How to Make a Custom Advent Calendar with Coloring Pages
The holiday season is the perfect time for creative and fun projects, and what better way to add a personal touch to your celebrations than by making a custom advent calendar with coloring pages? This DIY advent calendar combines the excitement of counting down to Christmas with the joy of coloring, making it a wonderful activity for kids and adults alike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own unique advent calendar featuring festive coloring pages.
1. Why Make a Custom Advent Calendar?
A custom advent calendar offers several benefits over store-bought versions:
- Personalized Fun – You can choose coloring pages that match your style and holiday theme.
- Budget-Friendly – Instead of buying an expensive calendar, you can make one using simple materials.
- Creativity Boost – Coloring is a relaxing activity that allows you to explore different artistic techniques.
- Family Bonding – Creating and coloring the calendar together can be a meaningful tradition.
For more coloring-themed holiday projects, check out How to Store and Organize Your Coloring Supplies.
2. Materials Needed
To make your custom advent calendar, gather the following materials:
Basic Supplies:
- Printable coloring pages (festive designs like snowflakes, Santa, reindeer, Christmas trees)
- Cardstock or thick paper for durability
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Glue, tape, or a stapler
- Envelopes, small boxes, or paper bags to hold the pages
- Markers, colored pencils, or crayons for coloring
- Number stickers or a marker to label each day (1-24)
Optional Decorations:
- Stickers, glitter, or ribbon for embellishments
- Washi tape for decorative borders
- Small trinkets or candies to add inside each day’s envelope
If you're wondering which coloring tools work best for different effects, read How to Choose the Best Coloring Tools for Different Effects.
3. Choosing the Right Coloring Pages
Select 24 festive coloring pages—one for each day leading up to Christmas. You can find free printables online or purchase unique designs from our Etsy store.
Consider:
- Themes: Classic Christmas scenes, religious nativity designs, winter animals, or abstract patterns.
- Age-Appropriateness: Simple images for younger kids, detailed patterns for adults.
- Size: Adjust the print size to fit within your advent calendar compartments.
For more inspiration, explore The Best Markers, Pencils, and Crayons for Coloring Pages.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Print and Prepare the Coloring Pages
- Download and print 24 different coloring pages.
- Cut them to fit inside your chosen envelopes, boxes, or bags.
- Label each one with a number (1-24) for the countdown.
Step 2: Create the Advent Calendar Display
There are multiple ways to arrange your advent calendar:
- Wall Hanging: Use clothespins to clip the envelopes onto a string.
- Box Calendar: Arrange small gift boxes in a decorative basket.
- Paper Bag Display: Hang paper bags on a board or pegboard.
- DIY Booklet: Bind the pages into a flip-through booklet with a hole punch and ribbon.
Step 3: Fill the Calendar with Surprises
Enhance the experience by including small treats, stickers, or holiday activities with each coloring page. Some fun ideas include:
- A festive quote or Bible verse for the day
- A challenge (e.g., color only with red and green)
- A small piece of chocolate or a tiny holiday trinket
5. Decorating and Displaying Your Advent Calendar
To make your advent calendar visually appealing:
- Use bright colors and holiday patterns for the envelopes.
- Add ribbon, twine, or garland around the display.
- Include a message like “Countdown to Christmas” at the top.
For storage tips after the holiday season, visit How to Store and Organize Your Coloring Supplies.
6. Fun Variations to Try
- Themed Calendars: Focus on specific themes like “Winter Wonderland” or “Santa’s Workshop.”
- Family Activity Calendar: Include daily prompts such as baking cookies, writing a letter to Santa, or watching a Christmas movie.
- DIY Scratch-Off Calendar: Cover each day’s number with a homemade scratch-off sticker for added surprise.
- Interactive Digital Calendar: If you prefer, create a digital version and email a new coloring page each day to family and friends.
7. Conclusion
A custom advent calendar with coloring pages is a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season while unleashing creativity. Whether making one for yourself, your kids, or as a heartfelt gift, this DIY project adds a personal and artistic touch to the countdown to Christmas.
Looking for high-quality printable coloring pages? Browse our Etsy Store for a variety of fun and festive designs:
Start your holiday countdown today with this creative and joyful advent calendar!

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