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The 20 Best Chocolate Advent Calendars of 2023
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Our list includes an iconic peppermint bark calendar, plus classic picks from Cadbury, Godiva, and Lindt.
Advent calendars add fun and excitement to the holiday countdown, and the tradition has come a long way since its inception. You can now find themed advent calendars for just about everything, including fancy tea advent calendars, wine, and even boozy whiskey advent calendars. In our opinion, you can’t ever go wrong with a classic chocolate advent calendar.
To curate our list of the best chocolate advent calendars, we researched some of the most iconic chocolate makers from around the world, including luxury and fair-trade companies. Our top picks include a calendar filled with the best hot cocoa, Williams Sonoma’s peppermint bark, and Godiva’s Classic Holiday Calendar. Whether you buy one for yourself or plan on gifting it to a chocolate lover, these chocolate advent calendars will make your holiday countdown much sweeter.
Neuhaus Pop-up Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Nordstrom.com
Neuhaus is a revered Belgian chocolatier who’s been making confections since 1857. They’re known for their rich flavor and pure ingredients (no palm oil or GMOs, ever), and the mastery of the craft is truly at its best with the Neuhaus 2023 Pop-Up Advent Calendar. The pop-up scene depicts Brussels’ Grand-Place Christmas market, with whimsical characters hiding 25 indulgent treats. This is a beautiful option that doubles as holiday decor, and of course, the chocolates are sublime.
Special this year, the calendar includes milk, dark, and white chocolates filled with crunchy praline, real caramel, raspberry ganache, and more.
Price at time of publish: $80
Godiva Classic Chocolate Advent Calendar
Buy at Bloomingdales.com
Buy at Godiva.com
Godiva is synonymous with luxury chocolate, so if you’re looking for an advent calendar that’s a sure bet for the most discerning chocolate lover in your life, this is the one. The 2023 calendar features a charming snow globe scene with penguins ice skating and trimming a tree. Hidden in the boughs of that sparkling evergreen are 24 rich and dreamy chocolate confections to suit every preference.
The fun of this calendar is discovering whether you’re going to open a classic treat, like Godiva’s 53% chocolate filled with ganache, or something a little more adventurous like a chocolate hazelnut praline drenched in white chocolate.
Price at time of publish: $45
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark Advent Calendar
Buy at Williams-sonoma.com
When it comes to edible Christmas traditions, it’s hard to top Williams Sonoma’s iconic peppermint bark. While we’ll never say no to a tin of the original bark, the brand’s advent calendar is a fun way to get your peppermint fix all December long. Each door hides a bite-sized piece of the white chocolate bark, bursting with crushed peppermint candies.
All 24 confections are the same flavor, but each day’s design is a surprise: the box contains Santa-shaped candies, as well as toy soldiers, Christmas trees, and snowmen. Not that you need an excuse to indulge in this classic holiday goodie, though this is an especially good year for it: it’s the brand’s 25th peppermint bark anniversary!
Price at time of publish: $30
Lindt Holiday Chocolate Teddy Bear Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Target.com
Finding a teddy bear underneath the Christmas tree is a tradition that never gets old. Swiss chocolate maker Lindt knows that well: their 2023 advent calendar features the holiday’s cuddliest creatures in a cozy Christmas scene. Each day features a Lindt classic treat, including their beloved Lindor milk chocolate balls. We think this is a great pick for traditionalists as well as milk chocolate devotees. It’s also one of the best options for gifting to a child — there’s a connect-the-dots surprise on the back of the package.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dylan’s Candy Bar Countdown Candy Tree Advent Calendar
Buy at Dylanscandybar.com
Dylan’s Candy Bar is a modern-day Willy Wonka factory, with an immersive shopping experience that dares to be different. No surprise, then, that their 2023 advent calendar is a Christmas tree. The daily treats are disguised as baubles adorning the branches, making this a lovely option to leave out on a mantle throughout December. There’s plenty of chocolate, but this “calendar” is better suited for candy lovers: each ornament contains one of Dylan’s favorites, like marshmallows, rainbow belts, and gumballs.
Price at time of publish: $150
Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate Advent Calendar
Buy at Williams-sonoma.com
Buy at Neimanmarcus.com
Charbonnel et Walker is a luxury British chocolatier that’s been making confections since 1875. The brand was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, and this year’s advent calendar is a nod to the chocolate company’s origins and traditions. Featuring a scene inspired by the company’s shop on London’s Bond Street, this calendar hides 25 of Charbonnel et Walker’s best-loved truffles.
