Star Garland Advent Calendar

A star garland advent calendar brings a festive decoration and a countdown to Christmas together. Fill each box with a small treat, a simple activity, or a mix of both. The ideas can be adjusted to suit your family’s schedule, so the calendar can add a little seasonal connection without making every day feel like a major event.

This DIY version uses 25 star-shaped boxes strung into a garland. Metallic gold finishes create a bright holiday look, while paint, stickers, and ribbon make it easy to adapt the project to the materials you have available.

Plan the contents before filling the boxes. A combination of small objects, sweets, and activities can keep the countdown varied, and flexible plans make it easier to swap an activity when schedules change.

Table of Contents

How to Make a Star Garland Advent Calendar

Materials

25 star-shaped paper mache boxes: 4-inch and 2-inch boxes were used
Twine, string, or ribbon
Eyelet screws
Gold liquid gilding or a gold leaf kit with sheets, sizing, and sealer
Acrylic paint
Number stamps or number stickers
An ink pad, if using stamps

Tools

Scissors
A brush
A fine cloth, if applying gold leaf

Step 1: Decorate the outside of the boxes. Apply gold leaf for a reflective finish, or use paint or liquid gilding for a simpler option. If using gold leaf, check that you have enough sheets for all 25 boxes. Cutting the sheets into strips can help cover the sides while making efficient use of the material.

Brush sizing onto a few boxes or lids at a time. Wait about 15 minutes, then place gold leaf over the tacky surface and gently burnish it with a fine cloth. Avoid handling the leaf more than necessary, since oils from your fingers may tarnish the finish. Seal the surface as soon as possible. Do not let the sizing sit for too long; working with four or five boxes or lids at a time helps keep it tacky enough for the leaf to adhere.

Step 2: Paint the inside. Coat the interiors with acrylic paint. Three coats were needed to cover the paper mache boxes used for this project. Allow each coat to dry before adding the next for a more even finish.

Step 3: Add the numbers. Number each lid from 1 to 25 using stamps or stickers. Stamps may not adhere well to a shiny gold-leaf surface, so stickers are a practical alternative. Check that the numbers are easy to read before assembling the garland.

Step 4: Attach the hanging hardware. Make a small hole in the top of each box and carefully screw in an eyelet. A simple threaded hole is another option, though eyelets provide a more finished look and make threading easier.

Step 5: String the boxes. Thread twine, string, or ribbon through the eyelets and secure it. The stars in this garland are spaced about 5 inches apart. Adjust the spacing to suit the length of the hanging area.

Step 6: Fill and display the calendar. Add a treat or activity to each box, then hang the garland on a mantel, ladder, or another suitable spot. Most lids fit snugly; clear tape can help secure any loose ones and discourage children from opening boxes ahead of time.

25 Advent Calendar Filler Ideas

Use the following list as a starting point, changing the order or contents when needed. Simple treats and activities that use supplies already at home can make a 25-day calendar easier to manage.

Day 1: Light-up Christmas lights necklaces
Day 2: Paint and mini stained-glass window decals
Day 3: Mini marshmallows; make hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie together
Day 4: A mini book; unwrap a new Christmas book to read together
Day 5: Chocolates
Day 6: Colored beads; make bracelets with elastic string
Day 7: Mini teddy bears
Day 8: Mini wooden peg people; children paint the pegs and Mom adds faces
Day 9: Life Saver candies
Day 10: Dice; have a family game night
Day 11: A mini gingerbread house; decorate gingerbread houses
Day 12: Mini deer figurines
Day 13: A mini wreath; make pipe cleaner wreaths for the dollhouse
Day 14: Chocolates
Day 15: Jingle bells; make jingle bell necklaces
Day 16: Life Saver candies
Day 17: Mini Christmas light bulb ornaments; drive around to look at Christmas lights
Day 18: A mini gingerbread ornament; decorate gingerbread cookies
Day 19: Dice; have a family game night
Day 20: Wooden snowflakes; paint them to make refrigerator magnets
Day 21: A disco ball ornament; have a family dance party with a Christmas playlist
Day 22: Mini marshmallows; make hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie together
Day 23: A mini stand mixer; bake cookies with Mom
Day 24: A mini pillow; camp out in the living room beside the Christmas tree
Day 25: A mini book; read the Christmas story together

Make the Star Garland Advent Calendar Work for Your Family

A star garland advent calendar can be as elaborate or as simple as you choose. Repeating a few favorite treats or low-preparation activities is a useful way to keep the countdown manageable. Prepare the boxes in advance, keep the contents flexible, and choose a display location where the garland can hang securely. The result is a festive handmade countdown that leaves room for changing plans and shared moments.

—Mandi