The John Lewis Christmas advert has landed, festive food orders are being placed, and the shelves are brimming with baubles. This can only mean one thing: the official countdown to Christmas has begun, and it's time to secure the best advent calendars for 2025.
The Ultimate Advent Calendar Guide for 2025
While the classic chocolate advent calendar remains a beloved tradition, adults now have a wealth of indulgent options for their December countdown. From high-end beauty products to artisan gins, the market has exploded. But with so many choices, which calendar is worth your investment? The IndyBest team has done the hard work for you, committing the ultimate festive sin by opening every door ahead of schedule to bring you the definitive list of the year's top performers.
With just three weeks until the festivities begin on 1 December, these are the tried-and-tested advent calendars you need to shop now.
Our Top Picks Across Every Category
Best Kids’ Christmas Advent Calendar: The Lego Minecraft Advent Calendar (£24, Amazon.co.uk) takes the crown. Following the success of this year's A Minecraft Movie, this calendar is a sure-fire hit. Parenting writer Sarah Dawson awarded it the top spot, noting that behind each door is a minifigure or a mini model to build, including characters like Alex and Steve. It comes with a building guide and is compatible with other Lego sets, ensuring playtime lasts long after Christmas.
Best Beauty Advent Calendar: After reviewing dozens of contenders, beauty writer Lucy Smith named the Sephora Favourites Beauty Advent Calendar (£225, Sephora.co.uk) as the winner. Beating stiff competition from Lookfantastic and John Lewis, this calendar features 24 full-size products from trendy brands like Clomana, Tower 28, and Merit. With an estimated value of nearly £1,000, it represents exceptional value for any modern beauty lover.
Best Men’s Advent Calendar: The Liberty Men’s Grooming Advent Calendar (£260, Libertylondon.com) impressed audience editor Samuel Mathewson the most. He highlighted its exceptional value, with premium inclusions like a 15ml bottle of Augustinus Bader’s The Cream and Malin + Goetz’s recovery treatment oil. The calendar is rounded out with accessories such as a perfumed ceramic tablet and mini incense.
Best Jewellery Advent Calendar: For the second year running, the Estella Bartlett Advent Calendar (£195, Estellabartlett.com) comes out on top. Beautifully packaged in a neat white box with a red ribbon, it contains 12 pieces of jewellery. The selection spans minimalist styles and statement designs, with highlights including oversized shell-inspired earrings and a chunky necklace with a matching bracelet.
Best Beer Advent Calendar: Beer enthusiast Tamara Hinson tested offerings from Menkind and Brewdog, but the Best of British Beer Advent Calendar (£69.99, Bestofbritishbeer.co.uk) was the clear champion. Tamara praised the range of 24 different breweries from across the country, featuring everything from hazy IPAs to a chocolate honeycomb stout from Seven Bro7hers brewery. The mix of 330ml, 440ml and 500ml bottles adds to its appeal.
Best Wine Advent Calendar: In the review of the best wine advent calendars, the Virgin Wines Mixed Wine Advent Calendar 2025 (£99.99, Virginwines.co.uk) won for its variety and quality. Behind each of the 24 windows is a 187ml miniature bottle, offering an accessible mix of reds, whites, rosés, and a prosecco. The countdown ends with a Christmas Day surprise: a full-size bottle of Steve Grimley ‘legacy’ shiraz anniversary.
Best Gin Advent Calendar: Described as "an absolute showstopper" by wine and spirits writer Jonathan Hatchman, the Drinks by the Dram Premium Gin Advent Calendar (£99.95, Masterofmalt.com) is perfect for serious gin enthusiasts. It contains 25 wax-sealed 30ml samples from world-class producers like Isle of Harris and Ki No Bi Sei. The selection includes a navy strength gin and an Old Tom gin with vanilla and cinnamon notes, all presented with slick packaging.
Final Recommendations for a Festive Countdown
The advent calendar market continues to grow, offering something for every taste and budget. Whether you're shopping for a child, a beauty aficionado, or a drinks connoisseur, this expert-curated list ensures you'll find the perfect countdown to make this December truly special. Don't wait—these popular calendars are likely to sell out fast.
