2024 Advent Calendar Ideas, Plans, Tips and Printables
Grab your bottomless peppermint mocha and let the fun begin!!
Grab your peppermint mocha, turn up Mariah, and break out the ribbons and bows—it’s time, y’all! One of my absolute favorite Christmas traditions is assembling our family advent calendar. The calendar serves as a way to savor every single day of this short, magical season with fun activities to enjoy together. I love planning it out each year and sharing how we approach it to spark inspiration for others.
Here’s a glimpse at last year’s calendar to give you an idea of how I put it together, and scroll on for exciting details for this year: what I’m planning, recipes, ideas, and a printable pack to help make your own advent calendar just as special.
The actual advent calendar I use was passed down to me by my mom, who started creating advent experiences for my brothers when I was in college. It feels so special that this tradition—and the calendar itself—has been carried forward. My mom’s creativity is a big inspiration for how I approach it today.
When planning, I aim for a mix of activities and consumables (like bubble baths) rather than focusing solely on gifts. My husband and I will pick up one or two small treats during our Christmas shopping day date, but we try to emphasize experiences first and foremost.
It’s crucial to plan around the flow of our month—weekdays vs. weekends—and any prior commitments. I draft everything in pencil so I can rearrange as needed to create balance. For instance, I like to space out crafts or baking projects to keep the month enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Each year, I also like to include one special surprise—last year, it was a scavenger hunt leading to the Home Alone LEGO set, which we built together. This year, we’re heading to The Polar Express for the first time!
Here’s a breakdown of this year’s planned activities, complete with links, recipes, and details. I’ve also got a heap of additional ideas from years past, top tips for assembling, and a 10-page printable bundle for ya!