We don't know about you, but now that November is nearly over, we're completely ready to start celebrating Christmas. We've already turned our homes into Santa's grotto, are picking out our favourite festive films and songs on repeat and are deep into shopping for Christmas presents.
If you haven't already, there's not much time left to think about ordering your family their Advent calendars so you're ready to open them come December 1st. We know that there are many alternative toddler Advent calendars available nowadays, but does anything beat a chocolate Advent calendar for kids? Let's be honest, having chocolate for breakfast is an exciting prospect for anyone, let alone children!
If you're not sure which Advent calendar you're going to treat your little one to this year, we've rounded up some of our favourites. From milk and white chocolate classics to more luxury options too, there are chocolate Advent calendars for kids to suit every budget and taste.
Although this roundup is aimed more at kids, we're sure adults wouldn't mind counting down Christmas with these tasty treats too...
The best chocolate Advent calendars for kids
Best Galaxy chocolate Advent calendar
Description
Galaxy chocolate is another firm favourite for children and adults of all ages. You'll get two Galaxy calendars which have 24 doors and behind each one, you'll find Galaxy's signature chocolate moulded into festive shapes.
Review: "If you like Galaxy chocolate, then this is the ideal Advent Calendar. Price was good considering that even the cheap and nasty no-brand chocolate calendars are only slightly less, and this is the real deal."
Pros
- Bigger chocolate on Christmas Eve
- Two calendars
Cons
- Would be nice if it had 25 days of chocolate to open
Best Dairy Milk Advent calendar
www.tesco.com
Description
Much loved by kids and adults alike, you just can't go wrong with a Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent calendar for your little one's Christmas countdown.
Review: "I always look forward to the annual Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent calendar - this is no different! I've even snuck the first one out too, and it's just as creamy and smooth as I've been imagining it all year!"
Pros
- 100 per cent sustainably sourced cocoa
- Cadburys is a classic
Cons
- Would be nice if it had 25 days of chocolate to open
Best Hotel Chocolat kids' Advent calendar
www.hotelchocolat.com
Description
The countdown to Christmas doesn't come much cuter than the Up to Snow Good Advent calendar by Hotel Chocolat. There's a jolly character sketched and sculpted into each 40 per cent milk chocolate every day, with an even bigger chocolate surprise behind the door for Christmas Eve.
Review: "Tasty and festive. Good for all ages. Nice shaped chocolates. Design nice."
Pros
- Chocolates made with Hotel Chocolat's in-house Chocolate Sculptress
- Large chocolate on day 24
Cons
- Chocolate may taste a little on the richer side compared to some chocolate Advent calendars
Best 'free from' kids' Advent calendar
www.sainsburys.co.uk
Description
If your little one is gluten-free or milk-free, this rice-based calendar is a great alternative to a milk chocolate Advent calendar. The packing is super Christmassy too, with its bold green colour, gold stars, and snowman, Santa and reindeer illustrations.
Pros
- Designed for children with food intolerances and allergies
Cons
- Slightly higher price compared to basic milk chocolate calendars
Best luxury chocolate Advent calendar for kids
www.fortnumandmason.com
Description
Now we know this one is an expensive option compared to other Advent calendars on our list, but if you're looking for an extra special treat for your child, Fortnum & Mason has got you covered. The calendar is a miniature replica of Fortnum's Piccadilly home with creamy milk chocolate presents, trees, teddy bears and even Father Christmas himself to discover behind every one of the 25 doors.
Pros
- Has 25 doors with a bigger treat behind the door for Christmas day
- Beautiful design
Cons
- At a high price point
Best white chocolate Advent calendar for kids
groceries.asda.com
Description
For children who are lovers of white chocolate, the Milkybar calendar will be right up their street. Not only will they get to enjoy smooth and creamy white chocolate in the run-up to the big day, but there's also a Santa decoration they can create from the packaging on the back.
Pros
- One for the white chocolate lovers
- No artificial flavours, colours or preservatives
Cons
- Would be nice if it had 25 days of chocolate to open
Best Maltesers Advent calendar
Description
Who doesn't like Maltesers? This advent calendar is another family classic. Whether your little one opens their daily door in the morning or for an after-school snack, they'll be treated with one of Malteser's adorable yet delicious reindeer chocolates.
Pros
- Cute reindeer shapes
Cons
- Would be nice if it had 25 days of chocolate to open
Best personalised Advent calendar for kids
www.thorntons.com
Description
A snowy backdrop with Santa and his friends surrounding his sleigh filled with presents and toys is sure to kiddies excited for Christmas Day. There are 25 doors on this Advent calendar so there's even a chocolate treat for the big day itself - a personalised delicious milk chocolate plaque.
Pros
- A chocolate every day in the countdown to Christmas and Christmas day
- The chocolate plaque can be personalised with their name
Cons
- Not suitable for children with milk and soya allergies and intolerances
Best Lindt chocolate Advent calendar for kids
Description
Treat your little one to a bit of indulgence every day with this Lindt Advent calendar. Lindt is known for its quality chocolates and its Christmas confectionery is no exception to that. The brand's iconic foil-wrapped Santa and reindeer are just some of what your child can expect to discover behind every door.
Pros
- Treats are individually wrapped
- High quality chocolate
Cons
- Would be nice if it had 25 days of chocolate to open
Best chocolate Advent calendar for two kids
Description
If you've got two little ones to buy for (and they happen to be Peppa and Paw Patrol fans), then this set of calendars with 25 doors to open will do just the trick.
Pros
- Price includes two calendars
- Chunkier chocolates for final five days
Cons
- Some found the chocolate tricky to get out
Chocolate Advent calendars for kids FAQs
What is Advent?
Advent is traditionally celebrated as part of the Christian calendar. It means 'coming' and it's the period before Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. The non-religious way of marking Advent is usually with a calendar opened daily to count down the days before Christmas.
Why do we have Advent calendars?
Simply put, we have Advent calendars to count down the days until Christmas. Advent calendars were created sometime in the 19th Century by German Lutherans. It was a way of marking the days leading up to Christmas. By the early 20th century, calendars aimed at kids were being manufactured in Germany, before being adopted by other countries around the world.
When is Advent 2023?
Although we start opening our Advent calendars on the 1st of December, did you know that Advent doesn't usually start at the beginning of December? According to the Christian calendar, it actually starts on the Sunday that falls four weeks before Christmas. This means that Advent 2023 starts on Sunday 26th November and ends, as it always does, on Christmas Eve.
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.