35 December Chalkboard Calendar Ideas: Advent Countdowns, Grids and Planner Boards

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A chalkboard calendar turns counting down to Christmas into something the whole family gathers around. It doubles as decor and a daily reminder of how many sleeps are left.

With 35 December chalkboard calendar ideas here, you’ll find a layout that fits your kitchen, your kids, and your holiday traditions.

Classic December Calendar Grids

1. Full December Grid

A big “DECEMBER” header in white chalk sits over a full calendar grid with the numbers 1 through 31 filled in, a sprig of holly and a small snowflake tucked into both top corners.

Hang this one in the kitchen so everyone can check the date at a glance. It’s the simplest layout to copy if you’re new to chalkboard lettering.

2. Advent-Bordered Month Grid

“DECEMBER” is lettered in red, green and gold across the top, bordered by a row of tiny wrapped gift doodles like a festive garland. Below it sits a blank calendar grid with no numbers filled in yet.

This design suits a mudroom or entryway wall, where the gift row catches guests’ eyes on their way in. Fill in the dates by hand once December begins.

3. Christmas Week Marked Grid

“DECEMBER” is written in red capitals at the top, sitting over a complete number grid from 1 to 31. A small star is doodled beside the row holding Christmas Day, marking it apart from the rest.

Kids love spotting that star and counting how many rows are left until it arrives. This works well near a play area where little ones check daily progress.

4. Planner-Style Month Overview

“DECEMBER” is lettered in red, white and green block letters across the top, above a short two-row grid of empty boxes instead of a full month. A few pine sprigs and holly berries rest along the bottom edge.

This layout feels more like a planner page than a calendar, fitting a home office desk or command center wall. Leave space in each box for notes.

5. Blank Fill-In Grid

“DECEMBER” tops the board in red, green and gold block letters, but the grid boxes below are left empty for you to fill in later. A border of small snowflakes runs along the top edge above the header.

An empty grid gives you flexibility to jot in birthdays, school events, or appointments. It’s a smart pick for families whose December schedule changes often.

6. Weekend Holiday Grid

“DECEMBER” sits in red across the top of a blank calendar grid with no numbers filled in. The two weekend columns are shaded a soft sage green, setting Saturdays and Sundays apart from weekdays at a glance.

Shading the weekends helps you plan errands and holiday outings around the days you’re actually off work. Try a chalk pastel for smooth, even shading in those columns.

Advent and Christmas Countdown

7. Advent Countdown Tally

“25 Days to Christmas” is lettered across the top in block letters — “25” red, “Days” green, “to” white and “Christmas” red — with a row of chalk tally marks below counting down the days.

Several tallies near the start are already crossed off in gold. Cross one off each morning as a small daily ritual.

8. Days Until Christmas

A large number “10” fills most of the board in bold red chalk, with “Days Until Christmas” written smaller underneath in sage green script.

This bold number style is easy to update daily since you’re only erasing and rewriting one figure. It works great propped on a mantel where the number stands out from across the room.

9. Christmas Eve Countdown

“Christmas Eve Countdown” runs across the top in block letters — “Christmas” red, “Eve” green and “Countdown” white — above five small numbered boxes reading 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

The first two boxes are crossed off in red chalk, building excitement as Christmas Eve gets closer. Set it out on December 20th for the final stretch.

10. Ornament Countdown Tree

“Count Down the Days” is lettered in red, green and white at the top, with a small bare tree drawn below it. Five ornaments are sketched beside the tree, one for each day left.

Erase one ornament each morning and let the tree fill in as Christmas gets closer. This idea works well for younger kids who enjoy watching a picture change daily.

11. Cookie Countdown Board

“Cookie Countdown” is lettered across the top in color — “Cookie” red and “Countdown” green — above four small numbered boxes reading 4, 3, 2, 1, with a tiny gingerbread man doodled beside the last box.

