Advent calendars are one of our favorite ways to get into the holiday spirit. Whether we’re counting down the days until December 25, celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas, or celebrating the eight days of Hanukkah, these festive calendars are a fun holiday tradition with no shortage of nostalgia.
With December fast approaching, now is the best time to buy an advent calendar for the 2023 holiday season before they sell out. Since there are so many options available — and the holiday season is hectic enough — we did the research so you can spend more time relaxing, spending time with family, and enjoying the festivities.
From traditional chocolate advent calendars to toy advent calendars (including the oh-so-popular Lego advent calendars) to beauty gift sets, we share the best advent calendars for Christmas, plus the best Hanukkah calendars, ahead.
Best Chocolate Advent Calendars
See’s Candies 2023 Advent Calendar
Count down the holidays with this See’s Candies advent calendar. The chocolate advent calendar features 24 individually wrapped sweets and is designed to open up like a storybook for easy display. If you love a See’s Candies chocolate box as much as we do, this will definitely make your season bright.
Price at time of publish: $50
Crate & Barrel Chocolate Advent Calendar
The Crate & Barrel Chocolate Advent Calendar features a green triangle-shaped box inspired by a Christmas tree and decked out in ball ornaments. Only these ornaments are actually caramel, white peppermint, milk, and dark chocolate truffles wrapped in foil papers for extra sparkle, putting an elevated spin on the classic chocolate advent calendar tradition.
Price at time of publish: $49.95
Godiva Classic Chocolate Advent Calendar
If you love Godiva chocolate, you don’t want to miss out on this year’s limited edition Godiva advent calendar. The Holiday Snowglobe Advent Calendar boasts a traditional design with a snowglobe illustration on the front of the chocolate box and opens up to reveal a festive Christmas tree with 24 proliferated boxes featuring cherry, mint, caramel, ganache, caramel, coconut, and solid chocolate squares inside.
Price at time of publish: $30.99 (Orig. $45)
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark Advent Calendar
Elevate your chocolate advent calendar tradition with this delicious Peppermint Bark Advent Calendar from Williams Sonoma. The adorable advent calendar comes in a festive red box with vintage-inspired lettering and features 24 peppermint bark chocolates shaped like Christmas trees, Santa, toy soldiers, and snowmen.
Price at time of publish: $29.95
Sugarfina Santa’s Candy Shop Advent Calendar
For the candy lover, consider the Sugarfina Advent Calendar, inspired by Santa’s candy shop. This calendar is a cross between a chocolate box and an advent calendar and features a mix of the brand’s most beloved gourmet holiday sweets, including chocolates and gummies.
Price at time of publish: $55
Harry & David Advent Cookie Calendar
If chocolate isn’t your thing, but you still want to indulge in a daily sweet treat this holiday season, consider the Harry & David Advent Cookie Calendar. This edible advent calendar features a collection of Harry & David’s top holiday cookies, including classics like gingerbread sandwich cookies and raspberry shortbread cookies, as well as double chocolate cherry cookies and dark chocolate peppermint cookies.
Price at time of publish: $99.99
Jelly Belly Harry Potter Jelly Bean Trivia Advent Calendar
World Market has some of the best advent calendars, and the Jelly Belly Harry Potter Jelly Bean Trivia Advent Calendar is one of our favorites. This candy advent calendar features gourmet jelly beans in various flavors, plus Hogwarts trivia to help you count down until Christmas.
Price at time of publish: $24.99
Best Food Advent Calendars
Uncommon Goods 12 Days of Hot Sauce Advent Calendar
Calling all hot sauce lovers — this advent calendar is for you. The Uncommon Goods 12 Days of Hot Sauce Advent Calendar features 12 perforated boxes with spicy surprises hidden inside. Inspired by a classic advent calendar, the box includes a mix of mini hot sauce bottles ranging from sweet to savory.
Price at time of publish: $50
Williams Sonoma Holiday Advent Calendar: 24 Days of Baking Cookies
This adorable 24 Days of Baking Cookies advent calendar from Williams Sonoma is made specifically with bakers in mind. The adorable food advent calendar features a collection of cookie-making tools, including a spatula, sugar shaker, stencils, and—of course—biscuit and cookie cutters, too.
