It’s 10 p.m. on a Saturday night. You’re scrolling Pinterest for the seventh time, still in your work clothes, watching your untouched Advent bulletin board mock you from across the room. Your Sunday school kids arrive tomorrow morning, and you’ve got nothing planned. No games, no props, no idea how to teach them what the Advent season actually means without it feeling like another boring Bible lesson. You want to help them understand the birth of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas, but your lesson plans are empty.
Here’s the truth: you’re not behind. You’re about to open the one resource you need for your special events and Sunday school season.
What You’re Getting
37 Games
Great ideas, all with Bible tie-ins
4-Week Plan
Hope → Peace → Joy → Love
3 Age Groups
PreK-K through 4th-6th grade
Zero-Prep Section
For last-minute rescues
Which Game Do You Need?
Not all Sunday school rooms are created equal. Whether you’re preparing for the Christmas season or planning the Advent season, find your situation below.
This is the resource you’ll bookmark and pull up every November for the next five years. It maps each Advent theme—from the coming of Christ through the birth of Jesus—to specific games by age group, with the Scripture reading and supply list for each week. Perfect for lesson plans that cover the full Advent season.
Why this works: Kids learn Advent themes through movement and play, not lectures. Each week builds on the one before, moving through the Advent candles (hope, peace, joy, love). You can grab the supply list on Monday and be ready by Sunday.
Print this table and post it in your classroom. It becomes your volunteer guide for the entire month of December. No more “What should we do this week?” — the answer is right there.
Week 1: Hope (First Candle Games)
5 Games
The first week sets the tone for Advent and the season of waiting. Kids need to understand that Hope isn’t wishful thinking — it’s confident trust in God’s promises. These games are a great way to build small groups and channel energy through movement and play, since kids arrive buzzing with joyful anticipation about the coming holiday.
1. Advent Calendar Relay
Age: PreK-2nd | Prep: 10 min | Supplies: 24 numbered cards or bible verse cards, 2-3 bags, prize (candy optional)
Setup: Number 24 cards (1-24) for your advent calendar days—starting December 1st through Christmas Day. Place them in a pile. You’ll read off a date, and teams race to find that number and bring it back. Have a small bag or box where they drop the cards. This is perfect for the first Sunday of Advent to kick off the season.
How to play: Divide kids into two teams. Call out “Find number 12!” and both teams race to the pile, find the card, and bring it back to you. First team back gets a point. Keep going until all 24 cards are found (or until you hit 10-15 minutes, whichever comes first). Call out cards randomly — don’t go in order.
Bible tie-in: Say this while they’re catching their breath: “Advent means ‘coming.’ We count down to Christmas because we’re waiting for Jesus. But here’s the thing — we don’t just *hope* it happens. We KNOW it’s coming. And Jesus promised He’s coming back again. That’s real hope — not wishing, but trusting God keeps His promises. Just like you trusted the card was in that pile.”
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2 — “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
Setup: Prep 24 colored paper strips (about 2″ × 8″). On each one, write a short phrase about hope from the Bible. Examples: “Jesus is coming” / “God keeps promises” / “I can wait” / “Hope is trust” / “Light in darkness” / “God is faithful.” You’ll write one phrase, then cut it into a loop and glue it shut so it hangs like a chain link.
How to play: Build the chain together as a group. Each kid takes a strip, reads the phrase out loud, and explains in one sentence why that’s about hope. Then they loop it and hook it to the previous link. By the time you hit December 25, you’ll have a 24-link chain hanging across your classroom. Kids tear off one link each day (or each week) and leave with it as a reminder.
Bible tie-in: “This chain shows that hope isn’t just one moment. It’s 24 moments of trusting God — one day at a time, one promise at a time. Every time you tear off a link, you’re saying ‘I’m trusting God for today.'”
Scripture: Psalm 146:5 — “Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”
3. Christmas Story Relay
Age: 3rd-6th | Prep: 20 min | Supplies: 10-12 cards with Christmas story events, cones or tape for start/finish
Setup: Write the Christmas story in sequence on 12 cards: (1) An angel appears to Mary, (2) Mary tells Joseph, (3) Emperor orders a census, (4) Mary & Joseph travel to Bethlehem, (5) The inn is full, (6) Jesus is born, (7) Shepherds in the field, (8) Angels announce the birth, (9) Shepherds go to the stable, (10) Wise men see the star, (11) Wise men travel, (12) Wise men arrive. Lay them out in order on the floor, but jumbled — kids have to put them back in the right sequence while racing.
