United StatesOverview
Harney & Sons began in 1983 with tea packed into tins in a Connecticut basement, and it is still a family business, now blending and packing in Millerton, New York. The 12 Days of Tea Winter Countdown reflects that scale: twelve doors, two premium tea bags behind each, 24 in all, every one described by Harney as either new to you or a classic favorite.
The bags are ready to steep, so there is nothing to measure and no strainer to find. The red box and the green box were both in stock on harney.com at $29.95 when we checked on 17 October 2026. The house is known for flavored black teas such as Hot Cinnamon Spice and Paris, and the countdown suits someone who wants to taste that style without committing to a tin.
Twelve doors will not span an entire December, so start on the 13th.
Taste & variety
Harney describes each door as holding either a blend that is new to you or a classic favorite, in ready-to-steep premium bags. The catalogue shows what the house is about.
Hot Cinnamon Spice is an assertive black blend with cinnamon, orange peel and cloves, which John Harney developed in the early 1980s and the firm calls its most popular tea.
Paris is a fruity black tea with caramel, vanilla and black currant, built by Mike Harney as a tribute to the Parisian tea shops he loves.
Packaging & gift appeal
A red box with gold, blue and green highlights that opens onto twelve doors, one for each day. Harney also sells a green box, and both were in stock when we checked on 17 October 2026. Twelve doors cannot make a wall piece, and are not trying to: this is a countdown for a table or a mantelpiece, with two bags in every compartment and no strainers, pots or accessories required.
What is in the box
A twelve-door countdown with 24 premium tea bags, two behind each door, in a red box with gold, blue and green highlights.
Key features
- 12 doors with 24 tea bags in all, two behind each door
- Blends new to you alongside classic favorites, per Harney
- Ready-to-steep bagged format, no loose-leaf gear needed
- Red box with gold, blue and green highlights
What changed since last year
Last year the calendar came in one box, green. This year there is a red box too, and the green one is sold out. Price, 12 doors and description are the same.
Compared with archived brand pages and listings from 2025, checked October 16, 2026.
Our verdict
Twelve doors, two bags apiece, and a family house that knows how to make a flavored black tea. It is a modest, friendly countdown best given to a casual tea drinker and started on the 13th. Collectors and loose-leaf people will want something with more doors.
What we like
- Two bags behind every door, easy to share
- From a family firm that has blended tea since 1983
- Ready-to-steep bags need no equipment
A few things to know
- Only twelve doors, so it covers half of December
- Bagged format will not satisfy loose-leaf enthusiasts
- Twelve doors, so it does not cover all of December
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 49 reviews on Harney & Sons, checked October 28, 2026
What buyers say
Almost everything here is about gifting: buyers praise the packaging and the variety of teas, and say recipients were pleased. The reviews cover roughly two seasons, with a handful from the last couple of weeks, some written before opening. The one repeated caveat is a wish for a Christmas-themed tea or two in the assortment, and one reviewer hopes it returns next year.
I think there's a great variety and the box is very cute. I just wish there was one or two holiday themed teas thrown in there.
I've been enjoying every day of these little teas - it has brought cold dark mornings so much joy.
Lovely gift and very nice selection of teas. I have not tried them all yet, but I have always had good tea from this company.
Thank you for delivering it so quickly. It is a gift for my mama, and she was able to start her 12 days right on time!
Very nice package, perfect gift box with variety of flavors.
So much fun! I love trying new teas and who doesn't love an Advent Calendar?
Customer reviews on Harney & Sons, checked October 28, 2026. Read all reviews on Harney & Sons
Questions about Harney & Sons 12 Days of Tea Countdown
What is in Harney & Sons 12 Days of Tea Countdown?
12 doors. A twelve-door countdown with 24 premium tea bags, two behind each door, in a red box with gold, blue and green highlights..
