What is a Christmas advent calendar — and how to make your own this holiday season

If you love a good holiday DIY, a Christmas advent calendar might be your next favorite project.

These festive countdowns have been around for generations — with the modern concept dating back as far as the 1850s — and today’s versions leave plenty of room for creativity and personalization.

But if you’re new to the tradition, you might be wondering what an advent calendar is. 

Better yet, you might be curious as to how you can get the tradition started in your family — and don’t worry, there are plenty of pre-made options for you to consider if you don’t want to go the DIY route. 

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From simple paper doors or envelope pockets to elaborate reusable wooden displays filled with figurines and tiny treats, advent calendars come in just about every style and material imaginable. 

But they all serve the same purpose: adding a little magic to the days leading up to December 25.

Whether you’re hoping to spark a daily moment of joy for your kids or just want to bring a nostalgic touch to your own holiday season, the countdown can be as simple or as creative as you’d like.

What is a Christmas advent calendar? 

At its core, an advent calendar is a simple way to mark the days leading up to Christmas. 

But the tradition itself goes much deeper. 

“Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “arrival” or “coming,” and in many Christian traditions, it refers to the four-week period of anticipation before the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). 

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The first versions of advent calendars appeared in Germany in the mid-1800s, when families would mark each day with a chalk line on the wall, and eventually evolved into physical calendars by the 20th century.

The calendars often included tiny windows revealing Bible verses or simple illustrations. 

As printing technology expanded and holiday traditions grew more commercial, advent calendars shifted from purely devotional tools to playful countdowns filled with chocolates, toys and other mini surprises.

Some families opt for store-bought advent calendars, while others prefer to turn it into a craft for the kids.

Best Christmas advent calendar for kids

If you’re not in the mood to DIY — or you just want something your kids can tear into right away — then store-bought advent calendars are an easy (and stress-free) way to bring the countdown to life.

They can be found at most major retailers, such as Target, Walmart, Amazon and even grocery stores.

And whether your child is obsessed with dinosaurs, dollhouses, Hot Wheels, makeup, crafts or candy, you can almost guarantee there’s an advent calendar designed specifically for their interests.

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In fact, many of their favorite brands and shows release limited-edition calendars each year. 

From budget-friendly picks to extra-special keepsakes, here are some of the best store-bought advent calendars for kids this holiday season.

5. Bluey Advent Calendar Mini Figure

If your kids can’t get enough of Bluey, this advent calendar is guaranteed to be a hit. 

Behind each door is a mini Bluey-themed figure or accessory, giving little fans a new surprise to play with every day — and a mini scene to create with their newly discovered toys. 

It’s bright, colorful and full of tiny characters they’ll instantly recognize — making it a fun and screen-free way to bring a little Heeler family magic to your family’s holiday countdown.

4. LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2025

If your child is a budding witch or wizard — or just loves building anything with LEGOs — this magical countdown is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Each day reveals a new mini build, character or accessory inspired by the Wizarding World, allowing kids to piece together scenes from Hogwarts as the month goes on.

You can also find plenty of other LEGO-inspired advent calendars online, including ones themed after “Star Wars,” Disney’s “Frozen” and LEGO Friends. 

3. PEPPA PIG George's Party Advent Calendar

If your little one is deep in their Peppa Pig era, this George-themed calendar will feel like a party. Each day reveals a new figurine or accessory that builds out a festive scene starring George and his friends.

From tiny presents to holiday-themed props, kids can mix and match the surprises to create endless storylines — all in that bright, familiar Peppa Pig style. 

It’s a great option for younger children who love imaginative play and want a countdown filled with characters they already adore.

2. Play-Doh Advent Calendar for Kids

This Play-Doh advent calendar is perfect for kids who love hands-on crafts.

Each day reveals a new molding tool, stamp or mini can of colorful dough — giving kids everything they need to create their own festive scenes all month long.

