The Best Pop-Culture Advent Calendars for 2026: ‘Bluey,’ ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’ Marvel and More

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Why wait until Christmas to start unwrapping? Advent calendars make the case for treating yourself all December long, and this year’s lineup goes well beyond the usual bite-sized chocolates.

This year, brands are finding increasingly creative ways to cash in on the tradition. Nespresso has teamed up with Swarovski for a sparkly caffeine fix, Lego is bringing holiday cheer to a galaxy far, far away, and Bloomingdale’s is packing more than $1,200 worth of luxury beauty products into a single box. Many of this year’s most coveted calendars are also reusable, with collectible figurines, ornaments and keepsakes designed to outlast the holiday season.

Whether you’re shopping for a Disney obsessive, a beauty enthusiast or someone who simply likes opening presents, these advent calendars make the lead-up to Christmas almost as exciting as the big day itself. Below, find our favorite picks for 2026, from affordable stocking-stuffer alternatives to luxury splurges.

For horror fans who would rather spend December with monsters than elves, this 24-day advent calendar offers a darker holiday countdown. Each compartment reveals a mystery miniature collectible, from masked figures to skeletons and supernatural creatures.

Tim Burton’s holiday classic gets a sugary twist with this 12-day countdown from Williams Sonoma. Inspired by “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” the calendar is packed with delightfully creepy confections, including Jack and Sally-shaped marshmallows, gummy spiders, sour worms, black licorice and pumpkin-shaped sweets.

Ariel, Cinderella, Moana and Mulan are getting together for the holidays in LEGO’s latest Disney Princess advent calendar. The 290-piece set features 24 daily surprises, including buildable accessories and miniature versions of beloved sidekicks like Sebastian, Mushu and Pua. Once all the doors are open, the packaging transforms into a board game that up to eight people can play.

Even a galaxy far, far away celebrates Christmas. This year’s LEGO “Star Wars” advent calendar takes its inspiration from “The Mandalorian,” featuring Mando and Grogu in matching holiday sweaters (each emblazoned with the other’s likeness), along with Moff Gideon, Jawa figures and miniature spacecraft. The 293-piece set also includes a festive X-wing and several brick-built creatures, bringing a little seasonal cheer to the Outer Rim.

LIMITED-EDITION

Disney Christmas Cookies 24-Day Advent Calendar

This limited-edition set features 24 mystery collectible pins designed to look like Christmas cookies, each presented on its own miniature baking pan. The $275 calendar comes packaged like a festive oven, complete with a display tray to show off the full collection once Christmas arrives.

The Heeler family is celebrating Christmas with 24 days of surprises in this “Bluey” advent calendar. Among the goodies are eight exclusive flocked figures featuring Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, Chilli, Muffin and other fan-favorite characters, all dressed for the festive season.

The Avengers are taking a break from saving the world to celebrate the holidays. LEGO’s 2026 Marvel advent calendar assembles Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Ghost-Spider and Doctor Doom for 24 days of superhero-themed builds. Highlights include Spider-Man on skis, a snowball cannon, an X-Jet sleigh and a Christmas tree made with Wolverine’s signature claws. The 317-piece set is recommended for ages 6 and up.

Halloween Town is coming to the Christmas tree. Hallmark’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” countdown calendar includes 12 miniature, shatterproof ornaments inspired by Tim Burton’s beloved film, with a new character-themed decoration to unveil each day. Unlike the usual disposable advent treats, these collectibles can return to the tree year after year.

Olaf has always been enthusiastic about all things warm and festive, so it makes sense that Disney’s resident snowman would get his own Christmas countdown. This 18-inch plush version of the “Frozen” character wears a Santa hat and features 12 numbered pockets, along with a soft Sven marker that moves from day to day. It’s a reusable decoration that doubles as a cuddly companion for younger “Frozen” fans.

Funko’s miniature Bitty Pop! figures are getting the royal treatment with this Disney Princess holiday collection. Across 24 doors, collectors will uncover 10 tiny figures, nine stackable display pieces, three festive accessories and cases designed for a keychain and pin.

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Not a pop-culture junkie? Find more advent calendars — spanning wellness, beauty and stationary — below:

Bloomingdale’s is going big on beauty this holiday season. Its exclusive advent calendar packs 27 products from some of the industry’s most coveted names, including La Mer, Augustinus Bader, Sisley Paris and Armani Beauty. Retailing for $350, the assortment boasts a combined value of $1,252.

Charlotte Tilbury is bringing some Hollywood glamour to the holiday countdown with a 15-piece collection of the makeup artist’s cult-favorite products. Expect recognizable hits like the Pillow Talk lipstick, Beauty Light Wand, Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and Charlotte’s Magic Cream, alongside skincare and makeup accessories. The red-and-gold, star-adorned case doubles as a jewelry box once the festivities are over.

A good candle can make even the smallest apartment feel like a winter retreat. Voluspa’s 12-day calendar features a dozen petite candles in decorative glass vessels, spanning the fragrance brand’s bestselling Japonica and holiday collections. Scents include Mediterranean Lemon and Gingerbread Chalet, while a gold-plated wick trimmer rounds out the $185 set. Each candle offers approximately 25 hours of burn time.

For those who prefer their holiday surprises shaken or stirred, Straightaway Cocktails offers a more grown-up take on the advent calendar. Its “12 Nights of Cocktails” countdown trades candy and collectibles for ready-to-drink cocktails, making it a festive option for cocktail enthusiasts or holiday hosts. No bartending skills required — just a glass and an occasion to celebrate.

Stationery obsessives, this one’s for you. Papier’s $195 advent calendar is packed with more than $375 worth of writing accessories, notebooks and desk essentials, from rollerball pens and journals to sticky tabs, bookmarks and wax-seal stickers. There’s even a miniature jigsaw puzzle and playing cards in the mix, with each gift tucked inside a reusable drawer.

YSL Beauty’s $400 advent calendar is among the more extravagant options this season, offering $645 worth of makeup, fragrances and skincare inside a glossy burgundy case. The lineup includes full-size lip products and a Couture Mini Clutch eyeshadow palette, plus miniature versions of the brand’s Libre, Black Opium, Y and MYSLF fragrances.

Nespresso has enlisted Swarovski to give its annual coffee countdown a little sparkle. The 2026 Vertuo calendar features an assortment of coffee capsules to discover throughout December, with an exclusive collaborative accessory waiting behind the final door. And don’t let the luxe partnership scare you away — it’s only $55.

Alo is extending its wellness-focused lifestyle beyond leggings and workout gear with a seven-day advent calendar. The shortened countdown puts self-care at the center of the holiday season, offering an alternative to the usual sweets and collectibles.