The best advent calendars of 2025

Every year, a handful of advent calendars rise above the rest to become must-have sell-outs. We’ve rounded up the best of the best, so whether you’re buying for little ones, a beauty-obsessive, a foodie, or treating yourself, read on to kick off the Christmas countdown in style.

There’s always buzz around beauty advent calendars because they sell out fast. John Lewis' 2025 beauty advent calendar is our most luxurious yet, with 36 beauty favourites from the most coveted brands, including Trinny London, Fenty Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, and Clinique.

For non-chocolate chomping grown ups (they do exist), a food, sweets or booze calendar is Christmas cheer guaranteed. The wine advent calendar contains 24 mini bottles, while The Great British Exchange, exclusive to John Lewis, is a curation of the finest independent brands.

Is it even the run up to Christmas if your teeth aren’t coated with chocolate by 8am? The bestselling Hotel Chocolate calendar always delivers, or try Niederegger’s luxe countdown which continues right through to 1 January 2026. Now that is a happy New Year.

Toy-packed advent calendars make for a super-fun Christmas countdown – be it for a toddler who’s bonkers about Bluey (aren’t we all) or Squishmallows' biggest fan. The kids will love them, and parents rejoice: no sugar-rush from those 24 daily chocolates...

If your little darling is more ‘huff’ than ‘happy holidays’ (welcome to the early tweenage years) go for a calendar themed around their favourite thing – such as Lego's Minecraft calendar or marshmallows - and claim the kudos of being a cool-ish parent/uncle/aunt/godparent.

Know someone who would prefer a practical advent calendar, full of stuff they'll actually use? Whether they livesfor their morning brew or are a budding barista, if they love crafting or could do with some relaxation – or if they simply want some great socks – these are bound to delight.

Yes, we know; as if our four-legged housemates could get any more pampered. But fur babies want to feel festive too, and these treat-based countdowns for your dog or cat will add even more magic to advent 2025.