With the price of advent calendars soaring, we look at the top chocolate, alcohol and beauty advent calendars for 2025.
As all parents and grandparents know, advent calendars are a key ingredient of the festive season, with many of us now also buying these for our partners and even ourselves.
However, these little indulgences have been creeping up in price over recent years, with some rocketing in cost since our last update in 2024.
Meanwhile, other products are quietly reducing the number of chocolates in their calendars from 25 to 24.
If you don't fancy waiting until Black Friday to see whether you can grab a bargain advent calandar, we've rounded up some of the top deals currently available.
Chocolate advent calendars
Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent Calendar, £1.25, Asda
If you have fairly traditional tastes, an advent calendar from Cadbury is likely to occupy pride of place on your mantelpiece when December comes.
At the time of writing, the most attractive deal we could find was from Morrisons – at £1.25 for More Card holders until 9 November.
Meanwhile, Asda also has this product on offer at £1.74, discounted from £2.48 as part of its Rollback scheme.
Lindt Advent Calendar, £7, Tesco
For those who prefer a touch of luxury with their Christmas countdown, the Lindt Advent Calendar is a solid mid-range choice.
Inside, you’ll find 24 milk chocolate treats, including mini Santas, reindeer and truffles.
At £7 from Tesco – down from £8.50 – it offers a great way to enjoy Lindt’s signature Swiss chocolate without splashing out on a full luxury calendar.
Be aware that you’ll need a Clubcard to receive the discounted price and the offer expires 4 December.
It’s typically priced between £7.50 and £8 at other major supermarkets.
Up to Snow Good Advent Calendar, £8.95, Hotel Chocolat
We’re always pleased to see an option from luxury brand Hotel Chocolat on our tenner budget, so it’s good to know the Up to Snow Good advent calendar has made a return this year.
It includes 24 penguins, Santa figures and snowmen, with a supersized option on Christmas Eve.
An ‘Unbelievably Vegan’ option is also available, which includes 24 ‘cute chocolate characters’ in Nutmilk.
Beauty advent calendars
Sence Collection advent calendar, £16.75, Boots
If you’re looking to bag a bargain, a beauty advent calendar may not be the best option, as these tend to be at the pricier end of the market.
One of the most affordable options for cosmetic fans this year is the Sence advent calendar from Boots.
According to the website, it includes “24 face-and-body must haves”, such as a lip sheet mask, body and hair mist, and body scrub.
This calendar typically sells for £25.
Lacura 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, £19.99, Aldi
Beauty fans have another reason to celebrate this Christmas with Aldi’s new Lacura 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar.
This year’s calendar features 12 of Lacura’s best-loved beauty products, including a mix of full-size and miniature items.
Inside, you’ll find the Vitabase moisturising primer and collagen lip oil, alongside lash mascara and honey-infused hair oil.
Priced at £19.99, it’s available in stores while stocks last.
Toy advent calendars
Professor Puzzle Advent Calendar Jigsaw Puzzle, £8, Argos
If you’re after something a bit different, the Professor Puzzle Advent Calendar from Argos might hit the mark.
It features 24 doors, each containing a 20-piece jigsaw puzzle.
Once you’ve put together each jigsaw, you can put them together to create a giant festive scene.
LEGO City Advent Calendar, £16, Argos
As in previous years, the LEGO Advent Calendar is at the top of many kids’ Christmas lists this year.
Aimed at kids aged five and above, this year’s City Advent Calendar features characters dressed in polar bear, reindeer and holiday tree costumes.
Likewise, the fold-out playmat reveals a Christmas party scene.
The best offer we could find was £16 from Argos, down from the typical £20.
As another festive favourite, the Star Wars set includes 263 pieces, including BB-8 as a snowman and Jawa in a Christmas outfit.
Be aware that you may need to jump on deals when you can, as these products tend to sell out quickly.
Alcohol and low-alcohol calendars
Baileys and Chocolate Advent Calendar, £5.99, B&M
If you’d prefer something a little more indulgent this Christmas, B&M’s Baileys 5cl and Chocolate Advent Calendar could be the perfect treat.