Price at time of publish: $69.95
Whirley Pop 6-Qt. Popcorn Popper & Advent Calendar
If you love the crunch of a good holiday popcorn, then you’ll adore the Whirley Pop 6-Qt. Popcorn Popper & Advent Calendar set from Sur La Table. This Christmas tree-shaped advent calendar features 24 popcorn-themed treats, including kernels, seasonings, and sweets for all of your snacking pleasures. Plus, it comes with a popcorn popper so you can create your own blends.
Price at time of publish: $69.95
Bonne Maman Limited Edition Advent Calendar
For jelly, jams, and honey lovers, the Bonne Maman 2023 Limited Edition Advent Calendar is a must. Inspired by the classic cut-out advent calendars, this set comes with 24 mini spread jars, including preserves, honey, and jelly for your morning breakfast.
Price at time of publish: $44.99
Maker Wine 12 Days of Canned Wine Advent Calendar
Sip your way into the holiday season with the Maker Wine Advent Calendar. This alcohol advent calendar features 12 cans of wine—which is equal to about four bottles of wine—and comes with a pairings guide to take your holiday countdown to the next level.
Price at time of publish: $139
English Tea Shop Organic Tea Advent Calendar
The World Market English Tea Shop Organic Tea Advent Calendar is the best advent calendar for tea lovers. This advent calendar is inspired by the traditional countdown boxes and features a variety of holiday tea flavors to help you count down the days until Christmas.
Price at time of publish: $14.99
Uncommon Goods Merry Mixology Scratch-Off Advent Calendar
If you’re looking for the best advent calendar for an at-home mixologist, consider the Uncommon Goods Merry Mixology Scratch-Off Calendar. This advent calendar is unique in that it doesn’t actually feature cocktails and instead has 12 scratch-off QR codes that take you to virtual cocktail-making classes. Learn how to make everything from a New York whiskey sour and classic hot toddy to a festive spicy paloma and a gingerbread old-fashioned.
Price at time of publish: $25
Woodford Reserve 8 Day Cocktail Advent Calendar
The Woodford Reserve 8-Day Cocktail Advent Calendar is an excellent choice for cocktail lovers. This festive advent calendar features everything you need to make creative cocktails, including cocktail mixers and several types of bitters.
Price at time of publish: $145.95
Keurig 24 Days of Cheer Advent Calendar
Coffee drinkers can kick off the holiday season with a cozy cup of Joe, thanks to the Keurig 24 Cups of Cheer Advent Calendar. This coffee advent calendar features some of Keurig’s most popular coffee blends from McCafe, Peet’s, Krispy Kreme, and Cinnabon (to name a few).
Price at time of publish: $24.99
Best Toy Advent Calendars
Lego City Advent Calendar
Lego advent calendars are some of the most popular picks of the holiday season, and the Lego City 2023 Advent Calendar is one of our favorites. This Lego set comes with a collection of fun and festive characters and holiday decor (including the sweetest Lego Christmas tree). The box also turns into a playmat so you can set the scene in your own winter wonderland.
Price at time of publish: $42.98
Barbie Doll and Fashion Advent Calendar
This is the year of Barbie, so what better way to countdown the holiday season than with the doll herself? The Barbie Doll and Fashion Advent Calendar comes with a full-size Barbie doll and 24 clothes and accessories to start her holiday wardrobe off right.
Price at time of publish: $23.79
Meri Meri Railway Train Advent Calendar
For train lovers, consider the Meri Meri Railway Train Advent Calendar. This kids advent calendar comes with everything you need to create an adorable wooden railway, complete with train cars, conductor, winter scenery, and snowy mountaintops.
Price at time of publish: $55
Funko Pop! DC Superheroes Advent Calendar
If you collect Funko Pop! characters, this advent calendar is for you. This Funko Pop! Advent Calendar features a collection of miniature DC superheroes dressed in their best holiday accessories. From Superman to Batman to Wonder Woman, the set comes with 24 miniature Funko Pop! figurines.
