Updated Sep. 07, 2024
We tested over 40 Christmas countdowns to find the absolute best Advent calendars. Discover our top picks for coffee, chocolate, candles 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. And there’s just nothing that gets us in the joy-filled Christmas spirit quite like the best Advent calendars.
Today, these beloved countdowns have a little bit more spirit. From chocolates and coffee to boozy beverages (and everything in between), the choices are endless. Because it’s technically a calendar, it’s recommended to start 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 backwards to the days leading up to Christmas. For calendars with 12 surprises, start opening on December 13.
Because we take Advent calendars very seriously, we tested over 40 countdowns in 2023 to recommend the absolute best ones. And, we’re getting a head start on 2024 Advent calendars, testing options as soon as they come onto the market. Find our favorite editor-tested picks below. Ready, set, let the Christmas countdown begin!
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Topping our list of best Advent calendars, 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.
Out of the 40+ countdowns I tested in 2023, the Harry & David calendar 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 like a dancing snowman and cozy fireplace scene make the packaging cute and festive without being too over the top. The real magic lies within the treats waiting to be devoured. If you only get one Advent calendar, let it be the Best of Harry & David countdown. It’s a winner for a reason! And, if you’re shopping for additional goodies like Christmas gift baskets, read our Harry & David review to discover what’s worth adding to your cart (and what’s worth skipping).
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Bonne Maman’s countdown sells out fast every year, so we recommend claiming the 2024 version 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 was lucky enough to get my hands on the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar for some firsthand testing,” shares Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski. “Yes, my calendar arrived in August. And no, I could not wait until December to dig in. Don’t worry, though. I won’t give all the surprises away!”
“There was nary a broken jar or repeat flavor,” adds Katie. “Every December morning, you’ll look forward to indulging in seasonal flavors like Cherry with Pink Peppercorn, Lemon with Elderflower and Rhubarb with Spice.” This has to be one of the best Advent calendars for 2024 because it gives you a reason to make homemade biscuits or toast every day in December.
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If you’re like us, the best Advent calendars include something you can savor every morning—or night. And on chilly winter days, nothing warms the soul better than a classic cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows on top. Enjoy 24 days of drinking chocolate as you count the days until Christmas with this decadent Yawn Brew hot chocolate Advent calendar.
“I tested this hot chocolate Advent calendar and can confirm you’re in for a rich hot chocolate-tasting experience,” says writer Allison Robicelli. “And let me tell you, this is not cheap hot cocoa powder. Hot cocoa is made from dried cocoa powder, but hot chocolate requires actual chocolate. Each package inside the calendar contains ground-up flakes of real chocolate blended with custom flavors and ingredients to create 24 different hot chocolate experiences. Some of the flavors are straightforward, like salted caramel, cinnamon roll and sticky toffee. There are also conceptual flavors like ‘Enchanted Forest’ (which is wonderful), and non-traditional flavors like banana lama and mince pie.”
Pro tip: Mix the hot chocolate in milk using a frother. Speaking of, have you seen these hot chocolate sets perfect for holiday gifting?
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Whiskey lovers and adventurous drinkers alike are in for a real treat thanks to the Flaviar Whiskey Christmas countdown. The 2024 theme, Hotel Flaviar, allows you to discover award-winning whiskeys from distillers across Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Japan and more. We tried Flaviar’s whiskey Advent calendar in 2023, and we can confirm it’s a stellar deal since you score 24 curated 1.7-ounce samples, among other goodies.
“Whiskey samples include award winners and exclusive new releases,” says Senior Shopping Editor 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 black and gold 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.
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For nights when the holidays get stressful, we found just the countdown to get you in the holiday spirit. It’s the GiveThemBeer liquor Advent calendar filled with 24 nights of everyone’s favorite spirits. Think tequila for Christmas margaritas and Bailey’s for creamy espresso martinis.
As a budding mixologist, opening each surprise in this liquor countdown gave me a newfound appreciation for crafting my own cocktails. But you can certainly serve each bottle over ice if that’s more your speed. From popular whiskeys to gin and creamy coffee liqueur, there’s truly something for everyone. I’ll be saving a handful of the bottles to play a fun saran wrap game during holiday parties this year. Bottoms up!
