Christmas countdown activities add joy and anticipation to the holiday season. Plus, they help children remember the real meaning of Christmas. Counting down the days of Advent (or December) may be one of your favorite childhood memories. Share that excitement—and the good news of Jesus—with kids in your church and children’s ministry.
Christmas countdown activities don’t need to be elaborate or expensive. In fact, they can be quite simple, and many are low-cost or even free. So use this Advent season to teach children why we celebrate and give gifts. Also use the opportunity of the approaching holiday to instill generosity and goodwill among kids. Remind them about the joy of sharing, giving, and telling other people about Jesus.
Enjoy these 25 Christmas countdown activities for Sunday school classrooms or children’s church. They’re also ideal for family devotions and prayer times.
Try These Christmas Countdown Activities
Check out this stocking full of fun Christmas countdown ideas!
25. Advent Calendars for Kids
First up, a wide variety of Advent calendars are available to purchase. But you can make your own out of almost anything…even cardboard toilet-paper tubes!
24. Advent Activities
Advent calendars don’t need to be stocked with just toys or candy. You also can fill the squares or pockets with coupons for family activities. This website provides free Advent activity cards you can download and print.
23. Journey to the Manger
With this simple download sheet, children track the path that Mary and Joseph take to Bethlehem.
22. Bible Verse Chain
We love this easy but impactful Scripture-based idea. Every day, children remove and read one chain link with a Christmas-related Bible verse.
21. Countdown Bible Study
Older children will enjoy this biblical Christmas countdown idea. It incorporates Scripture response tools to help families go deeper into God’s Word.
20. Christmas Crafts
If you’re feeling especially creative, check out these 25 crafts kids can make leading up to Christmas. Keep young learners busy with one craft per day, improvising on supplies as needed.
19. Counting Down the 12 Days of Christmas
Next, use this fun Nativity countdown to prepare for the arrival of Baby Jesus.
18. Jesus Is Coming!
Check out this adorable twist on an Advent countdown calendar. Kids will be excited to move Baby Jesus closer and closer to his manger bed.
17. ABC Advent Countdown
Encourage children to memorize brief Scripture verses with this ornament countdown collection. Kids can color 26 ornaments, from A to Z, while hiding God’s Word in their hearts. Then each night they can hang an ornament on the Christmas tree.
16. Advent Reading Plan
Children and families can read about the events leading up to the Christmas story.
15. Christ-Focused Advent Ideas
This structured devotional plan includes ideas for acts of service.
14. Family Advent Calendars
At this site, you’ll find a range of creative countdown calendars for Christmas. Plus, discover suggestions for what to put inside each square, envelope, or flap.