How to play: Divide into two teams. When you say “Go,” one kid from each team runs to the pile of cards and picks one. They have to place it in the right order in the sequence. Then they tag the next teammate and that person picks another card. The goal isn’t just speed — it’s getting the story in the right order. You stop after 3-4 minutes and check their work. Whichever team has more cards in the correct sequence wins. (Pro tip: this teaches them the story, too.)
Bible tie-in: “Do you realize the entire Christmas story was written in the Old Testament hundreds of years before Jesus was born? Isaiah told us a Messiah was coming. Micah told us He’d be born in Bethlehem. God kept His promise exactly. That’s why we can have hope — because God has *never* broken a promise.”
Scripture: Isaiah 7:14 — “The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Setup: Print an Advent wreath coloring page for each child. The wreath should have four candles — one purple, one purple, one pink, one white. You might also have them color the leaves green and berries red.
How to play: Have kids color while you explain the Advent wreath. “Every candle means something. The purple candles are for Hope and Peace. The pink candle is for Joy. The white candle in the middle is for Love. We light one candle each week as we get closer to Christmas.” As they color, ask them questions: “What does hope feel like?” / “When have you felt peaceful?” This doubles as a quiet activity and a teaching moment.
Bible tie-in: “Jesus said ‘I am the light of the world.’ That white candle in the middle? That’s Jesus. The other candles remind us of what Jesus brings — hope, peace, joy, and so much love. You can take this home and put it on your fridge so your family remembers what Advent is really about.”
Scripture: John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
5. Advent Word Search
Age: 3rd-6th | Prep: 10 min | Supplies: Word search printouts, pencils
Setup: Create or download a word search with Advent-related vocabulary words: HOPE / PEACE / JOY / LOVE / JESUS / CHRISTMAS / BETHLEHEM / ANGEL / STAR / CANDLE / ADVENT / NATIVITY / PROMISE / ST. NICHOLAS. Print one for each kid. You can also add a small christmas tree to the page as a coloring element while they search.
How to play: Give kids the word search and let them work individually or in pairs for 10-15 minutes. The first person (or team) to find all the words gets a small prize. While they’re working, walk around and ask them why each word matters to Advent. “Why is ‘promise’ an Advent word?” “How does an angel connect to Christmas?”
Bible tie-in: “Every word you found today is in the Christmas story somewhere. Most come directly from New Testament verses. But here’s the important part — the Christmas story isn’t just about Jesus being born. It’s about God keeping a 4,000-year-old promise. He said a Savior was coming, and Jesus proved it. When you find the word PROMISE in this puzzle, remember that’s the whole point of Advent.”
Scripture: Luke 1:37 — “For no word from God will ever fail.”
Next up: Week 2 focuses on peace. The energy shifts from fast-paced relays to partner games and quieter activities. This is intentional — Peace isn’t about noise.
Week 2: Peace (Second Candle Games)
4 Games
Peace doesn’t come naturally to nine-year-olds in December. They’re jazzed about presents and holidays. These games intentionally slow things down. They’re partner-based and involve quieter thinking—perfect advent ideas for building calm and reflection. The goal is to help kids experience what biblical peace actually feels like — not the absence of excitement, but the presence of calm confidence in God, especially as they prepare for the birth of Jesus and the arrival of Christmas Day.
1. Nativity Role Play (No Scripts Needed)
Age: PreK-2nd | Prep: 5 min | Supplies: Simple props (blankets, stuffed animals, cardboard stable if possible) or a nativity set figurines
Setup: Create a simple “stable” with blankets and chairs in one corner, or use a nativity set as your visual guide. Assign roles: Mary (Mother Mary), Joseph, baby Jesus—the new baby in the manger (represented by a baby doll), shepherds (2-3 kids), wise men (2-3 kids), inn keeper (1 kid), angel (1-2 kids, representing the Holy Spirit’s work). Have simple props available — a staff for shepherds, a small box for wise men gifts, anything that makes it feel real.
How to play: Don’t give them a script. Instead, tell the story in your voice, and kids act it out as you narrate. You say, “The innkeeper hears a knock on the door…” and the innkeeper acts it out. You say, “Mary and Joseph are scared, but they trust God” and they respond with their own actions. This gives them freedom to explore the emotions without worrying about remembering lines. Do it 2-3 times if you have a big group, so everyone gets a turn at a role they want.