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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.
My favorite weekend activity is brewery hopping, but when the weather is gross there’s no chance I’m leaving my home. I love that this beer Advent calendar brings one of my favorite pastimes to the comfort of my apartment. 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.
I’m not usually one for IPAs, but this countdown expanded my palate in the best ways. My partner and I loved hosting our own happy hour during the 12 days leading up to Christmas, and I know you will, too!
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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 ornaments calendar is,” shares Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski. “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.”
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This is the cutest Advent calendar ever. We won’t give all the surprises away, but a bevy of forest friends gather to celebrate the holidays in snowy, tree-lined woods. With a slim footprint (and price tag!), this paper calendar will easily become a treasured holiday decoration. Plus, it’s one of the most earth-friendly options on our list. Each calendar is 100% recyclable, and the brand plants a tree for every product sold.
“I love animals in pretty much any form—but when they’re wearing sweaters and scarves? Cuteness overload!” says Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski. “This Freshcut Paper calendar is one of my favorite countdowns of the 2023 season. I look forward to opening and sticking a new character onto the calendar every day. Plus, it’s sustainable. Talk about a win-win-win!”
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We all have someone on our list whose love language is puzzle-building. For me, it’s my grandma, but I also can’t pass up a good evening spent creating a display-worthy puzzle while sipping on my favorite cozy beverage. That’s exactly what you’ll score with the Winter Lights puzzle Christmas countdown—12 nights of puzzles fit for cozy evenings leading up to Christmas.
“So, here’s a fun fact: This is the first Advent calendar I’ve ever owned!” says former Senior Shopping Editor Cher Checchio. “I didn’t know what I was missing until I got this Christmas countdown. I’m a huge fan of puzzles (I’ve even framed a few), so I loved putting together 80-piece mini-puzzles for the first 12 days of Christmas. The pieces are sturdy, and the art designs are exquisite. I truly look forward to completing a new puzzle every day. The only downside is that the puzzles are quite small, so some of the detail gets lost.”
Each mini-puzzle depicts a different winter city scene. Combine them to create Christmas wall art or frame them separately for festive DIY art, the choice is yours! Then, order a puzzle of the month club for a holiday gift!
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
Though baking Christmas cookies is preferred, Cheryl’s Cookies’ 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.
I tested the Cheryl’s Cookies countdown and can confirm my box arrived in perfect condition. As for the cookies? It was hard to hold myself back from eating all 12 treats at once, but I’m happy to share that every single cookie stayed intact through the shipping process—no crumbles in sight. I loved the mix of buttercream-frosted holiday cutout cookies and unique flavors like cinnamon roll. Don’t worry. There are also classic cookie flavors inside, but you’ll have to wait to see which ones you want.
To truly experience the freshness, it took me a bit longer than 12 days to get through the calendar. I was impressed by the softness and flavor of the cookies even at three weeks old. 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 delectably soft cookie?
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
There’s nothing better in the winter than curling up with a cup of tea. And this winter, you can give your favorite tea lover (or yourself) the gift of some seriously gourmet tea. The brews in this Christmas tea Advent calendar range from authentic Indian masala chai to cookies and cream herbal tea, so you’re guaranteed a variety of choices.
Upon unboxing Vahdam’s tea Advent calendar, I was impressed by the stunning simplicity of the countdown. It’s pretty enough to hang in the kitchen! Plus, you can tell it’s a high-quality calendar by the loose-leaf tea offerings alone. Though there’s the extra step of pouring each loose-leaf tea sachet into your infuser, it’s worth it for the quality. Pinkies up!
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
Calling all coffee enthusiasts! We’ll let you in on a little secret: coffee Advent calendars make some of the best Advent calendars because they’re the best way to start December mornings with an extra pep in your step. I’ve tested Bean Box’s 12 mornings of coffee countdown for two years now, and it lives up to my steep expectations every. single. time. Not only do you score 12 expertly curated holiday coffees (think milk and cookies and snow joe blend), but this delightful box is an entire experience complete with tasting notes, brew instructions and your choice of whole bean or ground coffee.
