We tested over 100 Christmas countdowns to find the absolute best Advent calendars. Discover our top picks for coffee, chocolate, crafts and a little bit of everything.
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We’re counting down the days until holiday decorating, Christmas gift shopping and, of course, Advent calendar season. This practice dates back to the mid-19th century, when German Protestants put chalk marks on their doors to count down the days leading up to Christmas. Today, these beloved countdowns have a little bit more spirit.
The choices are endless, from chocolates and coffee to boozy beverages (and everything in between). “I love the wide variety of Advent calendars you can find today,” says Deputy Editor and holiday gifting expert Katie Bandurski. “Growing up, I only remember puny, chalky chocolate countdowns. Today, there is truly something for every interest, and the products are much more engaging. From tiny jam jars to whiskey shooters, December has never been so fun!”
Because we take Advent calendars very seriously, we’ve personally tested dozens of countdowns so we can recommend the absolute best ones. Find our favorite editor-tested picks for 2025 below. Ready, set? Let the Christmas countdown begin!
Any day that starts with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bear has to be great, right? This Teddy Advent calendar features 24 pieces of sinfully smooth chocolate in shapes like bears, balls and other decadent options. Even the packaging is a treat, featuring delightful bears partaking in some of our favorite Christmas traditions.
You’ll find plenty of classics in milk, white and dark chocolate, with varieties like Lindt mini bears, mini milk chocolate balls and mini chocolate Napolitans. With so much variety, there’s no way to become bored with the daily reveal. The calendar is also super affordable, meaning that it’s inexpensive to stock up on multiples if you have more than one kiddo or plan on buying these as gifts.
We love that this budget option is also something of a traditional Advent calendar that’s still a bit elevated thanks to the quality chocolate and cute packaging. Those seeking a familiar Advent calendar experience can’t go wrong with this one. If you have a sweet tooth, there are tons of other ways to enjoy the holiday without heading to the store.
Travelers and adventurous drinkers alike are in for a real treat thanks to the Flaviar whiskey Advent calendar. The 2025 theme, Flaviar Airlines, allows you to discover award-winning whiskeys from distillers across Ireland, Finland, Scotland, Japan and more. “24 whiskey flights across the world” takes on a new meaning as you enjoy curated 1.7-ounce samples of the world’s best drams.
We tried Flaviar’s whiskey Advent calendar in 2023, 2024 and 2025—and can confirm it’s a stellar deal for serious spirit lovers.
“Whiskey samples include award winners and exclusive new releases,” says product tester Daria Smith. “Some whiskey vials come from bottles worth over $150. Not only does it include two Glencairn glasses, which are ideal for sharing each sample with a loved one, but the education-focused tasting journal includes information on each individual whiskey sample with space for personal tasting notes on each whiskey vial.”
“As one of the best Advent calendars, it’s wrapped in stunning packaging, enhancing the overall tasting advent-ure. Additionally, the whiskey vials and glasses are secured tightly in their slots and won’t break during shipping.” Your personal whiskey-tasting experience awaits!
We’ve also reviewed Flaviar’s subscription service and find that it makes a great gift.
Crocheters, this one’s for you. If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate your craft every day in December, you can’t go wrong with The Woobles Advent calendar. This well-constructed calendar has everything you need to keep calm and stitch on.
I didn’t think it was possible, but this year’s Woobles calendar is even cuter than last year’s! The 2025 theme is “Woobles Toy Workshop,” with the imagery featuring a Santa’s Workshop-esque background.
The first box isn’t “day 1.” Instead, it’s a bonus box that contains a crochet hook, a bits and bobs tin and a card with a QR code for a December “Wooble Along” virtual event. So cute! The tin and crochet hook seem to be unique to the calendar, so they’re fun for collectors in particular. You can also use them for the included projects, though several of the kits come with additional hooks.
My favorite part is that everything—from the boxes the surprises come in to the box itself—is totally reusable for playtime. The boxes are printed with toy workshop motifs, while the box itself unfolds into a reusable playscape. If I were a kid, this would be my dream Advent calendar. Even as an adult, I’m stunned by the detail. I can’t wait to finish each Wooble and set up the full diorama!
