It’s that time of year again when advent calendars, naughty elves, Christmas lights and festive excitement take over in every shop isle, every airport and every heart. From luxury indulgences to family fun, here are the top advent calendars for 2025 – for beauty lovers, luxury seekers and families alike – that are bound to make the countdown to Christmas extra special.

Luxury Advent Calendars

Babylonstoren Luxury Advent Calendar: A Daily Dose of Farmhouse Magic

Indulge in 25 days of carefully curated bath and body treasures, home fragrances, artisanal pantry favourites and festive trinkets. Inspired by Babylonstoren’s Cape Dutch manor house, this keepsake box features Delft-inspired patterns, charming donkey and rooster motifs, and is designed to be refilled and cherished year after year.

“Each little door is a reminder to pause – to notice, to savour, and to celebrate the beauty of small moments,” says Suzanne Vermaas, Babylonstoren product developer. “Inside, every gift captures a touch of Babylonstoren: honest, thoughtful, and made to be enjoyed one day at a time.”

Price: R4,500

Available here.

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Acqua di Parma Advent Calendar 2025: Italian Elegance in Every Scented Surprise

For fragrance lovers, this luxury advent calendar – available through SKINS – features perfumes, home fragrances, mini candles and bath essentials in a bold, modern design by Cristina Celestino. Turn December into a month-long journey of sensational scents.

Price: R9,300

Available here.

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Lakrids by Bülow Advent Calendar: 24 Days of Danish Chocolate-Liquorice Indulgence

A gourmet treat for foodies, each day reveals two chocolate-coated liquorice pieces in flavours like Milk Chocolate, Salty Caramel, Crispy Caramel, Passion Fruit and Salmiak. Free from gluten and gelatine, these daily treats are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.

Price: R1,199

Available here.

Beauty Advent Calendars

essence XMAS Treasure Box DIY Advent Calendar: 24 Days of Beauty Surprises

Unwrap 24 products for face, eyes, lips and nails, complete with DIY paper bags and numbered stickers to personalise your festive countdown. Perfect for self-care or gifting.

Price: R535.58

Available here.

The Body Shop Ultimate Advent Calendar: 25 Days of Head-to-Toe Pampering

Discover The Body Shop’s mini skincare, bath and body favourites designed to pamper you from head to toe. Ideal for daily indulgence or luxurious gifting, this one of the best beauty advent calendars for 2025 – one that is bound to transform December into a month-long pampering ritual.

Price: R3,300

Available here.

Family & Kids Advent Calendars

Stellenbosch Advent Calendar by Elsje Designs: 25 Delft Blue Paper Houses

Celebrate heritage and local artistry simultaneously with 25 handmade paper houses depicting iconic Stellenbosch buildings. Fill them with small gifts or treats to create a festive village for a magical Christmas countdown.

Price: R1,200

Available here.

National Parks Advent Calendar 2025: Celebrate Nature Every Day

Perfect for nature lovers and families, this 24-day calendar features miniature landscapes and wildlife ornaments from America’s National Parks, combining education, decoration and festive fun. (Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a South African version?)

Price: R635

Available here.

Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar: Inspire Daily Generosity

Crafted from birchwood with engraved and glitter acrylic text, each day reveals a unique kind act. A thoughtful way to inspire reflection, generosity and family connection this December. Available in English and Afrikaans, this unique Ma Petite advent calendar is made to order with a 10-day lead time.

Price: R1,975

Available here.

Maxpower Winter Woodland Stationery Advent Calendar 2025 – 24 Days of Creative Surprises

For stationery lovers and kids, this innovative advent calendar – available at Makro – opens like a book, with 24 doors revealing pens, coloured pencils and creative tools. Its puzzle-inspired design adds a playful touch to the festive countdown.

Price: R1,341

Available here.

LEGO City Advent Calendar 2025 – 24 Days of Festive Fun for Little Builders

Packed with mini builds, minifigures and festive accessories, this calendar folds out into a Christmas party playmat, offering hours of creative play. Perfect for children aged 5+ and fans of LEGO City.

Price: R499 (The brand also has a Disney Advent Calendar, available at R649.)

Available here.

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