25 Days of Advent Activities for Preschoolers: A Festive Countdown for Teachers
Get ready to make this Advent season unforgettable for your little ones! 🎄 If you're looking for fun, hands-on ways to count down to Christmas with your preschoolers, you've come to the right place. Check out 25 free printable Advent Ideas for Preschoolers!
Advent season is the perfect time to bring excitement and holiday cheer into the classroom! This year, why not make each day leading up to Christmas extra special with engaging advent activities for preschoolers?
Our 25-day advent calendar will give you fresh, themed Christmas activities each day, designed to encourage learning, build fine motor skills, and promote social-emotional growth.
Teachers, parents and homeschoolers can sign up to receive a free Christmas printables PDF with all the daily links, then come back here daily to discover new activities as they’re revealed.
Here’s a sneak peek at the range of activities included across the 25 days, focusing on counting and math games, social-emotional learning, literacy and reading comprehension, and fine motor skills.
Advent Calendar Ideas for Toddlers
Creating a toddler-friendly advent calendar is all about fun and manageable activities.
Christmas countdown activities for preschoolers that incorporate simple tasks like decorating stockings or crafting simple ornaments are perfect for younger kids.
These easy advent crafts for kids include activities such as finger painting or building a paper Christmas tree.
These activities encourage creativity and fine motor skills while building excitement for Christmas.
Don’t forget to get the printable advent activities for kids to make daily preparation easier.
Incorporating religious advent activities for preschoolers can also teach toddlers the true meaning of Christmas through short stories or songs. These simple yet engaging ideas will help toddlers enjoy the countdown in a meaningful way.
Advent Ideas for Preschoolers
Download your free printable advent calendar below, you will receive a PDF download in your inbox so you have access to each and everyday (QR code included). I will drop the links to the activities for each day below!
Click the button above to download your own advent calendar with QR codes for the activities.
How to Download These Activities
To make these advent activities even easier, sign up to receive a downloadable PDF that includes Christmas printable activities for each day of the month.
The PDF will link to children’s printable Christmas activities in days as a guide and revealed as the days go by, and on this day links to activities such as simple Christmas math puzzles or Christmas riddles for kids, all tailored to preschoolers.
These Christmas printable worksheets are low-prep and ready to use, making them a great resource for both classrooms and homes.
After downloading the guide, visit the blog for daily reveals of new activities, providing a fun, organized way to count down to Christmas.
Advent Activities Kids Day 1
Get ready for some festive fun with these Christmas-themed activities! Santa Mailbox Name Sort will have your kiddos organizing letters to Santa by name, while Santa Counting Mats use plastic links to boost counting skills in a hands-on way.
And don’t miss the snow globe Name Craft for a fun, interactive way to practice name building. Perfect activities to bring some holiday magic into learning!
Click on each image to get the printable!
The Snowglobe Name Craft lets them create personalized snowglobes—a perfect keepsake! Make the season extra magical with Reindeer Food Printables for a sprinkle of holiday cheer.
Advent Activities Kids Day 2
Kick off the season with an Elf Name Craft—kids will love creating their own little elf and personalizing it with their name. Try the Easy Reindeer Name Craft next, where little ones can add their names to their reindeer’s antlers!
For a special keepsake, make the Polar Express Bell Craft to remember the magic of the season. And don’t forget the Christmas Color by Number Sheets—perfect for calming down with some colorful holiday fun. Each activity brings joy and a touch of Christmas spirit to learning!
>>> Get your mega Christmas Activities for Kids Bundle here for a super fun Christmas each and every year.
Advent Activities Kids Day 3
Get kids excited for the season with fun and educational Christmas activities! Try the Christmas Count and Cover game, where kids practice counting 1:1. Need a hands-on craft?
Check out the adorable Santa Advent Craft to count down the days until Christmas!
For a big dose of social-emotional learning, explore Christmas Social Skills Scenario Cards featuring Santa to help kids practice kindness and empathy. And for Grinch fans, the Grinch Day Countdown Craft is a perfect way to add some green to your holiday activities!
