Once fall hits and the chill starts to set in, you know it’s time to start prepping for the holidays. And if you’re an armchair detective, or just love a good puzzle, there’s no better way to count down to Christmas than with a mystery-themed Advent calendar. Instead of chocolate or beauty products, behind each door you’ll find clues and puzzles to piece together, with a new mystery to unravel each day leading up to December 24.
Of course, there are plenty of different Advent calendars out there, but the mystery-filled ones are particularly fun for anyone who loves a good whodunit. They ask you to put your brain to work and indulge your love of cracking cases, following clues, and piecing together puzzles. They’re also a little more engaging than a foil-wrapped Santa, giving you something to keep your brain busy during the holiday chaos.
To help you find your perfect match, we’ve rounded up some of the best mystery Advent calendars to make December 2026 a little more intriguing, with clues, twists, and mysteries to solve.
