We started a really special tradition when my oldest son was only a year old, a full calendar filled with Christmas Advent Activities and events. Since we started, we have moved three times, had a 2nd baby, and survived a lockdown; so we have gotten really creative with what we add to our annual Christmas Advent calendar!

So, I have always had one master list of local + anywhere activities, but because our local list is SO extensive I thought I’d throw this easy-to-scan post together for the moms anywhere in the world! You can do these in any order and change up any of these ideas. And here’s my biggest tip: HAVE FUN! Don’t stress about the calendar you put together. Do what you can, and enjoy those warm snuggles in front of a good book or Christmas movie for the in-between times.

Christmas Advent Activities

Activities to do at home

Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt: Release your inner child and unleash the candy-crazed detective within you, as you scavenge high and low for Candy Canes all throughout your home! Play with the kids and have a neighbor hide them, or let the kids run wild while you enjoy a cup of cheer!
Christmas movie nights with themed snacks (Strawberry Santas, Egg Snowmen, Grinch Fruit Kabobs).
Snow (or in our case Faux Snow) Day! Some of the things we love: Make pretend snow, Paint by Sticker, Christmas Mad Libs, Would You Rather? Christmas Edition.
Make gingerbread crafts or cookies.
Christmas Dance Party in your living room (try Amazon Music for free).
Grab an Activity Tray and use some of the snow from your Faux Snow Day to make a winter wonderland experience with these Arctic Animals!
Make DIY Bead Elves.
Put those old cards to use and make some DIY Recycled Christmas Card Gift Bags.
Have some fun with these Christmas dot marker printables.
At-home Christmas photoshoot with these fun printable Christmas photo booth props!
Bake and decorate Christmas cookies.
Play a Christmas scavenger hunt game.
Have a Christmas family game night.
String and snack on popcorn!
Discover multicultural holidays in December with your kids.
Come together for some Christmas karaoke.
Camp out and have a family sleepover by the tree.
Make a Christmas playlist together as a family.
Build a gingerbread house.
Decorate the kid’s door with Christmas fun!

Traditions to create

Pack an Operation Christmas Box or shop for a Giving Tree recipient.
Adopt an Elf.
Gather the kids and make your own ornaments! Here are some easy ones you can purchase for my fellow non-crafty moms. Christmas Ornament Kit, Resin Ornament Kit, Wood Ornament Kit, Wooden Bead Snowman Ornaments, and Scrabble Tile Ornament Kit.
Write letters to Santa!
Make a Christmas-themed breakfast for the kids before holiday busyness comes around.
Bake cookies for Santa.
Leave some nice treats out for your delivery drivers.
Unwrap and read a new Christmas book. Some of my favorites are linked for little ones!

Local events and fun out in the wild

Find sparkling, festive neighborhoods to take a drive through. Pack some hot cocoa and Christmas tunes!
Look up local Christmas bazaars and markets, where you can get lost in a wonderland of festive delights!
Check your local event calendars for outdoor Christmas movie nights.
Look into your local museums for an array of fun-filled holiday events.
Peruse your local library for Christmas classic books and movies.
Host a used book or toy exchange among friends.
Go ice skating!
Find a local holiday performance. Many schools and city rec centers offer free concerts and shows!

I hope this post helps inspire you to create an amazing holiday season! I hope you’ll dive into the holiday spirit and embrace the joy and wonder that this magical time of year brings. Let the twinkling lights and cheerful melodies fill your heart with warmth and happiness. This Christmas Advent Activities calendar should help you connect with loved ones, share laughter and stories, and create cherished traditions that will be enjoyed for generations. May your holiday season be filled with love, peace, and endless moments of pure joy. Merry Christmas!