The sad thing about most Advent calendars is that after the 24 days are done, you typically have to toss the packaging. Not so with Vosges Haut-Chocolat’s Le Jardin de Cacao. This breathtaking countdown doesn’t just contain 25 days of decadent sweets—it also doubles as a Christmas display with working lights and music!
While much pricier than other picks, you can bring it back out year after year—and the treats inside aren’t your average waxy Advent chocolates, either. After all, Vosges won the “most exotic” award in our best boxed chocolates showdown, so they know what they’re doing. Inclusions span from spiced truffles and fruit-kissed caramels, among many other delights. Plus, many of the treats are exclusive to the Advent calendar!
“When I unboxed this countdown, I truly felt like a kid on Christmas morning,” says Katie. “The Vosges Advent calendar is a feast for the senses. It delights sight with the glowing lights; sound with renditions of classic Christmas tunes; and, of course, taste with the wide array of treats packed inside.”
This calendar is highly detailed. Every time you look at it, you’ll likely spot something new. “I love the animal friends who are eager to keep you company throughout the holiday season,” Katie says. “The attention to detail is unmatched. Plus, the treats are large or bountiful enough for sharing with another person.”
We recommend ordering it as soon as you can—it sells out every year.
Beer lovers, listen up. If counting down the days until Christmas with candy or chocolate isn’t your thing, we found one of the best boozy Advent calendars for bringing breweries from around the country straight to your door. The GiveThemBeer Advent calendar offers a little something for everyone, from IPAs to stouts and ales.
One of our favorite weekend activities is brewery hopping, but when the weather is gross, there’s no chance we’ll leave our homes. This beer Advent calendar brings a favorite pastime to the comfort of your home. With craft beers from microbreweries across the U.S., it’s truly like a brewery tour, but you don’t have to leave the couch. Just make sure to keep the box in the fridge to ensure every brew is chilled before opening.
We tested both the 2023 and 2024 versions. Product tester Pamela Bondurant notes that it’s not always possible to purchase microbrewery beer from locations across the U.S. That’s what makes this calendar a winner for her.
“I love the diversity of beer included in this Advent calendar. There are stouts, IPAs, ales and more from every coast and some in between,” she says. “There’s no product list, so each day truly is a surprise when you pull your beer from the Advent calendar.”
This countdown expands the palate in the best ways. We love the idea of hosting your own happy hour during the 12 days leading up to Christmas, and we know you will, too!
If single-cup brews are more your style, add a K-cup Advent calendar to your cart. Product tester Annamarie Higley tested the Keurig Advent calendar and recommends it for those who consider a Keurig their must-have home appliance.
“The packaging is adorable. The box opens up like a storybook, and the illustrations are so charming,” she says. “The exterior portrays a row of townhomes with illuminated windows of Christmas scenes, like a dog sniffing a plate of Christmas cookies, Santa coming down the chimney or a cat sleeping on a couch. The interior features a living room decked out for the holidays. There’s a Keurig machine on the counter, and the person on the couch in the foreground is holding a cup of coffee. It’s so cheery. I especially love the quaintness of the outside illustration. I’d gladly leave this on my kitchen counter or coffee bar throughout the holiday season.”
While it does include a few standard run-of-the-mill flavors like Lavazza Espresso, Philz Coffee Philtered Soul and Swiss Miss Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Mix, there are also a few surprises sprinkled inside.
“It definitely feels like you’re getting something special and exclusive with this collection,” says Annamarie. “A handful of these pods were remarkably good and flavor-rich. I could even pick up some of the listed notes, such as cherry in the Caribou Coffee Reindeer Blend, which is a rarity for a new coffee drinker like me.” She also notes that there are a few rare picks inside, which she appreciates.
Bonne Maman’s countdown sells out fast every year, so we recommend claiming the 2025 version of this food Advent calendar as soon as possible. Each window in this mini jam Advent calendar reveals a one-ounce jar of fruit spread. With 24 unique flavors, your taste buds will always have a little something sweet to snack on.
“I’ve been lucky enough to test the Bonne Maman Advent calendar three years in a row,” shares Katie. “And the packaging update for 2025 makes a great experience even better. Each tiny jam jar is now packaged in its own mini box—meaning no need to work around finicky perforations.”
