[Video] The world's largest Advent calendar

Nowadays, Advent calendars can contain anything from soaps to accessories to beers, but sometimes just simple and classic is best. Nowhere is this more true than in the town of Gengenbach in Baden-Württemberg, which for the last 20 years has transformed its historic Rathaus into the world’s largest advent calendar house to count down the days to the holiday. 

Gengenbach: Home to the world’s largest Advent calendar house

At 6pm each day during December, one of the 24 windows is opened to reveal a festive scene, watched by thousands of spectators in the festively-decorated square. The images change each year according to a new theme, with artists as famous as Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall and Tomi Ungerer all lending their talents. 

The completed Advent calendar remains on display until January 6 for people to visit. Each year, around 100.000 people descend on the small town of 10.000 inhabitants to view the Advent calendar, visit Gegenbach’s traditional Christmas market and soak up the festive charm of the Black Forest. 

One window each day during Advent

If you can’t make it in person this year, this magical video from DW Travel gives an insight into what all the fuss is about: