Ever since we were but small children, we can remember counting down the days to special occasions, whether crossing out days on a calendar until our birthdays finally rolled around, or organising a family-wide countdown for the annual summer holiday.
Indeed, perhaps the most well-known and beloved countdown of all occurs in the 24-day period before Christmas Day.
No matter one’s religion or cultural associations, the countdown to Christmas has become a sacred ritual in many households across the nation, both for its ability to bring the family together, as well as the delicious treats which advent calendars typically offer.
The concept of advent, deriving from the Latin ‘adventus’ meaning ‘coming’ originated in the fifth century, following the decree by Bishop Perpetuus that from St Martin’s Day on November 11 until Christmas one must fast three times a week.
We’re not sure what happened in the centuries in between which saw traditional advent undergo a massive shift from a fasting period to gorging on chocolate every day until Christmas, but look - we’re certainly not complaining.
According to some sources, the tradition of physically marking each day of December until Christmas Day is rooted in 19th Century Germany, where Lutherans would make chalk marks on doors in the run-up to Christmas.
However, the Austrian Landesmuseum declares that the first person to create the modern advent calendar was a protestant bookshop owner in 1902, though other sources cite Gerhard Lang as the inventor of the printed advent calendar. The first chocolate advents first appeared on the scene in the 1950s, before being commercially produced by Cadbury in 1971.
Cadbury no longer has a monopoly on advents; now there are chocolate-filled delights of every variety, from milk chocolate to vegan iterations for those who seek animal-free treats.
Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best chocolate advent calendars of 2023 for your sweetest Christmas countdown yet.
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Fortnum's Chocolate Truffle Selection Advent Calendar
Fortnum and Mason is a paragon of British luxury, famous as the Mayfair department store in which the late Queen did her grocery shopping (not personally, alas).
What better way to celebrate the Christmas countdown than with a surprisingly value-for-money selection of Fortnum’s most delicious chocolate truffles curated with chocolate-lovers in mind?
From milk chocolate sea-salted caramel truffles, to dark chocolate orange truffles – our mouths are already watering and it’s not even December yet.
Buy now £26.25, F&M
Tony's Chocolonely Countdown Calendar
Tony’s Chocolonely has become a cult chocolate brand, and has certainly taken Gen Z by storm. Enjoy a selection of the most delicious flavours to come from the fresh brand, including a classic milk chocolate hazelnut, as well as a milk chocolate almond honey nougat. Suitable for families as well as the chocolonely this Christmas.
Buy now £13.00, Ocado
Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent Calendar
You simply can’t go wrong with a classic Cadbury’s advent calendar. Weighing in at a whopping 340g, you’re certainly getting bang for your buck with this delicious box of treats. You’ll be more chocolate than human come Christmas.
Buy now £10.00, Cadbury
Lindt Lindor Silver Advent Calendar
There’s nothing quite like biting into the smooth shell of a Lindor chocolate before the silky-smooth waterfall of chocolate waltzes across your tastebuds. This calendar is filled to the brim with fan-favourite Lindor creations from classic milk chocolate truffles to coconut-filled confections.
Buy now £6.00, Lindt
Ferrero Collection Advent Calendar
Though on the slightly pricier side for a high-street choccy brand, the Ferrero Collection advent calendar is definitely worth the extra few bob. Including a selection of Ferrero Rondnoir, Ferrero Rocher, and Confetteria Raffaello - you’ll be on your way to a full Italian Christmas in no time. Bellisimo!
Buy now £11.67, Boots
Kinder Bueno Advent Calendar
That’s right, the irresistible chocolate-hazelnut and wafer coated treat has been wrapped up especially for Christmas. With a 50/50 mixture of white and milk chocolate Kinder Bueno minis, there’s always a 100 per cent chance of pure chocolatey bliss.
Buy now £7.33, Boots
Candy Kittens House of Gourmet
We know we’re cheating by including a non-chocolate advent calendar in this round-up, but we couldn’t resist the pull of this extravagant gourmet advent calendar from Candy Kittens. Filled to the brim with delicious, fizzy flavours from the brand’s addictive range, you’ll get a full pack of irresistible sweeties for 21 days. For the last three days, you’ll receive exclusive pieces of merch. Candy Kitten stans unite.
Buy now £90.00, Candy Kittens
Ombar Chocolate Advent Calendar
Offering a selection of delicious dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, Fairtrade and organic chocolates for the countdown to Christmas, Ombar has created the inclusive, sustainable advent calendar of dreams.
If you’re already familiar with the brand’s cult-favourite silky smooth oat milk chocolate, we highly recommend scooping up their Oat M’lk Calendar this Christmas. Or, if it’s your first time going for a vegan advent calendar, you won’t be disappointed.
Buy now £7.50, Ocado
Charbonnel et Walker
Indulge in an entire advent calendar's worth of luxurious Charbonnel et Walker truffles this Christmas. We certainly won't judge if you don't stick to the designated countdown.
Buy now £20.00, Fenwick
Lindt Teddy 3D chocolate advent calendar 310g
Who says the classic Lindt teddy advent calendar is just for kids? We, for one, would adore being greeted by this teddy's smiling face every morning as we count down to Christmas. The sumptuous, creamy chocolates hidden within also help.
Buy now £18.29, Amazon
