12 best advent calendars
Advent calendars are a tradition associated with Christianity, particularly the Catholic and Protestant denominations, and are often used as a countdown to Christmas. They are not directly related to religions like Judaism or Islam, as they are specifically tied to the Christian liturgical calendar. However, modern advent calendars have evolved to cater to a wider audience, including children's books and other themes.
Here are some key aspects of advent calendars:
Religious Significance: The term "advent" is derived from the Latin word "adventus," which means "coming" or "arrival." In Christianity, Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. It typically starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts for four weeks.
Traditional Advent Calendars: Traditional advent calendars feature a 24-day countdown leading up to Christmas. They consist of a large cardboard or paper calendar with 24 small, numbered doors or windows. Each day in December, starting from December 1st, a door is opened to reveal a religious image, a Bible verse, or a small symbolic item related to the Nativity story.
Children's Books and Advent Calendars: In recent years, there has been a growing trend of advent calendars that incorporate children's books. Instead of religious symbols, each door reveals a different children's book that can be read throughout the month of December. This provides a fun and literary way for families to count down to Christmas.
Variety of Themes: Modern advent calendars come in various themes beyond religious and children's books. Some feature chocolates or other treats behind each door, while others include small toys, beauty products, or even alcoholic beverages for adults.
DIY Advent Calendars: Many people enjoy creating their own advent calendars, customizing them with personalized items or activities. DIY advent calendars can be a fun and creative holiday craft project.
Cultural Traditions: Advent calendars are not limited to Christian-majority countries. They are popular in many parts of the world and may incorporate local traditions and themes.
Commercialization: The commercialization of advent calendars has led to a wide range of products, with various themes and price points. Some luxury advent calendars contain high-end products and are considered collector's items.
Environmental Concerns: There has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of disposable advent calendars. Some companies now offer reusable or recyclable options to address these concerns.
In summary, advent calendars have a primarily Christian religious origin, but they have evolved to include various themes, including children's books, making them a versatile and cherished tradition for many during the holiday season.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best advent calendars on the marketProduct description
Celebrate Christmas in the Wizarding World with this magical LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar (75981). Behind each of the 24 doors is a different toy or figure from the Harry Potter series. As the big day gets closer, kids can recreate Hogwarts holiday scenes – including the amazing Yule Ball! LEGO Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire sets Kids can combine the 24 advent calendar gifts to recreate favorite scenes from the Harry Potter movies and role-play stories and adventures of their own. The calendar contains minifigures – including Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Padma Patil, Parvati Patil and Cho Chang – and buildable models, such as a miniature Beauxbaton’s carriage and a dining table with ice-castle centerpiece. Cool collectible building toys The extensive range of LEGO Harry Potter models and playsets provide fans of the series with endless imaginative fun and creative display possibilities.
- Give LEGO Harry Potter fans a magical build-up to Christmas with the toy-a-day LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar (75981); Behind each of the 24 doors is a different Harry Potter toy to build, play with and display
- Includes Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Padma Patil, Parvati Patil and Cho Chang minifigures, plus buildable models such as a miniature Beauxbaton's carriage and dining table with ice-castle centerpiece
- As the big day gets closer, kids can recreate Hogwarts holiday scenes – including the amazing Yule Ball
- This magical, festive calendar is a perfect pre-Christmas gift for kids aged 7 and up – with 24 days of surprises and imaginative Harry Potter fun that lasts all year long
- The 24 Harry Potter gifts found within this special holiday calendar can be built together with all other original LEGO sets and LEGO bricks for endless creative building
User questions & answers
Question: | Are these in individual bags inside each door? I’m wondering if I can take them out and put them in a different advent calendar I have |
Answer: | Hi there, Yes, each door will have its individual bag of pieces. Please note that the instructions for each build are behind the little door. - Marine, LEGO® Customer Service |
Question: | We just opened door 11 which is suppose to be the fireplace and we got a duplicate carriage instead. Who can I contact to get it replaced |
Answer: | We're very sorry to hear you're missing the fireplace in your advent calendar! You can request the missing parts via LEGO.build/BricksPieces-Amazon, we'll send them your way as soon as possible. - Manouk, LEGO® Customer Service. |
Question: | Are these the same figures as previous years |
Answer: | The 2020 Harry Potter Advent Calendar is different. Some of the figures are the same, however, they look different than last years calendar. |
Question: | Help us answer a debate - do you start at door 1 and end on the 24? Or start on 24 and work down to |
Answer: | Who is the fool who started this question? An advent calendar is not a rocket launch to be counted down to zero. It martks the December calendar days to Christmas from 1 to 24 (formally called Christmas Eve). You begin at one (i.e. December 1st) and go to the twenty-four for each day of the December calendar. Anyone who says differently was raised in a pagan cave. |
Product features
24 magical surprises
Kids open a door each day to reveal a new Harry Potter toy.