“Yes, my calendar arrived in August. And no, I could not wait until December to dig in. There was nary a broken jar or repeat flavor,” adds Katie. “Every morning, you’ll look forward to indulging in seasonal flavors like Cherry with Pink Peppercorn, Apricot with Honey and Rhubarb with Strawberry. I’m also very excited about this year’s new caramel flavors.”
This has to be one of the best Advent calendars for 2025 because it gives you a reason to make homemade biscuits or toast every day in December.
Pick up the 24 Days of Gourmet Nuts and Snacks calendar for that friend or family member that’s always snacking. From sweet to savory, salty to spicy, it covers every tastebud. Chow down on Smoky BBQ Crunch one day, then enjoy a bag of Buttery Bliss Bites the next. There’s truly something in this Advent calendar for everyone!
Each generous portion of snacks comes in its own little pouch for freshness. There’s just enough to indulge alone or with a friend. Some of my favorite bites include the spicy Pineapple Heatwave Chips and Truffle Umami Pretzel Pops. While I loved most of the snacks, a few weren’t quite to my taste. However, I appreciate the sheer variety and loved the experience of trying new flavors with my husband each day.
Note: This might be too adventurous for kids!
If you’re the type to order extra pickles on your burgers, this is the Advent calendar for you. This dill-icious countdown comes stuffed with pickle-flavored treats and briny merch galore. From pickle chips to pickle-flavored lip balm, each tangy treat inside this pickle Advent calendar is bound to bring a smile to fans of the salty snack.
I enjoyed the experience of unpacking pickle-flavored pretzels, mayo, lip balm and even a pair of pickle socks. It’s a fun Advent calendar that’s truly unique—I don’t think there’s anything else like it! If you don’t know any pickle fanatics, it’s also a great silly option for white elephant gifts. I love that it has a healthy mix of treats and knick knacks, so you don’t get burned out on all that beautiful pickle flavor.
GiveThemBeer doesn’t do a lot with their packaging, but everything inside was well packed and damage-free. While it did take a little wiggling to pull out some of the larger items, I really appreciated that each day was clearly marked. I totaled the items to roughly $70, so it’s not quite worth the full $90 value. That said, much of the charm comes with the exploration and curation, so I’d say it’s still worth the price.
This Advent calendar is made up of 12 fun Christmas ornaments with googly eyes—how could it flop?! The objects featured in each of the 12 wooden ornaments are primarily traditional Christmas foods and flair. Think Christmas ham, ornaments and pie. Even better, each has a little sassy message to go along with it. It’s genuinely fun to open up each day and display your new silly ornament on your tree!
This calendar sparks so much joy. From the colorful, whimsical details to the funny little quotes and googly eyes, it’s such a cute idea for kids and adults alike. That said, it does reference Christmas alcohol, so it may not be suitable for all ages. However, my niece and nephew loved my new ornaments so much that I just had to get them one of these silly Advent calendars for themselves. There’s just something about googly eyes that transcends generation!
I love that the ornaments are reusable and sturdy, so I can enjoy them year after year. Because of the excellent quality and fun execution, opening each day feels like celebrating Christmas again and again. At only $25, it’s also incredibly budget-friendly, making it a great white elephant gift as well.
“I’m a big fan of Advent calendars that double as decor, and this Sugarfina x Peanuts countdown is adorable,” says tester Katie Bandurski. “It arrived at my door in a brown box with two ice packs (which were fully melted). Still, even despite the September heat wave, everything was perfectly intact.”
The calendar itself is shaped like the iconic red doghouse. It gets even better when you open the doors to the calendar and find a pop-up paper Snoopy that unfolds to assume his go-to position. This calendar gets major points for its design—even before you get into the good stuff!
As far as contents go, inside are 24 Sugarfina sweet treats. Most are gummies, including fun holiday shapes (reindeer carrots, holiday trees, snowmen) while others are delightful flavors (peach hearts, sparkling stars, passion fruit). There are a few non-gummy candies as well like sparkle pops, chocolate biscuits and confetti caramels.
