DIY Giant Santa Stop Here Sign

Every year, our small town runs a Christmas light competition. Homes light up the streets, and many displays raise money for local charities. It’s a magical time and one of our favourite traditions.

My sister joins the competition each year, and this time she wanted something a little different — a giant “Santa Stop Here” sign for her front yard. The store-bought versions were all too small. So, she asked me to build her a custom sign.

So, the next challenge was this oversized Santa signpost!

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How to make a Santa Stop Here Christmas Sign Post

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Materials Needed

• PVC pipe (recycled)
• Plywood sheet (60cm x 60cm)
• Kraft paper (for template)
• White primer
• Red spray paint
• Gold spray paint
• Masking tape
• Carbon paper
• Printed text (A4 size)
• Acrylic paints
• Makeup brushes or fine paintbrushes
• Cable ties
• Old rubber or plastic ball
• Pillow stuffing
• Clear acrylic spray
• Clear outdoor varnish
• Jigsaw
• Sander + 180-grit sanding discs
• Thinners or acetone
• Rebar or garden spikes (for mounting)

Preparing the PVC Pipe

I used leftover PVC pipe from a building site. It was dirty and covered in concrete, but most of it washed off with a good scrub. I removed printed numbers using thinner on a rag. Acetone or even non-acetone nail polish remover also works.

To get the candy cane look, I wrapped thick masking tape around the pipe in a spiral from top to bottom. Then I sprayed two coats of red paint.

To make it easier to paint and dry, I placed the pipe over metal garden spikes. Once the paint dried, I removed the tape to reveal a perfect striped finish.

Cutting Out the Stop Sign

I started with a 60cm square sheet of plywood. I made a paper template using kraft paper first. Once I was happy with the size and shape, I traced it onto the wood. I used a jigsaw to cut it out, then sanded the surface smooth using a random orbital sander with 180-grit paper.

If you want to make smaller signs, you can freehand the design onto scrap wood and cut it out with a jigsaw.

Painting the Sign

First, I applied a coat of white primer. This helps the red paint stick better and also acts as the background.

Once dry, I taped off the edges of the sign and painted the centre with crimson red. When the paint dried, I removed the tape to reveal clean, crisp edges.

Adding the Text

Since my handwriting isn’t great, I created the words using PiZap, then printed them on A4 paper. I used carbon paper to transfer the letters onto the sign. Just place the carbon sheet between the printout and the wood, then trace the letters.

I painted the letters using acrylic paints and fine makeup brushes, which gave better control than most paintbrushes.

Making the Sign Topper

The pole needed something extra. I couldn’t find anything in the shops, but then I remembered an old ball in the shed. I cut a cross in the bottom of the ball, but it collapsed instantly. To bring it back into shape, I stuffed it with pillow filling. I spray-painted it metallic gold and attached it to the pole with a cable tie. It gave the sign a perfect festive finish.

Attaching and Sealing the Signs

To attach the signs, I drilled two holes in the middle of each one and used cable ties to secure them to the pipe. I also added cable ties above each sign to keep them from sliding down.

To protect everything from the weather, I sprayed the signs with clear acrylic sealer. Once dry, I added two coats of clear outdoor varnish for extra durability.

Installing the Sign in the Garden

Because the sign is so large, it needs extra support to stand securely in the garden. Instead of rebar and wood for the painting process, I used a metal star picket post for better stability. The picket was hammered into the ground, and the painted PVC pipe simply slid over the top. This method keeps the sign firmly in place, even on windy days, and makes it easy to remove or reposition when needed.

More Christmas DIY Projects

If you are looking for more unique DIY Christmas ideas, check out the cool flashing winter wonderland shadow box

Or these stunning hand-painted Unicorn Spit Christmas baubles, which are simple to make.

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