The Christmas countdown is one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season—especially for kids. But between busy schedules, endless shopping, and screen temptation at an all-time high, it can be hard to make daily traditions feel meaningful, simple, and fun.

That’s why activity-based and Christ-centered advent printables are becoming a favorite for families who want less stress and more connection this December. From gifting the 12 Days of Christmas in a Secret Santa surprise to building your own nativity piece-by-piece, these printables turn anticipation into creativity, reflection, and intentional family moments.

8 Christmas Advent Calendars for kids

Use these fun Kid’s advent calendars this Christmas to make it magical for your kids! You can download them all in my shop.

1. 12 Days of Secret Santa

Share the magic of the season with a 12 Days of Secret Santa gift experience inspired by the classic 12 Days of Christmas. This kit includes a variety of thoughtful and budget-friendly gift ideas to help you surprise someone special over 12 days.

Each set comes with present tags that feature original rhymes to match your gifts, making every day feel festive and fun. The rhymes add a memorable, personal touch that brings delight beyond the gift itself. It’s a creative way to spread Christmas cheer and show appreciation in a meaningful, memorable format.

2. Coloring Countdown Pages

These Coloring Countdown Pages include mini Christmas-themed coloring sheets designed to be completed one day at a time. Kids can color a new page each day, turning a daily tradition into a calm creative moment during the holiday rush.

Once finished, the pages can be assembled into a charming mini coloring book or booklet to keep and re-read. It’s a screen-free activity that doubles as a keepsake craft. Great for building excitement while encouraging creativity, fine motor skills, and storytelling.

3. 12 Day Nativity Advent Calendar

Experience the true meaning of Christmas through a Christ-centered 12 Day Nativity Advent Calendar. Each day features a portion of the nativity story with coordinating scriptures, songs, and recommended music to sing or listen to. Kids can color each scene to bring the story to life in their own artistic way.

This interactive calendar supports scripture memory, reflection, and family connection. It’s a meaningful countdown tradition that blends faith, creativity, and worship.

4. Christmas Activity Advent Calendar

Make your holiday countdown unique with this customizable Christmas Activity Advent Calendar. The set includes a wide variety of fun, family-friendly activity ideas to choose from—like crafts, games, service prompts, and seasonal memory makers. Families can mix up the cards and select their favorite 25 to match their traditions and schedule.

Each day offers a new way to connect and celebrate without extra planning stress. This advent system builds excitement through experiences rather than candy or screens. Perfect for making every December day count.

5. Nativity Story Advent Cards

These Nativity Story Advent Cards feature beautifully illustrated nativity pieces with coordinating scriptures, available in both black-and-white and full-color versions. Kids can read the scripture, reflect on the story, and color the picture for an interactive, mindful tradition.

Punch a hole in the corner of each card and assemble them onto a ring to create a portable ring booklet or flipbook. This format allows the story to be revisited year after year. It’s a meaningful faith-based activity that also doubles as a keepsake craft.

6. Names of Christ Advent Calendar

Celebrate the Savior this season with the Names of Christ Advent Calendar, featuring 25 meaningful names and titles of Jesus Christ. Each day includes a corresponding scripture and thoughtful pondering questions for deeper reflection. Families and kids can learn a new name of Christ each day, fostering connection, gratitude, and spiritual curiosity.

This calendar is a simple yet powerful way to shift the holiday focus toward Christ. It encourages daily mindfulness and intentional conversations about the Savior.

7. Advent Coloring Poster

This Advent Coloring Poster offers a beautifully designed large-format coloring page with 25 countdown boxes, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas. Kids can color one box a day, creating a gentle, creative ritual that builds excitement over time.

The growing artwork becomes part of your holiday décor as the month goes on. It’s a screen-free countdown that encourages creativity and anticipation without overwhelm. Great for classrooms, families, and holiday gatherings alike.

8. Build a Nativity

The Build a Nativity set is a hands-on paper craft that can be done as a one-day project or turned into a 12-day countdown activity. Kids can assemble, color, and build their own nativity scene while strengthening their connection to the Christmas story.

Stretch it out by adding a new piece each day or complete it all at once for Family Home Evening or a holiday craft night. Finished pieces create a meaningful display for the season. This craft encourages creativity, storytelling, and faith-centered celebration.

Which Christmas Advent Will You Do?

Christmas magic doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from presence. The best advent traditions are the ones that help kids slow down, create something with their hands, learn something with their hearts, and connect with the people they love most (and the Savior, too). Whether you choose one printable or mix a few together this year, you’re building more than a countdown—you’re building memories, conversations, and traditions your kids will carry long after the decorations come down.