Price at time of publish: $28.49
Meri Meri Dinosaur Advent Calendar
Meri Meri has some of the best wooden advent calendars, and the Dinosaur Advent Calendar is another one of our favorites. This kids’ advent calendar features everything you need to create a prehistoric scene, including foliage, dinosaurs, and a cardboard backdrop.
Price at time of publish: $55
Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar
Kids and adults alike will enjoy this Lego advent calendar featuring their favorite Star Wars characters. The advent calendar comes with 24 miniature Lego gifts and includes a mix of characters — including an Ewok, Princess Leia, and Gonk Droid dressed as a reindeer — and vehicles like the Imperial Star Destroyer and Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter.
Price at time of publish: $33.74 (orig. $44.99)
American Girl Advent Calendar
Get your American Girl doll into the holiday spirit with this adorable American Girl Advent Calendar. This toy advent calendar features 24 festive and doll-sized holiday treats, baking accessories, teacups, and more, just in time for the holiday baking season.
Price at time of publish: $50
Disney Classic Advent Calendar
The Disney Classic Advent Calendar is another fun and festive kids’ advent calendar for the season. This one features 32 figurines, decorations, and stickers to help kick off the holiday season. Plus, the decorations and stickers make for great interactive play.
Price at time of publish: $23.99 (orig. $29.99)
Polly Pocket Dolls Advent Calendar, Gingerbread House Playset
Get miniature with this adorable Polly Pocket Advent Calendar. The interactive playset is so much more than just an advent calendar. It comes with a winter wonderland dollhouse and comes with 25 Polly Pocket gifts, including micro Polly and Shani dolls.
Price at time of publish: $22.99
Best Pet Advent Calendars
Bocce’s Bakery 12 Day Advent Calendar
Treat your precious pooch to a holiday countdown with the adorable Bocce’s Bakery 12-Day Advent Calendar. The advent calendar for dogs comes with 12 delicious all-natural treats, including some of the brand’s popular Brushy Sticks and biscuits.
Price at time of publish: $10
Merry & Bright Holiday Dog Advent Calendar
If your dog is motivated by toys, the Merry & Bright Holiday Dog Advent Calendar from Petsmart is a great choice. This advent calendar comes with nine holiday-inspired toys, plus a few bags of treats to snack on between play time.
Price at time of publish: $39.99
Merry & Bright Holiday Cat Advent Calendar
Merry & Bright also makes an advent calendar for cats. This adorable and festive pet advent calendar comes with 25 holiday-themed cat toys, including some catnip toys to keep your kitty engaged and busy during the holiday season.
Price at time of publish: $16.99
Wondershop Twelve Days of Cat Toy Set
The Wondershop Twelve Days of Cat Toy Set from Target is another one of the best pet advent calendars. This one comes with 12 festive and interactive toys, including some balls, mice, a wand, and, of course, a plush Santa.
Price at time of publish: $15
Best Fashion & Beauty Advent Calendars
Ulta Beauty 15 Days of Holiday Faves Advent Calendar
Advent calendars are the perfect excuse to try new skincare and beauty products, starting with Ulta’s beauty favorites. From Ouai to Mario Badescu to Bumble & Bumble, this beauty advent calendar features all of the best skincare, haircare, and makeup in miniature form.
Price at time of publish: $45
Harry Potter Floral 12 Days Of Socks Gift Set
If you’re looking for a socks advent calendar that isn’t as on-the-nose with the holiday season, the Harry Potter Floral 12 Days of Socks Gift Set is a great option. As its name suggests, this gift set includes 12 floral socks inspired by all things Hogwarts for the Harry Potter fan.
Price at time of publish: $24.43 (orig. $34.90)
Macy’s Scents for Him Advent Calendar
For the cologne-lover in your life, consider the Macy’s Scents for Him Advent Calendar. This gift set features 12 miniature bottles of cologne from top fragrance brands, including Bulgari, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Versace, YSL, and more.