There are eight different types of treats to unwrap, including milk chocolate caramelized biscuits and dark chocolates with real gold leaf. Depending on which retailer you buy from, you may be able to choose a delivery day, as these perishable treats are shipped on ice.
Price at time of publish: $60
Sugarfina Santa’s Candy Shop Advent Calendar
Buy at Nordstrom.com
Buy at Food52.com
With a name like Sugarfina, it’s clear that this advent calendar is a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. Featuring 24 unique treats, this is a fun option for the young (and the young at heart). It’ll be hard to choose a favorite day with so many nostalgic candies, like peach rings and sour gummies. Once you’ve unwrapped a treat, flip the box around to showcase a peppermint candy motif. The scene depicted on the box? Why, it’s Santa’s Candy Shop, of course!
Price at time of publish: $55
Harry & David Deluxe Advent Calendar
Buy at Harryanddavid.com
We’ve come to expect gift-giving greatness from Harry & David, so it’s no surprise their 2023 advent calendar shines. It comes in a beautifully crafted wintery blue box that’s made for display, and each day’s treat is thoughtfully curated. It will be hard to choose a favorite confection, with white chocolate candy cane truffles, raspberry truffles, and miniature mints waiting to be discovered. This calendar is unique in that it’s sturdy enough to refill and use again, making it a true investment piece that’s suited for years of tradition.
Price at time of publish: $100
Tony’s Chocolonely Countdown Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Tonyschocolonely.com
Don’t be fooled by the lighthearted decorations on Tony’s Chocolonely Advent Calendar: this brand is serious about the ethics of its chocolate. From ensuring fair payment for cacao growers to implementing sustainable working conditions for its employees, Tony’s Chocolonely is a brand that marries indulgence with responsibility. Their advent calendar is suited to folks who love chocolate bars.
The 2023 calendar includes 10 different types of bars, including a milk chocolate chip cookie bar, a white raspberry candy bar, and a classic 70% dark bar — there’s even a vegan option in the mix.
Price at time of publish: $38
Vosges Haut-Chocolat Calendar of Advent
Buy at Goldbelly.com
Buy at Vosgeschocolate.com
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Vosges offers a chocolate advent calendar that lights up. This year’s design features an enticing chocolaterie that glows and plays music with the touch of a button: no surprise, given the brand’s focus on high-art packaging that takes a storytelling-centric approach to chocolate. This is one of the pricier calendars on our list because the packaging and included chocolates are so highly curated.
Every day features an original confection — no repeats! — and fans of high-end chocolate will swoon over the choices. Black salt bonbons, white chocolate ginger spice cookies, and matcha white chocolate bars don’t even hint at the luxurious array of treats that await.
Price at time of publish: $300
Cadbury Dairy Milk Heroes Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Stateside, Cadbury may be best known for their creme-filled chocolate Easter eggs, but the initiated (and the English!) know that this beloved candy maker should be enjoyed all year long. We’re captivated by this year’s advent calendar, which features miniature versions of their most popular bars. You can’t do better if you’re a fan of UK-made chocolate treats, and as a bonus, this box is outfitted with interactive fun. Scan the calendar with your smartphone to take festive selfies with a secret holiday-themed filter.
Price at time of publish: $20
Seattle Chocolate Boughs of Chocolate Gift Box
Buy at Seattlechocolate.com
For the impatient among us: this holiday collection lets you choose your rate of chocolate consumption, with the confections boxed together rather than behind doors. Enclosed in a gift box illustrated with a festive holiday wreath is a colorful assortment of 24 individually wrapped confections you’ll want to dive into straight away. The box is designed by Frida Clements, a Seattle-based artist.
Even sweeter is the company’s promise to donate 10% of the profits from this collection to Girls Inc., a nationwide nonprofit inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Price at time of publish: $23
Compartés Luxury Gourmet Chocolate Advent Calendar
Buy at Compartes.com
Los Angeles-based chocolate company Compartés is all about marrying gorgeous aesthetics with hand-crafted chocolates that have a strong sense of place. Compartés is offering two advent calendars this year, but we think their Garden-themed one is a real standout. It’s decorated in an immersive botanical theme and features hand-crafted chocolates made with ingredients from California orchards.
Fans of fresh fruit will love this one: lemon poppyseed, raspberry rose, and passionfruit lead the charge with confections that are as colorful as they are thoughtfully crafted.