Bible tie-in: “Do you think Mary was scared? She was about to be a mom, and there was no room at the inn. But she had peace because she trusted God. Joseph had peace even though everything was hard. Real peace isn’t about everything being perfect. It’s about trusting that God’s got it.”
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 — “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Setup: This is a new wreath coloring page, but this time you’ll emphasize the second candle (peace). You might also add imagery of a calm scene — still water, sleeping animals, quiet moments.
How to play: Same as Week 1, but the conversation is different. Ask them: “What does peace look like to you?” / “When do you feel peaceful?” / “How did Mary stay peaceful when everything was scary?” As they color, tell them they can add glitter glue to the candle or stars to make it special — this is an act of peace, not a race.
Bible tie-in: “Peace comes from Jesus. When you feel worried or scared this week, remember — Jesus brings peace. That’s what Advent is teaching us.”
Scripture: John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”
3. Nativity Scavenger Hunt (Treasure Hunt Style)
Age: 3rd-6th | Prep: 15 min | Supplies: Scavenger hunt list, small nativity figurines or pictures hidden around the room
Setup: Hide small pictures or figurines of nativity characters around your classroom. You might hide 10-15 items: baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, animals, star, inn, angel. Create a list that kids check off as they find each item. Don’t make it too hard — you want them finding things, not frustrated.
How to play: Give each kid (or pair) a list and let them hunt for 10-15 minutes. They check off items as they find them. When they find something, they have to answer a quick question before they can move on. “You found Mary — why was she important to the Christmas story?” / “You found the star — what did the star tell the wise men?” This slows them down and makes it about learning, not just finding.
Bible tie-in: “Every person in the nativity had to have peace to follow God’s plan. Mary said yes even though she was young. Joseph trusted God and took care of Jesus. The shepherds left their sheep in the middle of the night. The wise men traveled for months. They all had to trust God. That’s the kind of peace we’re learning about this week.”
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 — “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Setup: Create simple word puzzles. Examples: crosswords with nativity clues, scrambled words (MARY / JOSEPH / JESUS), fill-in-the-blank sentences about the Christmas story.
How to play: Give each kid a puzzle sheet and let them work through it at their own pace. This is a quiet activity — perfect for kids who are overstimulated. As they finish, have them team up with someone else and discuss their answers. “Why do you think Jesus coming to earth brought peace?”
Bible tie-in: “Every answer in this puzzle is part of the story of peace. Jesus was born so we could have peace with God. That’s the biggest gift in history.”
Scripture: Romans 5:1 — “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Energy shift coming: Week 3 is all about Joy. Expect the energy to ramp back up. Kids will be bouncing in their seats — this is when you use movement games and celebration activities.
Week 3: Joy (Third Candle Games)
5 Games
Joy is different from happiness. Happiness depends on what’s happening. Joy is celebrating what God has done. This week, the games get loud and energetic again. Kids are one week away from Christmas, and they need to channel that excitement into celebrating the birth of Jesus. These games are a fun way to help younger students and older kids alike experience true joy — not just holiday excitement, but joy in the coming of Christ. These are celebration games.
1. Christmas Story Charades
Age: 3rd-6th | Prep: 10 min | Supplies: Paper slips with Christmas story events
Setup: Write Christmas story events on slips of paper. Examples: “The star shines over Bethlehem” / “Wise men follow the star” / “Shepherds see the angel” / “Angels sing to the shepherds” / “Mary holds baby Jesus” / “Joseph fixes the stable” / “Animals gather around Jesus.” Put them in a hat.
How to play: One kid pulls a slip and acts out the scene while the rest of the class guesses. They can’t talk — only movements and expressions. This is hilarious (and often the best part) when they’re trying to act out “a camel bowing down” or “the star appearing in the sky.” When someone guesses correctly, everyone celebrates (literally cheer). Then the next person goes.
Bible tie-in: “You know what all those celebrations in the Christmas story have in common? People couldn’t keep quiet about Jesus. The shepherds told everyone. The wise men traveled the world looking for Him. The angels literally stopped their regular job to announce His birth. That’s real joy — you can’t help but celebrate. That’s how we should feel about Jesus’s coming.”
Scripture: Luke 2:10 — “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'”
Setup: Print angel images (or draw simple ones). Cut each angel into 4-6 puzzle pieces and put each puzzle in a separate bag. You’ll have one bag per team.
