Holidays

Countdown to Flavor: 50 Festive Food & Drink Advent Calendars

The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes one of the most delightful traditions—Advent calendars! These charming countdowns not only help us mark the days leading up to Christmas but also add a little spark of joy to each day. While the Christmas tree usually takes center stage, Advent calendars have quickly become a beloved holiday staple in the U.S., as they’ve been in Europe for years. And in 2024, the variety of Advent calendars available is bigger and better than ever, offering something for everyone.

I’m excited to present Countdown to Flavor: 50 Festive Food & Drink Advent Calendars. Whether you’re a parent looking to surprise your kids with fun treats or an adult wanting to add a bit of holiday magic to your routine, there’s a calendar on this list for you. From gourmet chocolates to baking goodies and savory delights, these Advent calendars will make every day leading up to Christmas even more festive. Get ready to celebrate the season with a daily dose of deliciousness and excitement!

The Magic of Advent Calendars

Advent calendars are more than just a festive way to count down the days to Christmas—they’ve become a beloved holiday tradition that adds a touch of magic to every morning. Each small surprise, whether it’s chocolates, toys, or gourmet treats, heightens the excitement as we get closer to the big day. Rooted in European customs and growing rapidly in popularity in the U.S., Advent calendars remind us to savor the simple joys of the season.

Starting as chalk marks on doors in the 19th century, Advent calendars evolved into candles, then charming, hand-painted designs originating from German Christmas traditions. Eventually, they took on the familiar form of small doors revealing chocolates and treats, much like the ones we know today. It’s hard to imagine what our ancestors would think of the countless Advent calendars available now!

Whether designed for kids with tiny treasures or for adults filled with indulgent delights, Advent calendars have become an essential part of modern holiday celebrations. They offer a fun, daily dose of holiday cheer, bringing joy in small, thoughtful packages. Over the years, the selection has expanded significantly, catering to all kinds of interests. From sweets to savory snacks, DIY baking projects, boozy drinks, and more, the possibilities are endless. In this list, you’ll find Advent calendars in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges—there’s truly something for everyone!

A Sweet Celebration of the Season

Traditional Advent calendars filled with chocolates and candies are a timeless favorite for both kids and adults. There’s something irresistibly joyful about enjoying a sweet treat each day as Christmas approaches. Here are some standout sweet Advent calendars that are sure to delight people of all ages. One to watch for is the Wicklein Gingerbread Cookie Advent Calendar, containing a sweet cookie surprise for every day! And don’t forget—you can pair some of these calendars with the Christmas books and movies that inspired them for extra holiday fun. 

Photo of 12 Days of Astronaut Ice Cream Advent Calendar
12 Days of Astronaut Ice Cream
A rocket-shaped Advent calendar filled with 12 different freeze-dried treats inspired by the desserts first enjoyed by the crew of Apollo 7. What kid wouldn’t love to eat like an astronaut? 
Photo of 12 Days of Giant Christmas Macarons Set
12 Days of Giant Christmas Macarons Set
12 giant holiday-themed macarons to celebrate the Advent season. I love macarons and can’t wait to get a taste of these giant ones! Some of the flavors included are Hot Cocoa, Peppermint Snowflake, Cranberry & Brie, and Gingerbread Man.
24 Tastes of Christmas Candy Advent Calendar
24 Tastes of Christmas Candy Advent Calendar
A festive calendar featuring a wide variety of candies from Sugarfina. Each drawer is filled with multiple pieces of candy including chocolate covered cookie dough, snowman gummies, red apple caramels and more for you to share with your loved ones. 
Charbonnel Et Walker Chocolate and Truffles Advent Calendar
The beautiful Advent calendar is illustrated to show the Bond Street store in 1875, with antique tiles, a Victorian shop counter, with beautiful chocolates. Chocolate brownie, caramelized biscuit, and dark chocolate with edible gold leaf-filled are just a few of the truffles included in this delicious calendar. 
Countdown Candy Tree Advent Calendar, Dylan’s Candy Bar
You can never have too many Christmas trees and this oversized Candy Tree Advent calendar will make a statement in your home. Each candy tree has 24 ornaments filled with candy to open each day leading up to Christmas. Plus, you can buy candy refills each year for this tree!
Alt image 1 for Elf Advent Calendar
Elf™ Advent Calendar
Featuring sweets that Buddy the Elf himself would love this Advent calendar will transform your Christmas spirit. Sweet treats include colorful caramels, milk chocolates, maple syrup, marshmallows and more.
Photo of Harry Potter Advent Calendar
Harry Potter Advent Calendar
Be careful you never know what flavor of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans you will get with this calendar. Don’t worry there are lots of other sweet treats to enjoy including Lemon sherbets and gummy candies. 
Photo of Lindt Teddy Bear Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar
Lindt Teddy Bear Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar
One of the cutest Advent calendars I’ve seen this sweet teddy bear is filled with an assortment of individually wrapped Lindt chocolate truffles. It’s perfect for the Lindt chocolate lover in your life.  

