With the festive season in full swing, it’s nearly time for the delightful tradition of counting down to Christmas Day. Indulge in daily moments of anticipation and joy with Advent calendars from Balsam Hill. Learn more about their history and see our selection of elegant and festive designs that suit any Christmas decorating theme.
What Is an Advent Calendar?
Advent calendars are popular for counting the last 24 days before Christmas. They contain numbered doors or drawers that people open each day until Christmas. Initially, Christians in 19th-century Germany used the calendars to mark the days of Advent, the holy period before Christmas. Over time, they evolved from their religious roots and became a fun holiday tradition for people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs to add excitement to the season.
8 Best Advent Calendars
Explore Balsam Hill’s selection of elegant Advent calendars.
1. Wooden Christmas Village Advent Calendar
Evoke vintage charm with this traditional wooden village lit up with the warm glow of LED lights. Place it proudly on your Christmas mantel display, then add matching stockings and other décor accents to create a festive vignette.
2. Lit Wooden Forest Advent Calendar
This charming Christmas countdown piece creates a magical scene with laser-cut trees illuminated by warm LED lights. The soft, ambient lighting adds a cosy atmosphere to any room, making it a delightful centrepiece for your Christmas décor. Perfect for those who appreciate tradition and modern design, this advent calendar brings a touch of rustic elegance to your festive celebrations.
3. Lit Wooden Olde Manor Advent Calendar
Be enchanted with this exquisite piece that combines old-world charm with modern illumination. The miniature manor features intricate details and 24 tiny doors, each concealing a festive surprise. As dusk falls, soft LED lights bring the manor to life, casting a warm glow that enhances the cheerful atmosphere of your home.
4. Lit Wooden Cottage Advent Wreath
Create an eye-catching display with an Advent calendar shaped like a wreath, featuring adorable hand-painted mini trees as “foliage.” Begin the countdown to Christmas by lighting up each house on the wreath. Ideal as a Christmas gift, let it fill your friends and family’s homes with seasonal cheer.
5. Compartés Chocolate 24-Day Advent Calendar
Indulge in the ultimate luxury advent calendar experience with a countdown to Christmas featuring premium chocolate confections by Compartés. Each drawer reveals an artisanal chocolate treat, making the days leading up to Christmas a decadent affair. This edible décor piece is a sure standout choice for chocolate connoisseurs and Christmas enthusiasts alike.
6. Sugarfina 24 Tastes of the Festive Season
Enjoy a sweet countdown with this exclusive Sugarfina Advent Calendar. This Christmas treat offers a curated selection of gourmet sweets from around the world, from chocolate-covered cookie dough to candy cane caramels. Known for its high-quality and beautifully packaged treats, this is ideal for sharing with confectionery connoisseurs or savouring solo.
7. Sugarfina Christmas Boutique Tasting Collection
Delight sweet-toothed family members in your home with this candy-filled Christmas Advent calendar. It features an assortment of gourmet treats as you anticipate the festive season. Each door has four Christmas-themed treats, including milk chocolate doughnuts, fruit gummies, and more. Perfect for those seeking unique and indulgent candy experiences.
8. Bonne et Filou 24-Day Dog Treat Advent Calendar
Pamper your pooch with this French-inspired Christmas calendar containing 24 delicious and nutritious treats, including dog bones, truffles, and macarons. These special pet delights are made with high-quality ingredients and offer a safe and indulgent way to experience the season’s merriments with your furry friend.
Advent Calendar Decorating Tips
Follow these tips below when decorating your home with a Christmas calendar.
Keep Critters Away
Place your Advent calendar on the fireplace mantel or a table away from walls and windows to avoid attracting ants or critters. Empty drawers daily to avoid leaving open food exposed for long periods. Wipe up any spills and clean up crumbs immediately.
Customise It
Add personalised touches to make your Christmas advent calendar unique. Incorporate handwritten notes and small mementos or assign each drawer to a specific loved one to create a meaningful Christmas countdown experience.
Pair With Other Décor
Enhance your Christmas calendar display with other home decorations. Surround your centrepiece with pinecones, garlands, and festive baubles that match your Christmas tree to create a cohesive Christmas vignette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we answer some common questions about Advent calendars.
Why Do We Use an Advent Calendar?
Advent calendars help build anticipation and excitement for the festive season by counting down the days until Christmas. It’s a fun tradition that helps families get into the festive spirit.
When Is the Best Time To Buy Advent Calendars?
An Advent calendar makes a wonderful focal point in your Christmas décor. Plan to purchase one for display at the same time as the rest of your Christmas decorations. As the calendar is used to count down the days before Christmas, make sure you have one before the start of December.
Where Can You Buy the Best Advent Calendars?
Balsam Hill offers a curated range of Advent calendars. Beautifully crafted with fine attention to detail, our Advent calendars will surely become family heirlooms you would love to display for years.
What Is the Meaning of an Advent Calendar?
An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days leading up to Christmas, starting on December 1st. It often includes small doors or windows that reveal a treat, a Bible verse, or a small surprise that symbolises the anticipation and preparation for Christmas.
Do You Start at 24 or 1 on an Advent Calendar?
You typically start at 1 on an Advent calendar, beginning on December 1st and counting to December 24th, with each day marking one closer to Christmas.
How Many Weeks Is the Duration of Advent?
Advent lasts four weeks, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve. This period is traditionally a time of reflection and preparation for the celebration of Christmas.
How Much Does an Advent Calendar Cost?
The cost of an Advent calendar varies widely depending on its contents and quality
An Advent calendar is one of the many ways to uphold Christmas traditions and fill your home with Christmas cheer. Click the button below to see the rest of our featured décor from this year’s catalogue.
Learn More About Christmas Décor
Read these decorating guides to help you infuse your home with the Christmas spirit.