Price at time of publish: $30
Uncommon Goods Advent Shower Steamer Set
The Uncommon Goods Advent Shower Steamer Set is like self-care in a box. Featuring 24 holiday-scented steamers for an invigorating shower — including orange and clove, peppermint, rosemary and fir, and eucalyptus — this advent calendar is one of the best ones to gift yourself.
Price at time of publish: $98
Fresh Advent Calendar Skincare Set
Whether you’re a fan of Fresh skincare or have always wanted to try some of the brand’s most coveted formulas, the Fresh Advent Calendar Skincare Set is worth the splurge. This set features 24 miniature and full-size skincare favorites, including the Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence, Rose Face Mask, and Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm.
Price at time of publish: $350
Happy Socks 12-Pack 12 Days Of Christmas Socks Gift Set
Instead of gifting holiday socks on Christmas day, count down to the holiday with this adorable advent calendar from Happy Socks. The 12-pack of socks is technically a gift set but comes in a fun and festive box with socks that you can unwrap and wear in the days leading up to the holiday.
Price at time of publish: $160
Olive & June Christmas Calendar
‘Tis the season for holiday nails. With the Olive & June Christmas Calendar, you’ll get everything you need to complete an at-home manicure, including mini nail files, nail art stickers, nail polish, remover, cuticle serum, and more.
Price at time of publish: $65
Saje Joy To The Season Advent Calendar
Treat yourself to some relaxation with the Joy To The Season Advent Calendar from Saje. This countdown calendar features 12 mini best-selling Saje essential oils, skincare, candles, and more to help you prep for the busy holiday season.
Price at time of publish: $121
Sonäge Beauty Advent Calendar
Songäge is one of our favorite salon-worthy skincare brands, and this year, the beauty brand is offering a limited edition beauty advent calendar to kick off the holiday season. The Sonäge advent calendar features 14 of the brand’s most popular formulas and beauty tools to help give your skin a touch of radiance this season.
Price at time of publish: $149
Best Candle Advent Calendars
Yankee Candle Advent Calendar
For a budget-friendly candle advent calendar, consider this one from Yankee Candle, which comes with 24 holiday tea lights and is currently on sale for under $20. The advent calendar features some of the brand’s most beloved holiday scents, including Christmas Cookie, Sparkling Cinnamon, and Mistletoe.
Price at time of publish: $15 (orig. $30)
Voluspa 12 Day Candle Advent Calendar
If you are obsessed with candles, you’ll definitely want to snag one of these Voluspa 12-Day Advent Calendars before they sell out. This candle advent calendar features 12 miniature best-selling Voluspa candles in gorgeous glass vessels that you can keep all for yourself or give as little gifts.
Price at time of publish: $75
Diptyque Advent Calendar
The Diptyque Advent Calendar is one of the most splurge-worthy advent candles on our list—and it’s worth every penny. With 25 holiday surprises packed into one box, this stunning candle advent calendar comes as a collection of the brand’s bestselling candles, fragrances, and more.
Price at time of publish: $510
Apotheke 12 Days of Christmas Mini Candle Gift Set
If you love Apotheke candles, the 12 Days of Christmas Mini Candle Gift Set is a must-try. This candle advent calendar features 12 candle tins with the brand’s most divine-smelling aromas, including Earl Grey Bitters, Apricot Red Currant, and Amber Woods.
Price at time of publish: $98
Best Jewelry Advent Calendars
Whirlwind Weaves Taylor Swift Christmas Advent Calendar
This year, there’s even an advent calendar for the Swifties. This Taylor Swift advent calendar from Etsy is adorable and features a chain bracelet with a collection of Taylor Swift-inspired pendants to create your very own friendship charm bracelet.
Price at time of publish: $56.39 (orig. $75.19)
Local Eclectic 2023 Jewelry Advent Calendar
Local Eclectic is one of the best places to shop for jewelry gifts, and the 2023 Jewelry Advent Calendar is our current obsession. Inspired by a jewelry box — which you can totally repurpose as one after opening — this jewelry advent calendar has a $530 value and features 12 pieces of jewelry from Local Eclectic’s favorite designers.
