The best thing about holidays? The yummy traditions that go along with them. For instance, Halloween has trick-or-treating. Valentine's Day has heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. As for Christmas? Well, there's Christmas cookies, Christmas cakes, and — of course — chocolate advent calendars! Sure, you can find advent calendars filled with everything from wine to nail polish to toys, but there's a reason why the classic chocolate advent calendar remains the most popular option: They're the sweetest way to count down to December 25, and they're the perfect inexpensive gift idea for someone with a sweet tooth (or for yourself).
According to historians, the first chocolate advent calendar appeared in the late 1950s, which was about 50 years after the original reusable advent calendars were created in Germany. At their inception, advent calendars were used to count down the four-week period preceding Christmas, but advent has morphed to cover the first 24 days of December, whether it is four Sundays or not. And though they began as a religious tradition, you don't have to be Christian to enjoy an advent calendar — especially if it's filled with 24 days worth of chocolate.
The best chocolate advent calendars to buy in 2022:
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1
best milk chocolate advent calendar
Christmas Tree Countdown Advent Calendar
Madelaine Chocolate Company
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2
best dark chocolate advent calendar
Dark Chocolate Advent Calendar
Divine
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3
best peanut butter chocolate advent calendar
Holiday Advent Calendar with Peanut Butter Chocolate Candy
Reese's
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4
best dairy-free chocolate advent calendar
Dairy-Free Milk Chocolate Alternative Advent Calendar
Moo Free
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5
best chocolate truffle advent calendar
Chocolate Truffle Advent Calendar
Martin's Chocolatier
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6
best chocolate candy advent calendar
Dairy Milk Heroes Advent Calendar
Cadbury
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7
best personalized chocolate advent calendar
Personalized Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Advent Calendar
The Personalised Store
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8
best chocolate bouquet advent calendar
Chocolate Bouquet Advent Calendar
Zoe's Handmade Gifts
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From animal-shaped dark chocolates to sweet personalized calendars, there's truly a chocolate advent calendar out there for everyone. Shop these top picks in 2022, and read on for more info about chocolate advent calendars at the bottom of this guide.
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1
best milk chocolate advent calendar
Madelaine Chocolate Company
Christmas Tree Countdown Advent Calendar
| Type of chocolate |
Milk chocolate |
|---|
| Pieces |
24 |
|---|
2
best dark chocolate advent calendar
Divine
Dark Chocolate Advent Calendar
| Type of chocolate |
Dark chocolate |
|---|
| Pieces |
24 |
|---|
3
best peanut butter chocolate advent calendar
Reese's
Holiday Advent Calendar with Peanut Butter Chocolate Candy
| Type of chocolate |
Peanut butter milk chocolate |
|---|
| Pieces |
25 |
|---|
4
best dairy-free chocolate advent calendar
Moo Free
Dairy-Free Milk Chocolate Alternative Advent Calendar
| Type of chocolate |
Dairy-free milk chocolate |
|---|
| Pieces |
24 |
|---|
5
best chocolate truffle advent calendar
Martin's Chocolatier
Chocolate Truffle Advent Calendar
| Type of Chocolate |
Dark, white, and milk chocolate |
|---|
| Pieces |
24 |
|---|
6
best chocolate candy advent calendar
Cadbury
Dairy Milk Heroes Advent Calendar
| Type of chocolate |
Assorted |
|---|
| Pieces |
24 |
|---|
7
best personalized chocolate advent calendar
The Personalised Store
Personalized Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Advent Calendar
| Type of chocolate |
Hazelnut milk chocolate |
|---|
| Pieces |
24 |
|---|
8
best chocolate bouquet advent calendar
Zoe's Handmade Gifts
Chocolate Bouquet Advent Calendar
| Type of chocolate |
Assorted |
|---|
| Pieces |
24 |
|---|
What to look for when shopping for chocolate advent calendars
✔️ Chocolate type: Whether you're buying an advent calendar for yourself or for someone special, you'll want to take taste preferences. Milk chocolate is usually the safest route if you're not sure what your recipient likes, or you can get an advent calendar with an assortment of chocolate treats so they can sample a variety.
✔️ Allergy warnings: As well as taste preferences, you'll want to consider any allergies or dietary restrictions your recipient may have. If you need a chocolate advent calendar that's nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free, or vegan, then read the labels carefully to make sure the product meets those needs rather than simply assuming based on the chocolate type. For instance, if your recipient has a nut allergy, keep in mind that many chocolate advent calendars are manufactured with equipment that processes peanuts and tree nuts as well.
✔️ Quality packaging: No one wants to open up the first door on their chocolate advent calendar to find stale, melted, or poorly-wrapped candy waiting for them. Read reviews to make sure the product you're purchasing doesn't compromise on quality, especially when it comes to the chocolate pieces themselves.
Chocolate Advent Calendar FAQs
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How does a chocolate advent calendar work? Like all advent calendars, chocolate advent calendars are used to count down the 24 days leading up to Christmas. Following modern practices, you open your first window on December 1 and experience a chocolate surprise every day up until Christmas Eve.
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What kind of chocolate is used in advent calendars? Though milk chocolate is the most popular (and most commonly used) option, you can find chocolate advent calendars filled with all kinds of chocolate varieties, including dark, white, hazelnut, peanut butter, caramel, and more.
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Who makes the best chocolate advent calendar? You'll find advent calendars are sold by many popular chocolatiers, but the best option for you all depends on your taste preferences and budget, which is why we've provided a variety of options on our list.
Christy Piña
Digital Fellow
Christy Piña is the digital fellow at WomansDay.com, where she covers women’s issues, lifestyle, and entertainment.
Corinne Sullivan
Contributing Writer
Corinne Sullivan is a digital writer and editor who covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, holidays and more.
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