McCrea’s Candies 2024 Gourmet Caramel Advent Calendar

McCrea’s Candies 2024 Gourmet Caramel Advent Calendar
The artwork makes you feel like you are curled up in front of the fire enjoying your treats. Can’t wait to try these caramels, one of my favorite desserts, and imagine what the creatures are up to next.
Oh Christmas Treat Advent Calendar, Dylan’s Candy Bar
A bright treat-filled tree advent calendar to make your holidays a little sweeter. Includes sweet and sour candies from Dylan’s Candy Bar. 
Photo of Sees Candies 2024 Advent Calendar
See’s Candies 2024 Advent Calendar
A sweet storybook illustration inside sets the scene for the delicious 1 lb. of See’s candies. Includes candies and their famous lollypops – which I love so much! 
The Grinch™ Advent Calendar
The Grinch™ Advent Calendar
Make your heart grow with these delicious sweets to enjoy every morning until Christmas. Even the Grinch would love these chewy caramels, colorful fruit gummies, and premium milk chocolates.
Photo of Wicklein Gingerbread Cookie Advent Calendar
Wicklein Gingerbread Cookie Advent Calendar
Do you know someone who loves gingerbread cookies? This is the perfect gift for them. Containing traditional gingerbread cookies from Wicklein who has been crafting gingerbread since 1615. 

Culinary Delights: Foodie Advent Calendars

For the foodie in your life, there’s always an abundance of Advent calendars to choose from. Some of the newer options, like those featuring soups, oils, and spices, are especially exciting! Once again, I’ve already picked up the Bonne Maman Advent calendar for my parents – they love it so much! 
Photo of 12 Days of Bacon Advent Calendar
12 Days of Bacon Advent Calendar
12 Days of Bacon Advent calendar with bacon-infused snacks and novelties, including bacon-flavored nuts, brittle, chocolate-covered bacon, and more! Perfect for the man in your life. 
Photo of 12 Days of Caviar Advent Calendar
12 Days of Caviar
A luxury Advent calendar includes 12 drawers of 1 oz tins of caviar and roe, mother-of-pearl spoons, a tin key, and an exclusive recipe book for two people to enjoy. Have a foodie that’s hard to buy for? This is the perfect gift for them.
Photo of 12 Days of Hot Sauce Advent Calendar
12 Days of Hot Sauce Advent Calendar
Gift some holiday heat to usher in the Advent season. This is a firery collection of hot sauce sure to spice up the holidays. I bet we all have a family member who would look forward to opening these doors each day – I know my Dad would love it. 
Photo of Bonne Maman 2024 Limited Edition Advent Calendar
Bonne Maman 2024 Limited Edition Advent Calendar
Bonnie Maman Advent calendar includes 24 unique flavors including some exclusive holiday flavors of preserves, jellies, and honey. The Bonne Maman Advent calendar has become one of our family traditions – we give it to my parents every year.
Photo of Cerreto Organic 12 Days of Italian Soups Gift Box
Cerreto Organic 12 Days of Italian Soups Gift Box
A super unique Advent calendar featuring 12 vegan Italian soup mixes made with premium organic ingredients. Great for those in your family who prefers savory over sweet. 
Oliviers & Co, Advent Calendar
Oliviers & Co, Advent Calendar
A fun way to try a gourmet selection of condiments, including olive oil, vinegar, truffles, jam, honey, and salts. This is a great gift idea for anyone who loves to cook in your family. 
Spice Advent Calendar
Spice Advent Calendar
An exclusive spice Advent calendar created for Williams Sonoma by Parisian spice specialist Le Comptoir Colonial. The spices included will be great for vegetables, fish, meat, and sweet dishes. A great way to try a new spice and dish.  