Price at time of publish: $110
Food52 x Maison Boissier Parisian Advent Calendar
Buy at Food52.com
French chocolatier Maison Boissier is a Parisian chocolate lover’s dream come true. They partnered with Food52 to create a unique advent calendar that offers way more than “just” chocolates. This exclusive calendar is only available through Food52 and features gummy candies, caramels, and chocolate-drenched nuts in addition to traditional truffles.
There’s a big variety of treats in this box, making it ideal for people who want to unwrap something different every day. The gold-accented blue box is pretty enough to leave on the dining room table all month long.
Price at time of publish: $99
Vermont Chocolate Co. Christmas Market Chocolate Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
There’s nothing quite like a New England Christmas. If your heart yearns for the coziness of Vermont winters, this charming calendar is a perfect fit. It’s a traditional window calendar, depicting a bustling small-town holiday scene. You won’t find an assortment of confections and candies here: every one of the 24 days reveals a molded gourmet milk chocolate treat: perfect for traditionalists and anyone who prefers their chocolate on the sweeter side.
Price at time of publish: $8
Whittard of Chelsea Hot Chocolate Advent Calendar for Two
Buy at Food52.com
Buy at Whittard.com
No need to buy two advent calendars if you don’t want to share your treats: this Food52 x Whittard of Chelsea collaboration is a cozy solution for couples or friends who want to unbox their chocolates together. The calendar itself is a unique design, with pull-out drawers. Each drawer contains two packets of hot cocoa mix. We love the creative flavors featured here.
There are 12 different options, so you’ll only repeat them once. This UK-based purveyor of treats and teas has nailed the packaging, too: the box stands on its own and will look beautiful underneath a tree or displayed on a kitchen counter next to your holiday serveware.
Price at time of publish: $110
La Maison du Chocolat Advent Calendar
Buy at Food52.com
Buy at Lamaisonduchocolat.com
French candy connoisseur La Maison du Chocolat has outdone itself with this snowflake-shaped advent calendar. It’s been designed to change color depending on the angle you hold it (the accents turn from blue to black), and it’s fitted with a ribbon, so you can hang it as a piece of pretty decor. But when it comes to advent calendars, we all know it’s what’s inside that counts: this calendar delivers.
This year’s offerings include pralines made with crispy crêpes, almonds, hazelnuts, and — here’s something new — squash seeds. This is one of the most gorgeous advent calendars we’ve seen, made for sophisticated tastes.
Price at time of publish: $95
A Priori Amedei Advent Calendar
Buy at Food52.com
If you’re a fan of Italian chocolate, you already know that the Belgian, Swiss, and French markets aren’t the only game in town. This chic offering comes from a famed Tuscan chocolatier, and it’s jam-packed with goodies. Each pull-out drawer offers a surprise (some have two treats to share… or not). The packaging itself is something special, too: it’s made from recycled cacao bean shells.
Price at time of publish: $130
Williams Sonoma 12 Days of Hot Cocoa Advent Calendar
Buy at Williams-sonoma.com
Grab your favorite mug and cozy up: Williams Sonoma’s exclusive hot cocoa advent calendar is ideal for those who prefer their chocolate in beverage form. The box depicts a nostalgic winter sledding scene that will make you feel full of good cheer. Hidden behind 12 doors are packets of Williams Sonoma’s cocoa blends, including peppermint and salted caramel varieties.
While this is not a traditional advent calendar in that there aren’t 24 treats, we think it’s the very sweetest way to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. Oh, and we almost forgot: there are mini marshmallows in each packet, too.
Price at time of publish: $50
See’s Candies 2023 Advent Calendar
Buy at Sees.com
See’s is an American tradition. This homegrown confectionary began in Los Angeles in 1921, and it’s now a cultural touchstone — especially around the holidays. Their 2023 advent calendar is designed to open like a real book, with a handsome 12-inch spine. Inside, you’ll find woodland creatures at winter play, hiding 24 of See’s best-loved treats. You can expect to find lollipops, chocolates, and many more of the brand’s greatest hits. See’s has an excellent reputation and their advent calendars are an annual tradition for many families.
Price at time of publish: $50
Rochelle Bilow is a food writer and editor with over a decade of professional experience. Previously a senior associate editor and social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines, Rochelle is also a novelist, a culinary school graduate, and a former professional baker and line cook. Rochelle has written extensively about home and kitchen products in the luxury space; in researching this article, Food & Wine editors chose offerings from beloved chocolate makers from across the globe, at a variety of price points.
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