Each drawer comes filled with four small pieces of candy. Our biggest con? Some of the ingredients are less than ideal, given the price point. We were especially disappointed to see food dyes, especially, instead of natural alternatives, given the elevated price point and “luxury feel.” That said, the treats themselves were delicious. The Sparkle Pops especially stood out to Katie.
“They looked like malted milk balls but had sparkling popping candy inside,” she says. “These were super fun. Each one explodes in your mouth but has a nice chocolaty flavor, too. I like that each little candy is wrapped in its own cellophane bag to keep it fresh, and it includes a tear perforation so it’s easy to open.”
Licorice isn’t for everybody, but even those that swear off the saccharine-yet-salty sweet may change their mind after opening up this licorice Advent calendar. In one of the first doors on this Advent calendar, Lakrids by Bulow make a promise: these delightful licorice bites will entice everyone—including folks who purportedly hate licorice. I’d say these tasty candies live up to that promise.
Each window brings with it two bites of premium licorice, enrobed in a flavored chocolate coating. I never thought lemon or mint lakrids (Danish for “licorice”) could taste so tantalizing. But from the first bite, I was sold. Each day was a new adventure indulging in this mysterious world of flavor.
Those that feel like exploring flavors like golden oranges, sea buckthorn, milkshake and even double caramel mint won’t be disappointed. While this isn’t the candy Advent calendar everyone would choose, those seeking to expand their horizons and indulge in a luxury experience will not be disappointed by the delightful flavors.
It’s a bit on the pricey side, but very comparable to other premium candy Advent calendars such as Sugarfina. Bonus: The brand uses real licorice root and molasses, so it’s very much a traditional lakrids calendar boasting premium ingredients.
This Harry & David countdown features 24 tastes of the brand’s most iconic products. You’ll snack on a little bit of everything—think Moose Munch popcorn, dried fruits and nuts, cookies and even a Royal Riviera pear. Weighing in at over 7 pounds, this bountiful Advent calendar is big enough for the whole family. We can’t think of a more delicious food gift.
We tested the Harry & David calendar in 2023 and 2024, and it consistently checks all the boxes. Yes, the strong variety of goodies is impressive. But it’s the amount of care and attention that went into this Advent calendar that makes it stand out.
While some countdowns only have one treat per day, most days within the Harry & David calendar include multiple snacks and desserts, so you don’t have to fight over who gets what (or whose day it is to choose a treat).
Plus, each confection is wrapped in gift-worthy packaging. Every day truly feels like a little gift to yourself. Adorable winter designs make the packaging cute and festive without being too over the top. The real magic lies within the delightful treats. If you only get one Advent calendar, let it be the Best of Harry & David countdown. It’s a winner for a reason!
Being bibliophiles, we absolutely had to test out this Advent calendar built for book lovers. We weren’t quite sure what to expect with this calendar, which promises “24 miniature books of prompts, trivia, and illustrations.” But this charming calendar quickly won us over thanks to the bright, colorful packaging featuring illustrations of popular books.
Inside, 24 tiny little paper books come tucked in sleeves. On the right, an empty, colorful “library” waits to be filled. You also get a little “my year of reading” journal and on Christmas day, a little “Bibliophile” charm. Each of the daily “books” is made of cardboard and is beautifully illustrated. It included a question or two. Think “what was the best book you read this year” or “what’s your favorite bookstore” or “what’s your favorite historical novel.”
After you complete each day, you can move the little mini book over to the built-in bookshelf. The mini library is a super display-worthy calendar and a fun conversation starter. It’s also a cute way to work through your yearly reading journey. That said, we do wish the questions got a little deeper and more introspective, though they’re perfect for a light reflection. It’s also worth noting that the text inside the books is quite small, so you may need a magnifying glass to see it!
For fans of both books and miniatures, this is a fun daily activity to look forward to each day leading up to Christmas.
Though baking Christmas cookies is preferred, Walker’s Shortbread Advent calendar holds tastebuds over until holiday bakeoffs commence. At under $50, this is one of the most delectable Christmas countdowns the whole family can enjoy. Just beware, you’ll want to open each door the minute it arrives—the cookies are that good.
Katie tested the countdown and can confirm her box arrived in perfect condition. As for the cookies? It was hard to hold herself back from eating all 24 treats at once, but she’s happy to share that every single cookie stayed intact through the shipping process—no crumbles in sight.
