National Advent Calendar Day

What is it?
National Advent Calendar Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of November. It marks the launch of Aldi’s popular Advent calendars and serves as the unofficial start of the holiday season. Advent calendars are used to count down the days to Christmas, with a small surprise or treat revealed each day.

Quick Facts

When is it?: November 5, 2025
Tagged as: Holiday Kickoff, Christmas Countdown
What’s the hashtag?: #AdventCalendarDay
When was it founded?: 2020
Who founded it?: Aldi

History of National Advent Calendar Day

The tradition of Advent calendars began in 19th-century Germany, where Protestants marked days with chalk or candles leading up to Christmas. Gerhard Lang created the first printed Advent calendar in the early 1900s, introducing small doors to reveal surprises. During WWII, production halted due to cardboard rationing and Nazi restrictions. Post-war, Richard Sellmer revived the tradition with mass-produced calendars. Aldi established National Advent Calendar Day in 2020 to celebrate its festive calendar collection.

Timeline

Early 1900s: Gerhard Lang creates the first printed Advent calendar.
1946: Richard Sellmer begins mass-producing Advent calendars post-WWII.
1958: The first chocolate-filled Advent calendar is introduced.
2020: Aldi declares the first Wednesday of November as National Advent Calendar Day.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	November 5	Wednesday
2026	November 4	Wednesday
2027	November 3	Wednesday
2028	November 1	Wednesday
2029	November 7	Wednesday
2030	November 6	Wednesday

Observed

National Advent Calendar Day is observed by purchasing or creating Advent calendars, sharing them on social media, and starting the countdown to Christmas with family and friends.

Fun Facts About National Advent Calendar Day

The most expensive Advent calendar was designed by Debbie Wingham and costs over $10 million.
President Eisenhower popularized Advent calendars in the U.S. after being photographed opening one with his grandchildren in the 1950s.
Modern calendars can include chocolates, toys, teas, or even wine!

Quiz

Who created the first printed Advent calendar?
What year did Aldi establish National Advent Calendar Day?
What is typically behind each door of an Advent calendar?

(Answers: 1. Gerhard Lang; 2. 2020; 3. Treats like chocolates or toys)

FAQs

What is the color of Advent?
Purple is traditionally associated with Advent in Christianity.

How do you count an Advent calendar?
You start at December 1 and open one door each day until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Which was the first chocolate-filled calendar?
The first chocolate-filled calendar appeared in 1958.

Importance of National Advent Calendar Day

This day celebrates a cherished holiday tradition that brings families together and spreads joy during the festive season. It also marks the beginning of holiday preparations and shopping.