Decorating a wooden advent calendar is one of the most rewarding Christmas craft projects you can take on. Not only does it let you create something beautiful and personal, but it also turns into a keepsake you can bring out every December for years to come. Whether you want a rustic look, a colourful centrepiece, or something fun to make with kids, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Watch our video tutorial below to see how we assembled and decorated two very different wooden advent calendars.
Why Choose a Wooden Advent Calendar?
Most store-bought advent calendars are made of cardboard or plastic and end up in the bin on Christmas Day. A wooden advent calendar, on the other hand, is:
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Reusable – designed to be enjoyed year after year.
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Eco-friendly – crafted from plywood or pine, often from sustainable sources.
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Customisable – paint, stain, or decorate it in any style you like.
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Keepsake-worthy – something that becomes part of your family tradition.
That’s what makes them so popular in the UK, whether you buy them finished, raw for self-painting, or as a DIY craft kit.
Example 1: Vintage House-Style Drawer Calendar
The first advent calendar we decorated was a house-style design with 24 drawers. It has a cosy, old-fashioned feel, and the finish we chose highlighted its vintage look.
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Material: plywood (likely pine).
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Side walls & roof: stained dark oak brown with wood stain.
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Front face: treated with Danish oil for a warm, golden tone.
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Drawer handles: stained to match the roof and walls.
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Protective coat: finished with clear lacquer for durability.
This version looks particularly good in homes with traditional décor or rustic interiors. Its warm tones and classic shape blend perfectly with log fires, garlands, and candlelight.
Example 2: Colourful Christmas Tree Calendar
The second calendar is a cut-out plywood Christmas tree. It consists of two panels that slot together to stand upright, creating space for 24 numbered boxes (six in each section).
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Tree: painted forest green using water-based paints so the wood grain remains visible.
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Boxes: painted in bold festive shades – blue sides, red fronts and backs, and yellow tops where the numbers are engraved.
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Protective coat: sealed with clear lacquer for shine and protection.
This design is fun, vibrant, and perfect for families who love colour. It can even be decorated with bows, tiny ornaments, or wrapped sweets to look like a tree full of gifts.
Step-by-Step: How to Decorate a Wooden Advent Calendar
1. Prepare the Surfaces
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Lightly sand edges and surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper.
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Wipe down with a damp cloth or tack cloth to remove dust.
2. Decide on Your Finish
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Stains and oils (like Danish oil) highlight the natural wood grain.
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Water-based paints create translucent colour that lets the wood show through.
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Acrylic paints give solid, opaque coverage with vibrant colours.
Tip: Test colours on the back of a drawer or spare offcut before committing.
3. Paint or Stain Your Calendar
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Apply stain with a cloth in smooth, even strokes.
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For paint, use thin coats and let each layer dry before adding another.
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Consider painting drawer fronts one colour and sides another for contrast.
4. Add Details and Numbers
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Use paint pens or stencils for clean numbering.
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Add festive motifs like snowflakes, stars, or holly leaves.
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For a modern look, try metallic accents in gold or silver.
5. Decorative Touches
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Tie tiny ribbons or bows onto drawer handles.
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Glue on miniature decorations like pinecones, bells, or baubles.
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Add stickers or transfers for extra detail without fuss.
6. Seal for Protection
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Once fully dry, apply a coat of clear lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane.
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Satin or matte finishes give a subtle look, while gloss adds shine.
Decorating Ideas for Every Style
Rustic & Natural
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Stain the main frame in dark oak or walnut.
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Leave drawers natural, with just clear lacquer.
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Add twine drawer pulls or stick on wood-burned numbers.
Bright & Playful
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Paint drawers in rainbow colours, one for each day.
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Add glitter or metallic finishes to highlight details.
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Let kids decorate drawers with stickers or doodles.
Minimal & Scandi
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Stick to white, grey, and pale wood stains.
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Use stencils to add crisp geometric shapes.
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Pair with LED fairy lights for a modern glow.
Family Craft Project
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Assign each family member a set of drawers to decorate.
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Use craft supplies like washi tape, sequins, or felt.
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Let kids paint the insides of drawers with secret messages.
What to Fill Your Advent Calendar With
Decorating is only half the fun—filling the drawers is the other! Some popular UK-friendly ideas include:
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Small chocolates or sweets.
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Mini toys or Lego figures.
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Personalised notes or jokes.
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Christmas craft supplies for kids (stickers, stamps, sequins).
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Tiny gifts like lip balms, keyrings, or pins.
Working With Kids: A Festive Family Project
Crafting together is one of the best parts of Christmas. Decorating a wooden advent calendar with children is a fantastic way to spend quality time while encouraging creativity.
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Choose washable, non-toxic paints if kids are painting.
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Provide stencils, stickers, or stamps to help little ones create neat designs.
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Let them pick colours for their drawers—it’s their contribution to the family tradition.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about the memories you make together.
Why You’ll Love Decorating Your Own
Decorating a wooden advent calendar is more than a craft. It’s a tradition in the making. Every year you’ll unpack it and remember the time you spent painting, staining, and adding those personal touches.
Whether you prefer a rustic house design or a playful tree version, you’ll have a reusable, eco-friendly calendar that fits your family’s style perfectly.
Shop Our Wooden Advent Calendars
The calendars featured in this post are available in three formats:
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Assembled & painted – ready to use straight away.
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Assembled raw plywood – decorate at home in your own style.
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DIY kits – unassembled and unpainted, perfect for crafters.
