I have to admit, I do love an Advent calendar. There’s something rather lovely about opening a little door each day in December and having a tiny surprise waiting for you.
But these days, Advent calendars have come a very long way from the traditional chocolate ones we remember as children. There are some wonderfully unusual Advent calendars for 2026, filled with everything from candles and beauty treats to tea, stationery, home fragrance and little luxuries.
So, if you fancy counting down to Christmas with something a bit different this year, I’ve been having a look at some of the more unusual and interesting Advent calendars around.
Whether you’re buying one for yourself, looking for a special gift, or simply enjoy a little bit of festive indulgence, there are plenty of lovely options to discover.
Here are some of my favourites for Christmas 2026 – reviewing these has been ACE!
Unusual Advent Calendar Guide 2026
Liquorice lovers advent calendar
If you’re looking for an Advent calendar that’s a little bit different this year, this one caught my eye.
Danish confectionery brand LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW is bringing back its much-loved Advent Calendars for Christmas 2026 – and this is definitely one for liquorice lovers (although perhaps not for the liquorice haters!).
Behind each little door is a selection of the brand’s chocolate-coated liquorice, with a mixture of favourite flavours, seasonal treats and some rather more unusual creations from its Creative Lab.
The Advent Calendar is a lovely introduction to the brand (who create and sell a huge range of liquorice treats) and something just that bit different! (And it is SO beautifully designed!)
The calendar is available for £45.00 from Sous Chef
Icy Bear Advent calendar
It’s no secret I love Icy Bear Dental products and they’re pretty much all I use, from the toothbrush to the whitening powder and strips. So imagine my delight when they announced an advent calendar! I’ve never heard of a dental advent calendar before, but honestly, this one is such a treat.
Icy Bear was created by Dr Hanna Kinsella, a leading dentist and member of the Royal College of Surgeons, who specialises in Cosmetic Dentistry and Prosthodontics. She wanted to bring professional-level dental care into your everyday routine without it feeling clinical or complicated, and I think she’s absolutely nailed it.
And the products are such good quality (plus, the packaging is gorgeous!).
So, onto the Icy Bear advent calendar. You get 12 days of little treats to brighten your smile, from lip oils to a tongue scraper. I’m not going to be a spoiler and list everything, but honestly, not one product is a let-down.
Every product is full-size and premium, and by the end of the 12 days you’ll have pretty much everything you need for a proper teeth-whitening routine.
It’s definitely unusual, but I absolutely love it!
Personalised Advent calendar
I have a very stylish daughter and I wanted to get hear an advent calendar that matched her cool scandi-chic vibe.
This gorgeous personalised option from Vistaprint was exactly right – isn’t it simply gorgeous! I love it’s traditional but miniminal Christmassy vibe and adored I had the option to write a message on it (and of course it is stuffed with chocolate’s which will delight her!)
There are loads of options for personalised advent calendars on the site and you can upload favourite photos and bespoke messages to make them really special.
My fab calendar cost £28
The Snowman Musical Advent Calendar
The Snowman and the Snowdog Musical Advent Calendar offers a festive twist on the traditional countdown, with 25 opening doors hiding popular characters and fun tokens.
Discover favourites including Billy, his dog, The Snowman, Father Christmas and the skiing penguin. Each character is attached to a magnet, allowing them to move around an interactive magnetic ice rink built into the lower half of the fold-out calendar.
Batteries are included to power the magnetic movement and festive sounds, featuring three different Christmas songs. They can be replaced via the back of the calendar, while its undated design means it can be enjoyed year after year.
Suitable for ages three and over, the snowman is such a classic and beloved favourite that this will be adored by any generation! Timeless. And I love it can be used year after year.
£24.49
Plus-Plus Northern Lights Advent Calendar
This is so cute! This fab advent calendar has 25 festive mini builds from the Danish creative building toy, and kids can keep creating with the pieces long after Christmas.
Each day brings a new little surprise, giving children something exciting to look forward to while encouraging lots of creativity and imaginative play. With 25 surprises to discover, around 600 Plus-Plus pieces, a small building plate and 5 wheels, there’s everything they need to create their very own beautiful winter wonderland.
Such a lovely gift to keep little hands busy in the run-up to Christmas!
€29,99 EUR
I hope you are inspired! Which one is your favourite?