Oven-Ready: Advent Calendars for Baking Enthusiasts

Advent calendars that inspire creativity in the kitchen are perfect for families. Some of my most cherished memories involve baking for the Christmas season with family and we would have loved these to help create more delicious treats. Consider these delectable Advent calendars as a way to whip up your own culinary moments and family traditions leading up to Christmas Day. 

Photo of Williams Sonoma Cookie Cutter Advent Calendar
Williams Sonoma Cookie Cutter Advent Calendar
An Advent calendar filled with 24 festive stainless-steel, enameled, and copper-plated cutters perfect for bringing the joy of the holidays to your baking. Includes cookie cutters for Christmas and other holidays. 

Alt image 2 for Williams Sonoma Holiday Advent Calendar: 24 Days of Baking Cookies

Williams Sonoma Holiday Advent Calendar: 24 Days of Baking Cookies
This Advent calendar includes cookie cutters, piping bags, gift bags, decorating tips, spatulas, and more. Plus, the box features recipes for chocolate crinkle cookies and sugar cookies. 

Brewing Up the Holidays: Drink Advent Calendars to Try

 

Start your mornings with a festive touch during Advent by treating yourself to a special drink. Whether you’re into coffee, tea, hot chocolate, matcha or even water infusions, there’s an Advent calendar for everyone. I love a good tea Advent calendar—it’s the perfect way to discover new favorites for the year ahead and try out unique flavors I might not usually choose. This year, though, I’m leaning toward the 12 Days of Matcha Advent Calendar—because I’ve always wanted to try matcha and this seems like a great way to do a taste test. 

12 Days of Hot Cocoa Bombs Advent Calendar

12 Days of Hot Cocoa Bombs Advent Calendar
Hot cocoa is one of my favorite things to drink, especially during the holiday season. I’d much rather have cocoa bombs than bath bombs to sweeten up my day. 
Photo of 12 Days of Matcha Advent Calendar
12 Days of Matcha Advent Calendar
Enjoy 12 different flavors of matcha including organic watermelon matcha, organic vanilla matcha, organic toasted marshmallow matcha and more. The beautiful box has all the directions you need to make the perfect cup of matcha.
Photo of 24 Cups of Cocoa K-Cup Advent Calendar
24 Cups of Cocoa K-Cup Advent Calendar
A great option for the cocoa lover in your family that has a Keruig. This Advent calendar offers flavors including: gingerbread, peppermint (always reminds me of eating a candy cane), caramel and more. 
Keurig® 24 Cups of Cheer Advent Calendar
Make the most of your Keurig and mornings with the 24 Cups of Cheer Advent calendar. It includes flavored and seasonal coffees, hot cocoa, ICED Refreshers, and One Step Latte K-Cup® pods.
Nespresso 2024 Advent Calendar
Original Advent Calendar, Nespresso
The Nespresso Advent calendar design is inspired by luxury train travel. Including three new limited-edition flavors and a sweet surprise: a limited-edition coffee mug. It comes in the original and vertuo capsules. 
Photo of Palais des The Tea Advent Calendar 2024.
Palais des Thé – Tea Advent Calendar 2024
I love a good cup of tea and Palais des The is one of my favorite brands. Enjoy a new tea with flavors including Chinese black tea, Scandinavian tea with cranberry, elderflower, and more. 
Photo of Urban Gourmet Nutcracker Tea Advent Calendar
Urban Gourmet Nutcracker Tea Advent Calendar
An adorable nutcracker tea advent calendar – perfect for your favorite tea drinker. Flavors include Earl Grey, peach, apple, chai-cinnamon, and more!
Waterdrop Advent Calendar
Waterdrop Advent Calendar
I drink a ton of water but a lot of the time I am searching for something with more flavor and vitamins. Waterdrop has cubes that include fruit and plant extracts and this Advent calendar is a great way to try them. Plus, they have different sizes so you can choose the best one for your family members. 

