Advent is a season of hope, patience, expectation, and waiting. A reminder that light follows darkness; we cannot have one without the other. This is why I love Advent calendars—a tangible way to count the days of December and hold on to hope.
Whether you’re counting down to Winter Break, concert season, or a well-earned holiday rest, an Advent calendar can offer a new rhythm or structure to your days. For busy musicians, it’s a simple way to pause and take in one small moment of reflection, joy, or nostalgia.
There are many ways to count the days of Advent. From calendars to holiday decor, Christmas villages to playlists, here are a few of my favorite Advent calendars for musicians:
Disclosure:
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01 | Musical Instrument Ornaments
Each day of December offers something new in this unique, music-inspired Advent calendar—an innovative tree ornament inspired by a musical instrument (24 total).
02 | Advent Calendar Orchestra
Do you know all the instruments of the orchestra? In this charming, illustrated Advent calendar from Germany, all the instruments of a symphony orchestra are hidden behind the doors. Uncover a new one each day! Also available: Opera Advent Calendar and Carolers Advent Calendar.
03 | Advent Gingerbread Boxes
These decorative Advent calendar boxes are made with durable Kraft paper and double as gift boxes and a holiday gingerbread village. Fill with cookies, mini candy canes, chocolates, jingle bells, or donations for an organization of your choice.
04 | Twinings Tea Advent Calendar
This 24-day holiday sampler from Twinings of London features black, green, and herbal teas. The box set includes 48 tea bags (two per day). Pair with this Musical Advent Calendar app from Naxos—a perfect way to start (or end) the day.
05 | Nutcracker Advent Calendar
For the musician who plays the Nutcracker every year, here’s a gift they’re sure to love—a Nutcracker theater-building set, complete with an LED Christmas tree. Each day includes something new to build and add to the scene.
06 | Envelope Calendar
The possibilities are endless with this calendar concept (via A Few Things From My Life)! Use tiny envelopes (like these), card-size envelopes, or envelopes of different sizes. Tuck a small trinket or a piece of chocolate into each one and write a holiday activity, an act of kindness, or a playlist suggestion. To display, pin them to a bulletin board or tape them onto a piece of foam board.
07 | Burlap Advent Calendar
I love how simple and minimalist this burlap Advent calendar is. At 17x28”, it’s a great size for hanging in a studio or choir room. Use it for practice challenges, a holiday-themed musical playlist, or sweet treats.
08 | Mini-Advent Gramophone
This vintage gramophone by Coppenrath includes 24 mini discs with different Christmas melodies. (Requires batteries.)
I’d love to hear from you:
Do you use an Advent calendar? Which one of these is your favorite?