Hogwarts holiday scenes
Every day, kids can recreate more memorable movie stories.
Great way to play and display
Includes a winter theme play mat to inspire imaginative fun.
- EXCLUSIVE DESIGN: PIONEER-EFFORT Christmas wooden advent calendar insist on original design and keeping unique. We provide a large number of advent calendars with different designs and colors for you to choose from at Christmas.
- SIZE: Christmas wooden advent calendar folded book size - 7.9" x 3.9'' x 11.4''H. Opened book size: 15.8" x 1.8'' x 11.4''H. Each drawer inside size approx.: 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.3cmH
- EASY TO STORE: Book shape can be folded after Christmas, easy to store.
- CHRISTMAS TRADITION: This wooden advent calendar with 24 drawers. Each drawer can be filled with candy or small gifts, or a clue of bigger gift so that our children can find them out with fun. The size of this drawer is big enough to fill with small gifts..
- REUSABLE: The wooden advent calendar made of wood. You can fold it after Christmas, and use year after year.
User questions & answers
Question: | Is this a true red or more maroon |
Answer: | I bought the white and gold version |
Question: | Confused - unit dimensions are in inches but the drawer size is in cm & don't seem to match unit size. Can someone give drawer size in inches? Tx |
Answer: | The individual boxes are 1 5/8” wide x 1 5/8” deep x 1 7/8” tall. The box itself (when closed) is 8 1/8” wide x 3 1/2” deep x 11 7/8” tall |
Question: | Are the drawers big enough to put the pieces of the Navity in the drawers and take one out each day |
Answer: | I don’t know the size of your nativity pieces but the boxes are 1 3/8” x 1 3/8 x 1 3/4 tall |
Question: | How big are the drawers |
Answer: | Very small. Maybe 3 Hershey’s kisses. |
Product features
Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar White Book
- Made of wood
- Book shape can be closed and open
- Colosed book size: approx: 7.9"x3.9''x11.4''H (20x10x29cmH)
- Drawer size: approx:3.5x4x3.8cm
- with 24 drawers and beautiful Christmas scene
- Book shape can be closed to store after Christmas
Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar Red Book
- Made of wood
- Book shape can be closed and open
- Colosed book size: approx: 7.9"x3.9''x11.4''H (20x10x29cmH)
- Drawer size: approx:3.5x4x3.8cm
- Requires 2 x AA batteries, not included
- with 24 drawers, beautiful Christmas scene and LED lights
- Book shape can be closed to store after Christmas
Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar Book with Lights Pink and Light Green
- Made of wood
- Book shape can be closed and open
- Colosed book size: approx: 7.9"x3.9''x11.4''H (20x10x29cmH)
- Drawer size: approx:3.5x4x3.8cm
- with 24 drawers and beautiful Christmas scene
- Book shape can be closed to store after Christmas
Product features
Disney Advent Calendar
All new and festive content for 2020! Count down to Christmas with all your Disney and Pixar friends.
Unwrap the Surprise!
Unwrap 24 books this holiday season and enjoy a magical tale every day leading up to Christmas.
24 Disney Christmas Books Inside!
Inside includes 24, 24-page small paperback books, each individually wrapped in a paper sleeve to keep every story leading up to Christmas a surprise!
Product description
Looks like Santa has arrived to see all the forest creatures! The Advent calendar – Christmas in the forest contains twenty-four surprise items for each day leading up to Christmas. Once all the pieces are revealed, discover a bustling wintry forest filled with animals. Includes backdrop, Santa, three additional figures, sleigh, reindeer, gifts, forest tree, owl, deer, fox, rabbits, and lots of other accessories. Recommended for ages 18 months and up.
- Looks like Santa has arrived to see all the forest creatures!
