What: This one is a little more unconventional, but why not try something new this Christmas? Lakrids are alittle-known Danish confectionary and a firm favourite of liquorice lovers.The calendar includes 24 chocolate-coated gourmet liquorice balls in a variety of flavours including cookie butter and salted caramel. Layers of not-too-sweet chocolate complement herbal liquorice cores will make the lead-up to Christmas day that much more exciting. Whether you’re in the market for a luxury chocolate advent calendar filled with exotic truffles or on the hunt for a more a more affordable option from a universally beloved brand (think: Reese’s, Hershey, or Cadbury), our handy list to the best options on the market for the 2022 Christmas season is guaranteed to cover everyone on your list. We even found a vegan option, where the chocolates are made with nut milk, and not one but two fantastic hot chocolate advent calendars for those who prefer to drink their chocolate stirred in a glass. No matter how old you are, there’s something inherently exciting about an advent calendar. The anticipation of opening up a window each day, revealing a bitesize piece of festive joy. If you’re after something extra special this year, then look no further than The Grand Advent Calendar. Brimming with decadent chocolate slabs, batons and truffles, you’ll discover a new indulgent treat each day in the run-up to Christmas. The Godiva Chocolatier Holiday Gourmet Chocolate Advent Calendar is our top choice because of its wide selection of treats and premium Belgian chocolate created by artisans in small batches. For a budget option that won't disappoint, we recommend the Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent Calendar... What to Look for in an Advent Calendar Number of Pieces What:Ombar’s favourite Coco Mylk bars are now featured in their own dedicated calendar. Don’t worry Oat M’lk fans, the original oat milk advent calendar is still available. This calendar, however, includes the original soft-centred coconut milk bars filled with hazelnut truffle, pistachio, and raspberry. Each window also gives a little fact on how to have an eco-friendly Christmas. Now that's some food for thought.

Now we know deep down that chocolate shouldn’t really be part of your breakfast, but that adds to the indulgence of it all, and arguably the small bite-sized squares you get in an advent calendar taste even better than a full-sized bar as a result. The issue comes when making the decision as to which one, or in our case how many, you’re going to commit to buying this year, with so many different options on offer. What: We love Chococo’s advent calendars and selection boxes - to get 25 unique, individually handcrafted chocolates for this money is impressive, and Chococo recently scooped a Gold Great Taste Award in 2023. There’s also an excellent vegan calendar too. Lip Balm Fruit - 30gChocolate Cream Liqueur (Contains MILK, SOYA) - 50 ml e / 15% vol Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur - 50ml e / 24.4 % volCocoa Gin - 50ml / 40% vol All Blends contain Soya. May Contain Milk. The dark base chocolate is produced in a factory that makes Milk chocolate. What: A typically beautiful advent box from Brussels-based chocolatier Pierre Marcolini. Inside you’ll find the full spectrum of Marcolini creations all individually wrapped like presents, from pralines and caramels to luxurious truffles.We add the cocoa and milk to a cup and then microwave for around two minuets. We then use an electric whisk to make sure all chocolate is dissolved. Dark chocolate contains minimum 70% cocoa solids. Milk chocolate contains minimum 40% cocoa solids, minimum 20% milk solids. White chocolate contains minimum 36% cocoa butter, minimum 27% milk solids. Caramel milk chocolate contains minimum 36% cocoa solids, minimum 26% milk solids. For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in BOLD. All chocolates in the box may contain tree nuts, peanuts, milk, soya, gluten, wheat, egg, sesame. Some days you may find a Cacao Gin or a Velvetised Cream Liqueur miniature. We don’t recommend having these tipples before breakfast, but they’ll give you something to look forward to after work. What: This child-friendly treat-filled calendar gives you change from a tenner while also making sure you get a proper chocolate hit. Hiding behind each door is a sweet little milk chocolate shape which will keep you guessing day to day, and you can get the Christmas Eve choc personalised with a name on it. If you've got a big brood, Thorntons often does special offers on multiple calendars, so make sure to keep an eye out in the run up to Christmas. Variety: Whether you love milk, dark or white chocolate (or a mix of all three), I've chosen a variety of options, including some unique flavours, too.

Traditionally, Advent calendars were 24 pieces. As they have gained popularity, they have morphed to a number of days leading up to the winter holidays. If you want a traditional model, be sure to look for 24 days of chocolate. If you are open to something less traditional, there are options that come in different increments. If you plan to share with the family, you may want to opt for a shareable model that has more than 24 pieces. gelatine, anti-caking agent: maize starch; colours: curcumin, carmine, beetroot extract; flavourings, What:Love Cocoa’s chocolate truffle calendar is sustainability-focused, 100% free from plastic, and free from palm oil.Love Cocoa founderJames Cadbury knows a thing or two about good chocolate too, being the great-great-great grandson of the master chocolatier who crafted Britain's most cherished chocolate. Each calendar contains four different flavours to mix it up -hazelnut crunch, hazelnut praline, spiced gingerbread, and salted caramel -plus, a mystery chocolate bar. The contents: In our edit you'll open the door to reveal a full-size single-serve portion of velvety-smooth, intensely creamy hot chocolate each day. Ingredients: Milk chocolate (60%) (sugar, cocoa butter, whole MILK powder, cocoa mass, lactose (MILK), whey powder (MILK), emulsifier: SOYA lecithin; flavouring), white chocolate flavour compounds (15%) (sugar, cocoa butter, whole MILK powder, lactose (MILK), whey powder (MILK), MILK fat, flavourings, emulsifier: SOYA lecithin; colours: curcumin, paprika extract, caramel; spirulina concentrate; peppermint oil,

What makes a luxury chocolate?

In Western tradition, there are four Sundays during Advent leading up to Christmas, but Advent has morphed to cover the first 24 days of December whether it is four Sundays or not. Following modern practices, you should open your first window or door on December 1, depending on the calendar you choose. Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel | sugar, cocoa butter, whole Milk powder, cocoa mass, emulsifier ( Soya lecithin), natural vanilla flavouring, salt, flavouring substances, flavouring preparations, propylene glycol, Milk. Milk chocolate contains: Cocoa solids 45% minimum. Milk solids 15% minimum. What: Not only is HAPPi's advent calendar vegan and gluten-free, it's also plastic-free, making it the perfect gift for your eco-conscious friend, child or sibling! Having sampled HAPPi's oat milk-based chocolate, we're more than happy eating this 24 days in a row - we'd even continue eating it well into next year if you give us the chance. Carrie Honaker is a food writer who loves surprises, especially when they are chocolate. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she has made her fair share of chocolate confections for the holidays. Her work has appeared in many publications, including Bon Appetit, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast.