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 Christmas tradition for people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs to add excitement to the season.
5 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 Advent Wreath
Create an eye-catching display with an Advent calendar shaped like a wreath, with adorable hand-painted mini houses as "foliage." Commence the countdown to Christmas by opening each numbered door on the wreath. Perfect as a Christmas gift, let it fill your friends and family's homes with seasonal cheer.
3. Lit Wooden Alpine Village Advent Calendar
Transport your home to a charming Alpine retreat with this beautifully crafted wooden village scene. Illuminated by warm LED lights, its intricate details and 24 numbered doors make it a captivating centrepiece for any Christmas display.
4. Lit Wooden Santa Express Village Advent Calendar
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. Lit Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar
Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with this elegant nativity-themed Advent calendar. Framed by a glowing arch and intricate star details, its 24 numbered drawers offer a meaningful and beautiful countdown to Christmas.
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 decorations. 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. There are options to suit every budget, from simple designs to more elaborate versions containing specialty treats or exclusive designs.
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.