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The countdown to Christmas is fun, but it gets even better with an Advent calendar. Or two.
While it is not known who the exact person behind the concept was, the tradition of marking the days until Christmas likely started in 19th-century Germany, according to Sky History.
In recent years, Advent calendars have become even more popular as people enjoy the surprises they offer. Traditional Advent calendars usually feature chocolates, wine, cookies or ornaments, and each year brands compete to create the most appealing ones.
Here’s a roundup of Advent calendars by major retailers, including Target, Trader Joe’s and Aldi.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is offering a range of Advent calendars, including:
- Chocolate Advent Calendars – $1.49
- 12 Days of Beauty – A Curated Collection: Retailing for $19.99, this set contains a “rotating assortment of skin and hair products–anything from body butters and facial oils, to masks, balms, and creams,” according to Trader Joe’s.
- Advent Calendars for Dogs and Cats – $7.99
Trader Joe’s holiday and Advent calendars are available for purchase at its stores across 42 states. Find your nearest store here.
Aldi
Aldi’s Advent calendar lineup for the 2025 holiday season includes a mix of new and old favorites, with more than 30 unique items included in this year’s lineup.
- Merry Moments 12 Days of Crafting ($7.99): Available in two variations − snowman and sledding − this kit lets families build 12 unique festive-themed ornaments.
- Kirkton House Candle Advent Calendar ($34.99): A luxurious collection of 25 candles, with each providing a different festive scent.
- Winter Wonderland Cheese Advent Calendar ($16.99): The pack includes a wide array of cheeses, such as whiskey cheddar and bruschetta gouda, sourced from around the world.
- Winter Wonderland Wine Advent Calendar ($59.99): The 24-day wine Advent calendar includes a curated selection of exceptional wines from around the globe.
- Winter Wonderland Moser Roth Chocolate Advent Calendar ($17.99): The calendar offers “24 days of decadent chocolate bliss,” with each day unveiling “a new handcrafted delight made with premium European chocolate, from rich dark to creamy milk varieties.”
- Heart to Tail Pet Advent Calendar ($12.99)
- LEGO City Advent Calendar ($29.99)
- Squishmallows 12 Day Advent Calendar ($29.99-$39.99)
- Kinder Mix Advent Calendar ($17.99)
- Barissimo Coffee Advent Calendar ($7.99)
- Benner Assorted Tea Advent Calendar ($42.99)
- Connelly’s 12 Days of Irish Cream ($69.99)
Aldi Advent and holiday calendars will be available at Aldi stores across 38 states, based on supply, with the option for curbside pickup. Orders can also be placed online for delivery. Advent calendars are available in limited supply, and Aldi says it may limit the number of per-person purchases for specific calendars. The complete list of Aldi’s Advent calendars can be found on the supermarket chain’s website.
Target
Target has “all your needs” for Advent calendars covered, the retailer says, with its brand lineup including decorative, toy, pet, and beauty items, as well as some “sweet classics.”
Here’s what Target is offering this holiday season:
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
