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When December approaches, the question is no longer whether to buy an advent calendar, but which one. Once limited to small cardboard boxes hiding bits of milk chocolate, advent calendars have evolved into a global phenomenon. Today, they span nearly every niche: high-end teas, collectible figurines, LEGO builds, hot sauces, craft jewelry kits, and even fishing lures.
In 2025, the best sellers tell us something about how people want to celebrate the holidays. They want ritual and surprise, but also a personal touch—whether that means a jam jar on the breakfast table or a limited-edition Funko Pop! to display. This year’s top 21 calendars showcase the breadth of the market and the way tradition continues to reinvent itself.
21 Best Selling Advent Calendars in 2025
1. SpongeBob SquarePants Advent Calendar 24 Days of Krabby Patty Treats
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Pros: Fun gummy patties in festive shapes
Cons: Mostly candy, no extra surprises
This SpongeBob SquarePants advent calendar from Frankford provides a structured holiday countdown with 24 daily gummy patties. Each piece is fresh, portioned, and designed with festive variety. Backed by consistently positive customer feedback, it is a proven option for kids and collectors who want a playful yet dependable treat calendar.
2. Funko Pop! Bitty Countdown Calendar: Stitch Holiday
Rating: 4.7 of 5
Pros: Comes with tree & display cases
Cons: Fewer figures than past calendars
The Funko Pop! Stitch Holiday Bitty Countdown Calendar is perfect for Disney fans. Featuring 10 mini Stitch figures, holiday accessories, display cases, and a buildable tree, it delivers festive fun in collectible style. Ideal for Stitch lovers, it’s a cute way to count down to Christmas.
3. Bonne Maman Limited Edition Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.8 of 5
Pros: Offers 23 unique fruit spread flavors and 1 honey, making it a perfect gift for food enthusiasts.
Cons: Contains glass, so handle with care.
The Bonne Maman advent calendar is a delightful gift for foodies and jam lovers. With 24 limited-edition spreads, it’s perfect for savoring new flavors each day. Its beautifully illustrated packaging adds charm, making it an ideal treat for the holiday season!
4. Harry Potter Official Advent Calendar Hogwarts Seasonal Surprises
Rating: 4 of 5
Pros: Includes 25 unique collectibles
Cons: Some items are small stationery
The Harry Potter Official Advent Calendar delivers 25 exclusive surprises, including stationery, key chains, washi tapes, and themed keepsakes. With high quality licensed items and a durable collector’s box, it is an authoritative choice for fans seeking a structured and magical countdown to Christmas.
5. Walker’s Shortbread Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.3 of 5
Pros: Authentic all-butter Scottish cookies
Cons: Some cookies may arrive broken
Count down to Christmas with Walker’s Shortbread advent calendar. Featuring 6 varieties of all-butter cookies, it’s a sweet holiday gift for families, friends, or anyone who loves Scottish baking. A charming mix of flavor, tradition, and festive design in 24 daily treats.
6. MAGNA-TILES microMAGS Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.7 of 5
Pros: Encourages STEM play & creativity
Cons: Smaller size than classic Magna-Tiles
Unwrap creativity daily with the MAGNA-TILES advent calendar. Featuring 34 microMAGS, including Santa, a Conductor, and a buildable train chassis, it offers holiday-themed construction fun. Perfect for ages 3+, this set supports fine motor skills, imagination, and festive storytelling.
7. Chilli Hot Sauce Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.1 of 5
Pros: 24 unique hot sauce flavors
Cons: Flavor quality can vary
The TILZ Hot Sauce advent calendar offers 20+ unique flavors and 24 days of fiery fun. Ideal for chili lovers, it makes a quirky, flavorful gift. With vegan-friendly sauces ranging from tangy to scorching, it’s a festive countdown for anyone who prefers spice over sweets.
8. Gourmet Snacks Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.7 of 5
Pros: Premium packaging, ready to gift
Cons: Portions are small snack sizes
Count down to Christmas with the 24 Gourmet Snacks advent calendar from Sugar Plum. Featuring a mix of nuts, trail mixes, and savory bites, it’s perfect for creating daily holiday moments. A thoughtful, ready-to-gift option for men, women, and families who enjoy variety and gourmet flavors.