- The advent calendar - Christmas in the forest contains twenty-four surprise items for each day leading up to Christmas
- Once all the pieces are revealed, discover a bustling wintry forest filled with animals
- Includes backdrop, Santa, three additional figures, sleigh, reindeer, gifts, forest tree, owl, deer, fox, rabbits, and lots of other accessories
- Recommended for ages 18 months and up
User questions & answers
Question: | Does anyone know if the harness used on the reindeer also fits on the horses from other playmobil 123 sets like carriage and countryside |
Answer: | The harness for the reindeer does NOT work with the horses. Yet, the horse with the horse harness CAN pull the sled and the reindeer with the reindeer harness CAN pull the wagon. My daughter has both of these sets and plays with them together. |
Question: | do you put the toys back in after Christmas and reuse it |
Answer: | My grandchildren play with it all year. |
Question: | I don't get it, is this just the toys for an advent calendar?Or is it a calendar with 24 separate openings?I dont see any pictures of numbered doors |
Answer: | There are 24 different openings. You lift the flap in the front shown here- and you will see the normal perforated advent doors to open. |
Question: | Are Playmobil 123 toys compatible with other Playmobil toys and sets for older children |
Answer: | The 123 sets are larger in size and do not have as many moving parts, the 123 are more appropriate for children 1-3 yrs of age |
Product features
About Us:
Since 1974, PLAYMOBIL toys, created by Hans Beck, have become a classic throughout children’s playrooms, with play themes ranging from a pirate ship to a children‘s hospital.
PLAYMOBIL’s unique play principle stimulates imagination and creativity and thus promotes child development. With PLAYMOBIL, children can not only slip into many different roles, but also recreate and experience the world in miniature.
With multiple talents, these cheerful figures successfully overcome all kinds of challenges – as knights or pirates in historical scenarios, as construction workers, vets and police officers today, or as secret agents in futuristic worlds.
The creative people at PLAYMOBIL are constantly developing new ideas and enhancements that will bring long-lasting fun to children everywhere.
Product description
Ring in the holiday season with the fun 60201 LEGO City Advent Calendar. There are 24 different buildable presents, one for each day of the holiday season, including a space shuttle, race car, drone, robot, Christmas tree, monster truck and much more. This LEGO City set includes 5 LEGO minifigures and a dog figure.
- Build 24 different presents, including vehicles, minifigures and seasonal items with this fun advent calendar with toys
- This building set includes a husky dog figure and 5 minifigures, including a snowman, robot and Santa Claus
- Vehicles include a drone, spaceship toy, race car toy and monster truck
- 313 pieces – Fun toy for boys and girls aged between 5 and 12 and for fans and kids of all ages
User questions & answers
Question: | what age group is the lego advent city calendar appropriate for |
Answer: | Hi there, We recommend the LEGO City Advent Calendar 60201 for kids in the age range of 5-12 years, but it can be just as much fun when you're older! Kind regards, Sybe. |
Question: | Hi, Since it is countdown do you start at 24 and end at 1 on the 24th or go the opposite? Thanks |
Answer: | Hi there! The number on each LEGO® Advent Calendar door corresponds to the date. So you open door #1 on December 1st, #2 on the 2nd, so on and so forth. Happy building, Emily LEGO® Service |
Question: | What is the Day 14 item of this calendar? We built it, but we don’t know what it is |
Answer: | I gave these as gifts, so I do not know what is in each day. Sorry |
Question: | Can anyone tell me what the day 10 item in the city calendar is? Even after building it no one in the family can figure it out |
Answer: | Hi there. Thank you so much for your review. You've got a great question! The box 10 has two net goals and a ball. Let your imagination flow. It can be any type of ball games. You can even change it around with parts from other boxes. The building possibilities are endless. Maryam LEGO® Customer Service |
Product features
24 days of fun!
There’s a different buildable present behind each door.
Plenty of variety!
Models range from a space shuttle and robot to a Christmas tree.
Add to your holiday decorations!
Help make the season bright.
Makes a great gift!
Get your friends and family in the festive spirit.
Out of this world fun!
Includes spaceship and robot models, and more.
Great for play or display!
Models you can enjoy all year long.