How to play: Divide into teams. Each team gets a bag with puzzle pieces. On your signal, they race to assemble the angel puzzle. First team to complete it wins. After each round, talk about what angels do in the Christmas story — they announce, they protect, they celebrate. Then do another puzzle.
Bible tie-in: “Angels are real. They were SO excited about Jesus being born that they showed up in the sky and told everyone. When you see that angel on your Christmas tree, remember — angels are celebrating Jesus. And we should too.”
Scripture: Luke 2:13-14 — “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'”
3. Advent Wreath Hop
Age: 4th-6th | Prep: 10 min | Supplies: Hula hoops or tape circles (4 per round)
Setup: On the floor, create four circles (using hula hoops or tape) in a line. Label them: HOPE / PEACE / JOY / JESUS. Kids will jump through all four as they recite what each candle means.
How to play: Kids line up and one at a time, they hop through each circle. As they hop into each circle, the class calls out what that circle represents. “HOPE!” “PEACE!” “JOY!” “JESUS!” Then the next person goes. You can do this as a race or just as a fun group activity. If you want to make it harder, they can hop on one foot or add a jump between circles.
Bible tie-in: “Notice that we end on JESUS. Everything about Advent leads to Jesus. Hope because of Jesus. Peace from Jesus. Joy in Jesus. This week, we’re celebrating that Jesus brings everything we need.”
Scripture: Philippians 4:4 — “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Setup: Same as Week 1, but this time the phrases are about joy. Examples: “Jesus brings joy” / “I’m celebrating” / “Joy is forever” / “Jesus makes me happy” / “Joy in my heart” / “Celebrate Jesus.”
How to play: Build the chain together, same process as before. But this time, make it celebratory. Kids should be excited when they add their link. You might play upbeat music while they’re making the chain. When it’s done, let them see how long it is and count the links together.
Bible tie-in: “This chain is a countdown to Christmas, but it’s also a countdown to the celebration. Every link is a reason to celebrate Jesus. This week, we’re practicing joy.”
Scripture: Psalm 100:1 — “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.”
5. Advent Angel Game (Simon Says Style)
Age: PreK-2nd | Prep: None | Supplies: None
Setup: This is Simon Says with a Christmas twist. You don’t need anything — just kids and imagination.
How to play: You’re the angel. Kids follow your commands, but only if you say “The angel says…” If you give a command without saying that, they freeze. Commands can be: “The angel says jump like a shepherd!” / “The angel says sing ‘Glory to God!'” / “The angel says rock the baby Jesus!” / “The angel says follow the star!” / “The angel says bow down to Jesus!” It’s silly, energetic, and hilarious when someone does a command they weren’t supposed to.
Bible tie-in: “You know what the angels did when they appeared at Christmas? They told people to do things — and people LISTENED. They listened because they recognized something important was happening. When we recognize Jesus is important, we listen to what He tells us to do. That’s how we have joy.”
Scripture: Luke 2:10 — “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'”
Last week: Week 4 is all about Love. By now, kids have experienced Hope, Peace, and Joy. This final week ties it all together with games that emphasize sacrificial love and gratitude.
Week 4: Love (Fourth Candle Games)
5 Games
The fourth Sunday of Advent is about the deepest theme — love. Not romantic love or friendly love, but the sacrificial love that drove God to send His Son. These games work great for youth groups and team members of all ages. They’re games about giving, serving, and recognizing God’s love for us. By the end of the week, kids should understand that Advent isn’t just about celebrating a birthday or waiting for Christmas break to start. It’s about responding to the biggest act of love ever — the birth of Jesus and His second coming (the end of advent) when He returns to complete His love story with us.
1. Advent Chain Relay (Love Edition)
Age: 1st-6th | Prep: 15 min | Supplies: Paper strips, markers, glue, 24 links
Setup: Write acts of kindness on 24 paper strips: “Help someone carry something” / “Give someone a hug” / “Say something kind” / “Share your lunch” / “Help clean up” / “Include someone who’s alone” / “Pray for someone” / “Tell someone why you like them.” Have the strips ready to glue into chain links.
How to play: Make it a team relay. Each team competes to see who can complete the chain fastest AND actually do the acts of kindness. You say, “Go!” and the first team member takes a strip, reads it to the class, and does the act RIGHT THEN. (If it says “Give someone a hug,” they actually give someone a hug.) Then they glue that strip into a chain link and tag the next person. This makes Advent active, not just a countdown.
