The 38 best advent calendars you can buy in 2024

Because Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker should get in on the holiday fun, too. Star Wars superfans can test their knowledge as they build 24 mini versions of classic Lego models, including the X-wing from 1999 and The Crimson Firehawk from earlier this year. 

Deck the halls, Hogwarts style, with gargoyles, festive decor and two of 14 collectible portraits. But that’s not all: This 24-day countdown comes with seven pint-sized Harry Potter characters, including Draco Malfoy, Albus Dumbledore and Harry himself.

Disney fans, listen up: This interactive advent calendar sells out every year — without fail. Snag one while it’s still in stock, so the whole family can enjoy 24 days of heartfelt tales, quizzes, puzzles and other games led by your favorite characters. 

They’ve got enough cars in their toy chest to organize their very own NASCAR race — and with this advent calendar, they’ll have eight more. Plus, it comes with a winterized playmat and seasonal add-ons, including a doodad that turns a car into a sleigh, and a Christmas tree to affix to the roof.

Hooray, the holidays are almost here! Bluey, Bingo and the rest of their crew will take young (and old) readers on an adventure (make that two dozen adventures) in the lead-up to Christmas. There are 24 mini books in total — a mix of short stories, coloring pages and kid-friendly activities.

School may be out of session for part of December, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Some days, your little scientist will experiment with floating coins, secret messages and growing crystals; other days, they’ll get a new gemstone to add to their ever-growing collection.

We’re heading to the land of Oz this holiday season. Lean into the excitement surrounding Wicked‘s release with this 25-day calendar full of magnets, coasters, stickers and other collectibles inspired by the high-flying movie adaptation. 

Introduce your AG lover to 24 historical characters, starting with Native-American heroine Kaya from 1764. Once they assemble the paperboard figure of the day, they can read up on the doll’s significance at the American Girl website. 

Follow step-by-step instructions to build a working (!) train over 12 days. Made for ages 7 and up, this build-your-own advent calendar will teach them how to hook up an electric motor, assemble cargo cars and so much more. 

Monsters Inc. or Toy Story? No wrong answers here because this advent calendar comes with 24 mini figurines from Pixar’s most popular flicks. Collect Woody, Wall-e and more fan favorites in Funko Pop! form. 

Stock the shelves of a Disney store one mini at a time. Think: a tiny Tinkerbell doll in its packing, The Little Mermaid VHS tape, Mickey plushie and other nostalgic finds. It’s a treat for kids and adults alike. 

On the first day of Christmas, little ones can scratch and reveal an activity to keep them busy until Santa comes to town. For instance, one day will find them tasked to make a bunch of paper snowflakes and write something they’re grateful for on each one. The more, the merrier!

Get a glimpse into Santa’s workshop — one 20-piece puzzle at a time. Once all 24 puzzles are built, arrange them to reveal the full picture of the magic happening in the North Pole. 

All a reader really wants for Christmas is books — and lots of ’em. The next best thing: 25 fun accessories made with bibliophiles in mind. I’m talking magnetic bookmarks, notepads and stickers to let everyone know that they’re probably lost in a story somewhere.

High-quality stationery is one of the best gifts to give and get — and Papier knows this all too well. This year’s advent calendar is supposedly “bigger and brighter than last year’s,” with $250 worth of pretty pens, paper goods and journaling must-haves. It sold out in just three weeks last year, so snag one while you still can.

Twelve new pieces of jewelry valued over $600 in one keepsake box? Say less. Tailor it to the recipient by adding their first name on the “cover,” along with selecting their preferred finish, birthstone and initial.

You’ve seen it, I’ve tried it, and let me tell you this jam-filled advent calendar is all it’s cracked up to be. Spread the love with 24 gingham-lidded minis of the brand’s beloved fruit spreads (like Mixed Berries and 4 Berries) along with several limited-edition flavors.

Walker’s shortbread cookies are as classic as it gets. Trade Santa-shaped chocolates for 24 buttery delights, everything from the brand’s iconic fingers to chocolate chip and salted caramel squares.

You eat with your eyes — and good thing because this garden-inspired advent calendar is basically a work of art. It’s what’s on the inside that really counts, though: Find 24 handcrafted chocolate truffles in decadent flavors like caramel apple, lemon poppyseed, coffee toffee and strawberry cheesecake. 

