Free Christmas Countdown Banner
24 flags to cut out and hang, one for each day from December 1 to December 24, for ages 3–10 with a grown-up’s help. Comes in color and as outlines to color in. Free, with no sign-up.
Download PDF (US Letter) Download PDF (A4)
A direct PDF download of about 0.3 MB. No email and no account. A grown-up should hang any string or ribbon high, out of children's reach.
See every page
These are all 14 pages, taken from the US Letter PDF. The A4 file has the same pages.
What's in it, page by page
- Page 1, how to make it: the four steps (print, cut, hang, count down) and a short safety line.
- Pages 2 to 7, color flags: flags 1 to 24 on pale red, green, blue and gold, four to a page.
- Pages 8 to 13, outline flags: the same 24 flags as black outlines, for coloring in or for printing in black and white.
- Page 14, thank you: the terms of use and credits, with no activity on it.
Each flag has a big number for the date in December, one picture, and a line that says how many sleeps are left: 24 sleeps to go on flag 1, and 1 sleep to go on flag 24. The pictures start with a Christmas tree, a star and a snowman, and end with Mrs. Claus on flag 23 and Santa on flag 24. Two small circles at the top of each flag mark where to punch holes.
You only need one set. Print pages 2 to 7 or pages 8 to 13, unless you want both.
Who it suits
The flags have no writing to do, so a 3 year old can color a flag and help take one down each day. Children of about 5 and up can read the sleeps left and help count them, and older kids can run the whole banner themselves. A grown-up should do the cutting and hanging for younger children.
How to use it
- Print and cut. Cut along the outer line of each flag.
- Hang it. Tape the flags to a wall, door or mantel, or punch the two marked holes and thread them on string or ribbon. If you use string or ribbon, a grown-up hangs it high, out of children's reach.
- Count down from December 1. Take down that day's flag or turn it over. On December 24, the last flag comes down.
Another way: color one outline flag a day and add it to the row, so the banner grows until December 24. You can also write a small job or a kind act on the back of each flag. In a classroom, one child can take down the flag each morning. If school ends before December 24, the remaining flags can go home.
Safety: keep string, ribbon and scissors away from young children. Pick up tape bits and hole-punch dots, which are small pieces.
Printing tips
- US Letter or A4: choose US Letter in the US and Canada, and A4 in most other countries. Both files have the same 14 pages, and the flags are sized to fit each paper.
- Scale: print at 100% or Actual size. The flags fill most of the page, and Fit to page only makes them a little smaller.
- Paper: regular copy paper works for tape. Use cardstock if you plan to hang the flags from string, if your printer takes it.
- Ink: the color flags have a pale fill on the whole flag, so they use more ink. The outline flags use very little.
Frequently asked questions
Is it really free, and do I need to sign up?
Yes, it is free, and there is nothing to sign up for. The buttons on this page go straight to the PDF, with no email or account.
Do I need string?
No. The flags can be taped straight to a wall or door. If you do use string or ribbon, a grown-up should hang it high, out of children's reach.
What does "sleeps to go" mean?
It is the number of nights left until Christmas morning, counted from that date. On December 1 there are 24 sleeps to go. On December 24 there is 1.
Can I print it in black and white?
Yes. Pages 8 to 13 are plain black outlines, made for this. The color flags on pages 2 to 7 also print in black and white, as gray flags.
How long is the banner?
About 7.5 feet if all 24 flags hang side by side, touching. Each flag is about 3.8 inches wide on US Letter and 3.7 inches on A4. For a shorter space, hang two rows of 12 or overlap the flags.
Ready to print?
Download PDF (US Letter) Download PDF (A4)
More free printables
For December, you can also print a Nice List certificate to fill in by hand, or a blank letter to Santa with lined pages. The A to Z coloring pages are not Christmas-themed, but they make a calm page for any day. See everything in free printables.
Want a different kind of countdown? Read how to make a 24-link paper chain, or pick from these advent activity ideas.
Want more?
Christmas Advent Calendar Activity Cards is a paid set on Etsy, with an activity for each day.