Advent is a beautiful season of hope, prayer, and joyful preparation as we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is also a wonderful opportunity to help children discover the true meaning of Christmas through simple, faith-filled activities.
Looking for free Catholic Advent printables for kids? Below you’ll find a collection of printable activities, including an Advent crossword puzzle, word search, coloring page, and a fun decoding activity. These resources are perfect for Catholic families, classrooms, religious education lessons, and parish activities.
Download your favorite printables, learn about the meaning of Advent, and help little hearts prepare for the coming of Jesus!
Free Catholic Advent and Christmas Printables for Kids
Whether you’re a parent, catechist, or Catholic school teacher, these printable activities can help children learn about Advent while having fun.
Each activity is available as a free PDF that you can download and print at home or in the classroom.
1. Advent Crossword Puzzle
Help children review what they’ve learned about the season of Advent with this printable crossword puzzle!
The clues introduce important Catholic concepts, including the meaning of Advent, its four Sundays, the liturgical color purple, and the One we are preparing to welcome at Christmas.
This activity is especially useful after a short Advent lesson, allowing children to revisit important ideas in a fun and engaging way.
2. Advent Word Search
During Advent, we remember the beautiful example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who trusted God and welcomed His plan with love.
This Advent word search invites children to reflect on Mary’s journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth, while discovering words such as prayer, kindness, journey, and waiting.
You can use this activity to introduce the Visitation (Luke 1:39–45) and talk about how Mary teaches us to bring Jesus to others through love and service.
3. Decode the Christmas Message
Can your children solve the secret message?
This printable activity uses a simple letter-and-number code to reveal a special message inspired by the Magi, who traveled to adore the newborn King.
It’s a fun way to introduce the story of the Wise Men and help children reflect on what it means to seek Jesus and offer Him our hearts.
4. Christmas Coloring Page
Sometimes, a peaceful coloring activity is a wonderful opportunity to help children slow down and reflect on the joy of Christmas.
Use this free printable coloring page during a Catholic classroom lesson, at home, or as a quiet activity while preparing for Christmas.
While children color, invite them to think about the greatest gift we receive at Christmas: Jesus Himself.
Free Printable Answer Keys
Need help checking the puzzles? We’ve also included a free answer key PDF for the crossword, word search, and secret message activity.
Find answer keys by clicking here
What Is Advent? Explaining Advent to Kids
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival.”
In the Catholic Church, Advent is a special season of preparation before Christmas. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and marks the beginning of a new liturgical year.
During these weeks, we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. But Advent has another beautiful meaning: it also reminds us that Jesus has promised to come again in glory.
Advent invites us to prepare our hearts through prayer, hope, repentance, and love.
How to Explain Advent to Children
You might tell your children:
“Imagine that someone you love very much is coming to visit your home. You would probably feel excited! You might clean your room, prepare something special, and count down the days until they arrive.
During Advent, we are getting ready for someone even more special: Jesus!
But instead of only preparing our homes with decorations and presents, we prepare our hearts. We pray, forgive, help others, and try to love God a little more each day.”
This simple comparison can help children understand that Advent is not just about waiting for Christmas Day. It is about learning how to welcome Jesus into our lives.
The Four Sundays of Advent
Advent includes four Sundays of preparation. Each week, we come a little closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth.
The season begins with the First Sunday of Advent, which also marks the start of the Church’s liturgical year.
As the weeks pass, the readings and prayers at Mass invite us to stay awake in faith, listen to God’s promises, turn our hearts toward Him, and prepare joyfully for the coming of our Savior.
The Third Sunday of Advent is particularly special. It is called Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin word meaning “Rejoice!” On this Sunday, the Church reminds us to rejoice because the celebration of the Lord’s coming is drawing near.
Did You Know?
During Advent, the Gloria is ordinarily omitted at Sunday Mass. When we hear it again at Christmas, we can celebrate with renewed joy the birth of our Savior. Advent teaches us that waiting can be a beautiful and meaningful part of our faith.
Why Is Purple the Color of Advent?
Purple, also called violet, is the main liturgical color of Advent.
It reminds us that Advent is a season of preparation, prayer, and conversion. We are invited to examine our hearts and make room for Jesus.
You might notice that the church decorations are simpler during Advent than they are at Christmas. This helps us experience the difference between preparing for a celebration and celebrating it.
On the Third Sunday of Advent, the priest may wear rose-colored vestments as a sign of joy.
Explaining the Advent Colors to Kids
You can explain it this way:
“Purple reminds us that we are preparing our hearts for Jesus. Rose reminds us to rejoice because Christmas is getting closer!”
These colors can also help children understand that the Church has different seasons throughout the year, each with its own special meaning.
The Advent Wreath and Its Meaning
One of the most beloved Catholic Advent traditions is the Advent wreath. The wreath is usually made from evergreen branches arranged in a circle, with four candles placed around it.
The candles represent the growing light as Christmas approaches, pointing us toward Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Traditionally, the wreath has:
- Three purple candles, reflecting the season of preparation.
- One rose candle, lit on the Third Sunday of Advent as a sign of rejoicing.
Each Sunday, we light one additional candle until all four are burning.
Some families also use a white candle in the center, called the Christ candle, which they light at Christmas.
A Simple Advent Wreath Tradition for Families
Gather around your Advent wreath each Sunday. With an adult supervising the candles, light the appropriate number and pray together.
You might pray:
Come, Lord Jesus. Help us prepare our hearts to welcome You. Teach us to grow in faith, hope, and love as we wait for Christmas. Amen.
Ask your children: What can we do this week to make more room for Jesus in our hearts?
More Free Catholic Advent & Christmas Resources
Looking for more ways to celebrate this beautiful season with your children? Explore these additional Catholic resources for families, teachers, and catechists.
Free Catholic Advent Prayer Book for Kids & Families
Make prayer part of your family’s Advent tradition with our free printable prayer book. It’s a simple resource to help children and families spend meaningful time together, reflect on Advent, and prepare their hearts for Jesus.
Get the Free Catholic Advent Prayer Book
Christmas Novena for Kids: Nine Days of Daily Meditations
Beginning on December 16, prepare for Christmas with nine days of prayer and reflection inspired by the Holy Family.
Each day includes a meditation and a simple prayer to help children grow in faith, kindness, patience, and love.
Explore the Christmas Novena for Kids