User questions & answers
Question: | Are any of your advent calendars musical |
Answer: | No I did not get any musical one. |
Question: | The drawers are empty but does it come with the characters that you see, the snowmen, the people, the sleds |
Answer: | Correct, the drawers are empty but the characters that you like the snowmen, people, and sleds are all included. |
Question: | Has the quality of craftsmanship improved in this product yet |
Answer: | I'm not sure what you mean, but we love our advent calendar and are really happy with the craftsmanship. We think it is beautiful AND well made. |
Question: | How big are the drawers |
Answer: | The inside of the drawers is very small, but large enough for a little treat. Inside measures about 1 inch wide by 1 1/4 deep, by 1 1/4 high. Hope this helps. It is really beautiful. I purchased it for my new granddaughter and my son-in-law thinks it great. |
- Whopping 8 oz. of Milk Chocolate MADE IN THE USA
- Individually Wrapped Chocolate
- Open a Window Each Day to Find Chocolate & A Christmas Rhyme
- Advent Calendars offer a joyful way to mark the days until Christmas
- 13 1/4" x 8 3/8" x 7/8"
User questions & answers
Question: | Is this slave chocolate |
Answer: | Another crusader. Ask the question so everyone know you a hero. You buy anything chinese? Slave labor. |
Question: | Does this advent calendar contain gluten free chocolates? I am looking or a chocolate filled advent calendar for a child with celiac |
Answer: | If it's not Gluten Free then why is it listed as it is on Amazon when you do a search for Gluten Free Advent Calendars? |
Question: | Total bummer that you process on shared equipment....will you ever consider making a nut free product |
Answer: | That would be great! I would buy more if they were nut free! |
Question: | What are the exact dimensions of the chocolates themselves? (I need to know if they will fit in the tiny xmas boxes I have |
Answer: | I do not know the EXACT dimensions, but if I remember from last year, each one was about 1.5 inches long x .75 inches wide x .5 inch thick. It was not the best quality chocolate. Actually, it was pretty poor quality. A 9 year old was happy with it, but I wouldn't bother offering it to adults. |
Product features
Smooth, rich premium milk chocolate
At The Madelaine Chocolate Company, we use fresh milk and the finest cocoa beans to create premium American-made, Swiss-formulated chocolate. On average, 20 million pounds of creamy milk chocolate flow through our state-of-the-art New York factory each year. Taste the difference quality makes.
The changing shape of chocolate
Initially inspired by molds from the Netherlands in the 1950s, our vast collection of creative shapes and designs has continued to grow over the decades. From Easter eggs to chocolate hearts to the latest holiday and novelty chocolates, we have something for every occasion.
Wrapped in exquisite Italian foils
Since 1954, The Madelaine Chocolate Company has wrapped its premium milk chocolate treats in exquisite Italian foils. Using a detailed rotogravure process, each brightly colored design is printed onto high-quality foil. The results are eye-catching novelty chocolates available in a wide variety of seasonal and everyday themes.
Chocolate for a special day, or any day
Our premium novelty chocolate gifts are a delicious way to make a special occasion even more special. They make the perfect addition to your party decor or as a giveaway. From brightly colored turkeys for Easter dinner celebrations to soccer balls for an end of year banquet, we have the chocolates to make every occasion sweeter. Treat your friends and loved ones to our premium chocolates throughout the year.
Product description
Bursting with festive fun, this awesome LEGO City Advent Calendar (60268) is guaranteed to bring Christmas joy to fans of the LEGO City Adventures TV series. As well as seasonal mini-builds and a snowy city play mat, where they can build their own Christmas scenes, kids also get 6 LEGO City TV character minifigures, including Duke DeTain, Harl Hubbs, Freya McCloud, Rooky Partnur, Daisy ‘Kaboom' and a Christmassy Chief Wheeler complete with Santa costume! Fun and easy to build This LEGO City Advent Calendar makes a great gift for children aged 5 and up. Each build comes with easy-to-follow building instructions ensuring that even budding LEGO builders can enjoy a fun and independent build and play experience. Best Christmas toys for kids LEGO City Advent Calendars are packed with inspiration, festive excitement and wonderful surprises for kids who love creative play. The models, minifigures and accessories included in the calendar can also be combined with existing LEGO toy playsets for even more fun.
- The LEGO City Advent Calendar (60268) is a great introduction to the exciting world of LEGO City and the LEGO City Adventures TV series; Kids aged 5 and up can enjoy fun imaginative play throughout the holiday season
- Comes with 24 gifts, including Christmas tree and Santa's sleigh miniature builds, 6 LEGO City Adventures TV series minifigures, including Chief Wheeler with Santa costume, plus a city play mat with snow-cleared roads
- Kids can count down to the big day with this LEGO City Advent Calendar, containing festive builds, LEGO City TV series minifigure characters and a snowy city play mat where they build their own Christmassy adventures
- This Advent Calendar is ideal for fans of the LEGO City Adventures TV series aged 5 and up, and kids who love creative play
- The LEGO City Advent Calendar measures over 2" (7 centimeter) high, 14" (38 centimeter) long and 10" (26 centimeter) wide
User questions & answers
Question: | Are these all regular sized lego pieces? have never purchased lego city before |
Answer: | Yes, Lego City is the regular sized Legos. |
Question: | If i were to purchase two of these calendars, would the lego sets different depending on the day or are all the sets the same no matter what day |
Answer: | All sets for a given year have the same item on the same locations - so if you buy two, you'll get two of everything. If you have multiple kids, your options are to either (1) buy different "flavors" of the LEGO advent calendar (they make City, Friends, Star Wars and now Harry Potter), or (2) buy one themed set (City in this case) from this year, and one set from a previous year. Alas - prices for LEGO sets only go up, never down. So if you want to buy a previous year version of any LEGO advent calendar, be prepared to pay between 1.5 times to 2.0 times (or in some cases, more) what the set originally retailed for. |
Question: | Is it the same as last year’s advent calendar |
Answer: | Hi there, We have new Advent Calendars every year and this set, the 60268 - LEGO City Advent Calendar is the 2020 version. - Marine, LEGO® Customer Service |
Question: | My grandson is 11 and does big builds, do you think he is to old for this |
Answer: | Hi there, In this set he will be able to open a little surprise each day before the Holidays. The build are easy and simple to follow but if he likes surprises he will enjoy this Advent Calendar! - Marine, LEGO® Customer Service |
Product features
A festive gift that keeps on giving
Kids will love this LEGO City Advent Calendar, packed with festive miniature builds and gift-bearing LEGO City TV characters!
