We buy advent calendars only to toss them out — and I’m not complaining. The chocolates must be eaten on schedule, and the cardboard containers are made to go! But the holidays are about tradition and continuity, like how your mom faithfully brings out that glitter-globed ornament you made in kindergarten. It’s about the memories.
So, lately, I’ve been eyeing advent calendars with a bit more staying power, Christmas decorating ideas that could become a part of my decor year after year. For ages, the market for these was, frankly, weak. But I’m finally seeing contemporary brands like West Elm, Pottery Barn, and Anthropologie step up with options that are anything but disposable — they’re holiday decorations in their own right.
Sure, you can still fill them with chocolates. But with these, you have options: tuck in little keepsakes, heartfelt notes, or even a few sparkling surprises (diamonds, anyone?). It's tradition, elevated. Here are the enduring styles to shop.
Price: $20
This Target advent calendar very much appeals to my inner city girl. It’s a fresh take on the traditional village scene — same concept, but with a modern twist. Unlike other calendars on this list, there’s no room for hidden treats here, but the little sled does move day by day, keeping you on track with the season atop a console or even a mantle as a Christmas fireplace idea. For Christmas decor under $50, I can overlook the lack of storage for once.
Price: $188
Welcome aboard the Anthro Express — possibly the most charming ride in town! This whimsical Anthropologie holiday decor is crafted from intricately designed plywood, and each train door opens to reveal a daily surprise. For an extra dose of nostalgia, wrap it around the base of your tree for that cozy holiday movie vibe.
Price: $120
Contemporary takes on advent calendars are rare — Christmas is, after all, a holiday steeped in tradition. But this Christmas living room decor idea caught my eye with its minimalist rendition of storybook homes and trees, crafted entirely in monochrome light wood. It’s impeccably designed, with each of the little numbered houses (marking the month’s dates) removable and rearrangeable, letting you refresh the look daily as you count down to Christmas.
Price: $89.99
The fact that this entire piece is crafted from wood is impressive — the intricate details at the top are made possible through ultra-precise laser cuts, resulting in a scene that feels dimensional and dynamic. It’s one of those displays where you spot something new each time you look. Plus, the tiny lamp posts are real lights powered by batteries, so you can place it anywhere without needing an outlet. It’s no wonder it has earned a perfect 5-star rating.
Price: $149
For those who love a little holiday sparkle, Pottery Barn’s advent calendar captures that essence in style. With glitter-dusted facades and sisal-topped trees, each tiny home glows warmly from within (thanks to battery power), inviting you into a different miniature world as you count down the days. It’s a charming, nostalgic centerpiece with just the right hint of modern holiday magic.
Price: $474.99, Was: $950
This elegant calendar box, which could easily stand alone as decor, houses delicate porcelain figurines that are meant to be hung on the included porcelain tree. Day by day, the tree becomes a beautifully decorated display piece for your console or side table. While it’s more of a symbolic experience (porcelain, unlike chocolate, is forever!), you could always mix in little surprises of your own over the years. Try filling each drawer with jewelry, silk hair ties, or other tiny treasures.
But for something a little bit different altogether, I recently found myself utterly enthralled by Diptyque's unique new (and very limited-edition) advent taper candle tree. Finished with 25 delicately hand-painted golden numbers and scented to imitate the notes of a Sapin pine tree, it is designed to slowly burn each day, counting down the sleeps until Christmas. What a beautiful ritual to add into your routine.