>>> Get your mega Christmas Activities for Kids bonuses here for a super fun Christmas each and every year.
Advent Activities Kids Day 4
Ready for some holiday cheer that’s equal parts festive and fun? Get your classroom (or kitchen table) buzzing with Christmas Handprint Art Posters that’ll have your kiddos giggling and their hands messy – in the best way! 🎅
Top it off with our Elf Shoe Sight Word Craft to make learning jolly, Christmas Light Printables to add sparkle, and the Thrive Bundle for even more activities.
And for a meaningful touch, don’t miss the Story of Jesus Nativity Busy Book to remind everyone what the season’s all about. These goodies are perfect for keeping little hands busy and big smiles glowing!
Advent Activities Kids Day 5
Check out this Christmas Elf Peeking Craft—available in a free version for quick fun or a paid version for endless customization.
Plus, for little ones practicing sounds, the S Words Gingerbread Game adds seasonal flair to speech therapy!
Pair it with the Gingerbread Pom Pom Color Match, where kids practice color sorting and matching while building fine motor skills.
And don’t miss the Christmas Around the World activity for cultural exploration or the adorable Reindeer Craft Printable for some festive creativity.
These printables bring holiday magic and hands-on learning together! 🎅
Advent Activities Kids Day 6
Santa’s SEL Craft: Teach kids about doing good deeds while creating a jolly Santa craft—it’s a win-win!
Ugly Sweater Craft: Deck the halls (and your classroom walls) with these hilarious and oh-so-ugly sweaters. The kids will love designing their own!
Shape Snowman Activity: Who knew geometry could be this frosty and fun? Watch little ones turn shapes into snowmen masterpieces.
Sight Word Presents: Unwrap the gift of learning! These presents are perfect for practicing sight words in a festive way that keeps kids excited.
These activities will add holiday cheer and a sprinkle of learning magic to your classroom!
Advent Activities Kids Day 7
Santa Letter SEL Craft: Teach kids about good deeds with a hilarious craft featuring Santa and writing letters to him about their good deeds. A perfect way to combine laughs and social-emotional learning!
Gingerbread Cutting Cards (Free): These adorable cutting strips let kids practice their scissor skills while following the adventures of a gingerbread cookie. The best part? It’s free—because who doesn’t love a sweet deal?
Snow Name Craft: Let kids make their name sparkle like freshly fallen snow with this creative craft. A fun and personal way to celebrate the season!
Gingerbread Sequence Activity: Whether you’re reading about runaway gingerbread men or baking them, this sequencing activity is perfect for building storytelling skills—and keeping kids from climbing the walls!
These activities will make your holiday classroom feel merry, bright, and just a little less chaotic.
Advent Activities Kids Day 8
Keep the holiday fun going with these creative and educational Christmas printables!
Santa Sight Word Find (Chimney): Watch kids light up as they search for sight words hidden in Santa’s chimney! It’s a playful way to boost reading skills while embracing the Christmas spirit.
Gingerbread Coping Skills House SEL Craft: Teach social-emotional skills with this sweet craft! Kids decorate their gingerbread house while learning calming strategies and coping skills—a perfect mix of mindfulness and holiday fun.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Printable: Let kids unleash their creativity with this hilarious and festive activity. From wild designs to over-the-top decorations, it’s all about having fun with holiday style!
Nativity Story Hats: Bring the Nativity story to life with these adorable hats. Perfect for role-playing or story retelling, they make a wonderful addition to any Christmas celebration.
These printables add a sprinkle of holiday magic while keeping learning engaging and hands-on! 🎁
Advent Activities Kids Day 9
Turkey Grinch in Disguise: A hilarious twist on the classic disguise craft! Kids can cut and paste to transform a turkey into a sneaky Grinch, perfect for sparking laughter and practicing fine motor skills.
