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The 13 best food and drink advent calendars for 2025

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 18:35 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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The Ultimate Guide to 13 Food & Drink Advent Calendars for 2024

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in a daily treat that builds anticipation and satisfies cravings. While traditional chocolate advent calendars have long been a staple of Christmas Eve excitement, this year’s market is flooded with creative twists—ranging from artisanal teas and craft beers to gourmet cheeses and fine wines. A recent feature in The New Zealand Herald highlights thirteen of the most enticing food‑and‑drink advent calendars available this festive season. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each calendar, what makes it special, and why it’s worth a spot on your holiday list.

1. The Sweetest Surprise – Classic Chocolate Advent Calendar

The classic chocolate calendar never goes out of style, and this edition offers 24 individually wrapped premium chocolates. Each day delivers a different flavor—from rich dark chocolate infused with sea salt to silky milk chocolate topped with pistachio pieces. The sleek design and sturdy cardboard box make it an elegant gift for the chocolate aficionado. The calendar’s compact size means it fits comfortably in a purse or luggage, so it’s perfect for traveling families.

2. Sips of Luxury – Premium Wine Advent Calendar

Wine lovers rejoice with a calendar that opens to a carefully curated selection of twelve small‑bottle vintages. From crisp, chilled whites to bold, full‑bodied reds, each bottle is paired with a tasting note. The packaging includes a handy “wine‑reading” guide so you can fully appreciate the nuances of each varietal. This calendar is an ideal present for the wine‑connoisseur who enjoys discovering new labels in a playful way.

3. Brewed Bliss – Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Beer enthusiasts will find delight in a calendar featuring 12 handcrafted beers from local breweries. With an eclectic mix of styles—including IPAs, stouts, and saison—the calendar celebrates New Zealand’s burgeoning craft beer scene. Each beer comes in a convenient, pre‑measured can or bottle that’s easy to take on the go. The calendar also offers a fun “beer‑tasting” cheat sheet for newcomers.

4. Tea‑Tastic – Premium Loose‑Leaf Tea Calendar

Tea lovers get their daily dose of delight with an advent calendar that offers 12 premium loose‑leaf blends. From Earl Grey infused with lavender to a spicy chai that warms the soul, each tea is presented in an individually sealed tin. A small card accompanies each day, explaining the tea’s origin, flavor profile, and brewing instructions. The calendar’s elegant packaging makes it a great gift for the tea connoisseur who loves a daily ritual.

5. Savoury Surprise – Gourmet Cheese Advent Calendar

For the adventurous palate, a cheese calendar offers 12 small, individually wrapped cheeses sourced from New Zealand’s finest dairies. From mild goat cheese to aged cheddar, each item is paired with a pairing suggestion—such as crackers, fruit, or wine. The calendar’s design features a rustic cheese board motif, and the packaging is as functional as it is beautiful.

6. The Sweet and Savoury – Chocolates & Snacks Calendar

Combining the best of both worlds, this calendar delivers 24 bite‑size treats that include dark chocolate, chocolate‑covered almonds, and mini‑snack bars. Every day provides a new flavor combination, from salted caramel to citrus‑infused dark chocolate. The colorful design and playful packaging make it a hit for families with children.

7. Scented Serenity – Spa‑Inspired Advent Calendar

While not strictly food‑based, this calendar offers a daily dose of relaxation: 12 mini spa items including aromatic soaps, bath salts, and essential oil blends. Each item is carefully curated to evoke a holiday atmosphere. The packaging includes a small “spirit of the season” card, which encourages mindfulness and self‑care.

8. The Nutty Delight – Premium Nut Advent Calendar

This calendar celebrates New Zealand’s diverse nut harvest. With 12 individually packed nuts—almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, and pistachios—each day delivers a crunchy, protein‑rich treat. The nuts are sourced from sustainable farms and packaged in a sleek, recyclable tin, making it a health‑conscious gift.

9. Gourmet Gusto – Spices & Sauces Calendar

A culinary advent calendar that offers 12 small jars of gourmet spices and sauces. From smoky chipotle to aromatic rosemary‑infused olive oil, each jar includes a card with a recipe idea. The packaging is designed to be opened daily, giving chefs a new ingredient to explore each morning.

10. Sweet Treats for the Sweet‑Tooth – Premium Dessert Calendar

This calendar delivers 12 mini desserts, ranging from petit fours to chocolate truffles. Each dessert is elegantly wrapped and presented on a small porcelain plate. The calendar’s design mimics a Christmas bakery, and the packaging is perfect for a sweet‑tooth friend or a festive family gathering.

11. Beverage Bonanza – Premium Coffee Advent Calendar

For the coffee lover, this calendar provides 12 small bags of freshly roasted coffee beans, each from a different New Zealand region. The calendar includes a brewing guide and a small espresso grinder, making it an excellent gift for the home barista.

12. Chocolaty & Cheery – Holiday Chocolate Calendar

This advent calendar includes 24 holiday‑themed chocolates, each shaped like a Christmas icon—an elf, a snowflake, or a candy cane. The flavors range from classic milk chocolate to daring combinations such as cranberry‑dark chocolate. The design is festive and playful, and it makes for a perfect gift for children or the young at heart.

13. The Ultimate Combo – Food & Drink Advent Calendar

The pinnacle of advent calendars offers a curated mix of gourmet food and drink items. From a mini bottle of sparkling wine and a chocolate truffle to a small jar of locally produced honey and a handful of roasted almonds, this calendar is a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and indulgent. The packaging is a stunning wooden box, making it an elegant gift.

How to Choose the Right Calendar

When selecting an advent calendar, consider the recipient’s preferences:

• Chocolate lovers – Choose a classic chocolate calendar or a chocolate‑themed version for extra fun.
• Foodies – Opt for a gourmet cheese, spice, or snack calendar that offers variety.
• Beverage buffs – Wine, craft beer, or coffee calendars deliver a refined experience.
• Health‑conscious – Nut or tea calendars provide a lighter, mindful daily treat.

Each calendar is typically available in the lead‑up to Christmas, and many can be pre‑ordered online to guarantee delivery before the holidays. Prices range from NZ$30 for a simple chocolate or snack calendar to NZ$80 for the premium wine or cheese selections.

Final Thoughts

Advent calendars are a brilliant way to add a little daily excitement to the holiday season. By choosing a calendar that aligns with the recipient’s tastes, you turn each day into a mini celebration. Whether it’s a daily sip of wine, a spoonful of chocolate, or a fresh cup of coffee, the 13 featured calendars highlighted in the NZ Herald offer something for everyone. As the countdown to Christmas begins, consider gifting a calendar that turns ordinary days into extraordinary moments of indulgence.