![The Best Advent Calendars in 2024 [Tested and Reviewed]](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TOHA24_The-Best-Advent-Calendars-for-Everyone-on-Your-List_Katie-Bandurski_FT_OTedit.jpg?fit=500,500&webp=1)
Updated on Nov. 25, 2024
We tested over 30 Christmas countdowns to find the absolute best Advent calendars. Discover our top picks for coffee, chocolate, crafts and a little bit of everything.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
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 Senior Shopping 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 tested over 30 countdowns so far in 2024 to recommend the absolute best ones. We’ll update this piece throughout the holiday season as more countdowns become available. Find our favorite editor-tested picks below. Ready, set? Let the Christmas countdown begin!
Pros:
Cons:
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 30+ countdowns we tested, 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 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!
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).
Pros:
Cons:
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 also 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 red 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.
Pros:
Cons:
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 Katie. “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.”
Pros:
Cons:
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 Nordic Forest Chalet. This cheery countdown doesn’t just contain 24 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 Blood Orange Truffles to Cinnamon Pecan Toffee, Red Fire Chocolate Hearts, Peppermint Candy Cane Gnomes and Fennel Shortbread Cookies, among many other delights.
“When I unboxed this countdown, I truly felt like a kid on Christmas morning,” Katie says. “The Vosges Advent calendar is a feast for the senses. It delights touch with the velvet shingles on the roof and bottle brush trees; 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 musical forest friends—including an owl, squirrel, wolf and reindeer—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.”
This luxury calendar sells out almost every year, so we recommend ordering it as soon as you can. If you miss out, there are still plenty of sweets in the Vosges Holiday Shop.
Pros:
Cons:
Inspired by the Japenese tradition of gifting omiyage (aka souvenirs) when returning from a trip to share your experiences with loved ones, Bokksu’s Golden Japan 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 our first taste of this year’s countdown, we were so impressed by the flavors, packaging and delights hidden behind each door that we had to hold ourselves 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.
The surprise element is strong—you truly don’t know what you’re getting until you open a door (or peek 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!
Pros:
Cons:
For families dedicated to watching all the Christmas classics in the lead-up to the holiday, this Christmas popcorn Advent calendar is the perfect addition to the holiday movie ritual! Pop open each day to reveal a 2.5-ounce bag of kernels or a sachet of popcorn seasoning. All inclusions hail from family-owned Wabash Valley Farms in Indiana’s popcorn country.
Featuring 11 different seasonings ranging from sweet to savory—think fresh-picked buttered sweet corn and salted caramel—and seven different types of kernels, you’re bound to find a blend that speaks to your taste buds. While none of the seasonings are duplicates, there are a few duplicate kernel varieties. But with blends like sweet baby blue and mushroom kernels, you’ll have a difficult time getting bored—especially when they’re dusted with a different flavor each day!
If your family is a Christmas movie crew, this is a great addition to your holiday movie nights. Those who love snacking on popcorn as much as I do will have a great time guessing which seasonings you’ll get to try next. Flavors range from traditional cheddar to blends like French toast.
It’s worth noting that these popcorn packs are meant for stove popping (i.e. they don’t come in microwavable bags), so prepare your popcorn maker or favorite heavy-bottomed pan prior to breaking these out. While no popping instructions are included, you can follow a basic air-popped popcorn recipe with good results.
Pros:
Cons:
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 bottles of vino, we appreciate the tasteful yet indulging 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 like a spicy rosé to less eclectic offerings like Wild Child cabernet sauvignon and La Pluma fiange. Not a fan of white wine? Try the all-reds option. There’s also luxury version for those who appreciate the finer things.
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, too, so you can sip along with the experts at In Good Taste.
Pros:
Cons:
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 porters, IPAs, brown 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!
Pros:
Cons:
Our furry friends shouldn’t be left out of our special holiday traditions! Instead of spending money on ho-hum treats, snag Fido this Bark Box Advent calendar. It features dog toys and treats, all centered on a holiday theme. The treats come individually wrapped, so each is just as fresh as the first.
Resident dog owner and Content Director Nicole Doster tested the Advent calendar with her spoiled pup, Huey. She confirms that it’s not only a great gift for dog lovers but also well worth the splurge for pet parents. Even in the Florida heat, she notes that the “icing” on the treats did not melt—win!
“I squealed with excitement when this Bark Box Advent calendar came in the mail. It was a treat for both me and my dog to open up each day and find the surprise inside,” says Nicole. “While I was very impressed with the assortment of toys that came in the Advent calendar, Huey’s favorite part was definitely the treats. I could barely keep him away.”
“This was an absolute delight to open,” she continues. “My dog was freaking out, wanting me to open more days. He was, of course, more interested in the treats than the toys at first, but who can blame him? The toys have become fast favorites to chew and play with around the house. Huey says this is dog-approved!”
The toys vary from soft toys to toys made for tugging, crinkly toys, patterned balls and hard chewy toys. As for the holiday-themed treats, imagine dazzling candy canes, gingerbread men, wreaths, trees and stars. Some are covered in “frosting,” and some are dry—but all are adorable! All-in-all, your pup enjoys 16 treats and eight themed toys. That’s plenty of festive fun to hold him over until Christmas.
