11 creative Advent calendars for the 2020 holiday season
Ten, nine, eight … There’s something about a countdown before a special event that makes its arrival all the more exciting. That’s one reason why Advent calendars that track the run up to the holidays, and deliver delightful daily treats along the way, remain so popular.
“It’s about the anticipation,” says Alex Palmer, author of “The Atlas of Christmas: The Merriest, Tastiest, Quirkiest Holiday Traditions from Around the World.” “Each day becomes its own mini celebration and a way to savor every moment leading up to the big occasion. That’s something that never gets old — especially right now.”
Introduced in Germany in the mid-19th century in handmade versions designed for children looking forward to the holiday, Advent calendars went on to be printed and mass-produced. They made their way to the U.S. in the late 1940s, Palmer writes in the new book. “These early versions often included a Bible verse for each day, before chocolates and all variety of other treats became the norm.”
Over time, the seasonal countdowns have expanded to include goodies for grown-ups as well as kids in all sorts of unexpected and out-of-the-box themes — wine, cheese, yummy snacks for pups, you name it.
And why not? Holidays are made for celebrating. Between the twinkling lights, colorful decorations and holiday gifts from the heart and fresh-baked treats from the oven, there’s always so much to anticipate. Each year brings an array of Advent calendars to count the days in festive ways. We chose these 11 to appeal to a wide variety of tastes.
25 Day Advent Calendar Playlist
Each day reveals a QR code scannable from any smartphone that takes you to a cover of a classic holiday song. Listen up for “Silent Night” and “Feliz Navidad” in this merry mixtape; $25 at uncommongoods.com.
Popcorn Christmas Advent Calendar
Pop quiz: What goes great with holiday movies and making evergreen garlands? Popcorn, of course. White, yellow and red kernels, popping oil and seasonings including salted caramel and French toast are tucked inside; $49.95 at Williams-Sonoma.
Sugarfina 8 Nights of Light
Cookies, caramels and jelly beans are among the eight days of sweets in this Hanukkah tasting collection; $20 at Neiman Marcus.
Hot Wheels Calendar
Kids don’t need a license to drive these cool rides. The collection includes eight vehicles, 16 ace accessories and a fold-out playmat to set the stage for miles of fun; $19.99 at mattel.com.
Palais des Thés Tea Advent Calendar
Comfort is in the bag. Warm up a chilly day — 24 of them, actually — by brewing up tea in a soothing and delicious array of flavors; $32 at Macy’s.
Marvel 15 Days of Socks Advent Calendar
Put your best (and most heroic) foot forward for the holidays. The 15-pair pack features a mix of crew socks and low-cuts in men’s size 6-12 celebrating the Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America and more; $15 at Target.
LEGO Friends Advent Calendar
The 24-day set features the world of Heartlake City, home to LEGO friends, as the kids will tell you. Mini figures of nature lover Mia and robots Zobo and Zobit, a snowman, two penguins and more will keep little minds busy; $29.99 at Kohl’s.
Capri Blue 12 Days of Volcano Holiday Gift Set
Freshen up with the fruity, citrusy fragrance of Volcano in a dozen ways including candles, scented oils, room sprays, and beauty and bath treats; $158 at Anthropologie.
Signature Advent Calendar
In the mood for some pampering? Who isn’t? This L’Occitane set includes two-dozen great ways to do that, including hand cream, shower oil and shampoo; $74 at loccitane.com.
12 Days of Cheer Countdown
American Girl fans can look forward to opening a dozen doors to see what’s behind them. That includes a sparkly reindeer headband and a beaded bracelet. Telling more would be TMI and spoil the surprises; $50 at americangirl.com.
Night Before Christmas Advent Calendar
The set includes 24 itty bitty figures direct from Halloween Town. Look for pumpkin king Jack Skellington and buggy Oogie Boogie; $50 at Funko.com.