If you are ready to celebrate the countdown to Christmas, make an advent calendar! Here are 20+ DIY advent calendars that will inspire you.
We’ve finally reached the holiday season. That wonderful time of year when the air is filled with the scent of gingerbread and the sound of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” on an endless loop.
But let’s talk about the real star of the show, shall we? The advent calendar. That delightful little countdown that builds our excitement as we inch closer and closer to the jolly man’s grand entrance.
Today we’re diving into the magical world of DIY advent calendars, where each day reveals not just a treat, but a triumph of your own crafty skills.
And who says advent calendars are just for kids? This year, it’s all about the adults getting in on the fun, too!
You might be a fan of the classic chocolate-behind-each-door variety (because, let’s be honest, chocolate makes everything better), but why stop there?
The possibilities for your homemade advent calendars are as limitless as Santa’s bag of toys. From tiny handcrafted gifts to personalized notes, each day can bring a new surprise that’s uniquely you.
I’ve scoured the globe (well, the internet, but who’s counting?) to bring you over 20 of the most creative, fun, and downright awesome DIY advent calendar ideas.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a newbie looking for a festive project, there’s an idea here that’s sure to light up your Christmas decor like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
So, fellow holiday enthusiasts, let’s embark on this merry crafting journey. Scroll down to unveil a treasure trove of advent calendar ideas that will make your December mornings exciting.
And hey, while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our free Christmas printables, Christmas wreath ideas, ways to make a Christmas tree skirt, or DIY Christmas stockings to add even more holiday cheer to your home!
Get ready to count down to Christmas with style and a touch of DIY magic.
DIY Advent Calendars
Have fun counting down the days until Christmas with one of these unique DIY advent calendar ideas. What a cute way to pass the time this holiday season!
Coffee Mug Wall Rack
With muslin bags, iron-on numbers and some little trinkets, you can turn a mug rack into a fun advent calendar! This is a perfect last minute idea.
Felt Shapes
Forego the candy for cute little felt shapes – you pick one out of the pocket and put on the tree each day. I love that this can be a calendar that you bring out year after year and eventually pass down to a child.
Wood Snowman
Looking for one of those ideas that is truly unique? Make this wood snowman advent calendar and use it again year after year!
Simple Painted Jars
Save 24 jars with lids and you can make this cool calendar! I love the shades of green that were picked for this advent.
Dry Erase Christmas Countdown
Turn an old window frame into a dry erase calendar that counts down the days until Christmas. There are just a few simple steps!
Paper Trees Boxes
The graphic tree boxes would make great favors for a holiday party, and simple wrapping ideas for small presents to be gifted. Not only that, but they send quite easily for cross country gifting.
Chalkboard Boxes
Decorate a mini tree with these cute boxes! And it’s not that expensive to make, using chalkboard spray paint.
Wood Tree with Pails
This homemade advent calendar is an awesome festive project! Relatively easy to put together and reusable for Christmas year after year. Fill it full of sweet treats like hot chocolate or candy canes for the family!
Plastic Animals
Paint various plastic animals white and give them each a Rudolph nose. Attach them to numbered boxes to create your calendar. So cute!
DIY Felt Treescape
This advent is completely no sew, though you'll use some embroidery stitches on the trees. Such a cute idea and you can use any colors you like (wouldn't aquas look pretty too?).
Free Printable Santa Advent Boxes
These adorable Santa advent favor boxes are free in the post, so all you have to do is print and cut for each day of the month. What will you add to your boxes?
Mini Matchboxes
For a teenie version of a Christmas countdown calendar, use ordinary grocery-store matchboxes to pass the days. You'll also use pretty patterned wrapping paper.
Vintage Look Wood
Count down the days until Christmas by turning over each numbered ornament. The other side is beautifully painted with distress oxide spray.
Simple Felt Banner
Standard advent calendars hang on the wall – this one can hang across a frame or doorway! It's very easy to make out of felt.
Paper Roll House
This calendar is practically free, given that it’s made from toilet paper rolls! All you need are small gifts to fill it, like candy or other small toys.
Printable Boxes
You don’t need anything more than the printable to make these fun black and white advent boxes. These little boxes are perfect for filling them with treats, little notes and other small surprises.
Rustic Farmhouse
Turn a wood tray and discs into a beautiful farmhouse-inspired Christmas countdown. This design would go with any color theme you have for the holidays!
Big Canvas
If you want a DIY advent calendar that will make a huge statement, try this one using a big canvas. Kids will love this for Christmas!
Unwrap a Christmas Movie
If you are trying to build up your holiday cinema collection, this countdown is perfect! The kids can unwrap a new Christmas movie every single day.
DIY Advent Calendar for Dogs
This is such a genius idea and my pug would love it! Get your pets in on the fun of Christmas using a muffin tin and paper.
Etched Christmas Lights
You always knew those baby food jars you saved would come in handy for something! These etched luminaries make a beautiful advent calendar.
Christmas Street
Who lives on Christmas Street? This printable Christmas advent calendar has every house on the street from 1 to 24. Create these easy-to-make match box size houses and buildings and children can visit each house everyday until Christmas.
Adult Boozy Boxes
The boxes are a perfect place to store those mini bottles, This project makes the perfect holiday gift for a friend who loves making cocktails. Learn how to make your own, with a free printable label template!
Clothespins & Washi Tape
A white picture frame and twine make a great background for the colorful washi tape covered clothespins used in this calendar.
Paper Chain Countdown
Children can assemble their own easy holiday paper chain countdown using this tutorial! This kids advent calendar is made from construction paper and is candy-free.
Punch Board
Take your holiday excitement out on this calendar by punching through a hole each day. This is way easier to make than you might think.
Magnet Board Christmas Calendar
This cool advent calendar uses sheet metal and vinyl stickers to make a fun magnetic board. This is another countdown you can use year after year.
Pom Poms on Paper
This is another fun one for the kids, but it's super cute! You can make a cardstock tree and simply glue the pom poms right on top of the numbers. I could see doing this on a larger scale too!
Countdown Hanger
Use old toilet paper rolls and scrapbook paper to create a statement Christmas advent calendar that can hang in the doorway.
Would you try one of these DIY advent calendar ideas? Let me know in the comments!
Sue
Tuesday 21st of November 2023
I love the painted jars idea. It reminded me of how I made snowmen from a jam jar covered in cottonwool and decorated then using a ball of cottonwool for his head. The jar makes an ideal holder for a small gift. Thank you.
Heather and
Friday 21st of July 2023
I'd like to try the countdown hanger advent calendar please.
Lilian (karaimame)
Wednesday 13th of November 2013
Hi Amy! Thank you so much to have my Advent Calendar included in this delicious list of ideas! All of them are so great and surely a huge source of inspiration ;)