It’s equal parts sensory play and holiday countdown, making it a great option for younger children who get more excited about crafting than candy. Plus, the accessories can be reused long after Christmas.

1. Kinder Chocolate Countdown Advent Calendar

If your kid has enough toys, then this Kinder Chocolate countdown won’t add to their toy box. 

Each window hides a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Kinder treat — making the countdown to Christmas just as exciting for kids as it is sweet. It’s simple and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest chocolate lovers. 

Plus, the familiar Kinder branding gives it that extra bit of holiday charm families love year after year.

Christmas advent calendars for the rest of the family

If your kids fall under the “I’m too old for this” category, then think again. 

The countdown can be just as fun for teens and adults — from beauty minis to daily caffeine boosts to wine samplers and novelty treats, there are plenty of calendars designed with older age groups in mind.

And that’s true whether you’re shopping for a college student who lives on Red Bull, a skincare-obsessed teen, a makeup-loving friend or a grown-up who wants to make December feel a little more festive. 

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Plus, younger kids will be more likely to get involved when they see the whole family enjoying it. 

So if you’re ready to upgrade the holiday countdown for the older crew, here are some of the best advent calendars for teens and adults this season.

5. 24 Days Of Beauty by Ulta

If you’re shopping for someone who loves a good pampering moment, this Ulta beauty advent calendar is packed with 24 days of mini makeup, skincare and self-care surprises. 

From glosses and liners to sheet masks and serums, it’s a fun way to sample new products without committing to full sizes — and the daily reveal makes getting ready in December feel a little more exciting.

4. Holiday Tea Advent Calendar

For the cozy-season purist, a tea advent calendar is basically a warm hug in a box. 

This one from Harry & David features a mix of festive blends — think cinnamon spice, holiday chai and soothing herbal options — so each day comes with a moment of calm. 

It’s perfect for tea lovers, bookworms or anyone who prefers their countdown with a side of quiet relaxation.

3. Keurig® 24 Cups of Cheer Advent Calendar

If your household runs on caffeine, this Keurig advent calendar will make December mornings feel like a daily taste-test adventure. 

Each door reveals a new K-Cup, ranging from classic roasts to seasonal flavors, giving coffee lovers a brew to try every day. It’s practical, fun and ideal for anyone who treats their Keurig like a personality trait.

2. The 2025 Wine Advent Calendar

For the adults who want to toast their way through the countdown, this wine advent calendar delivers 24 individual bottles — perfect for sampling new varietals or winding down after a long holiday to-do list. 

With reds, whites and rosés included, each evening becomes a mini tasting session. It’s festive, indulgent and the kind of gift that’s guaranteed to get used.

1. Ferrero Collection Holiday Advent Calendar 2025

If your idea of holiday luxury involves chocolate, then the Ferrero Collection advent calendar is a no-brainer.

Filled with favorites like Ferrero Rocher, Raffaello and dark chocolate Rondnoir, it turns each day into a new treat. It’s elegant, delicious and ideal for those who believe the season is better with something sweet.

How to make a DIY Christmas advent calendar

If your family is the DIY type, then you can always make your own advent calendar for Christmas. 

DIY advent calendars can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, whether you’re repurposing items you already have at home or crafting something totally unique after a trip to your local craft store. 

Either way, the DIY part will be just as exciting as the countdown part. 

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Not only is it a great way to bond with family and create lasting memories with those you love, but you’ll get a keepsake out of it — and, depending on what you create, something you can re-use each year.

If that’s the route you’re looking for, then here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. 

Step 1: Determine countdown length

The first step is deciding how long you want the countdown to be. 

Most advent calendars begin on Dec. 1 and continue for 24 days until Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), but some families opt for a shorter countdown to coincide with Christmastide, or “Twelve Days of Christmas.” 

In Christian tradition, the Twelve Days of Christmas are the 12 days between December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 5 (Twelfth Night), with the season ending on January 6 with the Feast of the Epiphany.

If you opt for a longer countdown, just be prepared for the extra amount of work that comes with it. 

