The 20 Best Advent Calendars

I still remember the thrill of popping open that little cardboard door for a piece of waxy chocolate. But advent calendars have come a long way. Now, you can count down the days to Christmas with everything from cheese and jam to LEGOs and luxury skincare.

So, forget the basic chocolate. The holiday advent calendars for 2026 are seriously impressive. I’ve spent weeks unboxing, testing, and tasting to find the ones that are actually worth your money.

Here are the best advent calendars I found for the 2026 holiday season.

 

 

The Best Advent Calendars for Food & Drink

Lindt Holiday Chocolate Teddy Bear Advent Calendar

You can get this classic for just $17. It’s proof that a chocolate advent calendar can still be amazing, as long as the chocolate is actually good. And this is Lindt, so you know it’s delicious.

Inside you’ll find 24 little foil-wrapped treats. There are truffles, tiny Santas, and even little chocolate bars. For under $20, the quality you get is fantastic. It’s a simple, festive treat that never disappoints.

The Downside: It’s almost all milk chocolate. If you’re a dark chocolate fan, you might wish for more variety.

 

 

Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

The Bonne Maman calendar is priced at $34, and it sells out every single year for a reason. This thing is an absolute delight for anyone who loves a good piece of toast. It’s become a holiday tradition in my house.

You get 24 adorable mini jars of fruit spreads and honey, many of which are limited-edition flavors you can’t buy anywhere else. Think unique combinations like apple-caramel. The box is also sturdy and looks great on the kitchen counter.

The Downside: When you break it down, the price per gram of jam is pretty high. You’re paying for the novelty and packaging.

 

 

Murray’s Cheese Advent Calendar

This cheese lover’s dream costs $50. It’s curated by the iconic Murray’s Cheese shop in New York City, so the quality is top-notch. It’s the perfect cozy treat for a cold December evening.

It’s only 12 days, but the portions are really generous. I was impressed by the size of each piece of cheese. It feels like a proper tasting experience, not just a tiny sample.

The Downside: It’s only 12 days. You’ll be sad when it’s over halfway through the month.

 

 

The Best Advent Calendars for Pop Culture Fans

LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2026

The LEGO Harry Potter calendar is $45. I get one of these every year, and they’re always a hit. It’s just so much fun to build a little piece of the wizarding world each day.

This year’s version comes with 278 pieces and eight different mini-figures, including characters in their Christmas best. The buildable surprises come together to create a little Hogwarts scene, which is great for sparking imagination and play.

The Downside: The baseplate felt a little plain this year compared to the pop-up scenes from previous calendars.

 

 

Gilmore Girls Premium Advent Calendar 2026

At $116, this one is a splurge, but for a true Gilmore Girls fan, it’s incredible. The box itself is a replica of Lorelai and Rory’s house, and it even lights up! It’s more of a collectible than a disposable calendar.

The 12 premium gifts inside are actually useful and high-quality. I got a real Luke’s Diner mug and other great memorabilia. It feels special and is packed with things a real fan would appreciate.

The Downside: It’s only 12 days, not 24. And the price is steep for half a month of surprises.

 

 

Disney Princess Doll Advent Calendar

This Disney Princess calendar is a steal at $22. It’s perfect for the little ones and gives them something to actually play with every day. It’s a bestseller for a good reason.

It comes with four princess dolls—Tiana, Cinderella, Ariel, and Belle—plus their little friends and a bunch of accessories. The box folds out to create a snowy backdrop, so kids can build a whole play scene by Christmas.

The Downside: The selection is limited to just those four princesses, so if your kid’s favorite is someone else, they might be disappointed.

 

 

Gilmore Girls Official Advent Calendar 2026

For a more budget-friendly option, this official calendar is just $35. It gives you that Stars Hollow spirit without the high price tag of the premium version.

You get 25 days of little show-inspired trinkets and memorabilia. It’s a fun, simple way for a casual fan to count down the days. I found it captured the cozy vibe of the show pretty well.

The Downside: A lot of the items are stickers or paper goods. The quality is much lower than the premium calendar.

 

 

The Best Advent Calendars for Self-Care & Style

FabFitFun 12 Days of Holiday Advent Calendar

This calendar is $90, and the value is absolutely insane. You get 12 full-size luxury beauty products from well-known brands. The total value is over $300, so you’re getting a massive discount.

I loved that everything was full-size, not tiny samples. It’s a fantastic way to treat yourself to some pampering during the hectic holiday season. Each day felt like a genuinely luxurious surprise.

The Downside: You have to sign up for a FabFitFun membership to buy it, which is an extra step.

 

 

Rituals Deluxe Advent Calendar

The Rituals calendar costs $130, but it looks and feels so much more expensive. The box is designed as a magical little village that lights up. It’s a beautiful decoration on its own.

Inside are 24 surprises, including some full-size products like body creams and candles. It’s a great introduction to the brand and delivers a daily dose of relaxation. The savings are great, too, since the contents are worth more than the price.

The Downside: While there are some full-size items, many of the products are minis.

 

 

Voluspa Heritage Advent Calendar

At $175, this is for the serious candle lover. The packaging is stunning—it looks like a little gingerbread house. It even comes with a gold wick trimmer, which is a nice touch.

You get 12 of Voluspa’s best-selling scents in 2.5oz votives. These aren’t tiny tea lights; they each have a 25-hour burn time. The value is definitely there if you’re a fan of high-end candles.

The Downside: It’s another 12-day calendar, which feels short for the high price.

 

 

SKIMS 25-Day Advent Calendar

Okay, this one is an eye-watering $450. It’s definitely the peak of luxury advent calendars. But if you’re a SKIMS devotee, it’s an unbelievable treat.

You get 25 pairs of panties in their most popular fabrics, like Cotton Jersey and Fits Everybody. Many are limited-edition styles you can’t get otherwise. The unboxing experience is super fun and feels incredibly high-end.

The Downside: The price is extremely high. It’s a huge investment for underwear.

 

 

The Best Advent Calendars for Hobbies & Home

Papier 24 Days of Desk Delights Stationery Advent Calendar

This stationery calendar is $175 and it is absolutely gorgeous. Papier is known for its beautiful designs, and you can even customize the box. It’s a cult favorite that sells out fast every single year.

Behind the 24 doors, you’ll find everything you need to stock your desk, from pens and notebooks to paper clips and other delights. Everything is practical and beautifully designed. It’s one of the most special calendars I’ve ever opened.

The Downside: It’s a premium price tag for stationery supplies.

 

 

What to Look For in an Advent Calendar

When I’m picking an advent calendar, I first look at the value. Does the cost of the calendar seem fair for the items inside? For beauty and food calendars, the total retail value of the products should ideally be more than what you’re paying.

Next, consider the person you’re buying for. Don’t just grab the first one you see. Think about their hobbies and interests. A calendar filled with things they’ll actually use and love is so much better than one that’s just a gimmick.

Finally, decide between a 12-day or a 24/25-day calendar. The 12-day ones often have higher-quality items but the fun is over sooner. The 24-day calendars give you that daily ritual for the whole month, which is really what the tradition is all about.