Bible tie-in: “When Jesus was born, it was the biggest act of love. God said ‘I love you so much I’m sending my Son.’ Love isn’t just a feeling. It’s an action. This week, we’re showing love like Jesus did — by actually doing something.”
Scripture: 1 John 3:1 — “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”
Setup: Create trivia questions about the nativity story and the LOVE angle. Examples:
“Why did Joseph stay with Mary even though the journey was hard?” (Because of love)
“What did the wise men give Jesus? Why?” (Gifts because they loved and honored Him)
“How far did the wise men travel?” (Many months/years — a huge act of devotion)
“What did the shepherds do after they saw Jesus?” (Told everyone — they were so excited by God’s love)
“Why did God send Jesus?” (Because He loved us so much)
“What was the inn keeper’s problem?” (No room — but the story still ends with Jesus being born in love)
How to play: Divide into teams. Ask trivia questions and teams get points for correct answers. But here’s the twist — if a team answers correctly, they have to explain WHY their answer shows an act of love. “The wise men gave gifts because…” / “Joseph stayed because…” This makes it about understanding, not just memorizing.
Bible tie-in: “Every person in the nativity story showed love. Love is what made them travel, risk their reputation, work hard, and celebrate. That’s what Jesus’s coming is really about — love. And He came to love us.”
Scripture: John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
3. Advent Chain Scripture Hunt
Age: 3rd-6th | Prep: 15 min | Supplies: Bible or printouts with verses, chains or string, paper clips
Setup: Hide printed scripture passages around your classroom or church. Each scripture passage is about love, Jesus, or Advent. Include: John 3:16 / 1 John 4:9 / Romans 5:8 / John 13:34-35 / 1 John 3:1 / 1 Peter 1:8 / Luke 2:14. Give each kid a copy of the verse locations and have them hunt for all seven. The Angel Gabriel passage in Luke 1:26-38 works great too.
How to play: Kids hunt in pairs or individually. When they find a verse, they read it. Then they write down one word from that verse that stands out to them. Finally, they create a chain link with that word on it. By the end, you’ve built a “love chain” made of words FROM Scripture.
Bible tie-in: “These verses are hidden all over, but they’re connected by one theme — God’s love. His love was there from the beginning. It shows up in the nativity story. And it’s the reason you’re here today. Love connects everything about Advent.”
Scripture: 1 John 4:9 — “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”
4. Nativity Word Puzzles (Love Edition)
Age: 1st-3rd | Prep: 10 min | Supplies: Word puzzle printouts, pencils
Setup: Create word puzzles with a love focus. Scrambled words like: LOVE / JESUS / SACRIFICE / GIFT / PROMISE. Crossword clues like “Jesus showed God’s ___” (love) / “Jesus was God’s greatest ___” (gift).
How to play: Same as before, but the conversation is different. As kids finish, ask them: “What does it mean to sacrifice something?” / “Why was Jesus the greatest gift?” / “How do you show love like Jesus did?”
Bible tie-in: “Every word in this puzzle is a picture of love. Jesus’s birth, His life, His death — it was all about love. This last week of Advent, we’re learning what real love looks like.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
5. Advent Chain Countdown (Grand Finale)
Age: All ages | Prep: 5 min | Supplies: The chains from all four weeks
Setup: On the final week of Advent, gather all the chains you’ve built — the Hope chain, Peace chain, Joy chain, and Love chain. Hang them together in your classroom so they’re visible by Christmas morning. If they’re separate, connect them into one massive chain.
How to play: Tell the story of what they’ve learned. “Four weeks ago, we started with Hope. Then we learned about Peace. Then Joy. And this week, Love. And all of it — every link in every chain — is about Jesus coming.” Have kids stand up and count how many links they made together. Then tear off one link each day leading to Christmas. By December 25, the chains will be gone, but the lessons will stick.
Bible tie-in: “This chain is your Advent story. Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. Four weeks, four themes, all pointing to Jesus. When you tear off a link, remember what it represents. And on Christmas, remember — Jesus is the answer to all of it. He gives us hope. He brings peace. He fills us with joy. And most of all, He shows us what real love looks like. Advent reminds us He came once, and He’s coming again at His second coming.”
Scripture: Titus 2:11-14 — “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people… as we wait for the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
That’s the complete 4-week plan. Bookmark this section — these are the games you’ll use year after year.
