The Best Advent Calendars For Adults In 2024

There’s truly no better way to count down the days until Christmas than with a daily surprise. An adult advent calendar is the perfect way to get into the spirit of the season and add a sprinkling of festive cheer to the long and busy month of December. (It may seem far away right now, but we promise it’s coming quicker than you think!)

Here, we’ve rounded up the must-have advent calendars to snag up before they fly off the shelves, from beauty to booze to cozy games. Whether you’re keeping them all to yourself or buying them for a loved one, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

What is an adult advent calendar?

Filled with delightful treats—think truffles, tea samplers, candles and beauty goodies—an adult advent calendar puts a luxe spin on the waxy chocolate-filled dollar store one you got as a kid. Think of it as a nostalgic way to build up anticipation for the holidays.

But it’s not just the thrill and delight of a surprise that makes advent calendars so popular. Hidden behind each door, you’ll typically find minis (or, if you’re really lucky, full-size versions) of a brand’s bestselling products. It's the perfect way to try collections you’ve had your eye on and discover new favourites for the year ahead. Plus, advent calendars are typically a great deal from a cost perspective, too.

The best beauty advent calendars for 2024

Yves Rocher Advent Calendar, $79

Skincare, makeup, hair care, perfume—French brand Yves Rocher does it all really, really well. Stock up on bestsellers with this collection of minis worth $135.

Sephora Collection After Advent Calendar, $48

If you’re looking to brighten up your days during the sluggish period between Christmas and New Year's, Sephora has you covered. This “after” advent calendar will lift your spirits and keep you feeling festive until the clock strikes midnight on December 31. Unbox a small gift from Sephora’s top-rated collection every day for seven days and keep the party going.

Hudson’s Bay 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, $225

Valued at over $1,300, this advent calendar is jam-packed with mini and full-sized beauty treats. It features makeup, skincare, fragrances and tools by beloved brands such as Estée Lauder, Clinique, Three Ships and Valentino. Inspired by the architecture of the brand’s flagship store in Toronto, the box itself is a keeper.

L’Occitane Classic Advent Calendar, $98

This popular advent calendar contains everything you need to elevate your shower and bath routine. Soaps, shower gels, hand balms and shampoos will have you kick off the new year smelling fresh and feeling smooth.

M.A.C Cosmetics 24K Holiday Advent Calendar, $300

From lippies and glosses to eyeshadows, eyeliners and mascara, this advent calendar—a $618 value—brims with mini and full-size makeup treats that more than justify its hefty price tag. You'll find plenty of classics in there (including the Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in Over The Taupe, a.k.a. the perfect neutral). Add this one to your cart quickly, because it’s bound to sell out.

Clarins 24-Day Advent Calendar, $175

Looking to refresh your beauty routine? Try this curated selection of the brand's most-loved skincare and makeup products, including a full-size tube of its soothing Lip Comfort Oil.

Shoppers Drug Mart 15 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, $50

Unwind from the stress of the holiday season with this 15-day pampering advent calendar. Behind each door, you'll find a surprise from a Shoppers Drug Mart-exclusive brand, including Quo Beauty, Naturium and Bondi Sands.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love Advent Calendar, $297

Unbox a new surprise every day and discover many of the brand's most beloved skincare and makeup products, including several pieces from its popular Pillow Talk collection.

Nuxe Advent Calendar, $115

French brand Nuxe is known for its indulgent skincare, and this extensive selection is the perfect way to discover all it has to offer. It's packed with a selection of beautifully scented body oils and soothing body lotions, among many other delights.

Saje Well Wishes Advent Calendar, $121

This selection of relaxing aromatherapy goodies is perfect for days when you need a breather. It contains a mix of bestsellers and products exclusive to the calendar, like an ornament diffuser to hang in your tree to keep the relaxation going throughout the season.

