The Dandelion Advent Calendar project was a perfect fit for Widakk Design Studio. It combines all the elements we are really passionate about — detailed, vintage-inspired illustrations and intricate design — with themes of space and science, and a touch of mythology. As we learned about constellations, their names, sizes, and celestial positions, we tried to create something that would capture the incredible beauty and wonder of the night sky, and we sincerely hope you find it equally captivating.
The project consisted of two parts: a) a large box and b) 25 smaller boxes within. The box features an illustrative representation of the constellations and their graceful movements in the night sky, surrounded with stars and planets. The central part, with the lines that go all around, might resemble a compas, altogether creating a feeling of some sort of sky map. Additionally, the central circle is designed to resemble the ceiling of a dome, further enhancing the feeling of looking upwards from the ground.

A celebration of craft among the cosmos, the Dandelion Advent Calendar is our most cherished holiday tradition. The 2024 Calendar — our ninth! — highlights twenty-five of the most inventive chocolatiers in North America (across fifteen states and one Canadian province). Their exquisite creations fill twenty-five decorative chocolate-box “ornaments” — each one containing a surprise confection serving, created specially by a talented chocolatier to showcase distinctive aromas of our single-origin chocolate.

Come December, your daily box might reveal a hand-crafted velvety ganache, decadent candied citrus, buttery spiced caramel, or perhaps several petite dragées. (Within our Advent Calendar for Two, each ornament box contains two portions of that date’s treat.)

This year’s theme celebrates winter 2024’s peak northern lights, while capturing tales of ancient characters outlined in constellations overhead. The Calendar’s accompanying booklet reveals myth, history, and science behind each featured celestial event — and, with illustrations by Serbian artist Srdjan Vidakovic, and expertise from astronomer and Dark Sky proponent Dr. Tyler Nordgren, details twenty-five of the northern hemisphere’s darkest viewing locations, from which you might catch a glimpse of the ethereal aurora borealis.

When possible, we favor events viewable before midnight with the naked eye (or with good binoculars!).