Zero-Prep Emergency Games
5 Games
Here’s the reality: sometimes you walk into Sunday school and realize you have no games prepared. It happens. This section is your lifeline. These games require zero prep, zero supplies beyond what you already have, and zero stress. They’re a great way to keep your Bible lessons moving, whether you’ve got younger students, middle school kids, or small groups.
The “I Forgot” Scenario
You’re standing in your Sunday school room at 8:55 a.m. Kids arrive in five minutes. You have zero games planned and zero supplies. Use these five games. They work. I promise.
1. Bible Verse Freeze Dance
Prep: None | Supplies: Just a voice
How to play: Play music (your phone, YouTube, whatever). Kids dance. When you stop the music and say a Bible verse (any verse — John 3:16, Psalm 23:1, whatever), they freeze. Then you say “Go!” and they dance again. The kid who moves too soon is out. Keep playing until one person is left.
Bible tie-in: “We’re learning Bible verses while we play. That verse you froze to? It’s about God’s love/hope/promise. Remember it this week.”
2. Christmas Story Telephone
Prep: None | Supplies: None
How to play: Have kids sit in a circle. You whisper a sentence from the Bible story of the nativity to the first person. They whisper it to the next person. It goes around the circle. The last person says it out loud. It’ll be hilariously mangled. Then tell them the real version and see how close they got.
Bible tie-in: “The Christmas story is true — but sometimes we get the details wrong. That’s why it matters to know the REAL story. Take time this Advent to read about Jesus’s birth in the Bible, not just what you see in movies.”
3. Advent Question Game
Prep: None | Supplies: None
How to play: Ask Advent-related game questions. “What does Hope mean?” / “Can you name three people in the nativity story?” / “What color is the first candle?” Kids raise their hands. First person to answer correctly gets a point. It’s quiz show energy, low stakes, and they’re learning.
Bible tie-in: “These questions help us remember what matters about Christmas — not the presents, but the promise. That’s what Advent teaches.”
4. Human Advent Calendar
Prep: None | Supplies: Chalkboard or whiteboard
How to play: Write numbers 1-25 on the board. Call out a number. The kid who raises their hand first gets to answer an Advent question to “open” that day. “What’s one way Jesus shows love?” / “What does Peace mean to you?” / “Name a promise God kept.” No wrong answers here — just conversation.
Bible tie-in: “An advent calendar is a countdown. But instead of candy, you get to think about what Advent really means. Every day, one more reason to celebrate Jesus.”
5. Nativity Prediction Game
Prep: None | Supplies: None
How to play: Tell them a scenario from the nativity story. “Mary just found out she’s going to have a baby.” Then ask them to guess what happens next. Give them 30 seconds to think, then let kids share their predictions. Then tell them what ACTUALLY happened in the Bible. It’s story-driven, interactive, and teaches them the real Christmas story.
Bible tie-in: “The real Christmas story is better than anything we could predict. God’s plan was perfect — Jesus came exactly when and how He promised.”
A Real Moment
Last year, a children’s ministry director texted me in a panic on a Sunday morning. “My planned activity fell through. Do I have a 5-minute game?” I sent her the Bible Verse Freeze Dance. She used it. Her kids loved it. She told me later: “That game saved my Sunday.” These five aren’t just backups. They’re tools that actually work when everything else falls apart.
Advent Crafts That Teach
6 Crafts
Crafts aren’t busywork — they’re teaching tools. These crafts connect directly to Advent themes and give kids something physical to take home that reminds them all month what they learned. Some are great activity ideas for Christmas Eve and beyond. Some crafts take 10 minutes. Some take the whole class period. You decide based on your schedule and group size.
1. Advent Verse Chain (all 4 weeks)
Prep: 10 min | Supplies: Colored paper, scissors, markers, glue
What they make: A paper chain with 24 links, each with one word or phrase about Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Kids make the chain during the four weeks of Advent.
Why it works: It’s a visual countdown. Kids see the chain growing. They tear off one link each day (their favorite things about Advent). It keeps Advent theme fresh all through December. Plus, it decorates your classroom.
2. Hope Candle (Week 1)
Prep: 5 min | Supplies: Paper cups, markers, stickers, cotton balls (optional)
What they make: A paper cup decorated to look like an Advent candle. They write “HOPE” on it and decorate with markers, stickers, and optional cotton balls for a fluffy base. You can add candy canes or other seasonal decorations too.
Why it works: Cheap, fast, and it’s a keeper. Kids display it at home. Every time they see it, they remember Week 1’s theme.