“Your morning cup of coffee or tea gets a lot more delicious when accompanied by this shortbread countdown. Each individually wrapped treat is fresh and buttery,” says Katie of this cookie calendar. “Kids from one to 92 will appreciate this sugary sweet calendar. I love the festive red details, and each day is easy to open.”
I’ll definitely be gifting this sweet countdown to far-away loved ones this year. Who wouldn’t want to end (or start) their day with a delectable buttery cookie?
For those seeking a luxury tea experience that lasts for more than 24 days, the Vahdam tea bags set is the perfect calendar. Unlike other tea Advent calendars I’ve tried, each of the numbered drawers in this festive standalone calendar boasts five servings of a new blend each day. It’s a great option for either stocking up or sharing with others!
The packaging is stunning and sturdy. The front unfolds to expose a cozy winter scene. Inside, there are 24 drawers absolutely stuffed with luxe tea blends. The calendar is really pretty and made from thick paperboard—I could see myself refilling this for future Advent experiences.
The teas themselves are fresh and fragrant. Many are spiced, herbal flavors, but there is also a smattering of fruity green teas, delicate white teas and dark, earthy black teas. Each inclusion feels thoughtful and offers a new experience each day.
Be sure to check out our other favorite tea Advent calendars for additional variety!
If coffee is your preferred caffeinated drink, you need to try Door County Coffee’s Advent calendar. Tester Katie Bandurski tested the Advent calendar and recommends it for those who consider coffee their must-have wintertime beverage.
“As a Wisconsinite, I have the privilege of visiting Door County regularly. And the DC coffee shop in Sturgeon Bay is always on my “must” list. I love the brand’s wide array of cozy flavors,” says Katie. “I’m impressed with this calendar’s packaging. It’s pretty big and will certainly stand out in your kitchen, but I like the easy-open doors and cheerful artwork. If you love flavored coffee, this countdown will certainly add some pep to your December step.”
But the way it looks isn’t the only draw—it’s the flavors that really make this a gift that keeps on giving. Last year’s Advent calendar featured a mix of holiday blends and timeless favorites. Wake up to Mistletoe Mocha or Jingle Bell Java one day, then brew a classic Breakfast Blend or signature Highlander Grogg the next.
Each set includes 24 1.5-ounce bags of grounds that fit perfectly in your drip coffeemaker for a full pot, or you can scoop a tablespoon or two for a perfect pour-over. While we haven’t had the privilege of testing the 2025 calendar as of publication, it looks virtually the same as the 2024 version.
Prefer K-Cups or instant coffee instead? Take a look at our other favorite coffee Advent calendars.
Grab your favorite wine glass and pour one out because we found the best wine gift this holiday season. While some wine Advent calendars include only 12 mini bottles of vino, we appreciate the tasteful yet indulgent nature of this In Good Taste mixed wine Advent calendar.
Apart from boasting 24 mini bottles with enough wine for one (or a tasting portion for two), it also offers a selection of whites, reds and rosés that are equally delicious and distinguishable from one another. Inclusions range from bespoke beverages to unexpected favorites. You’ll find everything from refreshingly light Sauvignon Blanc to dark and adventurous Shiraz.
We tried the 2024 and 2025 In Good Taste Advent calendars and were impressed at every step of the experience.
Each bottle is packaged securely inside its slot, meaning zero breakage during transit. The bottles themselves are also display-worthy for those who want to upcycle them for flower propagation or candles. Each comes with a mini cork, too, which makes it easy to save them for later in the fridge. The back of the package includes a QR code that links to a daily video detailing each wine, so you can sip along with the experts at In Good Taste.
In Good Taste also offers an all-red wine option, a white and rosé calendar and a luxury version for those who appreciate the finer things.
The nature lover in your life will love unwrapping a new animal ornament during the 12 days of Christmas. This Enchanted Forest Christmas ornament countdown includes a dozen 3D ornaments in classic red, green and white hues. Each ornament is ready to hang, thanks to an included ribbon, and comes with a keepsake card.
“I’ve tested many FreshCut Paper Advent calendars, and this new version for 2025 makes a lovely gift,” shares Katie. “I love that the paper ornaments can be reused year over year, and the animal designs are oh-so sweet. Plus, some Advent calendars have a massive footprint. I love that this sleek set takes up very little space.”
