The Best Chocolate Advent Calendars of 2025

Best Overall

Compartes Winter Fox Chocolate Advent Calendar

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Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Winter Fox Advent calendar is sold out for 2025. However, Compartes also sells similar The Nuctacker and Wicked: For Good countdowns that, as of press time, are both still available.

For a countdown that doubles as a work of art, don’t stray from this beautifully packaged Compartes 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 taste buds 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 Koetting, 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!”

Best Budget

Lindt Teddy Chocolate Advent Calendar

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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 way to become 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.

We love that this budget option is also something of a traditional Advent calendar that’s still a bit elevated thanks to the quality chocolate and cute packaging. Those seeking a familiar Advent calendar experience can’t go wrong with this one. 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?

Best for Sharing

Dandelion Chocolate Advent Calendar

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Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Dandelion Chocolate Advent calendar is sold out for 2025.

I tried Dandelion Chocolate’s 2025 Advent calendar and was completely blown away by the sheer quality of its presentation. Each handcrafted chocolate is nestled in a gorgeous, reusable ornament box by Belgian artist Lina Kusaite. The reusable aspect makes it well worth the price, and the box ornaments are sturdy enough to last through seasons of use. The calendar itself includes a stunning display-worthy moon map to honor its solar system theme.

As for the chocolate itself, it’s chocolate, so of course it’s going to be delicious. But the flavors are phenomenal, ranging from festive favorites like gingerbread to captivating concoctions like cardamom, honey and snickerdoodle. Overall, the sheer variety is what makes this one stand out against its competition. The best part is that there’s the option to snag a slightly larger calendar built for two tasters, making it a great pick to share with a loved one.

The chocolates are decadent and memorable, with many boasting pretty hand-painted designs. Because each is created by one of North America’s most inspired chocolatiers, each day offers its own circular card with information on the chocolatier and ingredients. Overall, it’s a super luxe option, and the final surprise is well worth the wait!

Best Luxury

Vosges Haut-Chocolat Advent Calendar

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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.

This year’s theme, Le Jardin de Cacao, promises an exotic experience featuring giraffes, hippos and sloths. The greenhouse-inspired calendar pays homage to the best the natural world has to offer and is filled with decadent chocolate discoveries.

Deputy Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski tested this countdown in both 2024 and 2025—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 lush greenhouse windows displaying an array of bottlebrush trees to the jolly jungle friends hanging out for the holidays. You can’t forget about the working lights and music, too!”

Confections like Blackberry Thickets, Milk Chocolate Shortbread Batons, Caramel Marshmallows and Manchego Cherry Petites will tempt those with refined taste buds. 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.”

Best Classic

Godiva Classic Chocolate Advent Calendar

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Shop on Macy's

For the best of both worlds, pick up this classic chocolate Advent calendar from Godiva. 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, almond crunch and dark ganache. 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 Madi. “I enjoyed it for well over three weeks, and every chocolate tasted as fresh as day one.” With a $58 price tag, this countdown is a middle-tier option for anyone on your list.

On Sale

Best Natural

Tony's Chocolonely Countdown Calendar

49.9913% OFF$43.59 at Amazon

For folks who appreciate a gift that gives back, Tony’s 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 in 2024, and 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.

Best Hot Chocolate

Yawn Brew 24 Days of Hot Chocolate Countdown

$55.74 at Etsy

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.

The Yawn Brew calendar does ship from the U.K., so make sure you order early and give yourself plenty of time for it to arrive.

Most Display-Worthy

La Maison du Chocolat Triomphe Advent Calendar

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Seeking something a little “extra?” The La Maison du Chocolat calendar might be just the thing. Instead of a boring square box, this gorgeous calendar came 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 tester and Shopping Editor Mary Henn of the 2024 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.

The 2025 version is as equally glamorous as the 2024 version. Instead of a star shaped bow, the 2025 version includes 24 windows which twirl and gleam, making for a stunning holiday display. This year’s option also stuns with a new limited-edition bonbon featuring roasted short grain rice and almond-hazelnut praliné!

Best Traditional

Ethel M Chocolates Advent Calendar

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We’ve tested Ethel M in the past during our search for the best box of chocolates. It made our list as the “best for gifting,” so we had high hopes for the brand’s chocolate Advent calendar. Overall, it impressed us with its cute packaging and high-quality inclusions. It’s a particularly appealing option for those seeking a traditional chocolate Advent calendar experience that still feels elevated.

According to tester Katie Bandurski, the packaging makes it a standout. It’s a snowy white box with little houses on the front, all decked out for the holidays. You open it like a book to reveal 24 windows, each with a tasty Ethel M chocolate behind it. This one also arrives in a big box with lots of ice packs, ensuring the chocolate stays perfectly intact.

“These Advent chocolates are equally luxurious,” says Katie. “And I like that the flavors push your palate a bit but are still very classic. You’ll find treats like dark chocolate coconut, milk chocolate macadamia, dark chocolate prickly pear and milk chocolate peanut butter. The ‘creme’ treats are some of my favorites. I like that this collection highlights the best the brand has to offer, too.”

While we were overall impressed with the quality of this calendar, Katie mentions that hers arrived with the chocolate tray flipped the wrong way. This was easily remedied by pulling it out and turning it around so the chocolates faced the correct direction, but it’s worth noting, especially at this price point.

Best Gluten-Free

Venchi Chocolate Advent Calendar

$99 at Venchi

Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Venchi Advent calendar is sold out for 2025.