Pro tip: You can use real tea lights (the battery-operated kind) to make it glow safely. Kids LOVE that.
3. Nativity Scene in a Box (All 4 Weeks)
Prep: 20 min | Supplies: Shoe boxes, markers, colored paper, clay or figurines
What they make: A three-dimensional nativity scene inside a shoe box. They create the stable, add characters (drawn or clay), and decorate the background.
Why it works: Kids own the Christmas story. They have to think about every detail — where does everyone go? What does the stable look like? It becomes a real scene, not just a picture. The fact that it’s in a box makes it portable and giftable.
Variation: Do this as a group project over all four weeks. Start Week 1 with the stable and scenery. Add characters each week. By Week 4, it’s complete.
4. Advent Wreath Craft (All 4 Weeks)
Prep: 15 min | Supplies: Paper plates, markers, candle cutouts, tape, optional pretzel sticks
What they make: A paper plate Advent wreath. They draw or cut out four candles and color them purple, purple, pink, and white. They add greenery (drawn or real, or use pretzel sticks arranged in a wreath shape). Each week, they can add one lit candle to show progress.
Why it works: It’s a physical advent calendar that serves as a countdown to Christmas Day. Kids watch the wreath fill up with lit candles as each calendar day of December progresses. It teaches the four-week progression AND it’s decorative, making it a great activity for the entire season of Advent.
5. Advent Prayer Journal (All 4 Weeks)
Prep: 10 min | Supplies: Folded paper or small notepads, markers
What they make: A small prayer journal where they can write or draw prayers during Advent. Each week, they add one prayer or drawing related to that week’s theme.
Why it works: You’re teaching kids that prayer is part of Advent. This isn’t just games and candy — it’s about connecting with God. The journal is a record of their four-week journey spiritually. If you want more ways to build prayer into your classroom, our guide to prayer games for Sunday school pairs perfectly with this craft.
Variation: For younger kids, they can draw or dictate prayers. For older kids, they can write complete thoughts.
6. Advent Poster (Group Activity)
Prep: 10 min | Supplies: Large poster board, markers, colored paper, stickers
What they make: A large group poster that maps the entire Advent journey. Each child contributes one element — a candle, a Bible verse, a nativity character, a word about the theme.
Why it works: Decorates your classroom AND shows kids they’re part of something bigger. The poster becomes a community visual of your Advent journey together. Laminate it and you can use it year after year.
A Real Moment
A children’s ministry director in Oklahoma tells me that seven years ago, she made the Nativity Scene in a Box with her kindergarten class. She saved it. Every year now, she brings it out and shows kids: “This is what your class made when you were five.” The oldest kids — now 12 — tear up seeing their work. That craft became a keepsake. That’s the power of Advent crafts done with intention.
3 Mistakes That Kill an Advent Game
You have the games. You have the supplies. But there are three things that will tank an Advent game faster than anything — whether you’re running bible studies, small group activities, or a full Sunday morning program. Watch for these.
Mistake 1: You Forgot the Bible Connection
A game without a Bible tie-in is just a game. It’s not an Advent game. Kids are sitting there playing Simon Says or doing a relay race, and they’re not learning anything about Hope, Peace, Joy, or Love. Always end with the tie-in. Make it short (30 seconds max), but make it intentional. “This game taught us about Hope because…” Say it. Write it. Make it clear why you’re doing this game in December.
Fix This
After EVERY game, take 30 seconds and say the Bible connection out loud. Don’t assume kids will figure it out. Tell them. Use a verse. Make it memorable.
Mistake 2: Your Games Are Too Long
A game that goes on for 20 minutes loses kids. Their attention spans aren’t there. You have a Sunday school class that’s 30-45 minutes long. If one game takes 20 minutes, you’re exhausted and they’re overstimulated. Shorter is better. A 5-7 minute game with a solid Bible tie-in beats a 20-minute game that fizzles out. And you can play MORE games, which means more variety and more learning.
Fix This
Set a timer for 8 minutes. When it goes off, you’re done with the game. Done. No extra rounds. This keeps energy high and kids engaged.
Mistake 3: You’re Not Differentiating by Age
A game that works for 6-year-olds is too simple for 9-year-olds. A game that challenges 9-year-olds frustrates 6-year-olds. If you have a mixed group, you have to offer different versions. Maybe PreK-K does a simpler relay while 4th-6th does a more complex relay with an extra twist. Give kids their version. It’s not complicated — just acknowledge the age difference.