Christmas Handprint Craft Set: These printable handprint posters are super easy to use, work easily with individual students and you could also use them as bulletin boards.
Snowman Button Count: Math becomes merry with this snowman counting activity. Preschoolers will love adding “buttons” to their snowman while practicing number recognition and counting skills.
Tracing Reindeer Cards: These reindeer-themed tracing cards are perfect for little learners to build their fine motor skills. It’s a delightful way to prepare for writing while celebrating the season.
These activities are easy to prep and packed with learning opportunities—perfect for keeping the holidays educational and exciting!
Advent Activities Kids Day 10
The Christmas Toddler Busy Book offers easy-to-use pages packed with seasonal fun to keep your toddlers entertained.
Kids can also practice literacy with the Santa Sight Word Find—because who wouldn’t want to help Santa build his beard?
For some hands-on math fun, the Counting Mittens activity will have preschoolers sorting and counting with a wintery twist.
And don’t miss the Snowflake Bentley Craft, a creative way to mix art and science! Perfect for classrooms or holiday fun at home, these resources will make your winter days a little merrier and brighter!
Advent Activities Kids Day 11
Looking for Christmas activities that are both fun and secretly educational? These printables have got you covered (and your sanity intact).
Christmas Number Picture Puzzles: Turn number practice into a festive challenge! Kids will be so busy completing the puzzles, they won’t even realize they’re doing math. 🎄 Grab the Christmas Picture Puzzles here.
Reindeer Directional Crafts: Because what’s Christmas without a little crafting chaos? These reindeer crafts teach directional skills while doubling as adorable keepsakes. 🦌 Check out the Reindeer Directional Crafts here.
Christmas Counting & Alphabet Fun: From counting activities that sneak in math practice to alphabet games that make phonics jolly, these printables are like Christmas magic for learning. 🎅 Dive into counting or alphabet fun.
Bring on the festive cheer and watch the kids learn while they “think” they’re just playing!
Advent Activities Kids Day 12
Christmas Tree Bark Cutting Sheets: Get your kids snipping away with these fun and festive Christmas Tree Bark Cutting Sheets!
Perfect for building fine motor skills, these printables will keep little hands busy as they follow the cutting lines to reveal adorable tree designs. A great addition to your holiday centers or quiet time activities!
Christmas CVC I Spy Editable Binder: Make phonics festive with the Christmas CVC I Spy Binder! This editable resource combines holiday fun with reading practice.
Kids will search for and identify CVC words in cheerful Christmas-themed scenes, boosting their fluency and decoding skills. It’s a holiday hit for literacy centers!
Candy Cane Science Experiment: Add some science magic to the season with the Candy Cane Science Experiment! Watch kids’ eyes light up as they explore how candy canes dissolve in different liquids. A perfect hands-on activity to combine holiday fun with STEM learning.
Reindeer Name Craft: Personalize the holidays with the Reindeer Name Craft! Kids will create their very own reindeer featuring their name, perfect for decorating the classroom or taking home as a keepsake. This creative and festive activity is sure to bring lots of smiles!