My partner and I seriously look forward to discovering a new surprise coffee each morning, and the holiday sachets are ideal for sharing between two drinkers. Because whole-bean coffee is always fresher, we grind our beans and brew them in our French press. I love learning about the independent roasters behind each blend. Every step, from learning about the beans on each sachet to brewing and tasting, offers a delightful experience. Bean Box makes one of our favorite coffee subscriptions, as well.
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
If single-cup brews are more your style, add a K-cup Advent calendar to your cart. Former Senior Shopping Editor Cher Checchio tested the Keurig Advent calendar and shares: “I always pop a K-Cup in my Keurig coffeemaker in the morning, but it’s usually the same caramel macchiato flavor. I was ecstatic to try this Advent calendar variety pack to taste a new brew for each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas. I was so happy when I got to try the Red Velvet Latte with notes of cream cheese frosting and cocoa. The full-bodied, festive flavors inside are truly like giving myself a gift every morning—the gift of delicious java.” While you’re shopping, pick up these genius Keurig cleaning pods, too.
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
Need something a little stronger to start winter mornings on the right foot? The Nespresso Vertuo Advent calendar is one of the best Advent calendars to do the trick—our review confirms it! Offering a tasteful mix of festive and classic coffee flavors, this is truly the easiest (and, might we add, yummiest) way to fill your cup with jingle juice because we all knew we need a little extra during the holidays. The best part? You’ll avoid busy drive-thrus by brewing your own hot coffee or iced latte at home, thanks to this countdown. On the 24th day, unbox a surprise coffee treat to pair with your Nespresso Vertuo machine well after holiday celebrations conclude.
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
Inspired by the Japenese tradition of gifting omiyage (aka souvenirs) when returning from a trip to share your experiences with loved ones, Bokksu’s Japan Wonderland Advent calendar is packed with authentic decor and snacks from local makers in Hokkaido, Kyoto and beyond to bring the tastes of Japan to your home.
Upon my first taste of this countdown, I was so impressed by the flavors, packaging and delights hidden behind each door that I had to hold myself back from diving into the rest of the goodies inside. While some holiday countdowns only have one treat for each day, I appreciate that most days in this calendar include two of each snack so everyone in my household can enjoy their own treat.
Plus, it comes with a cultural guide to learn about the stories behind each snack as you count down the days until Christmas. The surprise element is strong—you truly don’t know what you’re getting until you open a door (or peak inside the included cultural guide). Consider this the best Advent calendar for wanderlust-filled foodies on your list and anyone looking to celebrate the delicacies of Japan (matcha mochi, anyone?). The Bokksu snack subscription box also makes a great holiday gift!
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
For years, my family’s go-to holiday gift for when we don’t know what to give someone is Godiva’s Christmas chocolates. They’re affordable, high-quality and luxuriously smooth. Plus, if there’s one thing everyone can rally over, it’s chocolate. So when I discovered Godiva’s chocolate Advent calendar for 2023, I had to get my hands on it.
And oh my goodness, these melt-in-your-mouth chocolate treats are what holiday dreams are made of. Every day leading up to Christmas, indulge in a mix of milk, white and dark chocolatey goodness. At under $50, this is one of the best Advent calendars to gift to loved ones—or yourself. Talk about the best Advent calendars!
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
Yes, the Compartés chocolate Advent calendar may feel pricey, but there’s a reason it makes our list of best Advent calendars. Compartés 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.
This year’s gourmet chocolate Advent calendar is no exception. I had the pleasure of testing the countdown, and I 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). I won’t spoil all the surprises, but you can expect rich chocolates with a slightly creamy inside that greet tastebuds to earthly delights like peanut butter banana and honey lavender.
Compartés also makes our favorite box of chocolates. (Which is saying something, considering we tested over 25 options!)
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
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 entire bottles of vino, we appreciate the tasteful yet indulging nature of Vinebox’s 12 nights of wine countdown. First, choose from the cozy collection of sumptuous reds or the chill collection featuring whites, rosés and reds. Then, hold a little happy hour wine tasting during the 12 nights of Christmas to unwind and relax.
