Does this calendar actually mark the Sabbats and Moon phases on the grid, or is it just decorative art?

It marks both. Official product details for this series confirm the calendar includes lunar gardening tips, astrological data, magical correspondences, Moon phases, planting and harvesting days, Celtic tree months, Sabbats, and US and Canadian holidays alongside the twelve monthly illustrations, so it functions as a working seasonal reference and not just wall art hung for its looks alone with nothing underneath.

What's the difference between Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar and Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook? Which should I get?

The Calendar is a 12x12 wall calendar built around monthly art, an article, and a spell, with a Sabbats and Moon-phase grid but no daily writing space. The Datebook is a spiral-style weekly planner with more than 100 magical tips and room to write in daily appointments. Get the calendar for shared wall display, the datebook for private daily planning.

Is this a good gift for a witch or Pagan friend, whether beginner or experienced?

Yes. Reader sentiment across editions of this series consistently frames it as gift-worthy for any experience level, with reviewers describing it as usable and enjoyable for both seasoned witches and people newer to the craft. The mix of accessible monthly art and reference-grade seasonal data works well regardless of how long the recipient has actually been practicing their own craft.

If I already own a past year's Witches' Calendar, is the 2027 edition worth buying too?

Generally yes, since each edition pairs an entirely new set of Jennifer Hewitson illustrations with new contributor articles and spells, on top of that year's actual astronomical data, Moon phases, Sabbat dates, and lunar timing, none of which can carry over from an older calendar by definition. Long-time buyers commonly report ordering a fresh edition every single year for exactly this reason.