Advent Activities Kids Day 13
Reindeer Nose SEL Craft (I Am Special)
Celebrate individuality with the Reindeer Nose SEL Craft! This adorable activity helps kids explore what makes them special while creating a festive reindeer masterpiece. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and self-esteem building, just in time for the holidays! 🎄
Gingerbread Bulletin Board Name Craft
Sweeten up your classroom decor with the Gingerbread Bulletin Board Name Craft! Kids will design their very own gingerbread characters featuring their names, creating a personalized and festive display. Perfect for holiday spirit and name recognition practice! 🎁
Winter Counting Activity
Keep little learners engaged with this fun and interactive Winter Counting Activity! With a snowy theme, kids will practice number recognition, counting, and fine motor skills, all while embracing the chill of the season—minus the frostbite! ❄️
Build a Snowglobe Craft
Bring the magic of winter indoors with the Build a Snowglobe Craft! This creative activity lets kids design their own snowy scene, combining fine motor skills, imagination, and plenty of holiday cheer. A perfect keepsake or classroom decoration! ⛄
Advent Activities Kids Day 14
Santa Chimney Sight Word Read and Cover
Make sight word practice magical with this Santa-themed activity! Kids roll and read a word, find its match, and cover it with a cotton ball. It’s an engaging way to build fluency while celebrating the holiday spirit. Grab it here: Santa Beard Sight Words
Elf Candy Name Craft
Personalized learning meets holiday fun with the Elf Candy Name Craft! Kids build and decorate their name on candy pieces, creating an adorable elf-themed display. Perfect for fine motor practice and name recognition! Learn more here: Elf Candy Name Craft
Santa Gift Name Craft
Encourage creativity with the Santa Gift Name Craft! Little learners will enjoy building their names on Santa’s gifts while practicing early literacy skills. A joyful addition to your holiday activities. Check it out here: Santa Gift Name Craft
Elf Hat Craft
Get festive with this Elf Hat Craft, where kids create their own wearable elf hats! A perfect blend of art and holiday cheer that adds a dash of magic to your classroom or home celebrations. Find it here: Elf Hat Craft
Bring the magic of Christmas, these fun crafts cover more than just arts and crafts, but also fine motor, color matching, critical thinking skills and more!
Advent Activities Kids Day 15
Secret Santa Acts of Kindness Bingo SEL
Make the holiday season meaningful with this Kindness Bingo Challenge. Packed with thoughtful acts, it encourages kids to spread joy and kindness while developing social-emotional skills. Perfect for classrooms or home, this printable fosters empathy in a fun and festive way!
Christmas in July Literacy Activities
Dive into the Christmas spirit any time of year! These ABC Match Printables and other literacy games are perfect for early learners, blending festive fun with essential reading skills. Ideal for centers, morning work, or holiday-themed learning days!
Counting Snowballs
Add a sprinkle of winter magic to math time! This counting activity uses “snowballs” to practice number recognition, counting, and fine motor skills. It’s simple, interactive, and perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners.
Gingerbread Cookie Science Experiment
Bring science to life with a sweet holiday twist! Kids will explore hands-on learning through a fun gingerbread cookie experiment, blending curiosity and creativity. It’s a perfect way to mix STEM with Christmas fun!
Get these engaging printables and make this holiday season magical and educational!
Advent Activities Kids Day 16
Mystery Code Riddles (Christmas Theme): Add some excitement to your classroom or home with these Christmas-themed escape room riddles. Kids solve the mystery codes, boosting critical thinking and problem-solving skills while having a blast. Perfect for group activities or centers!
Elf Shoe Sight Word Craft: Cutest elf shoe craft with a bonus of working on sight words!
Elf Lights Name Craft: Light up learning with this adorable elf and Christmas lights name craft. It’s a creative way for kids to practice name recognition, spelling, and fine motor skills while creating a festive keepsake.
Counting Gingerbread Activities: Sweeten math time with gingerbread-themed counting games. Kids practice number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, and counting skills while engaging with fun, interactive printables.
These activities are perfect for keeping kids entertained and learning during the holiday season. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, these resources are sure to make the season brighter!
Advent Activities Kids Day 17
You know how kids can barely sit still this time of year? I’ve got you covered with some Christmas printables that’ll keep them learning and entertained—because, let’s face it, we all need a little holiday magic to survive the chaos!
How to Make a Snowman Printable: This one is pure gold. Kids learn sequencing while building a snowman (on paper, thankfully, so no wet mittens or melted puddles). It’s hands-on, cute, and makes you feel like a Pinterest mom—without the stress.
Thrive Christmas Activities Bundle: If you’re like me and want ALL the activities in one place, this bundle is a lifesaver. Crafts, games, and festive fun galore—it’s like Christmas came early for teachers and parents.