We all have someone on our list whose love language is puzzle-building. Personally, us crafters at Taste of Home can’t pass up a good evening spent creating a display-worthy puzzle while sipping on our favorite cozy beverages. That’s exactly what you’ll score with the Home for the Holidays puzzle countdown—12 nights of puzzles fit for cozy evenings leading up to Christmas.
The bite-sized packages make it much easier to finish this 500-piece puzzle in a limited time frame, so it’s great for kids or easily distracted adults.
As someone who loves puzzles, seeing the artwork grow each day is such a fun reminder of the impending holidays! Plus, I love that this can be framed and used as yearly holiday decor. It’s just such a relaxing way to spend your pre-holiday evenings.
Each mini-puzzle depicts a different part of the cozy holiday scene. Combine them to create Christmas wall art, or save the piece to put together next year! Then, order a puzzle of the month club for a holiday gift.
Non-edible Advent calendars can be just as fun as their sweet counterparts. Kids (and kids at heart) will look forward to this DIY ornament countdown every. single. day. It’s filled with 25 adorable felt DIY ornaments, plus a slew of other crafty goodies.
“I can’t get over how cute this DIY ornament countdown from Uncommon Goods is,” shares Katie, who tested the 2024 version. “As a crafter, I love a good DIY—but I don’t want a project that’s going to take a ton of time each day. These nifty little ornaments are so much fun. Simply peel and stick the parts in place, add your ribbon and voila! Little hands will love the festive shapes, and I love the ease of use. I plan to hang all of mine on their own tiny tree.”
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Winter Fox Advent calendar is sold out for 2025. However, Compartes also sells a similar Wicked: For Good countdown that, as of press time, is still available.
Yes, the Compartes chocolate Advent calendar may feel pricey, but there’s a reason it makes our list of best Advent calendars. Compartes is a gourmet chocolatier fusing art and creativity into every bite. Every detail, from the stunning packaging to the exceptional handmade treats, exudes artful excellence.
I had the pleasure of testing the Winter Fox countdown and can confirm the brand’s “no-melt guarantee” holds up. The calendar arrived carefully packaged inside a box packed with ice to keep the chocolates in perfect condition until opening. The 24 days of chocolate are an enchanting treasure to look forward to every morning (or evening).
We won’t spoil all the surprises, but you can expect rich chocolates with a slightly creamy inside that greet tastebuds to earthly delights like chocolate orange, blackberry crumble and cookies and cream. Some flavors are even limited-edition ones made for the calendar!
Between the whimsical ‘once upon a time’ theme and the adorable forest prints on the packaging, it feels like you’re opening up a storybook. The woodland creatures carefully painted on each chocolate are true works of art.
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Papier Advent calendar is sold out for 2025.
For folks who still appreciate the art of sending letters and documenting memos on paper, the Papier Stationery Advent Calendar is well worth the splurge. This luxury countdown is loaded with 24 desk delights that make crafting snail mail a dream. It truly checks all the boxes: luxurious, cohesive, joyful and, a personal favorite, practical.
“I had, of course, seen the listing photos online, but they were nothing compared to encountering the countdown in person,” says tester Katie Bandurski in her review of the calendar. “I genuinely gasped when I pulled the rich, berry-hued box from its packaging. It’s shaped like a giant letter, just begging to be opened.”
When you “open the envelope” you’re greeted with four layers of perfectly packaged mini presents to open each day until Christmas. After the first layer, there are two side drawers that pull open to reveal even more treasures, and a third and final drawer on the bottom. Each gift is exquisitely wrapped in a thick paper in an array of cohesive yet distinct patterns.
“If you want an Advent calendar that feels like you’re truly opening a gift, rather than just pulling open a drawer, this is the best option I’ve seen in my years of AC testing,” says Katie.
This luxury calendar sells out almost every year, so we recommend ordering it as soon as you can.
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Dandelion Chocolate Advent calendar is sold out for 2025.