Global Treasures: Advent Calendars from Around the World

International Advent calendars provide a wonderful opportunity to explore and celebrate diverse cultures during the holiday season. These calendars go beyond the typical holiday themes, offering a glimpse into unique customs, flavors, and traditions from around the globe. Each day becomes a small journey, allowing you to connect with the richness and diversity of holiday celebrations worldwide, while adding a little extra joy to your countdown to Christmas. And we all know the French ones speak to my heart!

Photo of Angelina 2024 Advent Calendar
Advent Calendar 2024 by Angelina – Limited Edition
Angelina’s limited edition Advent calendar features a collection of their finest chocolate confections including chestnut cream to crispy giandujas, praline candies, and more! The beautiful Advent calendar will transport you to another world. 
Photo of Cluizel Paris Chocolate Advent Calendar
Cluizel Paris Chocolate Advent Calendar
A gourmet Parisian chocolate Advent calendar including ganaches, fruity pralinés, buttery caramels, and nougats. The packaging is stunning and will look perfect on display during the Advent season. 
Golden Japan: 24 Days of Japanese Delights Advent Calendar
Golden Japan: 24 Days of Japanese Delights Advent Calendar
A Japanese Advent calendar inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi. This elegant calendar is filled with Japanese snacks and handcrafted collectibles to make each day of Advent special. 

Kusmi Tea Organic Advent Calendar
Kusmi Tea Organic Advent Calendar
An organic tea Advent calendar by the famed Paris tea company Kusmi. The calendar includes a mix of black, green, white, and herbal teas, plus a tea infuser in the shape of a fir tree!
Photo of the Laduree Advent Calendar
Ladurée Advent Calendar
24 days of chocolates, caramels and more to transport you to Paris every day in the Advent season. A perfect gift for your favorite Francophile. 
Photo of Lakrids Danish Licorice Advent Calendar
Lakrids by Bülow Danish Licorice Advent Calendar
An Advent calendar filled with Danish licorice candies – in both sweet and salty flavors. Bonus this calendar is gluten-free! I know my sister and mom would love this calendar! 
Photo of La Maison du Chocolat Holiday Glow Advent Calendar
La Maison du Chocolat Holiday Glow Advent Calendar
One of the most stunning Advent calendars I’ve seen. Bring a little bit of France into your home this Christmas season with this snowflake-stamped box filled with handmade bars, dark chocolate pralinés, and more. 
Photo of Wally and Whiz Danish Gummy Advent Calendar
Wally and Whiz Danish Gummy Advent Calendar
A wine gummy candy Advent calendar in a medley of flavors made with fresh and natural ingredients from Danish confectioner Wally and Whiz. The packaging has braille numbers marking each day a feature I’ve only seen on their Advent calendar. 

Snacking in Style: Advent Calendar Delights

Perfect for anyone who loves to snuggle up on the couch with Christmas movies, these snack Advent calendars are sure to keep the festive munching going all season long! As a cheese lover, I can’t wait to get the 12 Days of Cheese Advent Calendar Gift Crate. 

