So you just bought your first advent calendar.
Or maybe you’re planning to get one for your kids this year.
And now you’re wondering: when do you start an advent calendar?
When Do You Start an Advent Calendar?
Here’s the short answer: Most people start their advent calendars on December 1st. But traditional advent calendars actually begin on the first Sunday of Advent (which changes every year).
Pretty simple, right?
Well, not exactly.
As it turns out, there’s more to advent calendar timing than you might think. And in this guide, as a professional custom advent calendar printing manufacturer, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about when to start your advent calendar.
Let’s dive in.
The Two Main Starting Dates for Advent Calendars
When it comes to advent calendars, you’ve got two main options for when to start:
Option #1: December 1st
This is by far the most popular choice.
Why?
It’s simple. It’s consistent. And it works perfectly with those store-bought calendars that have exactly 24 or 25 doors.
In fact, I’d estimate that 90% of people start their advent calendars on December 1st.
Option #2: The First Sunday of Advent
This is the traditional approach.
And it’s based on the actual Christian season of Advent.
The thing is:
The first Sunday of Advent moves around. It can fall anywhere between November 27 and December 3.
Which makes things a bit tricky if you’re using a standard 24-door calendar.
Why Most People Choose December 1st
Let me tell you why December 1st has become the go-to starting date.
First off, it’s predictable.
You don’t need to check a calendar or do any math. December 1st is December 1st, every single year.
Second, it lines up perfectly with commercial advent calendars.
Those chocolate-filled calendars at the grocery store? They’re designed for a December 1st start.
Third, it gives you a clean 24-day countdown to Christmas Eve (or 25 days if your calendar goes through Christmas Day).
But here’s the kicker:
Starting on December 1st isn’t actually “wrong” from a traditional standpoint.
See, even though the religious season of Advent starts on a Sunday, there’s no rule that says your advent calendar has to match up exactly.
The Traditional Advent Calendar Start Date
Now let’s talk about the traditional approach.
In Christian tradition, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
This means the start date changes every year.
For example:
- In 2025, Advent begins on November 30
- In 2024, it started on December 1 (lucky coincidence!)
- In 2023, it began on December 3
You might be thinking:
“How do I use a 24-door calendar if Advent starts on November 30?”
Good question.
Some traditional advent calendars are actually designed to be flexible. They might have extra doors. Or they use a different numbering system.
But most people who follow the traditional start date just… adapt.
They might skip a few doors. Or save them for after Christmas.
The point is: there’s no advent calendar police. You do what works for you.
What About 12-Day Advent Calendars?
Here’s where things get interesting.
You’ve probably seen those 12-day advent calendars in stores.
And you might be wondering: when the heck do you start those?
Well, I’ve got news for you:
Those aren’t really advent calendars.
They’re actually “countdown to Christmas” calendars that start on December 13th.
Or worse:
Some companies market them as “12 Days of Christmas” calendars. Which is totally wrong, because the 12 Days of Christmas actually START on December 25th and run through January 6th.
Confusing? You bet.
My advice?
If you’ve got a 12-day calendar that’s marketed as an advent calendar, start it on December 13th. That way you’ll end on Christmas Eve.
The History Behind Advent Calendar Timing
Want to know something cool?
The whole advent calendar thing started in 19th century Germany.
Back then, families would mark the days until Christmas by drawing chalk lines on the wall. One line per day.
Super simple.
Then in the early 1900s, a German printer named Gerhard Lang had a better idea.
He created the first printed advent calendar with little doors you could open.
But here’s the thing:
Those early calendars were all over the place with dates. Some started on December 1st. Others followed the church calendar.
It wasn’t until advent calendars went mainstream in the 1950s that December 1st became the standard.
Why?
Because it was easier to mass-produce calendars with a fixed start date.
How Different Types of Advent Calendars Affect Timing
Not all advent calendars are created equal.
And the type you have can affect when you start.
Traditional Paper Calendars
These usually have 24 doors and are designed for a December 1st start.
Pretty straightforward.