The best food advent calendars for 2024

Lindt Lindor Assorted Chocolate Truffle Advent Calendar, $25

Enjoy a decadent bite every day with this affordable-yet-luxurious advent calendar filled with Lindt’s iconic truffles. Smooth, rich and creamy, it’s the perfect small indulgence to treat yourself to this holiday season.

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Advent Calendar, $70

If you love starting your day with a cup of Nespresso coffee, you'll love this advent calendar. It contains a mix of bestselling pods and festive flavours crafted by French chef Jean Imbert, such as the delightful Almond Croissant blend. Spoiler: On the last day, you'll unbox a limited-edition porcelain mug.

David’s Tea 24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar, $69

This selection of loose-leaf tea is the perfect cozy addition to your day. It features samplers of popular and festive blends such as Candy Cane Crush and Santa’s Secret.

Soul Chocolate Dark Chocolate Advent Calendar, $19

Our deputy digital editor can vouch for the deliciousness of Soul Chocolate's decadent dark chocolate calendar, which features a pretty wintry illustration and a rich cacao treat for every day leading up to the big day. (It also comes in an all-milk-chocolate version.)

Matron Fine Beer 2024 Holiday Advent Calendar, $159

This advent calendar from the excellent Bloomfield, Ont., craft brewers tends to sell out, so act quickly. It features a mix of their own beers—which tend to be lower ABV and prioritize Ontario-grown ingredients—and beers from other Ontario breweries, in both short and tall cans, depending on the day.

JP Chenet 24 Days of Celebration Advent Calendar, $140

Celebrate the season with a daily glass of sparkling wine thanks to these 24 mini bottles from French brand JP Chenet.

Union Ten Christmas Spirits Advent Calendar, $150

This calendar features 24 different 50-ml bottles spirits crafted by the London, Ont.-distillery, including Christmas cream liqueurs, applejacks and Christmas gin.

Kanel Sapiō Advent Calendar, $69

If you're planning to countdown to Christmas with home-made meals, this set contains all the spices and salt blends you might need. Spices—like Midnight Maple, Sweet & Smoky Rub and Summer Black Truffle Salt—are packaged in individual jars, and accompanied by a stylish brass spoon.

Chocolate de Kat Premium Chocolate Advent Calendar, $89

Available now for pre-order and in stores starting November 15, this calendar sells out every year. The flavours in the 2024 edition include some of the year’s greatest hits, including Blueberry Muffin (from Easter) and Cinnamon Pretzel Praline (from Valentine’s Day). As always with the offerings from this artisanal Toronto chocolate maker, the flavours are as gorgeous as the hand-decorated bonbons themselves. Plus the box features wintry forest art from Toronto artist Sheida Shekarian.

The best cozy advent calendars for 2024

Michael Storrings 12 Days of Christmas Puzzle Advent Calendar, $27

Nothing says the holidays like cozy games, and this puzzle advent calendar is sure to bring the whole family together. It contains 12 illustrated 80-piece puzzles depicting merry scenes to get the festive season started.

Soja & Co Candle Advent Calendar, $139

For the holidays, Montreal-based brand Soja & Co. packaged 24 pint-sized winter-themed candles to discover daily. We won't spoil it all for you, but scents include Frosted Citrus + Vanilla, Frozen Berries + Pine and Bergamot + Fir Needles. It's currently sold out but keep an eye out for the restock.

Voluspa 12-Day Candle Advent Calendar, $119

Guaranteed to light up your world (or at least your December countdown), this Sephora-exclusive advent calendar contains 12 mini candles housed in gorgeous glass jars and scented with unexpected seasonal notes such as Forbidden Fig and Sparkling Cuvée.

The best fashion advent calendars for 2024

Gertex Women's Holiday Sock Advent Calendar, $30

Uncover a new pair of festive socks every day with this joyful advent calendar filled with crew and ankle styles.

Olaeda 24 Days of Jewelry Advent Calendar, $375

Treat yourself to 24 new pieces of jewellery with this surprise selection of sterling silver and 14k gold-filled pieces by Toronto-based brand Olaeda. It includes earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets for a total value of $1,387.