24 Christmas countdown ideas for kids

The short answer

Count down with one small thing a day from December 1 to 24. Easy options are an activity advent calendar, a Christmas book a day, a paper chain, and a kindness calendar. Write each day's idea on a card, put it in an envelope or pocket, and let the kids open one each morning.

Ways to count down

  • Activity advent calendar. One family activity per day, written on a card.
  • Book advent. Wrap 24 Christmas books, new or from the library, and read one each night.
  • Paper chain. Kids tear off one link a day. Write an activity on each link.
  • Kindness calendar. One good deed per day.
  • Classic chocolate or toy calendar. Mix it with the activities.

24 activity ideas

  1. Write a letter to Santa
  2. Put up the tree
  3. Make a paper snowflake
  4. Watch a Christmas movie with popcorn
  5. Bake cookies
  6. Make a Christmas card for a grandparent
  7. Drive or walk to see the lights
  8. Build a gingerbread house
  9. Sing carols
  10. Make reindeer food (oats and dried cranberries)
  11. Donate a toy
  12. Have a hot chocolate night
  13. Make a salt dough ornament
  14. Read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
  15. Wear Christmas jumpers all day
  16. Learn Santa's reindeer names. See Santa's reindeer names.
  17. Play a Christmas game on the Santa tracker. See NORAD vs Google Santa Tracker.
  18. Make a thank-you card for a teacher
  19. Have a Christmas picnic in the living room
  20. Wrap a gift for a sibling
  21. Make a card for a neighbor
  22. Camp under the tree for one night
  23. Bake the cookies for Santa
  24. Open the Christmas Eve box. See Christmas Eve box ideas.

Tips

  • Match the activity to the day. Put the big ones on weekends.
  • Keep a few easy swaps, like "Christmas movie", for busy days.
  • Save the best for the end of the countdown.

Questions

When does a Christmas countdown start?

Most advent calendars run from December 1 to December 24. Some families start with the first Sunday of Advent.

What can I put in an advent calendar instead of chocolate?

Activity cards, small toys, stickers, a Christmas book, a riddle, or a note from the elves.

How do I make a paper chain countdown?

Cut 24 strips of red and green paper, write an activity on each, and loop them into a chain with glue or tape. Kids tear off one link each day.

Santa Stopped By. Coming this Christmas.