Once upon a time, advent calendars were all about opening up a tiny cardboard door to enjoy an indulgent chocolate treat each day in the lead-up to Christmas – but over recent years they’ve had a luxurious makeover. While chocolate advent calendars still exist, they now feature decadent artisan truffles over tiny Christmas-themed shapes, and beyond that, they have expanded to encompass an array of different themes ranging from the beauty advent calendar to versions featuring fine spirits and even tea.
These days, there’s something to suit every taste, and anything you can imagine likely exists. So, whether you’re looking to surprise someone special with a thoughtful pre-Christmas gift or treat yourself to a touch of festive luxury, we’ve picked out the top high-end options worth splurging on for Christmas 2024.
For the fragrance lover: Diptyque Advent Calendar
Every fragrance connoisseur knows that having just one perfume in your repertoire simply isn’t enough, and the Diptyque advent calendar offers the chance to create an entire fragrance wardrobe, with one to suit every mood and occasion. Also known for its sumptuous candles and home scents, the brand’s Christmas offering features a carefully curated array of all three, along with some of its scented soaps, and alongside its much-loved signature scents you can be sure that there will be a festive-themed aroma or two exuding from its daily treats.
The Do Son eau de parfum, which includes notes of tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine and amberwood, and the Orphéon version, comprising notes of juniper, tonka bean, cedar and jasmine are highlights to look out for.
For the whisky connoisseur: The Whisky Exchange Advent Calendar
For the whisky enthusiast, The Whisky Exchange’s new advent calendar is a no-brainer, and offers the chance to enjoy a variety of different miniatures, including single malts, rare editions and exclusive blends. Throughout the month of December, and right up until Christmas, you’ll open the door to a new surprise each day, and for those who appreciate a refined dram it’s certain to please.
Featuring a curated selection, hand-picked from some of the very finest distilleries across Scotland, Ireland and beyond, it’s a great chance to discover a new favourite.
For the dedicated tea drinker: Fortnum and Mason Christmas Tea Advent Calendar
If you can’t go a morning without a good cup of tea, then Fortnum and Mason’s luxury tea-themed advent calendar will ensure that the perfect brew is always close at hand. Packed with a selection of high-quality loose leaf teas, tea bags and tea-related accessories, it promises to take you on a journey around the world as you sip your way through a different blend each day – from traditional choices such as Earl Grey and English Breakfast to seasonal varieties like the fragrant Christmas Spiced Tea.
The real appeal of this advent calendar is that it gives you access to exclusive teas that you won’t otherwise find in store – so it’s a rare chance to try some really special brews in celebration of the festive season.
For the luxury beauty buff: The Liberty London Advent Calendar
For a really indulgent daily treat in the lead-up to Christmas, splash out on the lavish Liberty London Advent Calendar, which will surprise you with a different high-end beauty gift each day.
Not one to do things by halves, the department store has gone all-out this year to provide a really special line-up, with brands like La Mer, Agent Nateur and Sunday Riley featuring in the form of highly coveted skincare, makeup and fragrance items that promise to make you feel like a million dollars.
And the calendar itself looks pretty spectacular too, designed to emulate the iconic Liberty London building to make for a show-stopping centrepiece for any room of the house.
For the chocolate lover: Charbonnel et Walker The Luxury Christmas Advent Calendar
If you’d rather stick to the traditional chocolate-themed advent calendar, then the Charbonnel et Walker luxury Christmas advent calendar offers a thoroughly opulent twist, featuring a decadent assortment of truffles, pralines and ganaches for you to indulge in each day.
Known as the royal chocolatier of the UK, Charbonnel et Walker has been handcrafting luxury chocolates since 1875, and from champagne chocolates to strawberry filled truffles, this advent calendar really is the epitome of luxury. The quality of its chocolates is unparalleled, and the sophistication the brand is known for is reflected in every bite.