Behind the doors, you’ll find a miniature 5cl bottle of Baileys along with 24 milk chocolate squares – a fun, festive option for adults rather than kids.
While the calendar typically costs £7, it’s currently on offer for £5.99.
If Baileys isn’t your preferred tipple, a Tequila Rose option is also available.
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky Liqueur Advent Calendar, £29, Threshers
If you’re a fan of spirits, you may want to consider this offer from Threshers.
You’ll receive 20 5cl bottles and four “surprise gifts”.
While the calendar is currently available for £29, the usual price is £35.
That said, the price was just £25 this time last year.
Interactive Alcohol-Free Advent Calendar, £70, Wise Bartender
Although this option isn’t easy on the wallet, we wanted to include an option for those who aren’t big drinkers.
Online retailer of no- and low-alcohol products, Wise Bartender, offers a festive treat containing 24 alcohol-free craft beers from UK and international breweries.
It includes a mix of styles, including seasonal ales, pale ales, IPAs and stouts.
If you prefer, you can opt for a Sweet & Tasty package, which includes festive cocktails.
Although the price is typically £80, the first 300 orders will qualify for a discounted price of £70.
As another bonus, you’ll also receive free delivery.
Non-chocolate advent calendars
Pringles 12 Days Advent Calendar, £10, exclusive to B&M
If you’re not a fan of chocolate, the Pringles 12 Days Advent Calendar at B&M could be a fun choice.
Its 12 doors contain a mix of 40g Pringles tubes in flavours such as sour cream and onion, salt and vinegar and Texas BBQ sauce.
Relax ahead of the big day with a nice cup of tea, or 24 of them to be more accurate, courtesy of the Twinings Limited Edition Advent Calendar.
If you go for this option, you’ll receive two bags per day, along with “tips on how to get the most out of life”.
Alternative advent calendars
Book Advent Calendar (various genres), from £9.95, Etsy seller
Available on Etsy, this book-based advent calendar lets you choose seven, 12 or 24 novels.
The crime and thriller option features popular authors such as Frieda McFadden and Richard Osman, with alternatives in fantasy, romance, dark romance or a mixed bundle.
As it’s made by a small independent seller, titles vary and stock can sell through quickly. A thoughtful pick for someone who’d happily trade daily chocolate for a growing to-be-read pile.
Elf Letters, £17.95, Elf for Christmas
If you’re willing to spend a little extra, your child can receive 24 numbered letters from the North Pole, penned by elf pen pal, Pip McJingles.
Designed to be read in a set order, the letters reveal a glimpse into life at Santa’s workshop.
This is the ninth edition of the hugely popular series.
As yet another example of price hikes, we previously reported these as £15.95 in a guide for 2024
Free-from advent calendars
Moo Free Choccy Advent Calendar, £4, Tesco
If you’re on a dairy- and gluten-free diet, you could also consider this affordable option from Tesco, which has a Moo Free Choccy Advent Calendar for £4.
Although this calendar is available at other retailers, this was the best deal we could find.
For example, the calendar is available at £5.50 from Morrisons and Ocado.
Pet advent calendars
Pets at Home Christmas Dog Advent Calendar, £2.50, Pets at Home
You can even get your pets involved with the Christmas fun, including this advent calendar for dogs.
This product is specifically designed for small dogs, containing 30% less sugar. Being low in lactose, it has no artificial flavours.
Purrfect Christmas Meaty Cat Treat Advent Calendar, £4, Morrisons
If you’re an animal lover, Morrisons Purrfect Christmas Meaty calendar could appeal.
Some of the main ingredients include sushi bites, cod and chicken.
At £4, it’s a relatively budget-friendly option.
Luxury advent calendars
Personalised Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar, £8.50, Thorntons
If you’re in the mood for something a little fancier and more personal, Thorntons could be the answer.
Calendars include a personalised name hand-iced on a chocolate plaque.
The Velvetiser Drinking Chocolate Advent Calendar, £40, Hotel Chocolat
As one of the more decadent options on our list, Hotel Chocolat’s advent calendar contains 24 days’ worth of drinking chocolate.
Flavours include salted caramel and a limited-edition pumpkin spice.