn on carols, unwrap ornaments, and decorate the tree together. Each ornament brings its own memory and story.

Christmas Bath

A beloved favorite for my daughter. A warm bath with bubbles, candles, soft Christmas music, and a holiday story.

Buy Dog Treats and Visit the animals at the Shelter

Most animal shelters let you give the dogs a treat. This was also a favorite activity. The dogs were always so gentle and kind as they accepted the treats through the kennel fences.

Hang Mistletoe and Give Out Kisses

Hang a sprig of mistletoe in a doorway and surprise your loved ones with sweet, silly kisses as they pass through.

Attend a Christmas Concert

Listen to live holiday music (choirs, orchestras, or cozy community performances). We typically went to a sing along of Handel’s Messiah.

Spread Blankets Outside & Gaze at the Stars

Wrap up in blankets, look to the winter sky, and breathe in the quiet. A peaceful moment to savor the wonder above and the warmth beside you.