9. Micromallows Holiday Plush Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.4 of 5
Pros: Official Squishmallows holiday set
Cons: Higher price than some calendars
Celebrate the holidays with the Squishmallows Micromallows advent calendar. Featuring twenty four tiny 2.5-inch plush characters, it’s a festive gift for kids, fans, and collectors. Each day brings a new Squishmallow surprise, making December both collectible and cozy.
10. LEGO City 2025 advent calendar 60475
Rating: 4.7 of 5
Pros: Easy builds for young LEGO fans
Cons: Some builds may feel too simple
The LEGO City Advent Calendar 2025 stands out for its holiday costumes, Santa & Mrs. Claus minifigs, and beginner-friendly builds. A perfect choice for younger LEGO fans or first-time builders, it’s a joyful countdown gift that also integrates well with other LEGO City sets for extended play.
Fun Fact: The LEGO City Advent Calendar series debuted in 2005 and has delighted fans ever since with its creative mini-builds and figures.
Fun Ways to Enjoy:
- Open each door to build a charming snowy LEGO City scene by December 24.
- Use the festive minifigures to spark imaginative winter stories in your own LEGO City.
11. Fishing Lure Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.4 of 5
Pros: Works for freshwater & saltwater
Cons: Some lures similar inside
Celebrate Christmas with the fishing lure advent calendar. 24 days of quality lures from poppers to minnows. Designed for trout, bass, and more, this calendar is ideal for dads, teens, or any fishing enthusiast. A festive, practical alternative to chocolate advents.
12. Pukka herbs herbal tea advent calendar 2025
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Pros: Healthier choice than chocolate advent calendars
Cons: Only for tea lovers
Embrace the holiday spirit with the Pukka herbs herbal tea advent calendar. This organic tea gift set offers 24 delightful tea bags featuring various flavors, making it a perfect alternative to traditional chocolate advent calendars. With each tea expertly crafted using high-quality ingredients, it’s a delightful way to savor the essence of Pukka’s blends.
13. Godiva chocolatier 2025 deluxe snowglobe advent calendar
Rating: 4.7 of 5
Pros: High quality chocolates from Godiva
Cons: A little pricey compared to other chocolate advent calendars
Indulge in the holiday spirit with Godiva’s 2025 deluxe snowglobe advent calendar, a limited edition assortment of 24 dark, milk, and white chocolates, including almonds, caramel, and mousse. A delightful Christmas countdown with high ratings and a magical gift box.
14. W7 Beauty Blast Advent Calendar 2025
Rating: 4.8 of 5
Pros: Great variety of beauty products.
Cons: Some items lack color variety.
The W7 Beauty Blast advent calendar is a perfect holiday gift for beauty lovers of all ages. With 24 days of makeup surprises, including popular full-size and mini products, it’s ideal for teens, adults, and beginners. Cruelty-free and fun to open!
15. National Park Puzzle Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.1 of 5
Pros: Durable, premium puzzle pieces
Cons: 1008 pieces may overwhelm beginners
Turn the holiday countdown into an adventure with the National Park Puzzle advent calendar. With 63 stunning landscapes and 1008 precision-cut pieces, this set is ideal for teens, adults, and families. Perfect for puzzle fans and nature lovers, it doubles as a keepsake gift to enjoy yearly.
16. Lindt Holiday Teddy Bear Chocolate Candy Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.2 of 5
Pros: Delicious variety of chocolates
Cons: Limited to milk chocolate lovers
This chocolate advent calendar is an ideal pick for families and chocolate lovers. With 24 assorted Lindt chocolates, including festive favorites like Mini Bears and LINDOR balls, it brings premium taste to your Christmas countdown. Individually wrapped treats make it perfect for sharing or savoring daily.
17. EXIT: The Game - Advent Calendar - The Missing Hollywood Star
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Pros: 24 unique escape-room puzzles
Cons: Some puzzles can feel too hard
The EXIT advent calendar – The Missing Hollywood Star combines 24 days of escape-room puzzles with a fun holiday mystery. Each riddle unlocks the next door, making it a perfect gift for families, teens, and puzzle fans who want an engaging, screen-free Christmas countdown.
18. Whiskey Smoker Set Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Pros: Complete smoker kit & tools
Cons: Butane not included
Make December unforgettable with this Whiskey smoker advent calendar. Featuring 24 smoker accessories, 10 wood chip flavors, and cocktail tools, this premium kit is ideal for men who enjoy whiskey rituals. A standout Christmas gift that blends tradition, flavor, and fun.
