Brew some holiday magic with a coffee Advent calendar. These delicious countdowns make December mornings extra special.
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Brew some holiday magic with a coffee Advent calendar. These delicious countdowns make December mornings extra special.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
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Yes, one of the best single-serve coffee makers is making the holidays bright with their very own coffee countdown. Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley tested the Keurig Advent calendar and was impressed with its theming and coffee variety.
“I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area, so I’m a huge fan of Philz Coffee,” Annamarie says. “Now, living in the Midwest, I only get to drink it very seldom, so I was delighted to unbox a pod of Philz Coffee Philtered Soul. I had no idea Philz even produced K-Cups! It was super special to get to sip on something that reminds me of home, especially while far away during the holiday season.”
In addition to Philz, Annamarie unwrapped capsules from Green Mountain, The Original Donut Shop, McCafe, Swiss Miss and other Keurig mainstays. She found the flavors surprising and holiday-centric, if not a bit too sweet on some days. “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,” Annamarie explains.
While a bit pricier than a standard 24-pack of K-Cups, this pick is still the most budget-friendly option on our list.
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We get it—sometimes you need an extra caffeine boost on those chilly December mornings. Enter the Nespresso Advent calendar, available for both Vertuo and Original machines. Each countdown is filled with new, festive capsules as well as classic Nespresso flavors you know and love.
Former Home Editor Madi Koetting tested the 2023 iteration of the Vertuo calendar. “I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when this caffeine-packed holiday countdown arrived,” she says. “The packaging is simple yet stunning. And yes, it’s worthy of displaying on the counter next to your machine. The real kicker? The ease of convenience. Just pop a pod in, wait 30 seconds while it brews and it’s ready for sipping.”
Madi fell in love with her Nespresso Vertuo machine, noting that it’s a loyal morning companion you can always count on for strong, smooth coffee adorned with a rich foam on top. This Advent calendar expands on that experience. Pro tip: If you like sweet coffee, pair your coffee countdown with a chocolate Advent calendar.
“Whether you start on day one or day 24, you’re in for a real treat with the included espresso flavors,” Madi says. “The only downside is having to share the Nespresso Advent calendar with my partner—we probably should’ve ordered one for each of us!”
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With its show-stopping, accordion-like packaging and small-batch, award-winning brews, the Onyx Coffee calendar is our pick for the most luxe coffee Advent calendar. Whether you’re into fruity, floral, rich or chocolatey notes, the 24 bean blends offer a little something for everyone.
Signature blends like Krampus and Framily are included, plus exclusive Advent-only, single-origin releases. Each packet contains 2 ounces of ready-to-grind beans, which each make a full pot of pour-over. That’s enough to share—or not if you’re having a “full pot” kind of day.
“Aside from the gorgeous gift box, I am totally smitten with the included tasting guide,” says Editor Emily Way. “Each and every blend included has detailed origin, processing and flavor notes. There’s also a handy guide for brewing on the back, which determines the brew time and temperature for different brew methods. It’s a great gift for both baristas and newbies who want to learn a little more about specialty coffee blends. I just wish the packages were labeled in case they get mixed up!”
While it’s definitely a splurgy calendar at $175, the price is well worth it for this high-quality pick.
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I am a big fan of anything that makes life a little easier during the hectic holiday season. And while I, of course, love to linger over a French press, some mornings call for speed! And that’s exactly what Cometeer coffee capsules achieve without sacrificing freshly brewed flavor.
The Cometeer Advent calendar features 24 flash-frozen capsules that you can mix with boiling water for hot coffee, pour over ice for iced coffee or combine with milk for a latte. It’s an ingenious solution to instant coffee packets, and the brews actually taste good.
This year’s countdown includes a mix of cozy holiday favorites, top-rated picks and exclusive lots of acclaimed coffees. Find capsules from brands like Onyx, Equator and Klatch coffees. You’ll also get a tasting guide with information on each brew you’re drinking. The only downside is that since the capsules need to stay frozen, this Advent calendar will take up valuable freezer space.
We found the best coffee Advent calendars by thoroughly researching all the options on the market. Surprisingly, this is a somewhat niche product category. Since time is of the essence, we skipped any calendars with long ship times or other delays. Next, we called in our top contenders for firsthand testing and sent them to writers and expert editors for evaluation. After all, we’re the first to admit that not all Advent calendars are created equal—let alone worthy of your wallet. We evaluated the countdowns by value for the price, coffee freshness and quality, and overall experience. The picks featured in this article are truly the best of the best. Get ready to brew some holiday magic!
Coffee Advent calendars blend two of my all-time favorite things: Christmas and a good cup of java. In my seven-year tenure with Taste Recipes, I’ve tested a wide array of beans, brewers and coffee gadgets. To date, I’ve evaluated the best coffee subscriptions, organic coffee and espresso. I’ve also written about new gear as it enters the market, like the KitchenAid KF8 automatic espresso machine. On the holiday side, I’m our team’s resident gifting and holiday expert. I’ve reviewed countless Advent calendars, as well as Christmas trees and decor.
To further inform this piece, I tapped other expert editors with specialties in product testing and food/drink. Together, we have over 25 years of experience recommending the best products to our readers.