Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
Why wait until Christmas to let the Advent calendar fun begin? We found spooky countdowns to enjoy all October long. Warning: Halloween Advent calendars go fast, so pre-order yours today!
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Halloween is a time-honored holiday all around the world, with trick-or-treating, parties and spooky movies. But alternative ways exist to make the holiday even more memorable and last all of October. We compiled a list of the best Halloween advent calendars around. With yummy snacks, dog treats, recipes, toys and famous character figurines, these advent calendars are bound to excite every dedicated Halloween lover.
MADI KOETTING/TASTE OF HOME
Why wait until Halloween to trick or treat when you can indulge in this treat-filled 13-day Advent calendar? I tested the Williams Sonoma Halloween Advent calendar and can confirm all the treats arrived in tip-top shape. (Don’t worry, I won’t spoil all the surprises!)
I love peeking inside each haunted house door for a new spooky surprise every day. Plus, each door includes multiple treats perfect for sharing—but we won’t blame you for keeping ’em all to yourself! Beware of the lurking mallowcream pumpkins in this Halloween decoration.
VIA MERCHANT
If “go big or go home” describes you perfectly, you’ll love this giant Halloween Advent calendar that looks like a haunted house. The wooden doors and windows open up to reveal spooky surprises inside. Yes, it’s an investment, but you’ll treasure this Halloween decoration for years to come.
VIA MERCHANT
Celebrate the glorious mornings leading up to Halloween with the Hocus Pocus countdown calendar. This mini-book features 13 prizes—including stickers, recipes, games and holiday decorations—plus all of your favorite characters. Have you picked up your bright orange Halloween Christmas tree yet?
MADI KOETTING/TASTE OF HOME
Why should your pup miss out on all the Halloween fun? With this 13-day pet Halloween Advent calendar, Fido enjoys a new, spooky toy (almost) every day. I’m not exaggerating when I say my puppy has been obsessed with the toys inside this spooky countdown since the day it arrived.
And honestly, I’m equally obsessed with the size and quality of toys—the value is such a steal for the price. The countdown is loaded with goodies your dog will actually want to play with, like a spooky ghost squeak toy and an adorable Frankenstein plush. My whole family is pumped for spooky season! Note: This Advent calendar is designed for small or medium-sized dogs.
VIA MERCHANT
Perhaps you adore both Halloween and Christmas. Channel your inner Jack Skellington with this The Nightmare Before Christmas calendar that holds a figurine from the movie for each month of the year. Need more Halloween-meets-Christmas decor? The Home Depot is selling a 13-foot Jack Skellington fit for every creepy (grave)yard.
VIA MERCHANT
For a Halloween Advent calendar that your little one will love to hang up in their room, consider this felted ghost countdown. The sweet (not scary!) ghosts and black stars fit right into any kids’ room decor. Plus, you can add a monogram or name for an extra-special touch. Speaking of ghostly decor, the whole family will love eating spooky snacks with this ghost-shaped mini waffle maker.
VIA MERCHANT
Made of wood with mini numbers that rest on top of a spooky bone, this wooden Halloween Advent calendar is not only cute but small enough to display on any table. We love the graveyard-inspired scene and hanging jack-o’-lantern details. It looks great in the kitchen—right next to your Halloween Scrub Daddy sponges!
VIA MERCHANT
Know someone who loves Funko figurines? We just found the perfect gift. This Funko Pop! Horror Halloween Advent calendar is filled with 13 eerie figures they can proudly display on a shelf. They’ll enjoy unwrapping classic horror characters like Pennywise from It.
VIA MERCHANT
Are you searching for a Halloween Advent calendar that’s equal parts charming and kid-friendly? Look no further than this felt countdown, outfitted with tiny fabric “ornaments.” Little hands will look forward to moving a different piece each day until the spooky scene is complete, making this a great Halloween gift for kids.
