Advent Calendars, Countdowns & Activities for All Ages - with Free Printables

Looking for a paper Advent Calendar to print, a simple Countdown to make, or an activity to explore throughout the season? Take a look at these tried & tested ideas each offering all ages an opportunity to pause, reflect & wonder as we journey towards Christmas.


Whether you're searching for resources for home, church, or school, there's something for everyone here, from free printable Advent Calendars to activities to make with toddlers or teens!

Advent Calendar Colouring Sheet - Free Printable

Colour your way through the Nativity Story every day with this Printable Advent Calendar for all ages. Perfect to share with children's groups, schools, or as a giveaway for local families. More info here: Advent Nativity Colouring Sheet

Paper Advent Candle to Make & Colour - Free Printable

This Paper Advent Candle is a super simple way for kids to countdown to Christmas. Colour in the stars as you journey through Advent & slowly see the light appear. An ideal craft for kids of all ages to make at home, school, or church. Add a battery tealight to the candle base & the colourful stars will glow. More info here: Paper Advent Candle


Nature Advent Calendar - Free Printable

This free printable activity sheet offers 24 super simple nature-based ideas for all ages to explore. It's perfect for encouraging children & families to pause & connect with the natural world as we journey towards Christmas. Ideal to share as a giveaway, or to add to the pages of your magazine or newsletter. Download your copy here - 24 Nature Activities for Advent


Jam Jar Advent Lanterns - Recycling Craft

Let the light shine brightly this Advent with these colourful  homemade Advent Lanterns. Light a new one each Sunday as you prepare for Christmas. Made from recycled jam jars, they're frugal, eco-friendly & simple for all ages to make. Find our more here: Advent Lanterns

Nativity Countdown with 'Fill in the Blank' Cards - Free Printable

These printable cards invite children to find a simple missing word every day that tells part of the Christmas Story. A fun challenge for school age children that helps them discover more about the Nativity, sequence key events & explore some literacy skills too. More info here: Nativity Advent Countdown


DIY Wooden Advent Candles - Nature Craft

These eco-friendly Wooden Candles are made entirely from natural materials. Ideal for outdoor Advent Wreaths or Forest Church sessions, these candles can be used year after year. A wonderful tactile activity for all ages to explore the season. Find out how we made them here: Wooden Advent Candles.


Gratitude Advent Countdown with Printable Activity Cards - Free Printable

This super simple Gratitude Advent Calendar offers quick & easy ideas for kids to explore each day in the run-up to Christmas. With 24+ activity ideas, you can choose which are most suitable for your time & family. More info here: Gratitude Advent Countdown


Paper Advent Wreath with Candles to 'light' - Free Printable

Make your own paper Advent Wreath with this free printable. Perfect for exploring the meaning of the four Sundays in Advent & an ideal craft for Messy Church, school, or home.  Children can even 'light' the candles during December as they countdown to Christmas Day. More info here: Paper Advent Wreath



Nature Advent Calendar - Free Printable

This free printable activity sheet offers 24 super simple nature-based ideas for all ages to explore. It's perfect for encouraging children & families to pause & connect with the natural world as we journey towards Christmas. Ideal to share as a giveaway, or to add to the pages of your magazine or newsletter. Download your copy here - 24 Nature Activities for Advent


Follow the Star - Simple No Prep Advent Countdown for Kids

Looking for a simple homemade Advent Countdown? Then this no-prep countdown is for you!  Quick & easy to put together, & lots of fun for all ages to discover throughout December. More info here: Follow the Star


Glowing Advent Candles - Recycling Craft

These Glowing Candles are a creative way for young children to discover the themes of the Sundays during Advent. Made from recycled cardboard tubes, this simple craft is frugal & eco-friendly, offering children a chance to pause & reflect throughout December. Find out more about the Sundays in Advent here: Glowing Advent Candles


Make an Advent Box to help you Prepare for Christmas

Make an Advent Box for children to explore throughout December. A great reminder of the real reason for the season & a lovely gift to share with relatives & friends. Find out what we put in ours here: Advent Box


Rocky Road to Bethlehem - Simple No Cook Recipe for Kids to Explore the Nativity Story

This is a winner with all age groups, particularly tweens & teens. A quick & easy Rocky Road Recipe with every ingredient telling part of the Christmas. Ideal to make during Advent to share with friends, family or church congregations. Find the recipe here: Rocky Road to Bethlehem.


Build Your Own Bethlehem Play Scene with Recycled Materials

This homemade eco-friendly play scene is perfect for young children to discover the Christmas Story through play! So simple to create, it can be explored throughout Advent & beyond. Find out how we created the textured stone buildings & shepherd's hillside here: Bethlehem Play Scene


Nativity Stick Puppets to Make & Colour - Free Printable

These Nativity Stick Puppets are a fun way for children to creatively explore the Christmas Story. Not only do they offer the opportunity to explore key characters, but also encourage imaginative play, language skills & so much more. More info here: Nativity Puppets


Dotty the Donkey Outdoor Nativity Trail 

Looking for an interactive Christmas Trail that children & families can explore around your outdoor area? Then this is for you! Follow 'Dotty the Donkey' as she retells the Nativity Story in this fun nature-based Christmas Trail for all ages. More info here: Dotty the Donkey Trail


Christmas Star Trail - Use Indoors or Outside

Another fun colourful Trail for children to explore through Advent to Epiphany! With nine trail signs, it's ideal for children of all ages to explore around your churchyard or playing field. The simple text is suitable for those who are new to the Christmas Story, as well as those who know it well. For more ideas on how to use this trail & how to download you copy, visit: Christmas Star Trail



If you're looking for more Nativity themed crafts & activities, you might like these - Nativity ideas.


Wanting to explore Christingle? Take a look at these - Christingle resources