Pair this board with an actual cookie baking countdown so kids know when the mixing bowls come out. It fits nicely propped against a kitchen backsplash near the oven.

12. Paper Chain Countdown Board

“Link Up to Christmas” is lettered in white script across the top. Beneath it hangs a short paper chain of about nine loops, alternating red and green.

Draw one new link each day, or erase one from a full chain to count down instead. It’s a fun companion piece if your family also makes a real paper chain to hang alongside it.

Family December Planners

13. Weekly Holiday Planner

“This Week’s Holiday Plans” spans the top in a mix of script and block letters, with blank boxes lined up below for each day. A few small holly leaves are scattered near the boxes.

This board keeps everyone on the same page for parties, school events, and family visits happening that week. Update it every Sunday night so Monday mornings start with no surprises.

14. Cookie Baking Schedule

“Cookie Baking Schedule” is written across the top in red, green and gold lettering, one color per word. A small rolling pin and gingerbread man cutter are doodled at the bottom of the board.

List out which cookies you’re baking on which day so the kitchen doesn’t turn into chaos all at once. It helps to space out doughs that need chilling overnight.

15. Family December Bucket List

“Our December Bucket List” tops the board in block letters — “Our” white, “December” red and “Bucket List” green — above five empty checkbox squares beside five blank lines.

Let each family member add one item, from driving to see lights to building a snowman. Checking off a box together feels like a small celebration each time.

16. Christmas Card List Board

“Cards to Send” is lettered in red across the top, with four blank lines below, each paired with a small empty checkbox.

Keep this near your stack of cards and stamps so you can track who’s been sent one without digging through old lists. It’s an easy way to avoid double-sending or forgetting a name.

17. Gift List Board

“Gift List” is written in sage green at the top, with three blank lines below, each next to a small empty checkbox. A small red bow is doodled above the header.

Prop this in a closet or wrapping station to track gifts as you buy and wrap them. Checking boxes off feels satisfying when shopping season stretches on for weeks.

18. December Chore Chart

“December Chores” spans the top in red and green script, with four empty checkbox squares stacked in a column beside four blank lines.

This board keeps holiday prep tasks, like untangling lights or wrapping gifts, visible so nothing slips through the cracks. Assign names next to each line if more than one person is pitching in.

Gratitude and Joy Boards

19. Home for the Holidays

“Home for the Holidays” is lettered across the top in a mix of script and block capitals, above a small house outline with a wreath on the door and a puff of chimney smoke.

This one works beautifully by a front door or entryway table to greet arriving guests. The little house sketch is simple enough to redraw even without much chalk art experience.

20. Thankful Heart This Season

“Thankful Heart This Season” runs across the board in white, red and green, one color per line. A heart shape is traced below it, with a few small holly leaves tucked along its outline.

This sign feels right for a dining room or table centerpiece, especially around family gatherings. It’s a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate the season beyond the shopping list.

21. Bless This Home

“Bless This Home” is lettered in a mix of white, red and green across the center of the board. A small wreath doodle hangs above the words like a decoration.

This simple sign suits an entryway or living room shelf where guests see it right away. Its short message makes it one of the quickest boards on this list to letter.

22. Warm and Cozy

“Warm and Cozy” is lettered in color across the board — “Warm” red, “and” green and “Cozy” white. A mug of cocoa with a candy cane resting on the rim is drawn beside the words.

Set this one near a fireplace mantel or reading nook for extra winter charm. The cocoa mug doodle is simple to draw with a few curved lines and dots.

23. Merry Little Moments

“Merry Little Moments” is lettered in a mix of white, red and green across the top, with a small strand of twinkle lights doodled beneath, looping gently from side to side.

This board captures the quieter side of the season and fits well on a bedroom dresser or hallway shelf. Dot each light bulb a different color for extra cheer.

24. Gather By the Tree

“Gather By the Tree” is lettered across the board in a mix of script and block capitals. A small pine tree with a single star on top sits drawn beside the words.

