Countdown to Christmas: Best Advent Calendars for 2025
Advent calendars are booming in 2025 - we’re trying out and rounding up the best ones—from shortbread and chocolate to mini jams and beauty…and birds!
But wait…what’s the tradition of the Advent Calendar
The idea of advent calendars dates back to 19th century Germany. Families often lit candles each day during Advent to mark the time until Christmas. By the early 20th century, printed calendars with little doors hiding pictures or sweets became popular. Today, the tradition has evolved into a major highlight of the holiday season - and it’s only getting bigger. And advent calendars are coming out earlier - and going bigger - than ever.
And interest is high - November is the peak time for searches around advent calendars. And the first day to open them is December 1st.
So what’s big this season - gourmet food calendars from shortbread and chocolate to jam - like Bonne Maman’s very popular offering below - to beauty and wellness calendars like Liberty London’s big yearly offering.
🎯 Top Advent Calendars Right Now
Here are five standout options covering beauty, cookies, chocolates, jams, and tea!
The L’Occitane Advent Calendar is a must-have for anyone who loves a little daily indulgence and luxurious mini beauty treats during the holiday season. Also - a perfect way to gather all your travel sized minis for 2026!
2. Walker's Shortbread Advent Calendar
No. 5 on Amazon’s trending advent calendars - this is a yummy way to countdown to Christmas - the calendar depicts Santa's Workshop with elves baking their shortbread. Mmm - we checked what’s in here - it’s got six buttery shortbread varieties.
This calendar chockful of delicious chocolate is a hit whether for you or as a gift. 24 days of milk chocolate and white chocolate teddy bears. Many of the holiday chocolates featured here are limited - and seasonal.
4. If jam is your jam - the Bonne Maman Jam Advent Calendar is for you
It’s a little heavy when it comes in the mail - but it’s “worth the weight.” Very popular on Amazon this holiday season with at least 10,000 of these purchased so far. The Bonne Maman Advent Calendar includes 24 mini jars of jam - many of them limited edition flavors. From coffee caramel to mangoes and ginger - our new favorite - pear. And a mandarin with cinnamon that we’re trying in the morning - if jam if your jam, you are going to love this.
5. The tea…on Palais de Thes Advent Calendar
This year’s Palais de Thes advent calendar is a shower of gold and silver snowflakes welcoming you to winter. Inside - 24 signature teas, one for each day til Christmas. Included in the 2025 limited edition calendar: Joie Limited Edition Tea and 13 new recipes.