VIA MERCHANT
Calling all scary good creatives! Countdown to Halloween with creepy crawling art supplies (think shocking lime green iridescent paint and a paint-your-own pumpkin) hidden inside this creative Halloween Advent calendar. Plus, you’ll learn tricks, tips and engage in creative challenges along the way. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to paint the haunted house of your dreams.
VIA MERCHANT
Trick or treat! Follow the Sugarfina bears on their way through trick or treat town where it’s rumored that some houses are handing out zombie brains and graveyard cookies. File it under gifts for people who love fall and snag one for yourself ahead of spooky season.
VIA MERCHANT
Make the mantel your October countdown headquarters with this handmade Advent garland. It’s readied with tiny bags perfect for stashing Halloween candy or other small treats. Opt for either a 14-day or 31-day set.
This handmade fabric countdown advent calendar is perfect for both adults and kids. It features classic Halloween characters like ghosts, black cats, spider webs, witches and cauldrons. Each day has a built-in pocket for candy, toys or treats. Move the included white ghost daily until Halloween night, then fold it away for reuse next year.
Similar to Christmas versions, Halloween advent calendars bring excitement to adults, children and families alike. While traditional cardboard calendars remain popular, novelty designs like haunted mansions and wall-hanging styles are also available for those who want to add an extra spooky touch to their celebrations.
Traditionally, advent calendars have featured candy or chocolates tucked behind cardboard or wooden doors, but the holiday industry has evolved to offer more exciting and unique options. Today, Halloween advent calendars include a range of surprises—yummy treats, toys, games and dog treats. Adults can indulge in calendars with beauty gadgets, decor, recipes and collectible figurines from beloved spooky films like The Nightmare Before Christmas, adding a new level of fun to the countdown to Halloween.
Young and excited hands can sometimes lead to broken chocolates or damaged toys. To combat this, many advent calendars now feature durable materials like soft fabric or sturdy wooden designs that can withstand mishandling. Reusable advent calendars are also gaining popularity, offering eco-friendly options that last year after year. Some top choices come in fun shapes like haunted houses or are embroidered with cute designs of ghosts, pumpkins and bats, making them both practical and festive.
Advent calendars come in various sizes, from countertop models to wall-hanging versions or even those that drape over a fireplace. When choosing the best advent calendar for your needs, ensure you have enough space to display it prominently in the kitchen, living room, playroom or office.
Each advent calendar has a different price point, but if the surprises inside spark excitement, it can feel worth the splurge. When choosing an advent calendar, weigh the quality of the included items against the cost to determine if it offers good value for the potential surprises inside.
Eco-friendly advent calendars minimize waste and contribute to reducing carbon footprints. Many options are designed to be reusable, recyclable or packaged with minimal materials, helping to reduce environmental impact while delivering festive fun.
Madi Koetting is a seasoned product reviewer and commerce editor at Taste of Home, Reader’s Digest and Family Handyman. She specializes in lifestyle, home and shopping content with extensive experience covering Christmas, Halloween and other holiday content. Her unique background makes her a trusted source for selecting top Halloween advent calendars
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
We reviewed hundreds of Halloween advent calendars and narrowed down the top 12 options. Our selection process focused on variety, quality of the surprises, price and the overall experience each calendar provides. We also considered visual appeal, usability and the fun of the daily reveal. Ultimately, every advent calendar on our list offers great value, exciting daily surprises, a pleasing design and ease of use.
Given the trick-or-treat tradition, chocolate and hard candies are always popular for Halloween advent calendars. Other exciting options include toys, dog treats, games, stickers, recipes and figurines of beloved spooky characters.
Yes, many specialty advent calendars are designed for reuse. These durable options come in various forms, such as wall-hanging designs, cardboard or wooden constructions and novelty haunted houses, making them functional decorations year after year.
Halloween advent calendars can be enjoyed by all ages. Some are tailored specifically for adults or children, but most options offer universal fun for anyone who loves the holiday.
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