Price at time of publish: $249
Astrid & Miyu 12 Day Advent Calendar
The Astrid & Miyu 12-Day Advent Calendar is another jewelry advent calendar we love. This jewelry box comes in either yellow gold plated or rhodium-plated recycled sterling silver and features 12 stunning earrings in a decorative jewelry box.
Price at time of publish: $470
Uncommon James Advent Calendar
If you love Uncommon James jewelry, this is the advent calendar for you. The gift box features 12 surprise goodies, including pieces from the brand’s jewelry, home, and beauty collection, so you get a little bit of everything in one gorgeous gift box.
Price at time of publish: $300 (orig. $531)
Meri Meri Winter Ballerina Charm Bracelet Advent Calendar Suitcase
The Meri Meri Winter Ballerina Charm Bracelet Advent Calendar Suitcase is a fun DIY jewelry kit for kids. This jewelry advent calendar comes with one chain bracelet and a collection of colorful pendants to create a festive charm bracelet.
Price at time of publish: $46 (orig. $52)
Best Reusable Advent Calendars
Rifle Paper Co. Snow Globe Advent Calendar
If you love a classic paper advent calendar that you can pull out every season, we adore the Rifle Paper Co. Snow Globe Advent Calendar. This gorgeous advent calendar features a three-dimensional design with festive scenes and adorable illustrations. Plus, it doubles as a festive holiday card to send to loved ones near and far this holiday season.
Price at time of publish: $25
Anthropologie Winter City Advent Calendar Ornament Set
Every ornament lover needs the Anthropologie Winter City Advent Calendar Ornament Set. This gorgeous ornament collection is a fun and interactive way to ring in the festive season — and create a new holiday tradition, too. Place these on your full-sized tree or designate a tinsel tabletop Christmas tree to make your very own advent calendar display.
Price at time of publish: $98
Pottery Barn Merry & Bright Advent Calendar
The Pottery Barn Kids Merry & Bright Advent Calendar is one of our top picks for the best reusable advent calendars because it features a playful and festive felt design and comes with the option to custom embroider with your family or child’s name for a sweet personalized touch. Plus, all of the pockets allow you to curate your own advent calendar treats and toys.
Price at time of publish: $58.97 (orig. $99.50)
Emily Taylor for George & Viv Ski Lodge Advent Calendar
If you want an advent calendar that doubles as decor, this Emily Taylor for George & Viv Ski Lodge Advent Calendar is one of our favorites from Anthro. The wooden advent calendar is inspired by an adorable ski lodge set in a winter wonderland with 24 doors and windows that you can fill with treats and gifts for a customized advent calendar.
Price at time of publish: $128
Best Learning and Interactive Advent Calendars
Uncommon Goods 12 Days of Brainteasers Advent Calendar
Get into the holiday spirit with 12 Days of Brainteasers. This Uncommon Goods Advent Calendar features one thought-provoking puzzle per day, helping you to strengthen your mind and practice problem-solving.
Price at time of publish: $20
Professor Puzzle Through the Window Puzzle Advent Calendar
The puzzle enthusiast will love this Through the Window Puzzle Advent Calendar from Uncommon Goods. The advent calendar features 24 illustrated puzzle pieces designed to fit together in one festive puzzle scene on Christmas day.
Price at time of publish: $28
National Geographic Magic Advent Calendar
The National Geographic Magic Advent Calendar is one of the best kids’ advent calendars on Amazon. This advent calendar features 24 magic tricks and science experiments that are interactive and fun, and keep kids busy during the holiday season.
Price at time of publish: $29.99
National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar
Adults and children alike will love the National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar. Featuring 24 gemstones, including amethyst, quartz, tiger’s eye, and Dalmatian jasper, this advent calendar is an interactive way to start your very own crystal collection.
Price at time of publish: $29.99
Thames & Kosmos 24 Experiment Science Advent Calendar
The Thames & Kosmos 24 Experiment Science Advent Calendar is one of the best interactive advent calendars on our list. This one features a collection of equipment, materials, and instructions for conducting your own science experiments while you count down the days until Christmas.
