Most advent calendars start on December 1 and have 24 doors, one for each day until Christmas Eve. You open one door each morning or evening, and the last door is opened on December 24. Some calendars have 25 doors to include Christmas Day, and some have only 12.

Advent calendars vs the season of Advent

In many Christian churches, Advent is the season of preparation before Christmas. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, so its start date changes each year, falling between November 27 and December 3. In 2026, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29.

Most commercial advent calendars ignore this and simply count from December 1 so every calendar has the same number of days. If you want to follow the church season, look for calendars that start on the first Sunday of Advent, or use a reusable calendar and begin whenever you like.

How advent calendars work

Each day has a numbered door, drawer, box or pocket. Behind it is a small surprise: a chocolate, a toy piece, a beauty product, a tea bag, a note or an activity. Many families make opening the door part of the morning or bedtime routine.

Types of advent calendars

  • Chocolate and food: the classic calendar, plus tea, coffee and snack versions. See food advent calendars.
  • Toy and LEGO: a small build or figure each day, often adding up to a full scene by Christmas. See toy advent calendars.
  • Beauty: skincare, makeup or fragrance samples and full-size products. See beauty advent calendars.
  • Reusable: wooden or fabric calendars you fill yourself every year.

When should you buy one?

Buy before the end of November so it arrives in time for December 1. Popular toy and beauty calendars often sell out in October and early November, so shop earlier if you have a specific one in mind.

What if you start late?

Open all the missed doors on the first day, or spread the extra doors over the next few days. With a reusable calendar, you can simply fill only the remaining days.

Compare every type in our advent calendars category.