Looking for an Advent calendar that’s small enough for a stocking, yet gourmand enough that it feels like a little luxury? The tiny Venchi chocolate Advent calendar is our top pick. This handsome calendar boasts a limited-edition design, created by artist Alice Bureau, which makes the exterior resemble a snowy ice rink. On the inside, each colorful drawer is bold, bright and rich, which makes it feel high-quality.

“I really loved this chocolate Advent calendar. The packaging was compact, adorable and genius—drawers interlock so that the box folds up tightly and lays flat effortlessly,” says tester Mary Henn. “More importantly, the chocolates were fresh and tasty.”

While Mary didn’t always know exactly what she was eating based on the packaging, there is a healthy mix of milk and dark chocolates. She also noticed several nutty flavors, with a prominent presence of hazelnut. All of the flavors are pretty traditional. That said, they are also gluten-free, palm oil-free and contain no artificial colorings, preservatives or additives, making them perfect for any chocolate eater. The calendar also contains two Venchi bestsellers: Chocoviar Stracciatella and Cremino Extra Dark.

“Everything feels luxurious to open, from the outside of the box to the interior drawers. Even the wrapping on the individual chocolates is very pretty—and some say ‘Merry Christmas,'” notes Mary. While the $99 price point makes it a bit pricier than some of the others, the chocolate quality speaks for itself.

How We Found the Best Chocolate Advent Calendars

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.

Each year, we start the season off by identifying the most popular chocolate Advent calendars from previous years, along with any newcomers. From there, we carefully research each calendar on our list by browsing reviews, looking at the overall brand reputation and going over specs. This research helps determine which calendars are worth trying, and which are worth skipping.

Then, we pick our favorites and evaluate several calendars at various price points with firsthand testing. Just like a consumer, we open each door one-by-one to simulate the Advent calendar experience, noting our thoughts along the way. We look at each calendar’s overall taste and freshness—bonus points if they include limited-edition goodies you can’t find anywhere else!

Finally, we consider the price point and overall value of each Advent calendar. We try to include a blend of price points on our list. Because of this, we focus primarily on value rather than price in order to determine whether each Advent calendar lives up to our expectations.

While testing, we kept in mind the following criteria:

• What comes in the Advent calendar?
• Are there any duplicate days?
• Are the contents fresh?
• Is everything intact?
• Are there limited edition treats included?
• Is the packaging exciting?
• Is it a good value for what you get? 

What to Look for When Shopping Chocolate Advent Calendars

After testing Advent calendars for three years, we’ve learned there are a few key things to keep in mind about choosing a chocolate Advent calendar in particular:

• Shipping Climate: Perhaps the most important consideration, shipping climate determines whether the chocolates reach their destination intact. As everyone knows, chocolate is incredibly sensitive to heat. Out of the 12 calendars we tested, the three that did not include any sort of cold packs all melted in transit. While some of the other testing criteria can balance out based on stellar performance in other areas, a melted chocolate Advent calendar is completely inedible.
• Packaging: When a chocolate Advent calendar is intended as a gift or pushes a $100 price point, packaging is pretty important. While a basic box isn’t a dealbreaker, we tend to eat with our eyes first. Most of the time, boring boxes beget a boring experience. While we don’t need every Advent calendar to include lights and bottlebrush trees like the Vosges calendar, we awarded extra points to packaging with interactive or unique elements.
• Flavors: Unlike the other characteristics on this list, flavor is almost entirely subjective. For some, traditional flavors are preferable to fancier gourmand ingredients. For others, a chocolate Advent calendar is a chance to experiment with unusual flavors and textures. Always consider the tastes of the recipient before choosing a chocolate Advent calendar as a gift. That said, off-flavors are always unappealing, so those which weren’t fresh didn’t make our list.
• Value: Chocolate Advent calendars range wildly in price, from $15 all the way to more than $200. Instead of focusing on price points, we instead urge consumers to think about value. While a basic $20 chocolate Advent calendar may offer fewer bells and whistles than a $150 gourmet chocolate Advent calendar, that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth enjoying! Similarly, just because an Advent calendar boasts a luxury price point doesn’t always mean it’s worth the cost.

Other Calendars We Tested

• Log Cabin Advent Calendar: After seeing the packaging online, our tester really wanted to love this Advent calendar in person. Unfortunately, none of it was fresh. Most chocolates were melted and distorted. Additionally, the chocolates weren’t wrapped in any kind of plastic or foil (although some had paper cups). Instead, they were placed directly into the paper boxes, so each one was pretty messy to open.
• Peter Rabbit Charbonnel et Walker Advent Calendar: While we had high hopes for this adorable Advent calendar, it arrived entirely melted and inedible because of the lack of ice packs.

Chocolate Advent Calendar FAQ

Where can I buy a chocolate Advent calendar?

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.

How much chocolate is in an Advent calendar?

Typically, chocolate Advent calendars contain 24 pieces of chocolate—one for each day in December leading up to Christmas. Occasionally, Advent calendars offer 12 days rather than 24, or include multiple candies behind each door.

How does a chocolate Advent calendar work?

Chocolate Advent calendars function as countdowns until Christmas. Each day in December, open up the corresponding door on the Advent calendar and enjoy a new treat each day, depending on the calendar’s contents.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’ve written and edited content for digital publications, including Taste of Home, 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 of Home’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 and 2025.