Want to know how to make a big advent calendar that becomes the centerpiece of your holiday traditions?
You’re in the right place.
I recently helped my neighbor create a massive 6-foot advent calendar for their family room. And it wasn’t just big – it was the kind of calendar that had their kids racing downstairs every morning in December.
Here’s the thing:
Most DIY advent calendars are either too small to make an impact or too complicated to actually finish before December rolls around.
But in this guide, as a custom advent calendar printing manufacturer, I’ll show you exactly how to create an oversized advent calendar that’s both impressive AND doable. Even if you’re not particularly crafty.
Let’s dive in.
Why Size Matters With Advent Calendars
Here’s something most people don’t realize:
The size of your advent calendar directly impacts how much your family will actually use it.
Think about it. A tiny calendar with matchbox-sized compartments gets lost on the wall. Kids forget about it. The magic fizzles out by December 10th.
But a BIG calendar? That’s different.
It becomes an event. A focal point. Something the whole family gathers around each morning.
Plus, larger compartments mean you can fit better surprises inside. (We’re talking actual gifts, not just a single piece of candy.)
Planning Your Big Advent Calendar
Before you grab your hot glue gun, you need a solid plan.
And I mean a REAL plan. Not just a Pinterest board full of ideas you’ll never execute.
Choose Your Calendar Style
First up, decide what type of big advent calendar works for your space:
Wall-Mounted Giant Calendar: Perfect if you have a large blank wall. Think 4×6 feet or bigger.
Freestanding Calendar Tree: Great for corners or as a room divider. Can go floor to ceiling.
Hanging Pocket Calendar: Uses vertical space efficiently. Works well in narrow areas.
Box Tower Calendar: Creates a 3D sculptural element. Ideal for tabletops or mantels.
I typically recommend the wall-mounted option for first-timers. It’s the most straightforward to execute.
Measure Your Space (Twice)
This is crucial:
Measure your intended space before buying ANY supplies.
Then measure again.
Why? Because nothing kills advent calendar enthusiasm faster than realizing your “perfect” 5-foot design won’t fit in your 4-foot wall space.
Pro tip: Use painter’s tape to mark out the dimensions on your wall. Live with it for a day. Make sure you love the size and placement before committing.
Essential Materials for a Big Advent Calendar
Now for the fun part – gathering supplies.
The materials you need depend on your chosen style. But here’s what most big advent calendars require:
Base Materials
For a wall-mounted calendar, you’ll need:
- Large piece of fabric (felt works great) or painted plywood
- Heavy-duty mounting hardware
- Strong adhesive or industrial velcro
For a freestanding version:
- Sturdy wood frame or thick cardboard structure
- Weighted base for stability
- Paint or covering material
Container Options for Large Calendars
This is where big calendars really shine. You have SO many options:
Canvas bags (6-8 inches): Perfect for soft gifts, easy to customize
Small boxes: Great for heavier items, stack nicely
Paper mache containers: Lightweight, paintable, various sizes available
Fabric pockets: Sewn directly onto backing, very space-efficient
Metal buckets or tins: Durable, reusable year after year
I’ve found that mixing container types creates the most visual interest. Plus, different sized pockets add excitement – kids never know if they’re getting a small or large surprise that day.
How to Make a Big Advent Calendar: Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let’s build this thing.
I’ll walk you through creating a 5×4 foot wall-mounted advent calendar with mixed pockets and boxes.
Step 1: Prepare Your Backing
Start with a 5×4 foot piece of sturdy felt or canvas.
If using plywood, sand it smooth and paint with your base color. (I like deep green or navy blue for that classic holiday feel.)
Important: Reinforce the edges. Big calendars get heavy when loaded with gifts. I learned this the hard way when my first attempt started sagging by December 15th.
Step 2: Plan Your Layout
Before attaching anything, arrange your 24 containers on the floor.
Create visual balance by:
- Mixing large and small containers
- Distributing colors evenly
- Leaving breathing room between pockets
Take a photo of your final arrangement. Trust me, you’ll reference this constantly.
Step 3: Attach Containers Securely
This is make-or-break territory.
For fabric pockets: Use heavy-duty fabric glue AND reinforce with stitching.
For boxes and buckets: Industrial-strength velcro strips work wonders. Apply to both box and backing.
For hanging items: Install small hooks or dowels. Make sure they can support the weight when full.
Work systematically from top to bottom. This prevents accidentally covering attachment points.
Step 4: Add Numbers with Style
Plain printed numbers? Boring.
Here’s what works better:
Wood numbers: Paint and attach with hot glue
Embroidered numbers: Adds texture and durability
Chalkboard tags: Reusable and customizable
Metal numbers: Modern look, very durable
Whatever you choose, make them BIG. At least 2 inches tall for a large calendar. Visibility matters when kids are excited and searching for their day.
Step 5: Mounting Your Masterpiece
A big advent calendar needs serious mounting support.
For fabric calendars: Use a sturdy curtain rod or wooden dowel at the top. Secure with heavy-duty brackets rated for the weight.
