Michaels Launches Countdown to Craftsmas Advent Calendar
The retailer's new holiday calendar offers 25 days of screen-free projects, alongside Black Friday and Cyber Week discounts of up to 70%.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Arts & Crafts
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Michaels has launched a Countdown to Craftsmas advent calendar featuring 25 days of screen-free holiday projects. The retailer is also running Black Friday and Cyber Week deals with up to 70% off.
Why it matters
The calendar is built around shopper demand, with Michaels citing that 80% of parents and 73% of Gen Z seek screen-free, hands-on holiday activities. For shoppers planning gifts and seasonal crafts, the promotion bundles inspiration with discounts.
Michaels is distributing 500 free advent calendars per store at checkout starting November 27, with one calendar per store containing a $100 gift card and a $10,000 grand prize available to one customer. The source does not detail how many calendars will be distributed beyond the per-store limit or whether the grand prize drawing has a published date.
The players
The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc. is a North American arts and crafts retailer operating over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada, headquartered in Irving, Texas.
The details
Each day from December 1 to 25, customers open a new calendar door to find a project, tip, offer or in-store event, with QR codes linking to step-by-step tutorials. Michaels is also offering Rewards members $15 when they spend $50 between November 20 and 29, and Michaels Credit Card holders can access six months of special financing on purchases of $175 or more.
Timeline
November 11: Artificial Christmas tree Black Friday prices begin, with select styles up to 70% off.
November 20-29: Ten days of Black Friday deals run, including the Rewards $15 offer.
November 27: Free advent calendars begin distribution at checkout.
November 30-December 5: Cyber Week deals with up to 70% off run.
December 1-25: Customers open a new calendar door each day.
Culture Shift
The calendar extends Michaels' Rewards program, which offers up to 9% in Rewards on eligible purchases, by pairing loyalty incentives with a holiday discovery mechanic. The move reflects the retailer's push to position hands-on crafting as a seasonal alternative to screen-based entertainment.
Shoppers can earn $15 in Rewards by spending $50 between November 20 and 29, and Michaels Credit Card holders can finance purchases of $349 or more over 12 months. Households planning handmade gifts can compare the $25 cost of a homemade gift against the $100 value of a store-bought equivalent.
The takeaway
Customers who plan ahead can combine the calendar's daily projects with the Rewards and Black Friday deals to stretch holiday crafting budgets. Checking eligibility and redemption timing early helps avoid missing the limited free calendar distribution.
What happens next
Free advent calendars will be distributed at checkout beginning November 27, and daily calendar doors open December 1 through 25.
Further reading
Explore more on Arts & Crafts for project ideas and supply guides.
More information
Review the official contest rules for the holiday challenge before participating.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Winona Daily News.
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Do you plan to do hands-on holiday crafts with family this December?
