Our own take on the traditional advent calendar is back – with a dose of cultural goodness for every day of advent.

Last year, when the winter evenings began drawing in, the Creative Tourist team had an idea. Gathered around the fire (conference table), cupping warm mugs of mulled wine (coffee), we decided that we needed a way to brighten the dark days of December. Advent is great for kids, we agreed – you get to watch videos in class, eat chocolate every morning and count down the sleeps until Christmas. For adults, not so much: it’s more cold, early starts, heaving streets and the frantic scramble to get presents for everyone from Great Aunt Mollie to your mother-in-law’s aged dog.

We’ve stuffed every day up to Christmas with shopping tip-offs, theatre, art & foodie recommendations

Well, not any more. Follow the brand new, shiny red bauble on the homepage – or the festive slider its a sneak peek of what’s in each box – and you’ll find our very own Advent Calendar: in 25 boxes are hidden all sorts of cultural goodies. We’ve stuffed every single day up to Christmas with shopping tip-offs, theatre, art, music and new, foodie recommendations. From stories coming to life on stage and spectacular light displays to late night shopping specials and warming winter food and drink, check back daily for a regular dose of seasonal fun, Creative Tourist-style.

We’ll be tweeting about them, too, so that no one misses out – use #CTAdventCalendar to spread the word, and to tell us the things you’re looking forward to in December, too. Mince pies, the smell of fir trees and a smooch beneath the mistletoe – whatever comes to mind.

We hope that our Advent Calendar will spread some cultural love this winter. It’s our way of treating our wonderful readers. Merry Christmas, every one.