A chocolate Advent calendar is a classic way to ring in the season. Find our top picks for every sweet tooth.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
A chocolate Advent calendar is a classic way to ring in the season. Find our top picks for every sweet tooth.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
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For the best of both worlds, pick up this classic chocolate Advent calendar. We tested the countdown and love that it combines traditional flavors and shapes with smooth, luxurious chocolate. Sink your teeth into 24 confections in flavors like salted caramel lion of Belgium, almond crunch, and a dark ganache heart. Plus, enjoy solid milk and dark pieces in fun holiday shapes.
“I won’t lie, I popped open the first six days of the countdown the minute it arrived,” says former Product Reviews Home Editor Madi Koetting. “I enjoyed it for well over three weeks, and every chocolate tasted as fresh as day one.” With a $50 price tag, this countdown is a middle-tier option for anyone on your list.
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For folks who appreciate a gift that gives back, Tony Chocolonely’s natural countdown is the perfect pick. Apart from its fun and festive look, each day’s chocolate is accompanied by a daily task. These include things like making a Christmas card for a loved one or learning a little about the prevalence of child labor on cocoa plantations. These blurbs work towards teaching about Tony’s mission to end exploitation in the chocolate industry, and each purchase supports that promise.
But social good isn’t the only reason to splurge on this treat. Each calendar is brimming with delicious, ethically sourced Tiny Tonys in flavors like nougat milk chocolate, hazelnut dark milk chocolate, dark milk chocolate pretzel toffee and white chocolate raspberry popping candy. Yum!
I tested the Tony’s Chocolonely calendar, noting that it’s a great gift (or self-care splurge) for those who enjoy contributing to social change as they snack on out-of-this-world chocolates. While some of the factoids on this calendar aren’t ‘fun,’ they’re an excellent reminder of the real reason for the season—having compassion and contributing to causes that benefit the less fortunate.
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Looking to splurge? You can’t go wrong with this luxury chocolate Advent calendar. Available from one of our favorite chocolate brands, the Vosges calendar is anything but ordinary—and that applies to both the inside and the outside.
Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski tested this countdown and was immediately impressed. “The packaging is impeccable,” Katie says. “This will absolutely be a focal point in my holiday decor. The attention to detail is exquisite, from the velvet-kissed roof shingles to the bottlebrush trees to the Nordic patterns on the drawers. You can’t forget about the working lights and music, too!” With the touch of a button, it lights up and plays Christmas selections like “O’ Christmas Tree,“ “The Chipmunks in the Christmas Tree“ and “Deck the Halls.”
Confections like Blood Orange Truffles, Cinnamon Pecan Toffee, Red Fire Chocolate Hearts, Peppermint Candy Cane Gnomes and Fennel Shortbread Cookies will tempt those with refined tastebuds. Additionally, the 25th Christmas spot holds a treasure trove of sweet treats to enjoy on the big day. “I’m a foodie at heart,” Katie admits, “And I love that this calendar really expands my holiday palate away from plain ol’ milk chocolate and peppermint bark. This is an Advent calendar I will treasure all season long.”
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If you’ve ever watched a Hallmark Christmas movie, you know it’s not the holiday season without copious amounts of hot chocolate. Count down to Christmas with this 24-day hot cocoa calendar. Choose from milk or dark chocolate and sip on festive flavors like enchanted forest, candy cane and winter spice all December long.
Writer and former bakery owner Allison Robicelli tried this hot chocolate Advent calendar in 2023 and can confirm it lives up to expectations. Unlike hot cocoa (which comes from cocoa powder, not chocolate), this is true drinking chocolate—just add water or milk! Bonus: The dark chocolate calendar is vegan.
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Seeking something a little “extra?” The La Maison du Chocolat Holiday Glow calendar might be just the thing. Instead of a boring square box, this gorgeous calendar comes in a festive star formation. Between the pretty packaging, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates and built-in gift wrap, it’s a showstopping present for friends, family or yourself.
“The gift box fits perfectly inside the gift bag,” says Editor Mary Henn, who tested the calendar. “The Advent calendar is a star-shaped box that hangs like an oversized ornament. It’s really pretty in person and reminds me of Origami.”
Mary notes that, while she liked the calendar overall, the chocolates are not wrapped in plastic or parchment to keep them fresh. That said, they were all delicious. Inside is a mix of milk and dark chocolate. Most chocolates are pralines, which is true to the brand. There’s also some ganache and caramel fillings for those who desire a little extra oomph in their flavors.
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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 becoming 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.
If you have a sweet tooth, there are tons of other ways to enjoy the holiday without heading to the store. Have you tried Christmas cookie delivery yet?
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This 12-day hot cocoa bomb Advent calendar is an experience and festive treat all in one. It is ideal for little ones and kids at heart. It’s also a fun addition to a chocolate gift basket or as a thoughtful Secret Santa gift. After all, who doesn’t love winding down on a chilly day with a mug of steaming, sweet cocoa?
Though the ball-shaped chocolates are almost too pretty to drink, everyone is in for a magical experience as they watch the treats inside the chocolate balls unravel into the most decadent cup of hot chocolate. Pair it with a hot chocolate gift set for the true drinking chocolate fan!
Inside are several flavors, not just classic cocoa, making it an exciting reveal each morning. Cheers!
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As of press time, this Advent calendar is sold out. We’re crossing our fingers it comes back in stock!
For a countdown that doubles as a work of art, don’t stray from this beautifully packaged chocolate Advent calendar. A woodland creature scene filled with adorable animals and a touch of magic creates an enchanting scene worthy of display. But this countdown isn’t just pretty—it’s also packed full of 24 award-winning rich chocolates with creamy centers. Greet your tastebuds with earthly delights like chocolate orange, blackberry crumble and cookies and cream. Some flavors are even limited-edition ones made for the calendar!
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 evening (or morning—we won’t judge!).
“Not only did this countdown arrive in perfect condition with no melting in sight, but I was blown away by the rich flavors inside,” says Madi, who tested the Advent calendar in 2023. “I’ve tested just about every Advent calendar out there this year, and Compartés easily earns five stars for quality, packaging and experience. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!”
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 exceptional value for the price. We carefully researched each calendar on this list by browsing reviews and going over specs. Then, we picked our favorites and evaluated several calendars at various price points with firsthand testing. We looked at 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!
I’ve written and edited content for digital publications, including Taste Recipes, Reader’s Digest and Family Handyman. I’m well versed in curating the internet to help readers find the absolute best buys worthy of their wallet. I’m also one of Taste Recipes’s resident Christmas experts. I, along with our team of writers and editors, researched and tested dozens of holiday countdowns across every category to find the absolute best options for 2024.
Chocolate Advent calendars are a classic option that you can find at almost any big-box retailer. However, for the best chocolate Advent calendars, we recommend shopping directly on the chocolatier’s website. This ensures the best shipping conditions and freshest chocolates.