Gift-bearing characters
Festive fun with Duke Detain, Freya McCloud and friends.
A boost for kids' LEGO play
Combine the builds and minifigures with existing LEGO sets.
An array of cool vehicles
Vehicles range from Santa’s sleigh to a cool stunt plane.
- SUPER VALUE PACK. Our Advent Calendar includes Classic Wooden Christmas Tree design with 24 Wooden Drawers that is great for Hidden Gifts each day.
- UNIQUE DESIGN & EASY TO USE. Is it Christmas yet? The wait can still feel like an eternity for a kid, but Advent Calendars act as the perfect countdown gift. This Advent Calendar offers your kids a cute way to welcome their favorite holiday year after year. Kids will open one door a day for 24 days to discover something that will delight them.
- ENDLESS FUN. The countdown to Christmas is almost as fun as the holiday itself, and with every passing day, your kid’s excitement will only escalate as Santa’s arrival nears. Keeping kids busy on cold December days isn’t always easy. Luckily, this perfect advent calendar can get the job done. Fun, interactive kids’ advent calendars help you make the most of this special time.
- PREMIUM QUALITY. Child Safe: Non-Toxic. Meet the US standard. Safety test approved.
- CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. Providing a 100% satisfaction experience is our main priority to our customers. Feel free to message us through “contact sellers” if products don’t meet your expectations. The celebrations start at JOYIN!
User questions & answers
Question: | What are the measurements of the drawers |
Answer: | The drawers are small. 1 1/4 inch tall,1 1/4 inch wide, and same length deep. You may be able to fit a candy or small, folded piece of paper (perhaps a note for a child, or scripture).I hope this helps. |
Question: | would it fit 2 fun size hershey bars |
Answer: | No, they are too long. Andes Mints, rolos, kisses fit. |
Question: | What are the dimensions of the drawers |
Answer: | I'm not sure. But I fit 3 kisses in easily. :) |
Product description
Enjoy your 2020 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar (75279) holiday building set. Behind each of the 24 doors is a Star Wars LEGO minifigure, LEGO figure, buildable starship, vehicle or location. Between door-opening ceremonies and playtime adventures, the 2020 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar makes an eye-catching, festive display piece in any room
- Lego 75279 includes 6 LEGO minifigures and 6 LEGO figures, such as Poe Dameron, Darth Vader and Tauntaun with a red nose, plus a foldout playmat with a Millennium Falcon image for role play.
- Also includes 12 fun mini build toys including the Millennium Falcon, an A-wing, TIE Fighter, X-wing, Droid Control Ship, Anakin’s Podracer and Darth Vader’s Castle
- Exclusive Christmas sweater holiday-themed Darth Vader comes with a smile face variant from Episode 6 Final Duel.
- Open a new ‘door’ each day to reveal the day’s present.
- This 311-piece advent calendar building set makes a fun holiday gift for kids.
User questions & answers
Question: | Where can I find building instructions for this |
Answer: | Hello, Every figurine is almost fully assembled and doesn't require exact instructions. This is a advent calendar made of cardboard already assembled therefore every figurine is inside ready for you to open for each day leading up to Christmas. In short this is not a Lego set that requires building. |
Latest Reviews
View all
High Heat Paint For Masonry
- Updated: 03.01.2023
- Read reviews

Janome Embroidery Machines
- Updated: 26.06.2023
- Read reviews

Otc Glasses
- Updated: 21.04.2023
- Read reviews

Hand Creams For Women
- Updated: 20.05.2023
- Read reviews

Baby Boy Books
- Updated: 17.06.2023
- Read reviews