Unboxing the Vinebox Advent calendar, I was blown away by the packing. Though it lacks a surprise element (the box opens to reveal all 12 vials), the real surprise is the tasting experience. I’ll be honest—when a bottle of wine is opened, I’m finishing the entire bottle that night. But Vinebox’s “by the glass” concept turns this countdown into an at-home wine tasting, with each vial expertly curated from vineyards across Spain, Italy, France and California. Plus, you can take the experience to the next level with virtual sommelier-led tasting videos. Bonus: there’s also a 24 nights of wine box for extra smooth holiday nights.
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
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 as part of the Most Yarn-derful Time of the Year Bundle.
“As a crafter and budding crocheter, I love The Woobles,” shares Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski. “This social media-famous brand makes a new hobby accessible to everyone with simple instructions and high-quality yarn. The Woobles Advent calendar isn’t quite as beginner-friendly—you need to know some crochet basics—but it’s a great way to practice and conquer small projects.”
“Inside the adorable box, you’ll find 24 drawers stuffed with stickers, stitch markers, accessory kits, instruction cards and the brand’s famous easy-peasy yarn—among other surprises,” adds Katie. “All in, you’ll have everything you need to crochet over a dozen little crafts. Use them as ornaments or accessories for your existing Woobles creatures. Plus, the calendar box is sturdy and oh-so-cute—I plan to use mine for excess yarn storage after the holidays. The only downside? (Spoiler alert!) I would have liked to see the custom crochet hook unveiled a little earlier in the month—otherwise, you’ll need to use one from previous projects.”
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
If 25 days of luxurious holiday scents is more your thing, we have just the countdown. The Apotheke 25-piece Advent calendar will blow you away thanks to its gorgeous packaging alone (I was very impressed), but it’s the candles and reed diffusers inside that take the holidays to the next level. Not to mention the candle accessories to keep your vessels in tip-top shape. Upon unboxing this beauty, I could smell the cheerful aromas inside before pulling the calendar out of the box. Each day truly features a new fragrant surprise (there’s a mix of all kinds of scents, vessels and accessories) to enjoy well through Christmas and into the new year.
In my testing, I was pleasantly surprised by the range of holiday scents and vessel sizes and types. Though I usually prefer massive candles to serve as a centerpiece on the counter or coffee table, I look for something different in a candle Advent calendar. I don’t necessarily want larger-than-life Christmas candles; otherwise, it takes well until February to enjoy them all. That’s why I appreciate the variety of 2.5-ounce candles mixed with reed diffusers and a few 5-ounce candles. The smaller size is what makes this a true countdown: enjoy your scent of the day and move on to the next.
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This calendar is currently unavailable for 2024. We hope it comes back in stock soon!
Stay cool, calm and collected this holiday season with Molly J.’s 25 Days of Chill Advent Calendar. Packed with 25 gumdrops that “keep the holidaze away,” these local, organic and handmade gummies are made from hemp-derived, broad-spectrum CBD. Each gumdrop is THC-free, which is perfect for anyone interested in CBD for calming purposes.
Between traveling, entertaining friends and family, and lots of small talk, the holidays are stressful for everyone. And sometimes, you need something a little more natural to take the edge off. I was delighted to test this CBD countdown, and the best way to describe it is that it’s like candy but for adults. The gumdrops are playful yet calming—what more could you want from the best Advent calendars? Not to mention the stunning packaging that’s almost too luxe to eat. I tested the 25mg dose and can confirm it gently calms the nervous system while keeping anxiety at bay. If you’d rather drink your chill, try the editor-tested Recess drinks this holiday season, too.
Since 2017, I’ve written and edited content for national print and digital publications, including Better Homes & Gardens, Taste of Home, Reader’s Digest and more. I’m well versed in curating the internet to help readers find the absolute best buys worthy of their wallet. I’m also Taste of Home’s resident Advent calendars expert. I’ve researched and tested dozens of holiday countdowns across every category to find the absolute best ones for 2023. To help you find the absolute best Advent calendars, we stuck to our areas of expertise by recommending the top picks within the food, beverage, home and lifestyle categories.
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 40 picks 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.
Originally Published: November 08, 2023
