Advent Calendar Ideas: 31 Ways to Count Down to Christmas

DIY Advent Calendar Ideas

If the elf visits your house too, the Elf on the Shelf idea generator covers the other half of December — tell it what you have at home and it picks tonight's idea for you.

Make-it-yourself calendars: paper, pockets, envelopes.

• Craft a wall-mounted calendar using mini envelopes filled with handwritten notes or small gifts. Personalize each envelope with family photos or drawings to add a sentimental touch.
• Use small paper bags or boxes, decorated with festive stickers, to hold daily treats. Consider incorporating a theme, such as a favorite movie or book, to enhance the experience.
• Design a fabric calendar with pockets, perfect for adding little toys or chocolates. Choose fabric patterns that match your holiday décor or represent family traditions.

• Create a hanging calendar with string, clothespins, and colorful envelopes, making it a versatile decoration that can be adapted each year. Add a surprise element by mixing up the order of the envelopes.
• Make a puzzle advent calendar by cutting a large image into 24 pieces to reveal a surprise. Each piece could include a clue or trivia related to the image, turning the countdown into a family game.

Edible Advent Calendar Ideas

For calendars you eat.

• Fill a calendar with individually wrapped chocolates or candies, offering a sweet treat daily. Consider using chocolates from different countries to explore global flavors.
• Include homemade cookies, one for each day, with a variety of flavors and shapes. Use cookie cutters shaped like stars, trees, and snowflakes to add a festive flair.
• Use small jars filled with different types of nuts or dried fruits, perfect for a healthy snack. Add a sprinkle of holiday spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance the flavors.

• Prepare a tea advent calendar with a different tea bag for each day, offering a relaxing moment every morning. Choose a mix of herbal, black, and green teas for a diverse experience.
• Create a savory calendar with an assortment of cheese samples or mini jars of jam. Pair each cheese with a suggested wine or cracker to elevate the daily experience.

Activity-Based Advent Calendar Ideas

One small thing to do each day — for most families with young kids, this is the one that lasts.

1. Day 1: Decorate your home with holiday lights. Challenge each family member to create a unique lighting design for different parts of the house.
2. Day 2: Watch a classic Christmas movie together. Prepare themed snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie night.
3. Day 3: Bake holiday cookies as a family. Experiment with new recipes and encourage kids to decorate the cookies creatively.

1. Day 4: Create Christmas cards for family and friends. Use recycled materials and encourage everyone to write personalized messages.
2. Day 5: Go ice skating or take a winter walk. Capture the outing with photos and create a scrapbook page to remember the day.
3. Day 6: Write a letter to Santa. Discuss the meaning of giving and encourage kids to think of others' wishes too.

Advent Calendars with a Global Twist

How other countries count the days.

• German tradition: Fill a wooden calendar with marzipan and Christmas spices like cinnamon. Include a brief history of German Christmas markets in each day's surprise.
• Swedish touch: Feature daily surprises of saffron buns or pepparkakor cookies. Share stories about the Swedish celebration of St. Lucia's Day and its significance.
• French influence: Include small toys or chocolates in a calendar shaped like a wooden chalet. Discuss the tradition of 'Les Treize Desserts' and its role in French holiday feasts.

• Italian style: Incorporate nativity scene figures, adding one piece each day. Explore the importance of 'Presepe' in Italian culture and its representation of the nativity story.
• British classic: Use a calendar with stories from Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. Read a passage each day and discuss its themes of generosity and redemption.

How other countries count the days.

Eco-Friendly Advent Calendar Ideas

Calendars that don't end up in the bin on the 25th.

• Wrap small surprises in recycled newspaper or fabric scraps, adding a rustic charm to your calendar. Encourage family members to reuse or repurpose wrapping materials.
• Use a reusable fabric or wooden calendar to reduce waste. Personalize it with family names or holiday wishes to make it a lasting tradition.
• Incorporate nature-inspired gifts, like pine cones or dried flowers. Use these items in craft projects or as decorations around the home.

• Include daily environmental challenges, like a pledge to reduce plastic use. Engage the family in discussions on sustainability and brainstorm ways to live more eco-consciously.
• Add seeds for planting, encouraging green activities. Plan a planting day in the spring to watch your efforts bloom and grow.

Personalized Advent Calendar Ideas

Calendars built around one child's interests.

• Create a calendar based on favorite books, with daily excerpts or themed gifts. Encourage reading together as a family and discuss the stories' themes and messages.
• Include family photos or daily affirmations for a personal touch. Use these moments as opportunities for reflection and gratitude.
• Use a Santa's messages to send personalized messages from Santa. This adds an element of magic and excitement for children.

• Incorporate favorite hobbies, such as crafting supplies or game pieces. Plan a special day to use these gifts in a family project or game night.
• Design a calendar with a mix of personal items and interactive experiences. Include DIY kits or tickets to local events for a balanced and engaging countdown.