Pros:
Cons:
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. We tested last year’s version and were impressed with the flavorful picks!
“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,” she says.
“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?
Pros:
Cons:
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.
For a budding mixologist, opening each surprise in this liquor countdown gives a newfound appreciation for crafting 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. We’ll be saving a handful of the bottles to play a fun saran wrap game during holiday parties this year. Bottoms up!
Pros:
Cons:
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 Katie. “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.
Pros:
Cons:
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 FreshCut 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 Katie. “This Freshcut Paper calendar is one of my favorite countdowns of the 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!”
Pros:
Cons:
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-size 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.
Pros:
Cons:
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?
Pros:
Cons:
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 Tea Forte Advent calendar range from black currant to cherry marzipan, so you’re guaranteed a variety of choices.
We tried the classic Warming Joy calendar, but they also offer an herbal calendar for those who prefer their teas sans caffeine. Pinkies up!
Upon unboxing this tea Advent calendar, Katie was impressed by the stunning simplicity of the countdown. It’s pretty enough to display in the kitchen, and she loves that the overall shape embodies the tea pyramids nestled inside. Plus, the tea offerings alone tell you it’s a high-quality calendar.
“I’ve been testing Tea Forte products for years, and every time I’m impressed by the way this brand turns a ho-hum daily task into a luxurious experience. The Advent calendar is no exception and truly brings “warming joy” to the holiday season,” says Katie. “Yes, this calendar is pricey. But it’s a gourmet way to try 24 flavors and experiment with what kinds of teas you like.”
Pros:
Cons:
Calling all coffee enthusiasts! We’ll let you in on a little secret: coffee Advent calendars make some of the best Advent calendars. After all, they’re the best way to start December mornings with an extra pep in your step.
Katie tested this Door County Coffee calendar, and it lives up to her steep expectations as a coffee lover. Not only do you score 24 expertly curated coffees (think frosted cinnamon buns and jingle bell java), but this delightful box is an entire experience complete with tasting notes and brew instructions printed on the packages.
“As a Wisconsinite, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Door County Coffee. Their seemingly endless wall of coffee selections is truly magical, and this coffee Advent calendar brings that experience directly into my kitchen,” says Katie.
“If you love flavored coffee, this is the countdown for you! Each bag makes a pot of joe in flavors like cherry creme, grasshopper and mistletoe mocha. No need for creamer with this calendar!”
For gifting, try one of our favorite coffee subscriptions!
Pros:
Cons:
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.
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. Former Editor Madi Koetting 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.
Pros:
Cons:
As of press time, this Advent calendar is sold out. We’re crossing our fingers it comes back in stock!
If single-cup brews are more your style, add a K-cup Advent calendar to your cart. Product Testing Manager 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.”
But the way it looks isn’t the only draw—it’s the flavors that really make this a gift that keeps on giving. 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.
Pros:
Cons:
As of press time, this Advent calendar is sold out. We’re crossing our fingers it comes back in stock!
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 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.
Pros:
Cons:
As of press time, this Advent calendar is sold out. We’re crossing our fingers it comes back in stock!
Cheese is a love language all on its own—just ask the editors who tested the best cheese subscriptions! And when it comes to cheese subscriptions, Murray’s is definitely the GOAT(milk). That’s why we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to sample their acclaimed 12 Days of Cheese calendar.
Each day’s spoils include one of their branded artisan cheeses, hand-selected by their trusted cheesemongers. As if that’s not enough, some days also include pairings like jams and crackers for a true tasting experience. The inclusions are mostly crowd-pleasers and best-sellers, so they’re great for a variety of tastebuds.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that each sample was generous enough for at least two people to enjoy. That makes it a nice tradition to share with the whole family. 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. Definitely save a few bites of your favorites to pair with the accouterments that come later!
Whether it’s with their flavorful truffle cheddar or fragrant Mimolette, you’ll love discussing possible pairings and tasting notes with the family. Or, hunker down with a wine Advent calendar from this list and enjoy them all to yourself—no judgment here!
Pros:
Cons:
As of press time, this Advent calendar is sold out. We’re crossing our fingers it comes back in stock!
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 a crafter and budding crocheter, I love The Woobles,” shares Katie. “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 drawers stuffed with Woobles kits, accessories, instruction cards and the brand’s famous easy-peasy beginner kits—among other surprises. All in all, you’ll have everything you need to crochet several little crafts. Unlike the other calendars we tested, the gorgeous box isn’t just packaging; it repurposes into a wintery cabin playscape or display for all your new friends!
Pros:
Cons:
As of press time, this Advent calendar is sold out. We’re crossing our fingers it comes back in stock!
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.
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 tried 2024’s version and 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 in 2024! 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.
Pros:
Cons:
As of press time, this Advent calendar is sold out. We’re crossing our fingers it comes back in stock!
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, who tested this calendar. “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 30 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.
Since 2022, I’ve written and edited content for national print and digital publications, including 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 calendar expert. I’ve researched and tested dozens of holiday countdowns across every category to find the absolute best ones for 2024. We stuck to our areas of expertise by recommending the top picks within the food, beverage, home and lifestyle categories.
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 backwards to the days leading up to Christmas. For calendars with 12 surprises, start opening on December 13.