Come December, the weather outside is frightful, but watching movies on the couch is so delightful. And you know what every movie night needs? Popcorn. Each night, peel back the right door and munch on a small bag of caramel-coated deliciousness. 

One advent calendar, 104 individually wrapped chocolate truffles and mints. Pull out a numbered drawer to reveal a sweet surprise and inspiration for a new holiday tradition. Hold onto this and repurpose it during future Christmases. 

Does someone need a hug? Nope, you just need 12 days of holiday cheer in the form of peppermint taffy, maple syrup and a Mr. Narwhal sugar cookie. 

Fly by Jing’s chili crisp is a pantry staple for those who like it hot. Bring even more heat with this 12-day countdown, which includes a mix of spicy sauces, spice blends and other Sichuan staples.

Chocolate advent calendars — been there, eaten your way through that. This one, however, is filled with gummies, caramels, cookies, sour belts and chocolate bonbons to satisfy your sweet tooth in the midst of the season. 

Oprah’s a big fan of Vahdam tea — so much so that the brand earned a coveted spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2018 and 2019. See what the hype is all about by sampling a selection of their loose-leaf black, green, oolong, white and herbal teas. Just make sure you have an infuser handy. 

If you prefer your tea conveniently sacheted, this countdown will allow you to unveil a new bag each day in one of 12 seasonal flavors, including ginger chocolate, turmeric chamomile and pumpkin spiced.

Here’s one way to guarantee that your Christmas is filled with matcha happiness. Try out 12 fresh and fruity flavors fit for the season, including toasted marshmallow and gingerbread. Get two servings of each — that’s 24 heartwarming cups! 

Don’t let dry, cracked lips get your tinsel in a tangle this holiday season. Prepare for the inevitable with this calendar, which comes with a dozen full-size lip balms in a variety of fun flavors like sugar cookie, candy cane and vanilla mint. 

Benefit is here to make sure you have what you need to carry you through the holiday season. Stock up on 24 of the brand’s bestsellers — some full-size favorites, some travel-ready minis — in one fell swoop. No trip to the boutique required — though you’ll still get to tote your goodies in a cute pink basket.

An advent calendar that doubles as a self-care gift? It’s a Christmas miracle! This beauty (pun intended) is packed with 24 travel-size products from popular brands like Sunday Riley, Caudalie and First Aid Beauty. Consider this the sign you’ve been waiting for to finally try those beauty products on your wish list — Supergoop! Glow Screen and Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, anyone?

Get glowy this Christmas! Each year, CT releases a 12-drawer chest with all of their top products — and this year’s is stuffed to the brim with their viral highlighter wand, cult-favorite Pillow Talk lipstick and makeup setting spray, to name just a few of the all-stars.

Let this advent calendar be an invitation to sneak in a moment of zen when your little elves are fast asleep. Starting December 1, unwrap a new shower or bath product for 24 days straight. Some standouts: the Father Christmas bath bomb, Yog Nog body lotion, Red Rooster Soap and Dorothy Bubble Bar, all of them bound to bring the cheer (er, I mean calm).

Celebrate the most wine-derful time of the year by popping open a flap to reveal if you’ll be pouring a glass of red, white or rosé. You’ll get 12 half-bottles — it’s up to you if you drink them all before Santa’s big day or hold onto a few for the new year. 

Dreaming of a white Christmas? What about a red winemas? Well, you’ll get a bit of both (plus, some rosé!) in this 24-day wine countdown. Each mini bottle gives you a six-ounce pour — sip on one solo while you make your list (and check it twice) or save ’em to share with loved ones at holiday parties.

Turn the festive fun into a teaching moment. By the time Rudolph lands on your rooftop, this tannenbaum will be decked out with 24 magnetic ornaments and a gold star at the very top.

Scoop up this wooden tree advent calendar now (for just $20, I might add) and you’ve got an instant family heirloom. Each year, you can switch up what you stick inside — one year it might be something edible, the next could be small acts of kindness to remind your family what the season is all about. 

Making your own gingerbread house is fun and all, but is yours packed with endless treats and trinkets? Didn’t think so. Stick this snow-covered beauty in clear view on the eve of December, then relish in its magic as the kids (or adults) in your house uncover what’s behind each door.

A wooden train on a decked-out mantel just screams “Christmas.” Everyone will think this four-car choo-choo is a mere seasonal knickknack — until you explain that there are tiny treats behind each numbered window.