Behind Every Little Door: The Best Advent Calendars to Give (and Keep)

Twenty-four little doors, twenty-four little surprises. The advent calendar started as a German tradition, a simple way to count down the days to Christmas with a tiny treat (usually a piece of chocolate) tucked behind each window. These days, they are all grown up. Wine, beer, cheese, specialty coffee, even crafts for curious kids, there is an advent calendar for just about everyone on your list, and the good ones sell out fast.

Why do they make such great gifts? You are not giving one present, you are giving a whole month of them. Every day brings a new sip or bite to discover and a reason to slow down during the busiest season of the year. Many of these are limited or made by reservation only, so don't wait. Here are our favorites.

For the Coffee Lover

Adore A Day Coffee Advent Calendar — Here is a story we love. Oliver Ciszak, a 16-year-old junior at Northern Valley Demarest High School in New Jersey, grew up opening an advent calendar every Christmas, so in early 2026, between classes and soccer, he started his own company. Hospitality runs in the family: his dad is Chef Thomas Ciszak (Brasserie Mémère, Blue Morel, Chakra) and his mom is sommelier Evelyn Ciszak, managing partner at Chakra and former beverage director at Jean-Georges. Dad helped him taste for flavor and quality, and Oliver chose roasters from across the country for their stories and their beans, including Afficionado Coffee, Rusty's Hawaiian, Java Love, Pablo's Coffee, Klatch Coffee and Queen City Coffee Roasters. Each day brings 50 grams of specialty coffee, enough for two medium cups. And yes, he already has ideas for next year.

24 days, $108. Preorders ship Nov. 20. Free local pickup starts Nov. 12 at Brasserie Mémère, 107 Vervalen St., Closter, NJ (wait for your pickup-ready email).

For the Wine Lover

Linganore Winecellars Wine Advent Calendar — Close to home in Mount Airy, the Linganore elves have been busy fermenting, blending and bottling 12 little surprises. Go Dry for crisp whites, bright rosés and full-bodied reds, or Sweet for luscious, easy-drinking pours. Each half-bottle holds two six-ounce glasses, so this one is made for sharing. New this year, it ships.

12 half-bottles (375ml), $125. Pickup and shipping open at the end of November. Excluded from discounts.

Knead Wine Advent Wine Calendar — A cult favorite for five years running. Twelve mystery half-bottles, each wrapped by Knead's own tireless elves and paired with detailed tasting notes. Count down Advent, the 12 days of Christmas or the eight nights of Hanukkah, with a few spares for whatever else you are celebrating. The selections change every year, and they only make as many as are reserved.

12 half-bottles, $299. Reserve by Friday, Nov. 6 by emailing [email protected]. Pickup on Black Friday, Nov. 27.

In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendars — The best-known name in wine advent calendars, and a TODAY show favorite. The flagship Mixed Wine Advent Calendar brings 24 mini bottles (187ml, about a glass and a half each) from Italy, Austria, Germany, New Zealand, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles and Washington, everything from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to bold Shiraz, all with no added sugars. Each day unlocks tasting notes, a video and a recipe to pair with your pour, and this year's box opens like a book and features the team's pets. Want to switch it up? There is a White & Rosé calendar, an All Red calendar, a Luxury calendar of small-production wines, and two new ones: a Wine Cocktail Advent Calendar with ready-to-drink sips from Espresso Martinis to Piña Coladas, and a Food Pairing Advent Calendar made to go alongside.

Mixed, $154.99. White & Rosé, All Red and Wine Cocktail, $164.99 each. Luxury, $249.99. Food Pairing, $114.99 (save $15 with a wine calendar). Free shipping, and gift-givers can sign recipients up for the daily tasting emails without spoiling the surprise.

For the Beer Lover

ChurchKey Beer Advent Calendar — Curated by the beer team behind ChurchKey, this box packs 24 fresh and rare beers from more than 20 of the most exciting breweries around. The custom-decorated box keeps every can a secret until its day, so it is the perfect gift for the beer lover who thinks they have tried everything.

24 beers, $159. Pickup starts Saturday, Nov. 14 at Neighborhood Restaurant Group spots including Bluejacket, ChurchKey, The Sovereign, The Roost, Rustico, Planet Wine and B-Side. Delivery Nov. 20–23.

For the Cheese Lover

12 Days of Murray's Cheese — Murray's best-selling countdown is back with new cheeses, new pairings and a brand-new illustrated design. Behind the doors: PDO Manchego, a wine-washed wedge, truffle cheddar and more, plus jam, honey and cocoa-tinged crackers. Pair it with one of the wine calendars above and you have a party.

12 days, $90.

For the Curious Kid (and the Crafty Grown-Up)

McSweeney's Advent Calendar for Curious Minds — From the team behind the best-selling McSweeney's Advent Calendar and McSweeney's Kids, this festive box, illustrated by Tom Bingham, holds 24 DIY activities: full-color comics, guided imaginings, recipes, puppet instructions, writing prompts, mazes and more. A screen-free way to count down to Christmas, for every age.

24 days of activities.