Fix This
Before you start a game, say: “Younger kids, you’re playing this version. Older kids, you’re playing this version.” Then run them simultaneously. Everyone’s engaged. Everyone wins.
FAQ
Can I use these games if I only have 15 minutes of class time?
Yes. Pick one game and go deep. Do the Zero-Prep games section — they take 10 minutes or less. Or teach a short craft and skip the games entirely. 15 minutes is tight, but you can still make an impact with the right activity.
What if I have 50+ kids?
Use the relay games and the large-group games (freeze dance, telephone, question game). Avoid games that require one-on-one time. If you have multiple volunteers, split into two groups and rotate through different games simultaneously. The 4-Week Plan works even with huge groups — just do the games as group activities instead of team competitions.
I have mixed ages — how do I handle that?
This guide is built for mixed ages. Look at the 4-Week Plan table — it shows three different game options for each week. Use the one that matches YOUR group’s age range. If you’re truly mixed (ages 2-12), do the younger-kid versions and let older kids help. Or run simultaneous games with different leaders.
My kids have super short attention spans. What do I do?
Use the Zero-Prep Emergency Games or the shortest games from the 4-Week Plan (Freeze Dance, Telephone, Advent Wreath Coloring). Mix games with crafts so they’re not sitting in one activity the whole time. Also, shorter games with immediate action (relays, dancing) work better than games that require waiting (trivia, charades). If you need a full lesson structure that holds attention, try pairing a quick game with our Jonah Sunday school lesson — kids love the story and it keeps them locked in.
What if I want to add more games? Are there other Advent games I can find?
These 37 games are the foundation. If you want more free resources and free advent activities, look for children’s church game ideas and adapt them to have an Advent angle. You can create simple christmas bingo cards, print free advent coloring pages and bible readings online, or find free advent activities online. Or check your fun games to play at church library. The principle is the same — make the game, then add the Bible tie-in to Advent.
How do I use this with a church that’s teaching Advent sermons?
Perfect alignment. Have your pastor send you the week’s sermon topic. Find the matching week in this guide and use those games. If your pastor is preaching about Hope on Week 1, your kids are playing Hope games in Sunday school. It all reinforces the same message. Check out advent readings for candle lighting to see if your church coordinates those too.
Absolutely. Use one game from this guide (5-7 minutes), then teach a short prayer lesson (10-15 minutes), then end with a craft. The mix keeps kids engaged and teaches multiple ways. Kids learn through movement, instruction, and creation.
Should I save this guide or print it?
Do both. Bookmark this page now so you can access it in September when you’re planning. Then in October, print the 4-Week Plan table and post it in your classroom. Print the Zero-Prep Games section too. Having it on the wall and in your phone means you’re ready for anything.
A Real Moment
I asked a children’s ministry director in Texas how she uses this guide. She said, “I save it in my phone. Every year in September, I pull it out and the whole month of December is planned. I send my volunteers the 4-Week Plan and they run with it. It’s the one resource that keeps my Advent from falling apart.” That’s the goal. This isn’t just an article — it’s the backup plan you email to your team at 10 p.m. on a Saturday when you’re panicking about Sunday.
One Final Thing
You know what the best Advent game is? The one you actually USE. Not the one you planned perfectly but never got to. Not the one you spent hours preparing and kids hated. The best game is the one you run on Sunday morning with confidence because you have a plan and you trust it.
You have that plan now. Print it. Bookmark it. Share it with your volunteers and youth group. And come December, when kids are bouncing in their seats about Christmas presents, you’ll be teaching them what Advent actually means — Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. These new ideas work whether you’re planning Christmas celebrations for your whole church year or just getting ahead for the holiday season. That’s worth planning for.
Go prepare your Sunday school. Your kids are counting on you.
George Hendricks is a ministry content writer and the founder of Godsverse.org, where he helps churches and nonprofits create meaningful programs that stick with kids. He’s not a pastor — he’s a layperson who’s been leading children’s ministry for 15 years and has learned through trial and error what actually works.
George Hendricks is the founder and managing editor of Godsverse.org. He has written and published over 200 skit reviews, church resource guides, and Bible study articles. With a background in data-driven content strategy and digital publishing, George built Godsverse into one of the most comprehensive collections of church skit reviews and printable scripts online. When he's not writing, he's researching what churches actually need and figuring out how to deliver it.