19. Christmas Bracelet Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Pros: 22 festive charms included
Cons: Bracelet clasp may loosen
The Christmas Bracelet advent calendar is a fun jewelry-making kit with 22 festive charms and 2 bracelets. Each day adds a new surprise, from Santa hats to snowflakes, letting kids and teens create their own unique holiday jewelry. A creative alternative to chocolate calendars and a perfect Christmas gift for girls who love crafts.
20. Barbie Mini Land Collectible Advent Calendar
Rating: 7.7 of 5
Pros: Includes 4 mini Barbie dolls
Cons: Small parts, easy to lose
The Barbie Mini Land advent calendar brings 24 days of winter fun with mini dolls, houses, sleighs, and festive accessories. Perfect for Barbie fans, it creates a holiday village while encouraging imaginative play. A charming gift for girls and collectors alike.
21. Candle Advent Calendar
Rating: 4.2 of 5
Pros: Eco-friendly soy wax candles
Cons: Some scents not seasonal enough
The Larchio Candle advent calendar includes 24 soy wax candles with holiday scents from pine to vanilla. Packaged in a festive red-and-gold box, it’s perfect for moms, wives, and candle lovers who enjoy cozy countdowns. A thoughtful Christmas gift that adds fragrance and warmth daily.
Tradition Meets Innovation
The enduring popularity of chocolate advent calendars remains undeniable. Godiva’s deluxe snowglobe calendar and the Lindt Teddy Bear calendar bring premium chocolate to the season, wrapping the familiar daily indulgence in festive, collectible packaging. For families, these remain accessible luxuries, reliable for their combination of taste and nostalgia.
But innovation has kept the category fresh. Bonne Maman’s jam calendar, now an annual best seller, offers 24 miniature spreads that embody both discovery and refinement. Each morning opens with a new flavor, transforming breakfast into ritual. Similarly, Walker’s Shortbread leans on heritage and craftsmanship, offering buttery biscuits in a package designed to delight gift-givers and hosts alike.
The Rise of Collectibles
For younger fans and pop culture enthusiasts, collectibles dominate. Funko Pop!’s Stitch Bitty Countdown, the Barbie Mini Land set, and the Harry Potter Hogwarts surprises calendar tap into fandom while offering a festive countdown. They blur the line between toy and keepsake, encouraging not only play but long-term collecting.
LEGO continues to define this space with its 2025 City Advent Calendar, a set that doubles as both a holiday ritual and an expansion pack for existing collections. Since LEGO launched its first City calendar in 2005, the product has cultivated loyalty by offering small daily builds that add up to a seasonal tableau.
For the Food Enthusiast
Beyond sweets, calendars tailored to culinary curiosity are thriving. The Chilli Hot Sauce Advent Calendar appeals to spice lovers who prefer fire over fudge, while Pukka’s herbal tea calendar caters to those seeking comfort and wellness. Gourmet snack assortments and whiskey smoker kits expand the trend: products that blend utility, indulgence, and discovery across 24 days.
Notably, these calendars increasingly position themselves as gifts. Attractive packaging, portion-controlled servings, and novelty presentation ensure that they feel both generous and thoughtful.
Play, Puzzles, and Pastimes
The market has also expanded into experiences. The EXIT Escape Room Advent Calendar, with its sequence of puzzles, transforms December into an unfolding mystery. The National Park Puzzle Calendar turns each day into part of a larger challenge, rewarding patience as well as problem-solving.
For children, MAGNA-TILES’ microMAGS calendar introduces STEM-based play, while Squishmallows’ plush advent taps into the unstoppable demand for huggable characters. These options underscore how advent calendars can be more than countdowns—they can be tools for learning, creativity, and family bonding.
Why Advent Calendars Endure
At their core, advent calendars remain about anticipation. Each small door or drawer contains a promise, a miniature celebration of the season. In 2025, the best-selling calendars are more varied than ever, reflecting a world where holiday traditions are personal, customizable, and sometimes delightfully unexpected.
For some, that means 24 jars of jam or tea bags. For others, it’s a set of fishing lures or candles. And for many families, the joy lies in gathering each morning to reveal a shared surprise, however small.
What these calendars share is a simple truth: they stretch the holiday spirit across the entire month of December, reminding us that the season is about more than the single day of Christmas. It is about ritual, repetition, and the daily spark of delight.