Step 2: Determine calendar design

This is where the fun (and creativity) takes center stage. 

Think about how you want your advent calendar to look and function — whether that means taping a bunch of envelopes to the fridge or building out an elaborate wooden display case with tiny drawers. 

Here are a few specific ideas (with videos for inspiration) to consider: 

• A punch-out design using red solo cups and tissue paper (example here)
• A tree design using cardboard and leftover toilet paper rolls (example here)
• A hanging fabric advent display with pockets (example here)
• You can also use an over-the-door shoe organizer as your display (example here)
• Buy a paper mache advent calendar box at your craft store (example here)
• Buy a refillable 24-day countdown display with empty boxes you fill yourself (example here)
• Individually wrap gifts with numbers on them and throw them in a box (example here)
• Buy small cardboard gingerbread house boxes and hang them from a tree (example here)
• You can also hang the gingerbread boxes from the fireplace mantle (example here)
• Hang brown paper bags off of clothespins on the wall (example here)
• If you have time, build your own magnetic claw machine out of cardboard (example here)

Either way, choose a design that feels manageable and matches your holiday aesthetic. After all, this is one of the most personal parts of the project, and the design will set the tone for the entire countdown.

Step 3: Determine calendar theme

Once you’ve settled on the structure, it’s time to decide on a theme to bring it to life.

It can be as traditional or as playful as you want, whether you’re leaning into classic Christmas imagery (jingle bells, Christmas trees) or creating something totally inspired by your child’s current obsessions.

Here are a few theme ideas to spark inspiration:

• A Christmas tree decorated with numbered ornaments that your child can “hang” one by one.
• Favorite characters — from Bluey and Peppa Pig to superheroes, princesses or Pokémon — drawn or printed onto the calendar.
• A winter wonderland scene with animals, snowflakes and cozy cabin illustrations.
• A gingerbread village where each day reveals a new house, candy piece or character to add to the display.
• A nativity theme for families who want to highlight the religious roots of advent.
• A toy-themed countdown featuring dolls, cars, animals or whatever your child loves most.
• A hobby-inspired theme, like sports, outer space, nature or crafting.

The theme will help guide your color palette, decorations and even the types of treats or activities you slip inside each day. It doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to feel fun and personal to your family.

Step 4: Determine the gifts or treats

Now it’s time to figure out the most important aspect of your calendar — at least in the kid’s eyes. 

Are you filling each day with small toys? Candy? Stickers? Craft supplies? Mini activities? Small acts of kindness? A mix of everything? 

Think of each day’s surprise as a tiny moment of joy. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate — even the smallest treat can feel magical when it’s part of a daily ritual that your child looks forward to. 

And you can customize it based on your budget or your child’s interest. 

Here are a few examples of surprises you can add to your DIY Christmas advent calendar: 

• Small toys or trinkets — mini figurines, Hot Wheels cars, doll accessories, plastic animals, bouncy balls, keychains
• Edible treats — chocolates, gummies, festive cookies, hot cocoa packets, holiday-themed snacks
• Craft supplies — mini Play-Doh containers, stamps, crayons, stickers, washi tape, small paint sets
• Small activities — “Bake cookies tonight,” “Choose the movie,” “Drive to see Christmas lights,” “Family game night”
• Keepsake items — ornaments, tiny books, faith-based cards or verses, family photo strips
• Themed surprises — anything that matches the theme you picked, such as Pokémon cards for a Pokémon calendar or mini dinosaurs for a prehistoric theme.
• Acts of kindness — donate food to local food bank, donate old toys, write kind notes to teacher or sibling, create a homemade holiday card

At the end of the day, the gifts don’t need to be fancy — they just need to be meaningful, fun or exciting enough to make your child sprint to the calendar each morning.

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Whether this is your first year jumping into the advent fun or you’re looking to refresh your family’s holiday routine, there’s a calendar out there that can make the season feel just a little more magical.

Happy counting — and happy creating.