12 Days of Charcuterie Advent Calendar

12 Days of Charcuterie Advent Calendar
I grew up going to my Grandma’s house and there always being cheese and crackers to snack on prior to dinner – normally gouda cheese. So, I have a love affair with charcuterie that started at a very young age. Hickory Farms always brings back those fond memories and I can’t wait to dig into this Advent calendar. 
Photo of 12 Days of Cheese Advent Calendar Gift Crate.
12 Days of Cheese Advent Calendar Gift Crate
A crate filled with a dozen different cheeses from Beehive Creamery out of Utah. These will be the perfect gift for the cheese lover in your family.
Photo of 12 Days of Gourmet Nuts
12 Days of Gourmet Nuts
A dozen nut varieties packaged in collectible tins make up this salty Advent calendar. Flavors include salted pistachios, honey sea salt almonds, cranberry nut blend, coconut curry peanuts and more!
Photo of Christmas Popcorn Advent Calendar
Christmas Popcorn Advent Calendar
The Christmas Popcorn Advent Calendar brings a popcorn lover’s dream to life with premium non-GMO kernels and a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy gourmet seasonings. Made by the family-owned Wabash Valley Farms in Indiana’s famous popcorn country, this calendar offers a daily treat to enjoy all season long.
Photo of DM Snacks Mixed Nut and Snacks Advent Calendar
DM Snacks Mixed Nut and Snacks Advent Calendar
An Advent calendar filled with assorted nuts, seeds, and snacks. Perfect for filling your salty snack cravings during the Advent season. 
Walker's Shortbread Cookie 2023 Holiday Advent Calendar
Walker’s Shortbread Cookie 2024 Holiday Advent Calendar
Do you have a lover of shortbread in your family? This is the perfect Advent calendar for them showcasing the finest in Scottish baking. It’s on my list to get for my Mom.

Cheers to the Holidays: Boozy Advent Calendars

For those who enjoy a little extra spirit during the Advent season, boozy Advent calendars offer a fun way to count down to Christmas with a variety of drink options. Whether you prefer wine, beer, cocktails, or whiskey, there’s something for every palate. Just keep in mind that these calendars can only be shipped to certain states, so you may need to visit a store to grab yours. Be sure to shop early to secure your festive sips as a lot of these will sell out quickly!

Photo of 12 Night of Cocktails Advent Calendar
12 Nights of Cocktails
This Advent calendar contains 12 cocktails from Straightaway Cocktails. Bee’s Knees, Oregon Old Fashioned, Maple Old Fashioned, Margarita, and Espresso Martini are just a few of the cocktails included. 
Anthon Berg Adult Advent Calendar With Liquor Chocolate Bottles
Anthon Berg Adult Advent Calendar With Liquor Chocolate Bottles
Just for the grown-ups an Advent calendar with 24 liqueur-filled dark chocolates to liven up your Christmas season. The premium spirits include Cointreau, The Famous Grouse Whisky, Licor 43, and more. 
Hard Seltzer Advent Calendar
Hard Seltzer Advent Calendar
Featuring 12 limited-edition seltzers from breweries around the US. Some well-known brands such as White Claw, Truly, and Vizzy are included plus some hidden gems you may not know about yet. 
It's the Most Winederful Time of the Year Wine Advent
It’s the Most Winederful Time of the Year Wine Advent
Trying different types of wine is something I love to do, but I don’t always want to buy a large bottle. I love these little bottles that allow you to try a bunch of different wines over Advent. The included red and white wines come from around the world. 
Photo of The Craft Gin Advent Calendar
The Craft Gin Advent Calendar 2024 | 24*30ML | By DRINKS BY THE DRAM
Enjoy Japanese, Finnish, and British gins served in wax-sealed drams. These are perfect to liven up your holidays. 

The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 2023 | 24*30ML | By DRINKS BY THE DRAM

The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 2024 | 24*30ML | By DRINKS BY THE DRAM
An Advent calendar filled with Scottish whiskies to enjoy through Christmas Eve. Includes Glenfiddich, Deanston, Nc’nean Huntress, and more. 

I hope this Countdown to Flavor: 50 Festive Food & Drink Advent Calendars has sparked your holiday spirit and left you excited to embrace the season’s magic. Advent calendars are more than just daily delights; they are cherished traditions that bring families and friends closer, filling our days with joy and anticipation while reminding us of the beauty of giving and receiving. Just a friendly reminder to order yours soon, as Advent calendars tend to sell out quickly!

Whether you’re reliving the magic of your childhood or discovering new ways to celebrate the season, there’s an Advent calendar on this list for everyone. Incorporate these wonderful ideas into your Christmas festivities this year, and you’ll create cherished memories to last a lifetime. Wishing you happy holidays and a magical Advent season filled with wonder, joy, and love! 🎄🎁✨

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