Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, 2026. For four weeks, Christian families around the world slow down and prepare their hearts for Christmas, the celebration of Jesus' birth. For kids, Advent can feel like one long wait for presents. With a few simple daily activities, it becomes something much better: 25 days of learning who Jesus is and why He came.
Here are easy, low cost Christian Advent activities for kids that you can start this year, most of them printable and ready in minutes.
What Is Advent? A Simple Explanation for Kids
The word Advent means "coming." During Advent we remember that God's people waited hundreds of years for the promised Savior, and that He came as a baby in Bethlehem. Long before that night, the prophet Isaiah wrote:
"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
A simple way to say it to little ones: Advent is getting ready for Jesus' birthday.
1. A Bible Verse Advent Calendar They Color Themselves
Instead of a chocolate a day, try a verse a day. Our Kids Advent Calendar Coloring Cards give children 25 printable cards, one for each day from December 1 to Christmas. Each card has a Bible verse and a picture to color, so the countdown tells the Christmas story piece by piece.
How to use them: print the set, cut the cards apart, and clip them to a string with clothespins or tuck them into small envelopes. Each morning or at bedtime, read the verse together and let your child color the card. By Christmas Eve you have a wall of artwork they made themselves.
2. Christmas Bible Activities for Quiet Time
Advent falls right when kids are on school break and full of energy. Our Christmas Bible Activity Pack has 25 printable pages of word searches, mazes and crosswords built around the nativity story. They work for road trips, church Sunday school, a calm afternoon, or one page a day as part of your Advent routine.
3. Color Through the Big Bible Stories
Advent is a great time to show kids how the whole Bible points to Jesus. Our Bible Coloring Pages for Kids include 12 Bible story sheets with verses. Pair one story with each Advent Sunday and talk about how God kept His promises from the beginning.
4. Light an Advent Wreath Together
A traditional Advent wreath has four candles, one lit on each Sunday before Christmas, often for hope, peace, joy and love. A center candle is lit on Christmas Day for Jesus, the Light of the world. Let kids take turns lighting (with help), reading a short verse and praying. You do not need anything fancy; four candles on a plate with some greenery works perfectly.
5. Do One Kind Thing a Day
Jesus came to serve, so Advent is a great time for a kindness challenge. Write simple ideas on slips of paper: make a card for a grandparent, donate a toy, help with dinner, pray for a friend. Pull one each day alongside your coloring card.
6. Act Out the Nativity
Bathrobes, towels and a doll in a laundry basket make a perfect manger scene. Read Luke 2 aloud while the kids act it out. Little ones remember what they act out far longer than what they only hear.
7. Dress the Part for Church and Christmas Photos
Our soft toddler Bible story tees, with Noah's Ark, David and Goliath, Jonah, baby Moses and Jesus Loves Me, make sweet Christmas Eve service outfits and easy stocking stuffers for kids and grandkids, in sizes 2T to 5T.
For the Grown Ups Too
Parents can count down alongside the kids with our Advent Scripture Calendar, 25 printable navy and gold verse cards that look lovely on a mantel or fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Advent start in 2026?
Advent begins Sunday, November 29, 2026. Many families use a December 1 to 25 countdown, which is how our printable Advent cards are set up.
What age are these Advent activities for?
The coloring cards and nativity play work well for preschool and early elementary kids. The word searches, mazes and crosswords fit roughly ages 6 to 10.
Are the printables instant downloads?
Yes. You download them right after checkout and can print as many copies as you need for your family.
Can I use them for Sunday school or church?
Yes, they are a simple, low cost option for a Sunday school class or children's ministry during Advent.
Start Your Advent Countdown
Advent does not have to be complicated. A verse, a crayon and a few minutes together each day can keep Jesus at the center of Christmas for your whole family. Browse all of our Kids and Printables collections, or see our Christian Christmas gift guide for more ideas.