Part artwork, part delicious treats, the 2025 Dandelion Chocolate Advent calendar is a worthy splurge. It features 25 exclusive confections— each hand-crafted by one of North America’s most inspired chocolatiers. And, as an added bonus, each bite is tucked inside an ornament box you can reuse on your tree.
It’s chocolate, so of course it’s going to be delicious. But the flavors are phenomenal, ranging from festive favorites like gingerbread to captivating concoctions like cardamom, honey and snickerdoodle. I was also wowed by the pretty, hand-painted designs.
Like many of the other best chocolate Advent calendars on our list, the Dandelion version tells a story. This year’s experience captures the essence of 25 of our Solar System’s moons. An illustrated moon map and tasting book allow you to discover a new bite every day of December.
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Fly by Jing Advent calendar is sold out for 2025.
If you’re a fan of spicy food, the Fly By Jing Advent calendar is the calendar for you. Last year’s Winter in Szechuan calendar impressed, the new 2025 edition is even better. Not only do you get to try Fly By Jing’s famous flavors (hello, chili crisp), but there are inclusions here that you literally can’t find anywhere else. It’s quite the exclusive calendar for spice lovers!
Some of the highlights of this calendar span spicy instant noodles, Fly by Jing’s original chili crisp and the brand’s signature Sweet & Spicy Zhong sauce. Even if you live with someone who can’t handle spice, several seasonings are milder in flavor. These include the brand’s sweet shallot sauce and BBQ spice rub. Both limited edition flavors are not available for separate purchase.
There’s only full-sized jars and packages included, making it well worth the $100 price point. I love Fly By Jing’s products (most notably their hot pot broths), and the quality is just as I expect from them. And, considering you get nearly double the products you’d get in one of their gift sets at a similar price point, it’s kind of a steal!
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Murray’s cheese Advent calendar is sold out for 2025.
When it comes to high-quality charcuterie, there’s no better cheese than that from Murray’s. The Murray’s Advent calendar is a staple in my home year after year, and this year’s spread didn’t disappoint. Bursting with two pounds (!!!) of cheese and a number of delicious accompaniments, Murray’s countdown is delightful both alone and partnered with a wine Advent calendar.
There’s a number of different cheeses inside, from mild Gouda to sharp and flavorful English cheddar. Each one arrives in a generous serving, making it a fun experience to share with others. The calendar also comes with a cute cheese-centric Christmas print that makes it highly giftable. It’s packed and shipped carefully with ice packs and insulation, arriving at my door cold and fresh each year.
While the cheese itself is amazing, some days only have crackers or other pairings. Because of this, I highly recommend you save some of the previous day’s cheese or wait until the next day to enjoy a pairing. The days with cheese were arguably the best, but finding other delicious accompaniments like jams and crackers broke up the monotony and added a fun pairing element. Other offerings include Effie’s oat cakes and four sweet and spiced jellies that pair gorgeously with the included cheeses.
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Oliviers & Co. Advent calendar is sold out for 2025.
I can attest that during the holiday season, there’s no lack of freshly baked treats in a foodie household. That’s why we love the Oliviers & Co calendar. This savory (and slightly sweet!) calendar is designed like a cupboard in a store, with contents that bring the excitement of overseas flavors right to the recipient. It also impressed as the best food Advent calendar we tested.
Doors open to reveal 24 days of surprises. And surprises they are! You truly never know what you’ll get with this classy calendar. Katie was both impressed and surprised each and every day as she revealed treats like truffles, infused olive oils and fancy vinegar.
“I didn’t quite know what to expect with the Oliviers & Co countdown, but it ended up being one of my favorites! The packaging is truly so beautiful, I felt as if I had been transported to France,” says Katie. “There’s never a lack of sweets around the holidays, so I love that this calendar also includes savory (and gourmet) ingredients like olive oil and vinegar. It’s a great way to try the products before committing to a full-size bottle.”
We love that almost every item in this Advent calendar is available to purchase at Oliviers & Co. in case you spot any fast favorites. It’s also one of the more artistic countdowns we’ve seen. It’s not overly Christmas-y while still being festive—talk about a stunning addition to your kitchen over the holidays.
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the spice Advent calendar is sold out for 2025.
Holiday flavors typically include gingerbread or cinnamon. But what about old-fashioned curry, merlot wine salt or Zaatar? With the 24 Days of Spices calendar, you can explore two dozen different globally inspired seasonings to create your own festive dishes.
