What is a Christmas advent calendar? It’s one of those holiday traditions that gets people excited about December. And for good reason – these festive calendars turn the countdown to Christmas into a daily celebration with surprises behind each door.
I’ve been using advent calendars with my family for years. And I’ve noticed they’ve evolved way beyond the simple chocolate-filled versions I grew up with.
Today? You can find advent calendars filled with everything from beauty products to craft beer.
In this guide, as a professional custom advent calendar printing manufacturer, I’ll break down everything you need to know about advent calendars. Including their history, different types available in 2025, and how to choose (or make) the perfect one.
The History Behind Advent Calendars
Here’s something interesting:
Advent calendars have been around since the 1850s. But they looked nothing like what we use today.
German Protestant families started the tradition by making chalk marks on doors or walls. They’d add one mark each day from December 1st until Christmas Eve.
Pretty simple, right?
Then in 1908, a German printer named Gerhard Lang changed everything. He created the first printed advent calendar with little pictures behind cardboard doors.
Why did he do it?
His mom used to attach 24 cookies to cardboard for him when he was a kid. One cookie for each day leading up to Christmas. Lang basically took that idea and turned it commercial.
The chocolate-filled calendars we know today? Those didn’t show up until the 1950s.
And get this: President Eisenhower helped popularize advent calendars in America when Newsweek published a photo of him and his grandkids with one.
How Advent Calendars Work
The concept is simple:
You get 24 (or sometimes 25) numbered doors, pockets, or drawers. Starting December 1st, you open one each day. Behind each door is a surprise – traditionally chocolate, but these days it could be anything.
Most calendars run from December 1st to December 24th (Christmas Eve). Some include December 25th for an extra special Christmas Day surprise.
The religious advent season actually starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. That means it can begin anywhere from November 27th to December 3rd.
But commercial calendars stick to December 1st. Why? It’s easier to reuse them year after year.
Types of Advent Calendars in 2025
The variety of advent calendars available now is insane.
When I was shopping for calendars this year, I counted at least 50 different types. Here are the most popular categories:
Traditional Chocolate Calendars
These are the classics. Simple cardboard calendars with milk chocolate behind each door. You can grab one for under $10 at any grocery store.
Perfect for kids (or adults with a sweet tooth).
Toy Advent Calendars
LEGO really pioneered this category. Their advent calendars include mini builds for each day. By Christmas, you’ve got a complete holiday scene.
Other popular toy calendars include:
- Playmobil sets
- Hot Wheels cars
- Barbie accessories
- Pokemon figures
Beauty Product Calendars
This is where things get fancy. Beauty brands pack their calendars with sample-sized products. Some even include full-sized items.
The price tags match the luxury – expect to pay $50 to $250+.
Food and Drink Calendars
Beyond chocolate, you’ll find calendars with:
- Gourmet coffee
- Tea blends
- Craft beer
- Wine (yes, really)
- Cheese
- Hot sauce
- Jerky
- Gourmet popcorn
Pet Advent Calendars
Even our furry friends get in on the action. Dog and cat treat calendars are surprisingly popular.
DIY and Craft Calendars
These calendars include daily craft projects or DIY activities. Great for keeping kids busy during winter break.
Religious vs. Secular Advent Calendars
Here’s an important distinction:
Traditional advent calendars have religious roots. They’re meant to help Christians prepare spiritually for Christmas. These often include:
- Bible verses
- Religious imagery
- Nativity scenes
- Prayer suggestions
Secular calendars focus on the countdown aspect without religious content. They’re purely about building excitement for Christmas Day.
Both types are widely available. Choose based on what works for your family.
Benefits of Using Advent Calendars
Why are these calendars so popular?
I’ve noticed several benefits from using them with my family:
They build anticipation. Opening one door per day creates sustained excitement throughout December. Way better than waiting for one big day.
They create routine. Kids love the daily ritual. It becomes part of the morning routine – wake up, open calendar, start the day with a smile.
