Christmas dinner is a one-day affair, but you can savor the countdown to the holiday for an entire month with an Advent calendar. You don’t need to pay for shipping or try to source one online — the easiest place to grab one of these seasonal delights is the grocery store.
Although classic Advent calendars typically include 24 numbered compartments, each with a small piece of candy or chocolate, brands are getting more creative with what they put inside. From cheese to energy drinks, there’s now an Advent calendar theme to suit any palate or preference.
Many grocery stores offer at least one Advent calendar in the weeks leading up to the holidays, but some chains take their range of options to another level. While it may feel a little early to think about which treats you want to enjoy in December, the most popular Advent calendars sell out quickly. Head to one of these supermarkets as soon as possible if there’s a specific calendar you want for the countdown to Christmas.
Costco
Costco’s Advent calendars are a hit with shoppers every year, and quite a few options sell out well before December 1. One of the most coveted calendars at the membership warehouse is its exclusive wine Advent calendar. The $99 calendar is back this year with 24 half bottles of wine from around the world, including selections from France, Spain, Chile, Hungary, and more.
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While the wine calendar may be one of Costco’s most popular offerings, it’s far from the only Advent calendar you’ll find in the warehouse. The bulk retailer also carries calendars featuring miniature jars of Bonne Maman jam, 24 tea blends from Tea Forte, luxurious hot chocolate from Whittard, candy from Sugarfina, and even energy drinks from Red Bull. If you want to choose from a wide array of Advent calendars or try many new wines during the holiday season, head to Costco.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club’s Advent calendar selection leans toward the classic. The membership warehouse offers several options for chocolate- or candy-filled calendars. The slightly shorter Ghirardelli 12 Day Calendar Countdown includes chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn, graham crackers, and hot cocoa. The Deluxe 3D Holiday Town Countdown Calendar features sweet treats from a variety of brands such as Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Mrs. Fields, each hidden inside an adorable three-dimensional building.
Kids will love the Grinch Advent Calendar. Decorated with drawings from the iconic movie, this calendar’s decorative box holds candy, cookies, truffles, and more. You can find the Red Bull Advent Calendar — also available at Costco — at Sam’s Club, too. This caffeinated creation is known to sell out quickly, so you might have two chances to get your hands on it.
Aldi
Advent calendars go on sale at Aldi stores on November 4. This year, shoppers will find more options than ever: The European chain is offering more than 25 calendars, with prices starting at just $1.99. Aldi is bringing back fan-favorites like its Wine Advent Calendar and Emporium Selection Advent Cheese Calendar. (Purchase them together if you can, because the store intentionally pairs each day’s wine and cheese selections for a perfect pairing.)
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Grab the Crofton Christmas Kitchen Advent Calendar for the baker in your life. It includes 24 baking gadgets and tools, such as holiday-themed cookie cutters, all for the impressive price of $20. Or you can spice up the holiday season with Burman’s Hot Sauce Advent Calendar, which features individually wrapped bottles of its titular condiment. Finally, there’s one product that any serious Aldi fan should buy: The Aldi Finds Super Fan Advent Calendar is packed with branded merchandise celebrating the grocery chain.
Target
Target shoppers are in for a treat this holiday season. More than a dozen Advent calendars are arriving on the store’s shelves, including several exclusive offerings from beloved food and beverage brands. Most of Target’s Advent calendars launch on November 1, with prices starting at $5. To kick off each December morning with a surprise, pick up an Advent calendar from Twinings Tea or try the Good & Gather Espresso Countdown Calendar. The former delivers a daily cup of tea, while the latter ensures you have a new coffee every morning.
On the sweeter side of things, Target is an exclusive stockist of the Percy Pig Advent Candy & Chocolate Calendar from Marks & Spencer, which is packed with themed gummy candies and milk chocolates. The superstore also sells a 12 Days of Cookies Countdown Calendar, decorated with cute illustrations of woodland animals on the outside. Whether you want something affordable, savory, classic, or even boozy, one of these chains has your holiday countdown needs covered.
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