For plywood backing: Install French cleats for distributed weight support.
Always mount into wall studs when possible. Drywall anchors alone won’t cut it for a fully-loaded large calendar.
Creative Filling Ideas for Large Compartments
Here’s where big advent calendars really excel.
Forget single pieces of candy. You can fit REAL treasures in those pockets.
Daily Gift Ideas That Fit Large Pockets
Experiences: Movie tickets, arcade tokens, “stay up late” passes
Activities: Craft kits, puzzle sets, baking ingredients for cookies
Wearables: Fun socks, hair accessories, small accessories
Books: Paperback novels, comic books, activity books
Toys: LEGO sets, action figures, art supplies
The key? Mix consumable treats with lasting gifts. Variety keeps the excitement high all month.
Budget-Friendly Filling Strategies
Big calendars can get expensive to fill. Here’s how to manage costs:
Buy in bulk during November sales. Split multipacks across several days.
Include “activity cards” for free fun: “Make hot chocolate with Mom” or “Choose tonight’s movie.”
Hit up dollar stores in October before the holiday rush.
Create coupon gifts: “One free pass on chores” or “Extra screen time today.”
Remember: The excitement comes from the daily surprise, not the monetary value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen (and made) plenty of advent calendar fails. Learn from these mistakes:
Starting Too Late
Begin construction by mid-November at the latest. Earlier if you’re crafting containers from scratch.
Why? Because December 1st arrives faster than you think. And nothing dampens holiday spirit like an empty advent calendar on Day 1.
Underestimating Weight
A full big advent calendar can weigh 20+ pounds. That’s a lot of stress on mounting hardware.
Always overengineer your support system. Better safe than finding your calendar on the floor December morning.
Making Pockets Too Small
Even “big” advent calendars often have undersized pockets.
Minimum pocket dimensions should be:
- 4 inches wide
- 5 inches tall
- 2 inches deep
Anything smaller limits your filling options too much.
Forgetting About Accessibility
If you have young kids, keep lower pockets within their reach. Nothing sadder than a 4-year-old who can’t reach their special day.
Consider making a step stool part of the tradition for higher pockets.
Maintaining Your Big Advent Calendar
A quality big advent calendar should last for years. Here’s how to ensure longevity:
End-of-Season Care
Empty all pockets completely. Check for forgotten candy (trust me on this).
Spot clean any stains immediately. Most felt and canvas can be gently hand-washed.
Repair loose pockets or numbers while everything’s fresh in your mind.
Smart Storage Solutions
Store flat if possible. Use a large cardboard portfolio or under-bed storage.
If storing boxes or 3D elements, nest them carefully. Label everything.
Keep all hardware in a clearly marked bag taped to the calendar.
Take photos before storing. You’ll thank yourself next November when reassembling.
Advanced Big Advent Calendar Ideas
Ready to level up? Here are some next-level approaches:
Themed Advent Calendars
Book lover’s calendar: 24 wrapped books creating a literary tree shape
LEGO advent: Daily builds leading to one massive Christmas creation
Experience calendar: Each pocket holds an activity for that day
Giving calendar: Kids add donations to pockets, delivered Christmas Eve
Interactive Elements
Add lights that illuminate each completed day.
Include a tracking system where kids move an ornament daily.
Create connecting stories where each day’s gift relates to an ongoing narrative.
QR codes linking to daily videos or messages from distant relatives.
Making It a Family Tradition
The best part about a big advent calendar? It becomes more than decoration.
It transforms into a cherished tradition.
Here’s how to maximize the magic:
Establish a daily ritual: Same time, same gathering spot, same excitement
Rotate who opens: Use a fair system so everyone gets big and small days
Document the journey: Quick daily photos create amazing year-over-year comparisons
Involve kids in planning: Let them help choose next year’s theme or gifts
Create anticipation: Hang the empty calendar after Thanksgiving, building excitement
Budget Breakdown for Your Big Advent Calendar
Let’s talk real numbers.
Here’s what I typically spend on a 5×4 foot calendar:
Basic Structure: $30-50
- Backing material: $15-25
- Mounting hardware: $15-25
Containers: $40-80
- Mix of purchased and DIY options
- Bulk buying saves significantly
Decorative Elements: $20-40
- Numbers, paint, embellishments
- Many items reusable yearly
Gifts/Fillers: $50-150
- Highly variable based on choices
- Smart shopping reduces costs
Total: $140-320 for first year
Remember: After year one, you’re only buying gifts. The calendar itself lasts for years.
The Bottom Line on Big Advent Calendars
Creating a big advent calendar takes effort. No sugar-coating that.
But here’s what you get in return:
A month of daily family moments. Excitement that builds rather than fades. A new tradition that your kids will remember forever.
And honestly? The look on their faces each morning makes every minute of crafting worth it.
So grab your supplies. Clear out that wall space. And start building something magical.
Because learning how to make a big advent calendar isn’t just about crafts and containers – it’s about creating joy that fills your entire December.
English 
German 
French