They teach patience. In our instant-gratification world, waiting to open tomorrow’s door is a valuable lesson.
They mark time visually. Young kids can literally see Christmas getting closer as more doors open.
They create memories. I still remember specific chocolates from my childhood calendars. These little moments stick with you.
How to Choose the Right Advent Calendar
With so many options, picking the right calendar can feel overwhelming.
Here’s my process:
First, consider your audience. A 5-year-old and a 15-year-old want very different things.
Next, set your budget. Calendars range from $5 to $500+. Know your limit before shopping.
Think about dietary restrictions. Many chocolate calendars now offer dairy-free or sugar-free options.
Consider reusability. Wooden calendars with drawers can be refilled year after year. More expensive upfront, but they last forever.
Finally, check reviews. Especially for expensive calendars. You want to know if those 24 surprises are actually worth it.
DIY Advent Calendar Ideas
Want something more personal? Make your own.
I’ve tried several DIY versions over the years. Here are the easiest:
Envelope Calendar: Number 24 envelopes and hang them on string. Fill with treats, notes, or activity ideas.
Muffin Tin Calendar: Cover each cup with numbered paper. Kids love peeling them off to find surprises.
Paper Bag Calendar: Decorate 24 lunch bags, add numbers, fill, and hang on a garland.
Mason Jar Calendar: Use 24 baby food jars or small mason jars. Stack them in a tree shape.
The best part about DIY? You control exactly what goes inside. Mix treats with activities like “make cookies today” or “watch a Christmas movie.”
Popular Advent Calendar Brands in 2025
Some brands have become advent calendar specialists:
Bonne Maman: Known for their jam-filled calendars
L’Occitane: Luxury beauty products
LEGO: Various themed building sets
Godiva: Premium chocolate
David’s Tea: Tea varieties
The Body Shop: Beauty and bath products
These brands sell out fast. If you want a specific one, shop early (like October early).
Advent Calendar Alternatives
Not into the traditional calendar format? Try these alternatives:
Book Advent: Wrap 24 Christmas books. Unwrap and read one each night.
Activity Advent: Write 24 holiday activities on slips of paper. Draw one daily.
Kindness Calendar: Each day includes an act of kindness to perform.
Experience Advent: Instead of things, give experiences – movie tickets, ice skating passes, etc.
Tips for Using Advent Calendars
After years of advent calendar experience, here’s what I’ve learned:
Start December 1st. Even if you get the calendar late, just adjust the dates. Kids won’t care.
Set rules early. Decide who opens which door to avoid arguments.
Morning vs. evening. Pick a consistent time. We do mornings – starts the day positively.
Save special doors. If your calendar has bigger compartments for certain days, save those for weekends when you have more time to enjoy them.
Take photos. Document the daily opening. Great for memory books later.
The Future of Advent Calendars
Advent calendars keep evolving.
In 2025, I’m seeing more:
- Digital advent calendars with app integration
- Sustainable options with reusable packaging
- Personalized calendars with custom contents
- Subscription-based calendars that ship fresh items weekly
- Augmented reality features that unlock digital content
The core concept remains the same though – building joy and anticipation throughout December.
Making Advent Calendars Special
The magic isn’t really about what’s behind each door.
It’s about the tradition. The daily moment of surprise. The countdown that makes December feel special.
Whether you buy a simple chocolate calendar or create an elaborate DIY version, you’re creating memories.
My kids are teenagers now. They still insist on advent calendars every year. That daily ritual of finding today’s number and opening the door? It’s become part of what makes Christmas feel like Christmas.
Conclusion
What is a Christmas advent calendar? At its core, it’s a way to celebrate each day of December leading up to Christmas. But it’s become so much more – a beloved tradition that brings daily joy to the holiday season.
Whether you choose chocolate, toys, beauty products, or create your own, advent calendars transform the wait for Christmas into its own celebration.
The best advent calendar is the one that brings joy to your December. Start simple if you’re new to the tradition. You can always level up next year.
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