With the festive season in full swing, it’s nearly time for the delightful tradition of counting down to Christmas Day. Enjoy daily moments of anticipation and joy with Advent calendars from Balsam Hill. Discover their history and explore our range of elegant and festive designs to suit any Christmas decorating style.
What Is an Advent Calendar?
Advent calendars are popular for counting down the last 24 days before Christmas. They feature numbered doors or drawers that people open each day until Christmas. Originally, Christians in 19th-century Germany used them to mark the days of Advent, the holy period before Christmas. Over time, Advent calendars evolved from their religious roots into a fun festive tradition enjoyed by people of all backgrounds, adding excitement to the season.
8 Best Advent Calendars
Check out Balsam Hill’s selection of elegant Advent calendars.
1. Wooden Christmas Village Advent Calendar
Bring vintage charm to your festive décor with this traditional wooden village, softly lit by warm LED lights. Display it proudly on your Christmas mantel, then add matching stockings and other décor accents to create a joyful holiday 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 festive décor. Perfect for those who appreciate both tradition and modern design, this Advent calendar brings a touch of rustic elegance to your Christmas celebrations.
3. Lit Wooden Olde Manor Advent Calendar
Be enchanted by this exquisite piece that combines old-world charm with modern illumination. This miniature manor features intricate details and 24 tiny doors, each hiding 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 charming hand-painted mini trees as “foliage.” Start the countdown to Christmas by lighting up each little house on the wreath. Perfect as a Christmas gift, it’s sure to fill your friends’ and family’s homes with festive cheer.
5. Compartés Chocolate 24-Day Advent Calendar
Enjoy 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 delight. This edible décor piece is a standout choice for chocolate lovers and festive enthusiasts alike.
6. Sugarfina 24 Tastes of the Holidays
Enjoy a sweet countdown with this exclusive Sugarfina Advent Calendar. This festive treat offers a curated selection of gourmet lollies from around the world, including chocolate-covered cookie dough and candy cane caramels. Known for its high-quality and beautifully packaged sweets, it’s perfect for sharing with confectionery connoisseurs or savouring on your own.
7. Sugarfina Holiday Boutique Tasting Collection
Delight the sweet-toothed members of your family with this candy-filled Christmas Advent calendar. It offers an assortment of gourmet treats to enjoy as you count down to Christmas. Each door reveals four festive sweets, including milk chocolate doughnuts, fruit gummies, and more. Perfect for anyone seeking a unique and indulgent candy experience.
8. Bonne et Filou 24-Day Dog Treat Advent Calendar
Spoil your pup with this French-inspired Christmas calendar featuring 24 delicious and nutritious treats, including dog bones, truffles, and macarons. These special pet delights are crafted with high-quality ingredients, providing a safe and indulgent way to celebrate the festive season with your furry mate.
Advent Calendar Decorating Tips
Follow these tips below when decorating your home with a Christmas calendar.
Kee Critters Away
Place your Advent calendar on the fireplace mantel or a table away from walls and windows to avoid attracting ants or other critters. Empty drawers daily to prevent leaving food out for long periods. Wipe up any spills and clean up crumbs immediately.
Customise It
Add personal touches to make your Christmas Advent calendar unique. Include 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 Advent calendar display with other home decorations. Surround your centrepiece with pinecones, garlands, and festive ornaments that match your Christmas tree to create a cohesive festive 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 Christmas by counting down the days. They’re a fun tradition that gets families into the festive spirit.
When Is the Best Time To Buy Advent Calendars?
Advent calendars make a wonderful focal point in your Christmas décor. Plan to buy one alongside your other festive decorations, and ensure you have it ready 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. These calendars are designed to become family heirlooms you’ll love displaying year after year.
What Is the Meaning of an Advent Calendar?
An Advent calendar is a special way to count down the days leading up to Christmas, starting on December 1st. Each day reveals a treat or 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, beginning on December 1st and counting up to December 24th, marking each day closer to Christmas.
How Many Weeks Does Advent Last?
Advent lasts for four weeks, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve. It is traditionally a time of reflection and preparation for Christmas.
How Much Does an Advent Calendar Cost?
The cost of an Advent calendar varies depending on its contents and quality. Prices can range from as little as $5–$10 for a simple calendar to upwards of $50 for elaborate versions with specialty treats or exclusive designs.
An Advent calendar is a wonderful way to uphold festive traditions and fill your home with Christmas cheer. Click below to explore the rest of our featured décor from this year’s catalogue.
Learn More About Christmas Décor
Explore these decorating guides to help you fill your home with the festive spirit.