Price at time of publish: $39.99
Best Hobby Advent Calendars
Christmas Fishing Lures Set Advent Calendar
The Christmas fishing lures set advent calendar comes with 24 tackles for the fisherman in your life. Constructed from eco-friendly and water-resistant materials, this advent calendar features tackle designed for fishing in various waters, including rivers, lakes, and the sea.
Price at time of publish: $12.99 (orig. $17.95)
Uncommon Goods Stitch a Day Advent Embroidery Calendar
Whether you’re an experienced embroidery artist or want to learn a new craft, the Uncommon Goods Stitch a Day Advent Embroidery Calendar is a great way to exercise creativity during the holiday season. Once completed, you can frame it and use it as holiday decor for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $45
Hobbii Advent Calendar for Crocheters
Hobbii is one of the best places to buy yarn, and for the holiday season, they have the best advent calendar for crocheters. This set comes with four decorative boxes designed to be opened every Sunday in December and filled with crochet tools, hooks, and other crochet notions. Also available as an advent calendar for knitters, this kit is a must-have for the fiber artist in your life.
Price at time of publish: $111
Quilt and Thread Quilters Advent Calendar
Thanks to TikTok, quilting is one of 2023’s top craft trends. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Quilt and Thread Quilters Advent from Etsy is a fun advent calendar for quilters. Featuring 12 holiday house boxes filled with quilting and sewing notions, this advent calendar is a fun way to inspire creativity during the holiday season.
Price at time of publish: $100
Arteza 24 Day Fine Arts Advent Calendar
For the artist, the Arteza December 24 Day Craft Advent Calendar Art Kit from Joann is a must-have. This craft advent calendar comes with 24 craft supplies, including acrylic pants, watercolors, modeling paste, paint brushes, and more to spark creative projects.
Price at time of publish: $67.48 (orig. $89.99)
Best Hanukkah Advent Calendars
Mondo Llama Hanukkah 8 Days of Crafting Kit
This kit features a craft for each day of Hanukkah for kids and adults of all ages. Get the whole family involved to create everything from a festive garland to a paper dreidel to hanging sign, all of which will be welcome additions to your existing Hanukkah decor.
Price at time of publish: $10
Sugarfina Hanukkah 8 Nights of Love Candy Tasting Collection
The Sugarfina Hanukkaj 8 Nights of Love Candy Tasting Collection puts a sweet spin on a Hanukkah advent calendar. Featuring eight miniature boxes of the brand’s gourmet kosher candies and chocolates, the calendar is a tasty way to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Price at time of publish: $30
Boots & Barkley Hanukkah 8 Days of Dog Toys
Treat your dog to Hanukkah celebrations with the Boots & Barkley Hanukkah 8 Days of Dog Toys from Target. This adorable Hanukkah advent calendar features eight toys inspired by the Festival of Lights, including menorah and dreidel squeaky toys, a blue and white rope, and a latke plush.
Price at time of publish: $20
Frisco Holiday 8 Days of Hanukkah Cardboard Advent Calendar with Toys for Cats
The Frisco Holiday 8 Days of Hanukkah Cardboard Calendar With Toys for Cats is the best advent calendar for the feisty feline in your life. This Hanukkah cat toys set features eight miniature catnip toys, including a mouse, menorah, and dreidel to keep your kitty busy this holiday season.
Price at time of publish: $19.99
Threshold 8 Days of Hanukkah Interactive Wall Hanging
If you’re looking for a reusable Hanukkah advent calendar, consider this stunning wall hanging from Target. The Threshold 8 Days of Hanukkah Interactive Wall Hanging comes with nine felt candles to help you ring in the Festival of Lights, plus it doubles as chic wall decor for the holiday season.
Price at time of publish: $20
Take Our Word for It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE who writes about beauty, fashion, home, pets, DIY, and more. Her work has also been published in Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, StyleCaster, Brit+Co, and Forbes, just to name a few.