DIY Advent Candles: Build a Countdown Calendar for Kids 2026

Among the many traditions created to enrich Christmas, especially as a children's holiday, one of the most beloved is the Advent calendar—that sheet with 24 little windows to open day by day until the fateful date of the 25th, when across Italy it's time to unwrap gifts. In this guide, the calendar becomes three-dimensional in the form of a DIY Advent candle that burns down by one twenty-fourth each day, offering children the surprise of a small gift (much like DIY Advent wreaths).

What You Need to Build a DIY Advent Candle

• A tube (A) of cardboard or PVC Ø 100×1350 mm
• A base (B) of 15x540x600 mm plywood
• 25 discs (C) of 12 or 15 mm plywood Ø according to the internal measurement of tube A
• A flame (D) of 6x60x130 mm plywood
• Red enamel
• Gold spray paint
• Self-adhesive numbers and stars
• Adhesive
• 1 screw Ø 3.5×20 (for the flame)
• 1 screw Ø 4×25 (for the base)

For all your home improvement supplies and tools, including plywood and PVC tubes, check out our curated collection.

Advent for Kids… A Gift a Day

Children don't dwell on the monetary value of a gift, so you can fill the Advent candle without spending a fortune: one day a pack of stickers, another day some candy or ten shiny one-cent coins, a nougat, a plastic Smurf, or a letter from Santa Claus or Baby Jesus announcing a present.

Of course, the little gifts must be placed day by day while the recipient sleeps—otherwise, the suspense is ruined, because no child can resist the idea of dismantling the entire column to discover its contents all at once.

The Meaning of Advent

In our Christian tradition, Advent is defined as the four-week period leading up to Christmas, a time of meditation and reflection for the coming of the Lord. For a cozy setup, consider adding warm ambient lighting to enhance the festive mood.

How to Build the DIY Advent Candle

1. Cut the tube to the desired height (typically 1350 mm) and paint it with red enamel.
2. Prepare the base from plywood, paint it, and attach the tube using adhesive and screws.
3. Cut 25 discs from plywood to fit snugly inside the tube. Paint them gold with spray paint.
4. Number each disc from 1 to 24 (plus one for the top) using self-adhesive numbers.
5. Cut and paint the flame shape from plywood, then attach it to the top disc with a screw.
6. Stack the discs inside the tube, with the flame on top. Each day, remove one disc to reveal a hidden gift.

For organizing your workspace, a sturdy work desk is essential. And after the project, keep your tools tidy with shelving units.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Advent start in 2017?

Advent begins exactly on December 3, 2017.

Can I use a different type of tube?

Yes, you can use PVC or sturdy cardboard tubes. For additional DIY materials, browse our home improvement collection.

What kind of gifts fit inside the discs?

Small items like candies, stickers, coins, or tiny toys work well. For storing gifts, consider storage benches to keep everything organized.

How do I prevent children from peeking?

Place the gifts at night while they sleep. You can also use curtains to create a hidden corner for the candle.

Is this project safe for kids?

Yes, but supervise the use of tools and paints. For a safe crafting area, a dedicated work surface is recommended.

Enhance your holiday decor with outdoor decorations and wall decor to create a festive atmosphere throughout your home.

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