Family Advent Calendar Ideas

Family advent calendars are a fun tradition and way to count down to Christmas while also sneaking in some special and fun activities during the holiday season. We have two advent calendars in our house that we use with the kids.

This one is very basic and just counts down the days, as you add a new ornament each day. It’s very pretty and fits in with our home aesthetic well. My toddlers love putting a new ornament up each day.

Advent calendar family activity print out reading "drink hot cocoa".

Advent calendar in background with mini polaroid of brother and sister from that day's advent activity. — *Post may contain affiliate links, which allow me to receive a small commission on purchases you decide to make. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases*.

The other advent calendar we use as a family is one my mother-in-law made for us. I created advent activities that I stick into each pocket. We also take a picture each day with our mini polaroid and put it in the corresponding day’s pocket. This is the first year of taking photos, so I’m figuring out what to do with those but I think it’s a fun new tradition.

If you’re looking for advent calendar ideas, grab my list of 40 activities below. You’ll receive a free printable with lots of ideas that you can choose from! Don’t miss some of my favorite advent calendars down below, too.

SHOP MY FAVORITE ADVENT CALENDARS

Image with shopping links to advent calendars of different styles, shapes, and prices.

If you’re looking more another way to personalize your holiday experience this year, check out my free printable gift tags. They’re sure to make any holiday gift a little more unique and special.