Best luxury advent calendars: gourmet food and drink options for lovers of the finer things in life

Luxury advent calendars might seem like a frivolous affair but we think it is fair to say that advent calendars have taken on a life of their own over the past few years. As a child, you might remember that behind the 24 (or 25 if you were really lucky) doors of your advent calendar, there would be a square of milk chocolate waiting for you, often depicting a staple fixture of the Christmas season, such as an intricately designed snowflake or the jolly face of Father Christmas.

As a grown up though, you are more likely to find that the advent calendars advertised to you have much more to offer than a sugar hit - in fact, luxury advent calendars are now all the rage, featuring everything from high-end beauty products to jewelry. So although there is nothing wrong with traditionalists who prefer a chocolate advent calendar, it’s easy to see why a regular one can feel a bit, well… boring.

If you want to spice things up this Christmas and really treat yourself, then a luxury advent calendar is surely the way to go. As this is SquareMeal, we will be devoting our attention to the luxury food and drink advent calendars that have been created for 2023; on our list, you will find a whole host of truly luxe options to choose from, ranging from calendars filled with bespoke tea blends and Belgian chocolate truffles through to handcrafted fill-your-own calendars which double up as Christmas decorations and you can use year after year.

Peruse our pick of the best luxury advent calendars for 2023 that you can buy online below and treat someone you love (or yourself!) to one this Christmas, ensuring this advent will be truly unforgettable.

Fortnum’s Feasting Advent Calendar

What: Fortnum’s is known for producing some of the most bountiful, best Christmas hampers, so it’s hardly a surprise that the famous department store also does a rather good advent calendar. This year’s feasting calendar contains a whole host of luxury festive goodies, ranging from orange and champagne marmalade, to Shropshire honey, truffles, and balsamic jelly. 
How much: £200
Buy the Fortnum’s Feasting Advent Calendar

Fortnum’s Tea Filled Wooden Advent Calendar

What: The ultimate gift for tea obsessives, this wooden advent calendar features a wide array of special and unique blends for you to enjoy during the run up to Christmas. Behind the 24 doors, you can expect to find the likes of Royal Blend, Plum & Apple Infusion, and Christmas Black Tea. Because it's made from wood, you can reuse the calendar year after year too.
How much: £155
Buy the Fortnum’s Tea Filled Wooden Advent Calendar

A Whisky Tour of Scotland Advent Calendar

What: Whisky advent calendars don’t get much better than this - with it’s wooden box that opens up to show 24 draws filled with rare and aged single cask and blended whiskeys from the five scotch regions. Each 50ml dram is bottled straight from the cask, and is an example of some of Scotland’s finest whiskies. Plus there's two tasting glasses so you can share the experience!
How much: £174.93
Where to buy: Amazon

Hotel Chocolat The Grand Advent Calendar

What: Forget the usual plain square of milk chocolate that you get in your average advent calendar, as this year Hotel Chocolat is seriously stepping things up. Behind each door, you’ll find the indulgent likes of a dark chocolate baton or a pair of cinnamon bun truffles. It’s not all about the chocolate either, as this calendar also features alcoholic miniatures too.
How much: £75
Buy the Hotel Chocolat The Grand Advent Calendar

Whittard Tea Advent Calendar

What: If tea is your preferred hot drink of choice, then you can’t go wrong with this tea advent calendar from Whittard. It features 18 different types of tea from the brand’s expansive range, including unique Whittard blends and renowned single origins. Flavours to discover include Christmas Tea, Mango and Bergamot, and Organic Camomile. 
How much: £70
Buy the Whittard Tea Advent Calendar

Cocktail Advent Calendar

What: Embrace the celebratory aspect of the festive season with this colourful collection of pre-mixed cocktails. All you need is some ice and garnish and you’re good to go. Within the variety of five different brands, and alongside the classics, potential choices include a Christmas Negroni, Brazilian Lime Margharita, Matcha Mojito, and a Manuka Honey Whiskey Sour. 
How much: £169.95
Buy the Cocktail Advent Calendar

Paxton & Whitfield Artisan Cheese Advent Calendar

What: This Advent calendar is perfect the perfect gift for any cheese-lover, ensuring a delicious Christmas countdown marked by 24 different cheeses. The cheese arrives in three instalments throughout December, offering a mixture of the latest cheeses from new maturation rooms, as well as artisanal classics. It’s certain to provide a sense of joy throughout the Christmas countdown - cheesy grins are guaranteed!
How much: £150
Buy the Paxton & Whitfield Artisan Cheese Advent Calendar

Melt Notting Hill House Advent Calendar

What: Celebrating Notting Hill, the area where you’ll find Melt’s flagship store, the luxury chocolate brand’s advent calendar is shaped like a giant house and its doors open to reveal miniature pastel-hued townhouses that conceal chocolatey treats. The doors can be filled with delicious bespoke chocolates of your choosing, ensuring an indulgent start to every morning of advent.
How much: £69
Buy the Melt Notting Hill House Advent Calendar

Nespresso Advent Calendar

What: ‘Affordable luxury’ is something of a buzzword these days, but this advent calendar from Nespresso really encapsulates the concept. Priced at just £35, the calendar features 23 capsules of regular, decaffeinated and flavoured roast and ground coffees, as well as one exclusive gift behind door number 24 which can be kept as a special gift.
How much: £35
Buy the Nespresso Advent Calendar

Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

What: Everyone loves small jam pots - it’s a fact. This advent calendar, decorated in a festive carousel scene, holds 17 of them, showcasing a brilliant range of tastes. There are also a range of specialist teas to enjoy alongside. The flavours themselves are incredibly tempting, with highlights including a milk caramel with cinnamon spread, pineapple and ginger spread and quince jam.
How much: £33
Buy the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

Cartwright & Butler Advent Calendar

What: After the success of their 2022 Advent calendar, Cartwright & Butler returns offering a luxurious collection that features a treasure chest of gourmet goodies. Inside, you will find 24 full-sized products, with treats to discover including biscuits, tea, drinking chocolate, fudge, chutney and plenty of other delights.
How much: £210
Buy the Cartwright & Butler Advent Calendar

If you can’t get enough of alternative advent calendars, check out our pick of the best food and drink advent calendars for 2023.