25 Christmas Activities for Your Advent Calendar
Make every day in December festive, fun, and memorable!
Counting down to Christmas is one of the best parts of the season — especially when every day includes a little something to make it special. Whether you love baking, crafting, getting outside, or just slowing down with family and friends, these ideas will help you make the most of your December leading up to Christmas.
And if you’d like to make it simple, our Printable Advent Calendar Activity Cards include 36 ready-to-use ideas (plus blanks for your own) and numbers 1-25. You can pop them into envelopes, hang them on a string, or use them with your advent calendar for a festive surprise every day.
Here’s some inspiration for activities you could include in your advent calendar this year:
1. Bake a Christmas Cake
Spend an afternoon baking something special. Whether it’s a traditional fruit cake or a simple sponge with a festive twist. Get everyone involved, then wrap it up for Christmas Eve or gift it to a neighbor.
2. Choose a Christmas Tree
Whether you’re picking an artificial one from the shop or heading out to a Christmas tree farm, make it a special outing. Take your time exploring the options and enjoy the fun of finding the tree that’s just right.
3. Make Paper Snowflakes
All you need is paper and scissors!
Simply fold, cut, and unfold to create your snowflakes. Stick them to windows or pop them up on some string for instant wintry charm.
4. Watch a Christmas Movie
Pick a classic or discover something new. Dim the lights, grab a blanket, and make it cozy. Add popcorn and hot chocolate for the full festive experience.
5. Toast Marshmallows
Toasting marshmallows is such an easy way to add a bit of fun to a winter evening.
Pop one between 2 biscuits to make smores - a sweet, toasty treat that feels instantly festive!
6. Write Christmas Cards
Put some festive music on and write messages to family and friends on or use our printable Christmas cards on Etsy for a quick, creative option. A handwritten card is a great way to brighten someone’s day!
7. Make a Christmas Wreath
First, gather greenery, pinecones, and ribbon. Then, starting with a simple base (wire or foam), layer your foliage, and finish with a bow. It’s easier than it looks!
8. Listen to Christmas Songs
Turn up the volume and sing along! Create a playlist of classics and new hits — perfect background music for decorating or baking.
9. Wrap Gifts
Get a cup of something warm, gather the wrapping paper, and get creative. Try kraft paper with twine and tags, or go bold with ribbons and color. It’s lovely how exciting a neatly wrapped gift can be!
10. Decorate the Tree
This one deserves its own day! Turn on the lights, open the decoration box, and let everyone put up their favorites. Maybe add a new ornament this year as a new family tradition.
11. Buy or Make a Snow Globe
You can buy one — or try a simple DIY version! Use a jar, a small ornament, glitter, and water. Seal tightly and shake to see your snowy winter wonderland!
12. Make Hot Chocolate
Go all out with marshmallows, cream, chocolate flakes and peppermint sticks so everyone can make their own favorite cup of cocoa!
13. Go Ice Skating
Bundle up and hit the rink! Whether you’re a pro or just holding the rail, it’s all about laughter and festive fun.
14. Make Christmas Cookies
Mix up a batch of gingerbread or sugar cookies. Cut them into stars, trees, or snowmen, bake, and decorate with icing and sprinkles.
15. Buy or Make Christmas Gifts
Get thoughtful with your giving. Handmade gifts, photos, or simple DIYs are always meaningful. Need inspiration? Try our printable gift ideas on Etsy for quick, creative options.
16. Build a Gingerbread House
Use a kit or bake your own — and have fun decorating! Gather your favorite sweets, add plenty of colorful icing, and have a great time creating a gingerbread house that’s full of festive charm.
17. Buy or Make a New Tree Decoration
Pick out or create a new ornament to add to your collection. It’s a simple tradition that keeps your tree’s story growing every year.
18. Go on a Winter Nature Walk
Bundle up and head outside. Notice the quiet, spot winter berries, or collect pinecones. It’s refreshing and relaxing — the perfect break from holiday busyness.
19. Read a Christmas Book
Choose a cozy classic or something new. Get a snuggly blanket, a cup of something warm and enjoy a relaxed moment in the middle of the festive rush.
20. Donate to Charity
Whether it’s donating to a local food drive, supporting a charity, or helping a neighbor, small acts of kindness make a big difference.
21. Bake Festive Cupcakes
Bright, fun, and delicious! Try red and green icing, snowflake sprinkles, or candy cane toppers. Share them with friends or neighbors.
22. Look at Local Christmas Lights
Take an evening drive or stroll to admire twinkling displays. Bring snacks and hot drinks, and rate your favorites along the way!
23. Make a Winter Flower Display
Gather greenery, berries, and flowers to create a natural festive centerpiece. It’s a lovely way to bring a bit of the outdoors in.
24. Start a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Whether with family, friends, or coworkers, this adds instant fun. Draw names and set a budget. Use our printable Secret Santa questionnaire to make gift picking easy.
25. Put Up Christmas Decorations
Add garlands to shelves, put lights around windows, and brighten up the walls with our printable Christmas wall art for an instant touch of seasonal charm.
Want to make your own advent calendar quickly and easy?
It’s so simple with our printable advent calendar activity cards and numbers!
Our Printable Advent Calendar Activity Cards on Etsy include:
36 ready-made activity cards
Blank cards to add your own favorite ideas
Numbered designs for easy DIY advent calendar use
Even just a few minutes each day with a simple activity can make the whole of December feel even more special. Enjoy the season, create memories, and have fun! ✨
