As the last Halloween decorations are carefully packed away, my home undergoes an immediate transformation into a winter wonderland. While some might consider this premature, I cherish the holiday season so deeply that my Thanksgiving table feels incomplete without the warm glow of a decorated Douglas fir and the soft sounds of jazz filling the room.
For those who share this passion for seasonal celebration, Advent calendars offer a delightful way to enhance each day with a new surprise. Whether it's an exotic coffee to kickstart your morning, an afternoon sweet treat, or a pre-mixed cocktail for a relaxing evening, these calendars build anticipation beautifully. As a self-confessed yuletide enthusiast who has tested countless options, I've curated a selection of favourites suitable for adults, children, and the young at heart.
Edible Delights for a Festive Countdown
Bonne Maman 2025 Limited Edition Advent Calendar is an annual highlight for fans of their exceptional preserves. Priced at $49.99, this calendar contains 24 different 1oz (28g) jars featuring flavours like fig and cardamom, Italian mandarin, and milk caramel. Each portion is perfect for elevating your breakfast toast or stirring into plain yogurt throughout December.
See's Candy Advent Calendar, available for $80, brings the classic confectionery assortment into daily delights. Behind each door lies a different treat from their extensive collection, including cashew brittle, dark chocolate scotchmallows, and dark chocolate salted caramel. This high-quality yet reasonably priced option promises to delight chocolate lovers of all ages.
For those seeking luxury, Dandelion Chocolate's 2025 Advent Calendar offers a lunar-themed experience for $328. This San Francisco-based chocolatier presents 25 varieties of handcrafted artisan chocolates from across North America, each nestled in beautiful ornament boxes illustrated by Belgian artist Lina Kusaite that can be hung on your tree.
Walker's Shortbread 2025 Limited Edition Advent Calendar celebrates Scotland's beloved biscuit tradition. Costing between $29.99 and $31.99, it reveals six varieties of these rich, buttery cookies behind its doors, all suitable for vegetarians and certified Kosher (OUD).
Lakrids by Bülow's 2025 Candy Advent Calendar introduces Scandinavian liquorice to American audiences. At $69.99, this gluten and gelatin-free calendar contains two pieces per day, featuring caramel, chocolate, and fruit flavours alongside classic soft black liquorice, all packaged sustainably.
XO's 2025 Holiday Marshmallow Advent Calendar transforms the humble marshmallow into 25 whimsical creations. For $59.95, this Nutcracker-themed calendar delivers light, fluffy squares infused with cinnamon, peppermint, and fruit flavours, all free from gluten, eggs, high-fructose corn syrup, and preservatives.
For those preferring savoury over sweet, Fly By Jing's 2025 Limited Edition Advent Calendar (currently sold out at $98) features Sichuan chili crisp alongside secret noodles and other Chinese-style condiments. This vegan-friendly option is perfect for spice enthusiasts.
Sippable Treats for Holiday Cheer
Flaviar's Whisky Advent Calendar represents a splurge at $299 but offers whisky lovers an exceptional experience. It includes 24 different 50ml samples from around the world, complete with a tasting passport and two collectible Glencairn glasses.
Ole Smoky's 12 Days of Moonshine Minis Holiday Pack keeps spirits high with a dozen 50ml samples. Priced from $32.99 to $39.99, this Tennessee distiller's assortment includes original 100-proof moonshine alongside flavours like banana pudding, apple pie, and sour watermelon.
Straightaway Cocktails' 12 Nights of Cocktails calendar, at $59.95, features ready-to-drink versions of classic bar favourites. Behind its olive sword-adorned doors are 100ml cans containing margaritas, old-fashioneds, mai tais, and espresso martinis - simply pour over ice for instant celebration.
Vinebox's 12 Nights of Wine Calendar offers oenophiles a curated selection for $129. With 100ml pours from Italy, France, Spain, Germany, California, Oregon, and Washington, accompanied by sommelier-led virtual tasting videos, it caters to both experts and newcomers.
Coffee aficionados will appreciate Silver Bridge's Ultimate Coffee Advent Calendar at $94.99. This Ohio-based roaster's festive assortment includes 24 pouches of flavoured and single-origin grinds, including premium 100% Kona coffee.
Palais des Thés' Tea Advent Calendar 2025 brings Parisian tea expertise to your home for $39.90. The 24 different brews range from gentle herbal blends to rare single-estate teas, with QR codes providing audio stories about tea traditions worldwide.
Beauty and Children's Selections
Amazon's Beauty Advent Calendar delivers outstanding value at $98, featuring four mini and eight full-sized products from K-beauty brands Medicube and Laneige, alongside favourites from OPI, Sunday Riley, Milk Makeup, and a full-sized Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick.
Typology's Advent Calendar 2025 focuses on French skincare expertise for $279.90. This minimalist collection includes 13 full-sized items among its 24 pieces, featuring an impressive array of serums alongside castor-oil-infused mascara, tinted lip oils, and colour correctors.
Liberty Men's Advent Calendar 2025 represents the pinnacle of luxury self-care at $345. Among its 25 products, 14 are full-sized, including The Cream by Augustinus Bader, Dermalogica's cleansing gel, and Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate treatment.
For younger enthusiasts, the Lego Friends Advent Calendar ($25.49-$29.99) contains 237 pieces to build a festive sleepover scene, with characters participating in traditional Christmas activities like writing to Santa and making hot chocolate.
Meri Meri's Festive Village Wooden Advent Calendar ($52-$55) offers reusable holiday decor, with wooden pieces that assemble into a complete Christmas village scene for display on mantels or bookshelves.
The National Geographic Science Kit & Rock Collection Advent Calendar ($37.64) combines education and excitement with 11 gemstone specimens and 13 kid-safe experiments, culminating in unearthing pyrite (Fool's gold) from a brick on the final day.
These carefully selected Advent calendars transform the Christmas countdown into a daily celebration, offering something special for every taste and preference while maintaining the magic and anticipation of the holiday season.
