# Holiday Toy Calendars Hot Wheels Adds 24 Days Of Mini Cars To Its Advent Calendar By Ellen Smith | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-11-01 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-toy-calendars References: [goodhousekeeping](https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/what-to-buy/sales-shopping-news/a74259956/hot-wheels-advent-calendar)  For kids who would rather find a new toy car than a [chocolate each morning](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotel-chocolat-everything-advent-calendar), Hot Wheels has a festive countdown of its own. Mattel’s Hot Wheels [Advent Calendar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squishmallows-advent-calendars) includes 24 daily surprises, with 10 standard-sized die-cast cars among the finds. It also comes with clips that let children hang their favourite cars on the Christmas tree. The calendar opens out into a wintry, two-dimensional racetrack, giving kids a festive setting to race their new cars. [Holiday-themed accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-movie-themed-advent-calendar) add to the collection, while the cars themselves can move between playtime and Christmas decorations. Priced at $27, the calendar is available through retailers including Amazon, Target and Macy’s. With a mix of toys, track play and tree ornaments, it offers more than a traditional countdown to Christmas. Image Credit: Hot Wheels ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.5/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Toy Advent Calendars:** Seasonal countdown formats are expanding beyond candy into collectible play, creating recurring purchase moments around anticipation and daily discovery. - **Decorative Playsets:** Hybrid products that shift between toys and holiday décor reveal new potential for items that stay visible and relevant beyond standard play sessions. - **Collectible Miniatures:** Small-format branded collectibles continue to support impulse-friendly gifting, with compact surprises strengthening engagement through accumulation and display. ### Where This Applies - **Toys and Games:** Established toy brands can deepen seasonal relevance by turning core products into limited-time experiences tied to family rituals. - **Holiday Retail:** Retailers benefit from festive novelty products that combine gifting, décor and entertainment within accessible price points. - **Licensing and Collectibles:** Character-free collectible systems show how recognizable product designs can extend into themed seasonal merchandise without relying on media franchises. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Jewelry Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-2026-advent-calendar.md) - [Baking Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-baking-calendars-trend.md) - [Cheese-Themed Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesethemed-advent.md) - [Jewelry Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/12-days-of-olaeda.md) - [Christmas Nail Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christmas-nail-advent-calendars.md) - [Opulent Nail Polish Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beetles-christmas-advent-calendar.md) - [Holiday Toy Truck Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-toy-truck-sets.md) - [Fudge-Coated Countdown Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fudge-coated-countdown-cookies.md) - [Buildable Holiday Countdowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/character-advent-calendars.md)