The advent windows trend sweeping the nation this Christmas
It's not too late to do your own!
Of all the Christmas trends we've seen this year, advent windows are possibly the most heart-warming. Lighting up the front windows of 24 homes on the same street in places like Sheffield, Cheltenham and Bristol through December, advent windows bring all of the festive cheer.
With over 3,000 Instagram posts to date, this Christmas decorating idea celebrates community. It definitely brings a goodwill-to-all spirit to the Christmas countdown.
A post shared by Fenella Falconer (@ff_festive)
A photo posted by on
Nadia McCowan Hill is Wayfair‘s Resident Style Advisor. She says advent windows have continued to grow in popularity, ‘with no signs of slowing down’ for 2021. The Wayfair style expert comments that they are an ideal crafting project to get the kids involved.
‘Creating a window display will add a decorative touch to the inside of your home, whilst brightening up the outside view for the local community,’ she says. Nadia says bright pops of colour and lighting are key for making yours stand out.
What are advent windows?
Not to be confused with individual Christmas window decorating ideas, advent windows are a team effort. They've been around for a while but became a popular way to lift spirits in December 2020. These real-life advent calendars are certainly nothing new in Greenwich, London.
For the fifteenth year running, windows of homes, pubs, and shops will be revealed from the 1st to 24th December this year. They’ll stay up until January 2nd, and an online map shows the route so you can go on a big festive walk. Perfect for walking off the mince pies.
Feeling inspired? There’s still time to organise an advent window trail in your area, you just need to round up 24 volunteers.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
There are no rules as to what kind of festive decorations you put in your window. You can set a theme for your advent windows or give free rein and see what people come up with.
If you want to stick with traditional Christmas ideas, you could create a magical nativity scene. You could fill your window with reindeer, snowmen, and Christmas trees or recreate a scene from your favourite Christmas film. Or why not pay homage to your local area with historical landmarks?
If you get invited to an 'Advent windows' Whatsapp group, you know what to do...
Millie Hurst was Senior Content Editor at Ideal Home from 2020-2022, and is now Section Editor at Homes & Gardens. Before stepping into the world of interiors, she worked as a Senior SEO Editor for News UK in both London and New York. You can usually find her looking up trending terms and finding real-life budget makeovers our readers love. Millie came up with the website's daily dupes article which gives readers ways to curate a stylish home for less.
-
How to add warm lighting to a bedroom
How you can transform your space with literally the switch of a button
By Holly Walsh
-
What kind of damp do I have? Experts reveal the 4 most common types of damp - and how to spot the differences
These different types of damp show themselves in very different ways
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Do air purifiers remove smells? Yes, but you need to look for these key features
Don't forget to watch out for these must-have factors
By Jullia Joson
-
21 Christmas wreath ideas for spectacular front doors and mantelpieces
Enjoy our creative wreath ideas to make a statement this Christmas, both indoors and out
By Nicky Phillips
-
Christmas window decor ideas to add a festive flair to the outside of your home
Don't forget about Christmas window decor ideas - it could be just what your home needs for the perfect festive finishing touch
By Tamara Kelly
-
14 Christmas door decor ideas to greet guests with festive cheer
Give the outside of your home a taste of the Christmas magic with our round-up of seasonal decoration ideas
By Holly Walsh
-
How to make a Christmas wreath – create your own beautiful wreath from scratch on a budget
Our beginner-friendly guide to making your own festive wreath to adorn your front door
By Tamara Kelly
-
The £8 Primark Christmas wreath Instagram is obsessed with
We'll take one of each
By Millie Hurst
-
The best outdoor Christmas lights – to give your garden a festive sparkle
The power of these outdoor Christmas lights will bring the festivities outside, and spread cheer to the front of your home
By Annie Collyer
-
Aldi is selling a massive Christmas wreath and it's pre-lit with 1,000 lights
We predict a sell-out!
By Millie Hurst
-
Decorating with Christmas lights – ideas and arrangements to add festive sparkle
Creative ways to use Christmas lights to transform any festive interior
By Tamara Kelly