Christmas Non-Standard Measurement Task Cards: Math, but make it merry! These task cards get kids measuring holiday-themed stuff, and honestly, they’ll be having so much fun they won’t even realize they’re doing math. Win-win!
Christmas Name Crafts Bundle: Name practice meets Christmas magic with these adorable crafts. The kids feel like little artists, and you get to sneak in some personalized learning without breaking a sweat. Plus, these make fridge-worthy keepsakes for parents!
These are my go-to printables for keeping kids busy, happy, and learning while I sneak another coffee (or, let’s be real, some holiday chocolate). If you need a little sanity boost this season, grab these and thank me later!
Advent Activities Kids Day 18
Christmas Toddler Busy Book: Easy, mess-free pages that’ll keep tiny hands busy while you sip your coffee before it goes cold.
Cut Santa’s Beard Templates: Because nothing says “holiday fun” like giving Santa a DIY trim—perfect for practicing those scissor skills!
O Christmas Tree Craft: A hands-on way for preschoolers to decorate their own tree without touching the actual ornaments (you’re welcome).
Christmas Tic Tac Toe: Classic holiday fun! Challenge your kids, or let them battle it out with each other while you finish wrapping presents.
These are must-haves for festive learning and a little holiday sanity!
Advent Activities Kids Day 19
Okay, let me tell you, these Christmas printables are my secret weapon for surviving the holiday chaos with kids! I’m talking fun, festive, and just the right amount of sugar-rush energy to keep them entertained while I sneak another candy cane. 🎄
Elf on the Shelf Notes: Look, I don’t have time to dream up wild Elf antics every night. These notes? Lifesavers. They make me look like a genius while my Elf just sits there holding a tiny note of mischief.
Christmas Number Mats: Who knew counting could feel so jolly? I plop these in front of the kids, they count candy canes, and I get five minutes to breathe. It’s like holiday magic!
Hot Cocoa Name Craft: Oh, this one’s adorable. The kids spell their names with marshmallows while I pretend I’m sipping actual hot cocoa instead of lukewarm coffee.
Disguise a Gingerbread Man: Honestly, the disguises these kids come up with crack me up. Last year, I had a gingerbread man dressed as Santa and a ninja. The creativity is next-level.
Seriously, grab these printables, and you’ll be jingling all the way to a calmer Christmas! 🎅
Advent Activities Kids Day 20
If you need something to keep your little ones busy while you sneak another cookie or wrap presents, these are IT.
Christmas Escape Room Printables: Seriously, these will keep the kids busy for HOURS (okay, maybe not hours, but long enough for you to sip your coffee in peace). Christmas Riddles for Kids: These riddles are so cute, I caught myself trying to solve them first. Plus, it’s hilarious to see the kids’ guesses.
Pete the Cat Christmas: If your kids love Pete the Cat, this pack is perfect for learning numbers and more.
Santa Beard Sight Read, Roll & Cover: Watch the kids build Santa’s beard while you sit back and pretend you’re being productive.
Christmas Non-Standard Measurement Task Cards: Who knew measuring could be so festive? My kids thought they were just playing, but joke’s on them—they were learning math!
Trust me, these printables are a lifesaver this time of year. Perfect for classrooms, homeschool, or just surviving winter break. I’ve linked my faves below—thank me later! 😉
Go grab them and let me know which one your kids loved most! 🎄✨
Advent Activities Kids Day 21
These are so much fun, and they pack in some sneaky skill-building too (plus, they might just buy you a quiet moment to enjoy your coffee).
Christmas Sweater Directional Craft
This one is a blast! Kids color and decorate their own Christmas sweaters while practicing their listening and direction-following skills. It’s festive and functional!
Christmas Tree Name Craft
This printable lets kids build their own Christmas tree while practicing their names. It’s such a sweet and personal activity, and I love how it keeps the holiday magic alive.
Santa Shape Craft
This one is all about shapes! Kids create their own Santa while reinforcing shape recognition. It’s hands-on and so much fun.
