One of the cutest holiday decor traditions just has to be the advent calendar. Exciting for kids and parents alike, waking up nearly every morning of December to a surprise—whether it’s a tiny gift, a chocolate, or themed toy—brings a little extra joy to the holiday season. Say what you will about Elf on the Shelf, calendars and holiday countdowns will always be the original morning pick-me-up throughout the holiday season.
There are tons of options out there, and sorting through them can be challenging. Is it better to get a personalized and reusable advent calendar that will last your family for years? Or go with a budget-friendly option that also acts as cute holiday decor? Or would you rather treat your littles to a special countdown with toys or treats featuring favorite characters like Barbie or Pokémon?
We’ve done that work for you by providing all the best advent calendars and holiday countdowns in this list that has options for kids, adults, and even pets! We also included Hanukkah countdowns as well that can be used leading up to the first night of Hanukkah or to commemorate the eight days that make up the Festival of Lights. Check out the list below!
Christmas Advent Calendars
This bright and festive wool hanging advent calendar can be personalized for your family and used year after year.
A great first advent calendar for little kids, this set includes a magnetic wooden tree, 24 magnetic ornaments, a star for the top of the tree, and an attached wooden ornament box to store all the pieces as kids count down to Christmas.
This advent calendar combines the tradition with a puzzle element featuring a movable star that can be shifted from notch to notch each day. Little hooks can hang envelopes of goodies or messages.
Love advent calendars but lacking wall space? This adorable wood house advent calendar features drawers to store daily treats or little gifts. Plus, the top section can be styled with little bottlebrush trees (as shown in the picture) or other accessories to make it extra festive.
For a personalized advent calendar, look no further than this classic, quilted and embroidered version from Pottery Barn Kids. Each pocket features a different winter-themed illustration, with space for a family name or kid's first name at the top.
This $10 fabric hanging advent calendar is a great budget-friendly option that also acts as whimsical holiday decor. Kids can move the attached star each day as they count down the days until December 25.
This intricate advent calendar is a truly beautiful piece of holiday decor. Emulate woodland themes in your decorations by putting out this internally-lit, easily-personalized advent calendar.
Your kids are sure to be delighted by this handmade advent calendar featuring Santa, Christmas elves, nutcrackers, and more. Its wooden design features drawers that you can fill with candies or small toys and its festive little window scenes light up when you add batteries.
Turn decorating into a true DIY affair with this wooden advent calendar. This 24-drawer calendar can be painted and decorated however you or your little ones like.
Another great budget-friendly option from Target, this wooden, tabletop countdown to Christmas calendar features adorable trees and a wreath. Each day, little ones can move the wreath as we edge closer to 12/25.
Toy & Treat Advent Calendars
We know some of our mamas have LEGO lovers in their families, and this LEGO calendar will give you all the brownie points you could hope for this year. Put together a LEGO city piece by piece with a new addition each day.
Another fun LEGO advent calendar option, this one is for all the Star Wars fans on your household.
Combine an advent calendar countdown with Christmas crafting in this KiwiCo crate. Starting on December 1, kids will open a new envelope each day and make the project inside, ending in an adorable holiday display.
Does your little one love American Girl dolls? Bring their excitement into the holiday season with this advent calendar filled with goodies for their favorite dolls.
If your family wasn't safe from the Pokémon-Go craze a few years ago, why not spark the excitement again with this fun calendar?
All of my 8-year-old Christmas dreams would have come true if my mom had just gotten me this Barbie advent calendar.
The Bluey craze is real for kids all over, and personally, we couldn't be more on board with it. What better way to get the kiddos excited for the holidays than with their favorite Blue Heelers?
Because you may love Harry Potter just as much (if not more) than your little ones, this calendar would be fun for the whole family.
Your toddler will love creating their own little Christmas village by adding a new member each day with this Fisher-Price calendar.
For the little ones who can't get enough of their favorite Disney and Pixar characters, this calendar is a perfect purchase. We love that it includes 24 story books, providing a new book to read together each night leading up to the big day!
If Elf is a favorite family holiday movie, this calendar is a perfect way to spread Christmas cheer. Even better? It's filled with treats inspired by the film, like maple syrup and candy corn.
Hanukkah Countdowns
This countdown to the beginning of Hanukkah starts at 39 days and goes down to 0, so the excitement can grow and grow with each passing day!
Your little ones can celebrate Hanukkah with their very own menorah, adding a new candle to the fabric each night.
This handcrafted wooden countdown will allow the family to count down the days until the beginning of Hanukkah and can be used year after year.
In case you needed even more reason to celebrate, your little ones (or you) can get a yummy piece of chocolate for each night of Hanukkah with this calendar.
We love that this piece includes a dry erase countdown option so you can begin counting down to the beginning of Hanukkah whenever you'd like!
This hanging countdown is not only adorable, but will be a fun activity for your little ones each night of Hanukkah.
There's nothing we appreciate more than being able to personalize our decor. This countdown is a fun way to make your Hanukkah celebrations even more special.
Adult Holiday Countdowns
The beauty queen in your life will love trying out a new product each day with this calendar from Sephora.
All of our tea drinkers will love sampling a new cup each night leading up to the holiday.
And, if you prefer something a little bit stronger than tea, this Vinebox calendar is exactly what you need to make your *spirits* bright.
Know someone who loves to channel their inner Beyonce and keep hot sauce in their bag at all times? Or someone who can never find something spicy enough for their palate? This Uncommon Goods calendar offers a fun little challenge.
For those of us whose love language is candles (myself included), this Voluspa calendar couldn't be more perfect.
Whether you or someone you know is a long-time believer in the power of crystals, or just getting started learning about the practice, this countdown calendar is a fun and unique way to celebrate this year.
If, like me, few things make you want to jump for joy more than chocolate, this Godiva truffles calendar is probably calling your name.
If you're looking to gain some brownie points from your feline (when aren't we?), allow them to join in on this year's festivities.
dog and hanukkah options also available
Pet Advent Calendars
If your dog's ears perk up at just the sound of the word "treats," make their day every day of this holiday season with this advent calendar full of different types of treats!
If your four-legged best friend goes nuts for treats and toys, this advent calendar is full of goodies that will ensure you remain a beloved member of their pack.
When your cat finally decides to wake up from his eleventh nap of the day, let him open up his calendar and find a new toy to play with before he tires out again.
Show your furry companion a little extra love this year with this calendar from World Market. We love that all of treats are made with simple ingredients like applesauce and crushed peanuts.