The calendar opens like a book, but you don’t have to open it to smell the delightful fragrances of the contents. Inside, the days are numbered. Flip it over, and the spices are listed along with ingredients and notes on the back. Each offers a helpful descriptor, letting the recipient know what flavors to expect and how to use the spices. The collection includes savory and sweet spices as well as many global flavors.
“The first thing I noticed when the package arrived was how good it smelled. The spices are so fragrant and fresh,” says Pamela. “The packaging is colorful and festive for the holiday season. Cinnamon sticks, cloves and holly let me know that this truly is a Christmas Advent calendar.”
While we love the spices, we didn’t see them available for repurchase on the website. Sure, that makes the blends in this calendar extra special, but we’d love the ability to repurchase any favorites. Additionally, be careful when snagging this one for someone with allergies, as it contains many common allergens.
That said, it’s a fantastic motivator to use new flavors in your cooking. Pamela suggests using each day’s spice for your evening meal to truly explore what makes each day’s spoils unique.
First things first: decide whether you’re looking for the true Advent experience or a smaller 12-day countdown instead. The beauty of this tradition is the sheer variety of options available!
Katie suggests finding a calendar that aligns with your age, favorite food or drink items and budget. You’ll also want to consider a few practical details, like if you have enough fridge space for a cheese calendar or the time for a crafting calendar. “The goal of modern Advent calendars is to spark joy,” reminds Katie. “The holiday season can be tough. Reclaim some of that childhood magic with a countdown catered to your interests.”
The biggest consideration is probably cost vs. value. Editors vetted all of the options on this list and believe that each has a well-justified value. Some picks contain contents worth more than the price of the calendar, while others include goodies that aren’t available outside the calendar. These exclusives are some of our favorite inclusions!
We get it—the world of holiday countdowns has exploded, and it’s overwhelming just how many options are available today. Not only did we thoroughly research the best Advent calendars across food, beverage, lifestyle and home categories, but we also tested over 100 picks in 2023, 2024 and 2025. We chose inclusions ranging from $15-$300 to narrow down the absolute best Christmas countdowns.
So, how exactly do you test an Advent calendar? First, we evaluated the technical details like overall packaging and shipping experience—emphasis on experience. Advent calendars aren’t just a silly little countdown. The best ones get the whole family in on the fun, boast a strong surprise element, include gorgeous packaging and offer an exceptional value for the price. For foodie countdowns that include treats that are prone to spoiling, we also evaluated their overall taste and freshness over the course of several weeks. Bonus points if they include limited edition goodies you can’t find anywhere else.
Some of the calendars we tested didn’t make the cut. Here are the ones we tested that didn’t appear on the list. While some were omitted due to issues found during testing, there are also many options that fell just short of the high bar we set. We recommend perusing this list to get our take on each pick—some of these Advent calendars are still well worth purchasing!
An Advent calendar comes from the Christmas tradition of Advent, which is a countdown to the holiday. In Christian religions, it’s the time to prepare for the birth of Jesus.
Advent calendars typically feature 12 or 24 “windows” that traditionally contain treats, toys or other surprises. Each day, the recipient opens one of the windows and enjoys that day’s prize. Open the numbered windows in order for the most authentic experience.
Advent calendars typically contain either 12 or 24 windows, but some offer as few as eight.
Because it’s technically a calendar, we recommended starting on day 1 to correspond with each day’s date. That will also help you keep track of what days you’ve completed already without having to do any math. Some Advent calendars also feature the best surprises at the end of the calendar, so it’s fun to lead up to them. But, of course, if you want to spice things up, you can also start at 24 and count backward to the days leading up to Christmas. For calendars with 12 surprises, start opening on December 13.
Since 2022, I’ve written and edited content for national print and digital publications, including Taste of Home, Reader’s Digest and more. I also love helping readers find the absolute best buys worthy of their wallets. As Taste of Home’s resident Advent calendar expert, I’ve researched and tested over a hundred holiday countdowns across every category to find the absolute best ones for 2025. We stuck to our areas of expertise by recommending the top picks within the food, beverage, home and lifestyle categories.
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