Advent Activities

Find new ways to draw closer to our Lord this Advent through books, Bible studies and family activities below!

Advent Activities

Create an Advent wreath.  

• Activity Center: Advent Wreath – Loyola Press  

Decorate a Jesse Tree.  

• The Jesse Tree – Loyola Press  

Count down to Christmas with an Advent Calendar.  

• Digital Advent Calendar (coming soon!)
• Printable Advent Calendars – Loyola Press  

Join or host an Advent Bible study.  

• Advent Bible Study: A Journey to Bethlehem with Father John Echert (Local)  
• Rejoice! Finding Your Place in the Advent Story - Ascension Press  
• And Hay Became Holy Devotional – Blessed is She  
• Nativity Trail Advent Devotional for Families – Catholic Sprouts  

Visit the homebound.   Serve at a soup kitchen, shelter, or women’s center.   Create an Advent Sunday ritual.   Make a special donation to your parish.   Go caroling door-to-door in your neighborhood.   Read about Advent and Christmas.

• See: What is Advent?

Enjoy Advent and Christmas music. (Pre-made playlists are available from most music-streaming services.)  

• Spotify playlist – Advent  
• Spotify playlist – Christmas   

Set up a nativity scene. (Don’t forget to put Jesus in the manger on Christmas day!)  

• I know Jesus was born in a manger, but why is that important and what does it mean?

Support your favorite charity either monetarily or with your time.   Watch a Christmas movie.  

• Classic Christmas Movies – USCCB’s Catholic Current  

Call a friend or family member who you haven’t talked to in a while.   Send Christmas cards to friends and family, and include a handwritten message in each one.   Invite friends and family into your home for a cup of coffee or home-cooked meal.  

Books / Print Resources

Advent Reading: These Books Can Help Bring the Light  – Word on Fire Advent print materials - Ascension Press   Advent Devotional - Blessed Is She   Advent Companion 2021 - Magnificat   Christmas print materials and books - Augustine Institute   Christmas books - Dynamic Catholic  

Online Resources

The Coming of the Lord: Helping Children Prepare During Advent – National Eucharistic Revival “Awesome Advent Resources” Blog Post - Blessed Is She   Advent & Christmas Resources for Families - Catholic Sprouts