Exciting and Fun Kids Advent Calendar Ideas for a Memorable Countdown to Christmas

The countdown to Christmas is a magical time, especially for kids. One way to make this period even more special is by using an Advent calendar. These calendars offer a daily dose of excitement and joy as children eagerly await the big day. If you’re looking for some creative and fun ideas to make this year’s kids advent calendar unforgettable, here are some suggestions that will delight kids and make the holiday season even more magical.



1. DIY Craft Advent Calendar

Create an Advent calendar filled with daily craft activities. Gather supplies such as coloured paper, glue, glitter, markers, and other craft materials. Each day, provide a new craft project for the kids to complete. This can include making Christmas ornaments, decorating gingerbread houses, or creating festive holiday cards. Not only will this keep the kids entertained, but it also allows them to express their creativity and produce keepsakes they can cherish for years to come.

2. Storytime Advent Calendar

Combine the magic of Christmas with the joy of reading by creating a storytime Advent calendar. Wrap 24 holiday-themed books and place them under the Christmas tree. Each night, let your child pick one book to unwrap and read together as a family. This idea not only promotes a love for reading but also creates a cosy and intimate family tradition that your children will look forward to each year.

3. Lego Advent Calendar

Lego sets are always a hit with kids, and a Lego Advent calendar can provide endless fun. You can either purchase a pre-made Lego Advent calendar or create your own by dividing a Lego set into 24 small bags or boxes. Each day, your child can build a new piece that eventually completes a larger set, like a festive scene or a holiday-themed creation. This idea is perfect for keeping kids engaged and excited throughout the countdown.

4. Activity Advent Calendar

Fill an Advent calendar with different holiday-themed activities for each day. Write down various fun activities on small pieces of paper and place them in the calendar. Activities can include baking cookies, watching a Christmas movie, building a snowman, or having a hot chocolate night. This type of calendar not only provides daily surprises but also encourages quality family time and creates lasting memories.

5. Puzzle Advent Calendar

If your child loves puzzles, consider creating a puzzle Advent calendar. Find a large puzzle with a Christmas or winter theme and divide it into 24 sections. Each day, give your child a new section of the puzzle to complete. By Christmas Eve, they will have a beautifully finished puzzle that they can display and be proud of. This idea is both challenging and rewarding, perfect for puzzle enthusiasts.

6. Kindness Advent Calendar

Teach your children the importance of kindness and giving during the holiday season with a kindness Advent calendar. Each day, include a small act of kindness for your child to complete. Acts can range from helping a neighbour, donating toys to a local charity, or making holiday cards for nursing home residents. This type of calendar instils the values of generosity and empathy, making the countdown to Christmas even more meaningful.

7. Science Experiment Advent Calendar

For the little scientists in your life, a science experiment Advent calendar can be a thrilling and educational experience. Prepare 24 simple and safe science experiments that your child can conduct each day. Experiments can include making slime, creating a volcano, or growing crystals. This calendar idea combines fun with learning and is perfect for curious minds who love to explore and discover new things.

8. Toy Advent Calendar

Fill an Advent calendar with small toys and trinkets that your child will love. You can include items like mini action figures, tiny cars, doll accessories, or small plush toys. Each day, your child will be excited to see what new toy awaits them. This idea is simple but effective, ensuring that the countdown to Christmas is filled with joy and anticipation.

9. Scavenger Hunt Advent Calendar

Turn the Advent calendar into a daily scavenger hunt. Each day, provide a clue that leads your child to a hidden treat or small gift somewhere in the house. The clues can be simple for younger children or more challenging for older kids. This idea adds an element of adventure and excitement to the daily countdown, making each day a fun and interactive experience.

10. Foodie Advent Calendar

For kids who love to cook and eat, a foodie Advent calendar can be a delicious treat. Each day, include a small baking or cooking activity. You can provide ingredients and recipes for making cookies, cupcakes, or holiday snacks. Alternatively, you can include a different treat for each day, such as a piece of chocolate, a holiday candy, or a festive cookie. This calendar idea combines the joy of cooking with the delight of tasting, making the countdown to Christmas a flavorful experience.



11. Ornament Advent Calendar

Create an Advent calendar that includes a new ornament each day. By Christmas Eve, your child will have 24 new ornaments to decorate the tree. You can buy a set of ornaments or make your own using craft supplies. This idea not only adds a personal touch to your Christmas tree but also creates a beautiful collection of ornaments that your child will treasure.

12. Educational Advent Calendar

Turn the countdown to Christmas into a learning experience with an educational Advent calendar. Each day, include a new educational activity or challenge, such as a math puzzle, a word search, or a fun fact about Christmas traditions around the world. This calendar idea keeps kids engaged and learning while still enjoying the festive season.

13. Personalized Advent Calendar

Create a personalized Advent calendar tailored to your child’s interests and hobbies. If your child loves dinosaurs, include small dinosaur toys, books, and activities. If they are into art, include art supplies and mini-projects. The key is to make the calendar unique to your child’s likes, ensuring that each day is a special surprise that caters to their passions.

14. Outdoor Adventure Advent Calendar

Encourage your child to spend time outdoors with an outdoor adventure Advent calendar. Each day, include a new outdoor activity or challenge, such as a nature walk, a bird-watching mission, or a scavenger hunt. This calendar idea promotes physical activity and a love for nature, making the countdown to Christmas both fun and healthy.

15. Music Advent Calendar

For musically inclined children, a musical Advent calendar can be a harmonious delight. Each day, introduce a new Christmas song or carol for your child to learn and sing. You can include sheet music, lyrics, or links to online videos. By Christmas Eve, your child will have a repertoire of festive songs to perform for family and friends.

An Advent calendar is a wonderful way to build anticipation and excitement in the lead-up to Christmas. Whether you choose to create a DIY craft calendar, a storytime calendar, or any of the other ideas mentioned above, the key is to make the experience fun, engaging, and memorable for your child. By incorporating their interests and hobbies, you can ensure that each day is a delightful surprise that brings joy and happiness. This holiday season, create a magical countdown to Christmas with a unique and creative Advent calendar that your kids will cherish and remember for years to come.