Hot Wheels Advent Calendar Review: Cars or Filler?
Die-cast cars and a winter scene behind numbered doors, with a playmat to race on. How many doors are actually cars, and which kids it suits best.
Yes, for a kid who already loves Hot Wheels. It holds eight die-cast cars and a snowy scene to drive them through [1]. Skip it if they expect a car every morning, because two of every three doors are accessories.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 28, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Edition | 2024 Hot Wheels Advent Calendar [1] |
| Cars | 8 vehicles, 1:64 scale [1] |
| Accessories | 16 winter-themed pieces [1] |
| Doors | 24 numbered doors [1] |
| Extras | Playmat [1] |
| Ages | 3 and up [1] |
| Brand | Hot Wheels by Mattel [1] |
Pros and cons
Eight cars and a snowy scene
The listing is clear about the mix: eight vehicles and sixteen accessories behind the numbered doors [1]. The cars are the standard 1:64 scale, the same size as every Hot Wheels car already in the toy bin [1].
The accessories are winter themed, such as a snowplow and a tree, and the included playmat gives them somewhere to go [1].
Play that starts at breakfast
A die-cast car is the rare surprise that gets used at once. A kid opens the door, the car goes straight onto the playmat, and the scene grows a little each day.
Hot Wheels pitches it as independent push-around play, and the age rating is 3 and up [1]. That makes it one of the easier calendars to hand to a younger kid without a parent at every door.
Parents like that the cars are the real thing. They are the same die-cast cars sold in single packs, so they run on the orange track already in the closet and survive being thrown down the stairs.
When the doors feel thin
Most doors hold accessories, not cars. A kid who counts only cars may feel the calendar runs out of excitement by the second week.
This listing is also the 2024 edition [1]. If a newer Hot Wheels calendar is in stock, compare the two; the format has stayed close, so the older one is still a fair buy at a good price.
The accessories are small. Keep a shoebox next to the playmat so the snowplow and the tree do not disappear under the couch before Christmas.
Adding it to the car collection
For a car kid, this is the stocking level gift that keeps December busy. It pairs with the Bluey Advent Calendar for a younger sibling, so both kids open a toy each morning.
For a family that wants a calendar to keep, the Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar sits nicely next to it on the shelf.
FAQ
How many cars are in the Hot Wheels Advent Calendar?
Eight. The listing says the calendar holds eight Hot Wheels vehicles in 1:64 scale and sixteen winter-themed accessories such as a snowplow or a tree [1]. So roughly one door in three is a car, and the rest build a scene for the cars to drive through [1]
What age is the Hot Wheels Advent Calendar for?
The listing rates it for Hot Wheels fans 3 years old and up [1]. That makes it one of the better toy calendars for younger kids, since there is nothing to build or assemble. Small accessories still need a tidy box so they do not vanish under the couch [1]
Is the Hot Wheels Advent Calendar worth it?
For a kid who already plays with Hot Wheels, yes. Eight new cars plus a playmat and a winter scene is more play than a chocolate calendar at a similar price. For a kid who only wants cars, a multipack of Hot Wheels gives more cars for the money [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Hot Wheels 2024 Advent Calendar
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 28, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.