Cookie Sheet Alphabet Matching Mat
I absolutely love this one! Kids match letters with this Christmas-themed mat, perfect for alphabet practice. Bonus: it works great with magnets or small manipulatives.
These printables are sure to make learning merry and bright!
Advent Activities Kids Day 22
It’s Day 22, and the countdown is almost over! If you’re feeling a bit like the Grinch with all the holiday hustle, these fun and free Christmas printables will bring back your festive spirit (and keep the kids happily engaged).
Grinch Face in Hole SEL Craft
This adorable craft lets kids become the Grinch while exploring social-emotional learning. It’s a clever way to discuss feelings and kindness during the holidays.
Christmas Preschool Centers
Packed with math and literacy activities, these centers are perfect for preschool or special education classrooms. Easy prep, lots of fun, and great for sneaking in learning before the holiday break!
All Free Bundles
This bundle is a treasure trove of free preschool printables! From alphabet practice to holiday fun, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss it!
Christmas Color Worksheet
Keep it simple with this coloring worksheet that’s great for quiet time or a festive brain break. Perfect for all ages!
Let’s make these last few days before Christmas merry, bright, and just a little educational.
Advent Activities Kids Day 23
Bring the magic of the holidays into your classroom with these engaging and educational printables:
Grinch Dress-Up Turkey Craft
Perfect for blending Thanksgiving and Christmas cheer, this craft lets kids transform turkeys into Grinch-themed masterpieces! A delightful way to build fine motor skills and creativity.
Gingerbread Editable Name Writing Posters
Help little learners practice name writing with these adorable gingerbread-themed posters. Fully editable and great for a holiday bulletin board, this activity makes name practice sweet and fun!
Winter Coloring Pages
Keep kids entertained with charming winter-themed coloring pages. These are perfect for calming holiday excitement while encouraging creativity.
Gingerbread Man Syllable Activities
Make literacy lessons extra sweet! These gingerbread syllable activities help kids improve phonemic awareness with a fun, festive twist.
Bring joy to learning with these holiday-themed resources—perfect for the season!
Advent Activities Kids Day 24
Adopt a Gingerbread Baby Busy Book (FREE)
This adorable freebie is packed with interactive activities that keep little ones engaged while practicing essential skills like counting, matching, and sorting—all with a sweet gingerbread theme!
Christmas Around the World Reading Task Cards
Take your learners on a global holiday adventure! These task cards introduce kids to Christmas traditions in different countries, making reading comprehension festive and fun.
Christmas Tree Shape Craft
Teach shapes in a jolly way with this simple yet creative Christmas tree craft. Kids will love building their trees while learning basic geometry.
Nativity Crafts
Perfect for the season, these hands-on nativity crafts help kids learn the story of Christmas while building fine motor and creative skills.
Advent Activities Kids Day 25
Snowflake Name Craft
Turn learning names into a winter wonderland activity! Kids will love building their personalized snowflakes while practicing name recognition and fine motor skills.
Santa Name Craft
Spread holiday cheer with this fun Santa-themed name activity! Perfect for bulletin boards, this craft combines creativity and name practice in one festive project.
ABC Reindeer Roll & Cover Games
Bring letter recognition to life with this playful reindeer-themed game! Kids roll the dice, cover letters, and build early literacy skills—all while having a holly jolly time.
Christmas Fine Motor Centers
Packed with hands-on activities like tracing, cutting, and sorting, these fine motor centers are perfect for keeping little hands busy and learning throughout the holiday season.
Make the holidays unforgettable with these engaging, skill-building resources!
With 25 days of thoughtfully designed activities, this advent calendar offers an engaging way to teach through the joy of the holiday season.
Don’t forget to sign up to receive your free Christmas printables PDF with daily links, and check back here each day for a new round of exciting Christmas activities that will keep your preschoolers learning, laughing, and celebrating all month long!
I would love to use these ideas with kids