November
03
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HEART LONDON’S ADVENT CALENDAR PICKS FOR CHRISTMAS 2026
Chocolate before breakfast will always have its place, but Advent calendars have become so much more exciting. This year, we’re loving calendars that turn December into an experience, with something to discover, collect, build, sip or enjoy every day.
From gemstones and marble labyrinths to wine, wellness treats, marshmallows and festive tea, here are some of our favourite Advent calendars for Christmas 2026.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC – GEMSTONE ADVENT CALENDAR
This one makes December feel like a treasure hunt. The National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar replaces the traditional daily chocolate with a sparkling geological surprise, giving children a new gemstone or mineral to discover as Christmas gets closer.
It’s colourful, collectible and educational without feeling remotely like a science lesson, which is exactly what we want from a children’s Christmas gift. By Christmas Day, they’ve accumulated their own little collection of natural treasures, making this one of those rare Advent calendars where the fun doesn’t disappear with the final door.
Price: £17.99
Where to buy: True Toys
PAPER ENGINE – BUILD YOUR OWN MARBLE LABYRINTH ADVENT CALENDAR
Why simply open an Advent-calendar door when you could build something every day?
The Paper Engine Build Your Own Marble Labyrinth Advent Calendar turns the countdown to Christmas into a brilliant hands-on project, with children gradually building their very own working marble labyrinth throughout December.
Rather than simply opening a door each morning, there’s something new to construct, making it a fun Advent tradition that keeps children engaged as they watch their creation take shape. Best of all, there’s no glue or messy crafting involved — the cardboard pieces simply slot together.
The calendar contains 129 press-out parts, with each daily build taking around five to ten minutes. Then, on Christmas Eve, five colourful swirly glass marbles are revealed, ready to put the finished labyrinth to the test.
Made from cardboard with no plastic, both the kit and its packaging are recyclable too.
We love this one for families looking for an Advent calendar that encourages creativity, problem-solving and a little quality time together — and leaves you with something much more memorable than an empty chocolate tray.
Price: £24.99
Where to buy: The Range / Paper Engine
PLAYMOBIL CHRISTMAS ADVENT CALENDAR – Festive Preparations
For children who love a little story with their countdown, the PLAYMOBIL Christmas Advent Calendar is always a festive favourite.
Behind each door is a new figure, accessory or piece of scenery, gradually building into a complete Christmas playset as December unfolds. Children can create snowy adventures with Santa, his reindeer and sled, load up presents for Christmas deliveries and bring the festive scene to life through imaginative play.
It’s the kind of Advent calendar that keeps children entertained long after each door has been opened, as every new piece becomes part of a growing Christmas world. By Christmas Eve, they have a full seasonal scene ready to enjoy throughout the holidays.
With its mix of collectible characters, festive details and hands-on storytelling, this is a lovely choice for younger children who enjoy creating their own Christmas adventures as much as counting down the days.
Price: £29.99
Where to buy: PLAYMOBIL
LAITHWAITES 2026 WINE ADVENT CALENDAR
For adults who enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine in the evening, the 2026 Wine Advent Calendar from Laithwaites is a wonderfully indulgent way to count down to Christmas.
Featuring a brand-new festive design inspired by the hustle, bustle and joy of Santa’s Winery, the calendar is packed with a fantastic selection of wines from across the Laithwaites range.
Tucked behind the doors are 23 mini bottles, each containing enough for a generous glass. There’s plenty of variety throughout December, including smooth reds, crisp whites, refreshing rosés and premium wines from some impressive wine regions.
There’s something new this year too: for the first time, Laithwaites has included a 200ml bottle of fine Port, perfect for enjoying as Christmas gets closer.
And then there’s Christmas Eve. Spoiler alert, look away if you want the final bottle to remain a surprise! Behind door number 24 is a full-size 750ml bottle of Laithwaites’ bestselling Prosecco, giving you something suitably celebratory to share on Christmas Eve.
The calendar has become a firm festive favourite, regularly appearing in “Best Advent Calendar” round-ups and selling out each year.
A lovely alternative to chocolate, this is an Advent calendar wine lovers can genuinely look forward to opening every evening.
Price: £99.99
Where to buy: Laithwaites
BIMBLE & BOLT YOGA & WELLNESS ADVENT CALENDAR
Christmas can be wonderful, but it can also be hectic, which is why the Bimble & Bolt Yoga & Wellness Advent Calendar feels like such a clever idea.
Designed around daily moments of self-care, the calendar includes surprises intended to help you unwind, de-stress and stay flexible throughout December.
Among the treats are three pairs of socks, including mid-crew grip socks, ankle grip socks and Bimble & Bolt’s classic Soft Stepper ankle socks.
It’s a lovely choice for yoga lovers, wellness fans or anyone who could use a little reminder to slow down during the busiest month of the year.
Price: £44.99
Where to buy: Bimble and Bolt
GOURMET MARSHMALLOW ADVENT CALENDAR – NAKED MARSHMALLOW COMPANY
For anyone who believes December should be unapologetically sweet, the Gourmet Marshmallow Advent Calendar from The Naked Marshmallow Company is hard to resist.
Now celebrating its 10th year, it features 25 handmade gourmet marshmallow treats across twelve festive flavours,including Choc Orange, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Churro, S’mores, Gingerbread, Christmas Pudding and Yule Log.
Behind each door you’ll also find a festive joke, fun fact or exclusive discount code, while Christmas Day hides a special milk chocolate-enrobed Black Forest marshmallow bar.
Handmade in the UK with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, it’s a playful and indulgent alternative to a traditional chocolate calendar.
Price: £25.00
Where to buy: The Naked Marshmallow Company
TWININGS 24 DAYS OF FESTIVE WARMTH ADVENT CALENDAR
For anyone who would rather count down to Christmas with a cosy cuppa, the Twinings 24 Days of Festive Warmth Advent Calendar is a lovely seasonal treat.
Behind each door is a different tea or infusion to enjoy throughout December, turning the daily countdown into a small moment of calm amid the Christmas rush.
There’s a really generous mix of flavours to discover, including classic herbal favourites such as Pure Camomile, Pure Peppermint and Lemon & Ginger, fruity blends including Strawberry & Raspberry and Cranberry & Raspberry, as well as Pure Green Tea.
The calendar also features an impressive selection from Twinings’ Superblends range, with varieties including Sleep Spiced Apple, Sleep Orange Blossom, Moment of Calm, Time to Unwind, Sweet Dreams, Focus, Balance, Glow, Defence, Immune Support, Super Green Matcha, Turmeric, Digest with Spearmint, Digest with Turmeric, Metabolism, Heart Warming, Detox and Cleanse.
It’s a particularly nice option for anyone who wants an Advent calendar that feels indulgent without being overly sweet, while also offering the chance to discover new blends along the way. And there’s something wonderfully Christmassy about settling down each evening with a warming cup of tea and seeing what’s behind the next door.
Price: £9.99
Where to buy: Twinings
Whether you want to build, collect, sip, stretch or simply indulge, Advent calendars have come a very long way from a tiny square of chocolate. These are the ones making the countdown to Christmas feel a little more special in 2026.