Wooden Reusable Calendars
Many of these have 24 or 25 drawers. Start them on December 1st.
Some fancy ones have dates that can be adjusted for the liturgical calendar. But that’s rare.
DIY Advent Calendars
Making your own? You can start whenever you want.
Some people even make advent calendars with 31 pockets and use them for the entire month of December.
Digital Advent Calendars
These are programmed to start on December 1st. No flexibility there.
Luxury Beauty/Food Calendars
Almost always designed for December 1st.
And at those prices, you definitely want to get your money’s worth with the full 24 or 25 days.
Special Considerations for 2025
Since you’re reading this in 2025, let me give you the specific dates for this year.
The first Sunday of Advent in 2025 falls on November 30th.
That’s pretty early!
So if you’re going traditional, you’d start your calendar on November 30th.
But honestly?
I’d still recommend starting on December 1st unless you have strong feelings about following the liturgical calendar.
It’s just easier.
Common Advent Calendar Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people mess this up more times than I can count.
Here are the big mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Starting Too Late
Some people think advent calendars start on December 12th or even December 13th.
Nope.
That’s way too late. You’ll miss half the fun.
Mistake #2: Confusing Advent with the 12 Days of Christmas
The 12 Days of Christmas FOLLOW Christmas. They don’t lead up to it.
So those “12 Days of Christmas” calendars that count down TO Christmas? They’ve got it backwards.
Mistake #3: Opening All the Doors at Once
Look, I get it.
Those chocolates are tempting.
But the whole point is the daily countdown. One door per day. That’s the rule.
Mistake #4: Starting on the Wrong Number
This one’s controversial.
Some people like to open door 24 or 25 first and count backwards.
Technically, that works. But it’s not how advent calendars are designed to be used.
Start with door number 1. Trust me on this.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Advent Calendar
Now that you know when to start, here are some pro tips:
Set a Daily Ritual
Pick a time each day to open your calendar. Maybe right after breakfast. Or before bed.
Having a set time makes it more special.
Don’t Peek Ahead
Seriously. The anticipation is half the fun.
Consider Multiple Calendars
Who says you can only have one?
I know families that do a chocolate calendar for the kids and a tea calendar for the parents.
Make It an Event
Don’t just rip open the door and move on.
Take a moment. Maybe light a candle. Play some Christmas music.
Document the Journey
Take photos. Keep a journal.
Years from now, you’ll love looking back at these memories.
What If You Miss the Start Date?
Okay, let’s be real.
Sometimes life happens and you forget to start your advent calendar on time.
Now what?
You’ve got options:
Option 1: Start Late
Just begin wherever you are in December. Open the corresponding door for that date.
No big deal.
Option 2: Catch Up
Open multiple doors to get current.
Not traditional, but who cares?
Option 3: Extend Past Christmas
Start late and keep going after December 25th.
Some calendars are actually designed for this.
Option 4: Save for Next Year
If you’re really late (like mid-December), just save the calendar for next year.
Most advent calendars keep just fine.
Alternative Advent Calendar Schedules
Who says you have to follow the rules?
Here are some creative alternatives:
The Reverse Countdown
Start with the highest number and work backwards. Some people swear by this method.
The Random Approach
Open doors in random order. Kids especially love this chaos.
The Weekend Warrior
Only open doors on weekends and catch up on missed days. Perfect for busy families.
The Extended Season
Start in late November and stretch it out past Christmas. Why not?
The Bottom Line on Advent Calendar Timing
Here’s the deal:
When do you start an advent calendar? For most people, the answer is December 1st. It’s simple, it’s standard, and it works with pretty much every advent calendar out there.
But if you want to go traditional and start on the first Sunday of Advent? That’s cool too.
The most important thing isn’t when you start.
It’s that you enjoy the tradition and make it meaningful for you and your family.
Because at the end of the day, advent calendars are about building anticipation, creating memories, and adding a little magic to the holiday season.
And that can happen whether you start on November 27th, December 1st, or anywhere in between.
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