Advent Activities for Families: 25 Simple Ideas for 2026

Advent is the four-week season before Christmas when many Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It's a natural time to slow down and build simple family traditions.

When does Advent start in 2026?

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. In 2026 that is Sunday, November 29, and the Sundays of Advent are November 29 and December 6, 13 and 20.

Advent wreath basics

An Advent wreath usually holds four candles, often three purple and one pink (or four of one color), with a white Christ candle in the center for Christmas. One more candle is lit each Sunday. Many churches give the candles themes like hope, peace, joy and love, though traditions vary.

25 Advent activity ideas

1. Light the Advent wreath at Sunday dinner
2. Read Luke 1 (the angel's visit to Mary)
3. Make a paper chain countdown
4. Read Isaiah 9:6 and talk about the names of Jesus
5. Bake cookies for a neighbor
6. Set up a nativity scene, adding a piece each week
7. Color a nativity page
8. Write a card to someone who is lonely
9. Read Luke 2:1-7 (the birth of Jesus)
10. Donate a coat or toy
11. Learn a Christmas carol together
12. Read Luke 2:8-20 (the shepherds)
13. Make a star ornament
14. Read Matthew 2:1-12 (the wise men)
15. Pray for one family member each night
16. Drive around to see Christmas lights
17. Do a Christmas word search
18. Make thank-you cards for church volunteers
19. Memorize John 3:16 together
20. Visit a nursing home or call a grandparent
21. Read Micah 5:2 (Bethlehem)
22. Have a candlelight dinner and share a favorite memory
23. Go caroling or sing at home
24. Read the Christmas story aloud on Christmas Eve
25. Light the Christ candle on Christmas Day

Tips for busy families

• Keep it to five minutes on school nights.
• Write activities on slips of paper and pull one each day.
• Skip a day without guilt; Advent is meant to be peaceful, not stressful.