History of Advent Calendars

The Advent Calendar can be traced back to Germany in the 19th Century. Families would count down the days until Christmas Eve by making a chalk mark for every day in December.

The first known Advent Calendar was created by hand in 1851. The date of the first printed Advent Calendar isn't as certain. Depending on the source it was either 1903 or 1908. Little doors that could be opened were added to the calendars early in the 20th century offering little surprises such as a picture, bible quote, or piece of candy hidden behind them. Variations later evolved to include detailed fabric and felt wall hangings, and freestanding wooden calendars.