This sign fits right at home near the Christmas tree itself, tucked among wrapped presents. It’s a welcoming touch for family photos taken by the tree each year.

Faith Boards

25. Isaiah 9:6 Board

“Unto Us a Child Is Born” is lettered across the board in a mix of white, red and green, with a single star drawn above the words.

This board brings a quiet, reflective moment to a mantel or hallway during a season that can get busy fast. Its message pairs naturally with a nativity display nearby.

26. Luke 2 Good Tidings

“Good Tidings of Great Joy” spans the board in a mix of red, gold and green chalk. A small shepherd’s staff and a sprig of greenery are crossed beneath the words.

This sign suits a dining table or entry table where the whole family passes by daily during Advent. The crossed staff and greenery add a thoughtful detail without crowding the message.

27. Advent Candle Board

“Prepare Him Room” is lettered in deep red across the top, with a single lit candle drawn beside the words, one of four in a row.

This board pairs naturally with an Advent wreath display, lighting one candle each week of the season. Redraw the flame a bit taller each week to mirror your actual candles burning down.

28. O Come Let Us Adore Him

“O Come Let Us Adore Him” is lettered across the board in a mix of white, green and red, with a simple star of Bethlehem drawn above the words.

This sign works well above a fireplace or on a large entryway wall where its message can be read from across the room. The star above adds height without competing with the words.

29. Away in a Manger

“Away in a Manger” is lettered in a mix of white, red and green across the top. A small manger with a single star above it sits drawn beneath the words.

This board pairs sweetly with a nativity scene on a console table or shelf. The manger sketch stays simple with just a few short lines and a curved star above.

Simple and Easy Boards

30. Hope and a Gold Star

“Hope” is lettered large across the top of the board in a mix of red, green and white chalk, with a single gold star drawn beneath it.

This design puts the lettering front and center instead of a big drawing, with just a simple star underneath for accent. It suits a small side table or shelf where bold, colorful lettering says everything.

31. Pine Bough Trio

“Cheer” is lettered in a mix of white, red and green at the top of the board, with three pine bough sprigs tied together with a red ribbon drawn beneath the word.

This board brings a natural, woodsy feel to a kitchen shelf or windowsill. Sketching three separate sprigs is easier than one large branch and still looks full once tied together with the ribbon.

32. Simple Christmas Tree Line Drawing

“Rejoice” tops the board in a mix of red, green, white and gold chalk, with one simple line-drawn Christmas tree beneath it, topped with a single star.

This minimalist design fits a small apartment entryway or narrow hallway ledge where space is tight. A single continuous zigzag line is all it takes to sketch the tree shape.

33. Mini Candy Cane Doodle

“Sweet Season” is lettered across the top in white and red, one color per word. A single candy cane is drawn diagonally beneath the words.

This playful board suits a kitchen counter or dessert table during holiday parties. The candy cane doodle takes just two curved strokes and a few diagonal stripes to finish.

34. Single Ornament Script

“Believe” is lettered in a mix of red, green and white across the top of the board, with one small round ornament drawn beneath it and a small hook on top.

This sign works on a mantel or tucked among tree branches as a decorative accent. Add a swirl or dot pattern inside the ornament outline for extra detail without much effort.

35. Wonder Gift Board

“Wonder” is lettered large in red, green and white chalk, layered over a big red wrapped present with a green bow beneath it.

This design makes a fun statement piece near a gift wrapping station or under the tree. Keep the bow simple with two loops and a knot so the present stays part of the design.

How to Draw a December Chalkboard Calendar

Start with a ruler or a straightedge chalk marker and lay out a light grid of equal boxes first, so all seven columns and every row of dates line up straight before you add a single number.

Letter “DECEMBER” across the top first, biggest and boldest, then fill in the weekday letters and the numbers after, working outward from the header so the spacing stays even.

At the end of the month, wipe the whole board clean with a damp cloth and start fresh for January. The grid lines wipe off just as easily as the numbers do.