Looking for simple and magical ways to keep the Christmas spirit alive this December? The Elves at the International Elf Service have put together a playful countdown of Elf activities to help children (and grown-ups too!) sprinkle festive fun into every day.
These ideas are easy, low-prep, and full of imagination – perfect for families who want to enjoy some light-hearted Christmas traditions together. Think of it as an advent calendar of giggles, without the chocolate (though there may be sweets involved …).
Here are 24 Elf-approved Christmas activities to try this year, with a free printable you can print at home, pop on the fridge and enjoy!:
Day 1: Write a Secret Wish
Cut out a paper snowflake, write a special wish on it, and hang it somewhere sparkly.
Day 2: Mirror Messages
Leave a tiny note for your Elf written backwards. Hold it up to a mirror to read the magic words!
Day 3: Christmas Card Towers
Stack Christmas cards (or folded bits of paper) into the tallest tower you can. Careful – Elves are known for knocking them down with a giggle.
Day 4: Mitten Surprise
Hide a sweet treat in a mitten and let someone find it. Guaranteed smiles.
Day 5: Festive Fruit Bowl
Draw a silly Santa hat or Reindeer antlers on an orange and pop it in the fruit bowl for a surprise snack.
Day 6: Elf-Sized Breakfast
Serve up a teeny-tiny meal: three Cheerios on a spoon counts as a feast in the North Pole.
Day 7: Silly Shoe Swap
Switch everyone’s shoes around in the hallway so they’re in the wrong places.
Day 8: Glitter Trail
Leave a trail of glitter or stickers to guide someone to a secret festive message.
Day 9: Elf Joke Time
Tell your best joke in a squeaky Elf voice at the dinner table. Bonus points for giggles.
Day 10: Indoor Snowstorm
Scrunch up white paper into snowballs and let the snowball fight begin (indoors, no mittens required!).
Day 11: Pillow Swap
Switch everyone’s pillows around for a bedtime surprise.
Day 12: Christmas Around the World
Write “Happy Christmas” in as many languages as you can.
Day 13: Candy Cane Hunt
Hide cut-out paper candy canes around the house for a treasure hunt.
Day 14: Elfify a Toy
Dress up a cuddly toy with socks, ribbons, or paper hats.
Day 15: Door of Stars
Decorate a door with paper stars or snowflakes to make it extra festive.
Day 16: Reindeer Delivery
Pretend to be a Reindeer and deliver cushions around the house like presents.
Day 17: Silly Baubles
Stick googly eyes on baubles and hang them on the tree.
Day 18: Elf Handshake
Make up a silly secret family handshake – Elf-style.
Day 19: Christmas Riddle
Leave a riddle for someone to solve. Bonus if it’s about Elves or Reindeer.
Day 20: Tiny Masterpiece
Draw the smallest Christmas picture you can and hide it under someone’s pillow.
Day 21: Shoe Parade
Line up all the family’s shoes by size to make a Reindeer conga line.
Day 22: Letter to Father Christmas
Write a thank-you note to Father Christmas (Elves love good manners).
Day 23: Carol Chaos
Sing a Christmas carol in a whisper, then in slow motion, then in a squeaky Elf voice.
Day 24: Stocking Prep
Leave out your stockings … and don’t forget a tiny snack for the Elves too!
Why Elf Activities Make Christmas Special
These activities are about more than just fun – they build memories, spark imagination, and create little moments of joy every day. Whether you’re waiting for Father Christmas, starting a new family tradition, or simply need some easy Christmas activities for kids, this Elf Countdown will keep the festive spirit alive right up until Christmas Eve.
You may also like:
Personalised Magical Advent Calendars
Personalised Letters from Father Christmas
Personalised Christmas Elf Letters
Leave a Reply