ADVENT calendars have become a much-loved and familiar sight in the run-up to Christmas, extending the excitement and anticipation of the big day and as they’ve become more popular, they’ve also become more luxurious.
The best luxury advent calendars are those that offer a tantalising selection of gifts – whether that’s beauty, jewellery, food or alcohol – packaged in such a way that opening each door or drawer is an adventure and feels so special.
They’re usually also great value, which is especially the case with beauty advent calendars which can cost over £200 but can contain four or five times that amount in product value.
With the more expensive alcohol advents, the value lies in the rarity and desirability of the products they contain, such as single malts from little-known distilleries, or liqueurs from artisan producers.
Luxury however is subjective and means different things to different people so taking this into account our round-up of the best luxury advent calendars has something for everybody.
How to de-clutter if you have a beauty stash to last you a lifetime
Read on for a festive feast of luxury advents to delight your eyes and warm your heart.
Best luxury advent calendars at a glance:
- Best designer advent calendar: Diptyque 25 Scented Treasures
- Best beauty advent calendar: Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar
- Best booze advent calendar: Old & Rare Edition Whisky Advent Calendar
- Best luxury advent calendar: Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar
- Best luxury 12-day advent: La Mer The Atelier Advent Calendar
Diptyque 25 Scented Treasures
- 25 Scented Treasures, £390 from Diptyque – buy here
Iconic French fragrance brand Diptyque has once again released a gorgeous advent calendar full of its most loved products and perfumes.
Entitled 25 Scented Treasures the flame motif calendar opens to reveal a second layer of goodies beneath the first, to see you through December until the big day itself.
Contents include candles, eau de toilette, solid perfume, soap and shower oil in Diptyque’s bestselling scents, such as Figuier, Feu de Bois, Santal and Baies.
There are also special edition festive fragrances new for this year in the Sapin, Coton and Délice candles.
This is definitely one for Diptyque fans; they’re going to love it.
Number of products: 25, worth: unknown
Charlotte’s Lucky Chest Of Beauty Secrets
- Charlotte’s Lucky Chest Of Beauty Secrets, £160 from Charlotte Tilbury – buy here
Iconic makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury has released her eagerly awaited advent calendar, including a mix of full-size and travel-size beauty favourites.
The calendar is worth £225 and has 12 doors with a luscious gift hidden behind each.
Skincare and makeup luxuries include Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (handbag size) to keep your makeup in place for up to 16 hours, and a mini Magic Serum Crystal Elixir containing niacinamide and vitamin C for brighter, hydrated skin.
I’m a savvy shopper – best time to shop for Xmas 2023 is sooner than you think
Each drawer features a pretty jewelled handle, so once advent is over, the packaging wouldn’t look out of place used as a jewellery box.
This is a must for Charlotte Tilbury fans with one saying, 'This is so good if you’re new to Charlotte Tilbury and want to try different products to find your favourites'.
Number of products: 12, worth: £225
READ MORE:
- Best advent calendars for women
- Best advent calendars for men
- Best wine advent calendars
- Best advent calendars for kids
- Best chocolate advent calendars
Liberty Men’s Advent Calendar 2023
- Men’s Advent Calendar 2023, £230 from Liberty – buy here
Enjoy luxury grooming products in the run-up to Christmas with this year’s advent calendar for men from Liberty.
It’s worth a massive £685 and makes the perfect gift for a loved one or for yourself.
There are 25 doors to open to reveal high-end face and body care from Aromatherapy Associates, Malin + Goetz, Korres, Acqua di Parma and more.
With a great mix of full-size and travel-size products – 14 are full-size – it’s definitely going to be popular. The calendar also contains a pair of Colourful Standard Classic Organic Socks in Oxblood Red, a Liberty Windsor Leather Loop Keyring, a Skandinavisk Skog Candle and a pack of Liberty Playing Cards.
Number of products: 25, worth: over £685
Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar
- Beauty Advent Calendar, £250 from Harvey Nichols – buy here
This year’s beauty advent calendar from Harvey Nicks is everything you would expect from this premium brand and just like Edina and Patsy, it’s absolutely fabulous!
It’s worth over £1,300 and contains no less than 45 products, of which 24 are full-size, so more than one gift each day to take you through December to Christmas Day.
There are also Harvey Nichols gift cards worth £100 each hidden randomly – one in every 50 calendars has one – so you could wake up to an extra special gift on the big day.
This curated collection of skincare, body care, make-up, treatment vouchers, hair care and accessories includes Carolina Herrera Matte Red Algeria 410 Lipstick, Color WOW Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer, Dermalogica Pro Skin30 Treatment Voucher, Fenty Beauty The Whole Shebang 45 minute Colour Masterclass Treatment Voucher, Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream, Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick, Rodial Vit C Drops, Sisley Sisleya L’Integral Anti Age Cream and Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream – and so much more.
Number of products: 45, worth: more than £1,300
Astrid & Miyu 24 Day Advent Calendar In Gold
- Astrid & Miyu 24-Day Advent Calendar In Gold, £650 – buy here
A beautiful advent calendar containing 24 exquisite pieces of jewellery in individual boxes, all within a faux leather jewellery box.
Each item is made from recycled sterling silver, plated with 18K gold and decorated with freshwater pearls, crystals and semi-precious stones.
Within the drawers, expect to find earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets, including Opal Charm Huggies, Jewelled Crystal Hoops, a Bezel Cluster Necklace, a crystal and opal open ring and an Orbit Crystal Bracelet.
The faux leather jewellery box features a suedette lining and provides a home for your jewellery collection long after Christmas is over.
Praised by shoppers, one reviewer wrote that it was their 'favourite jewellery purchase ever'.
Number of products: 24, worth: £1,300
Jo Malone Advent Calendar
- Jo Malone Advent Calendar, £350 – buy here
This year’s Jo Malone calendar is one of simple, understated elegance in classic cream and black. Inside the jewellery box-like packaging is a treasure trove of mini home fragrances and colognes, as well as selected full-size gifts.
There’s something for every day up to and including Christmas day with much-loved fragrances of lime, basil & mandarin; peony & blush suede; velvet rose & oud, and blackberry & bay, among others. Total luxury!
Customers love how beautiful it is, with one writing, 'Stuffed full of gorgeous treats that continue to be enjoyed way beyond Christmas. This is the only advent calendar I buy, and I am never disappointed with the quality of the contents, and this year is even sweeter with the gingerbread decorations on the internal boxes. Love it!'
Number of products: 24, worth: unknown
Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar
- Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar, £250 – buy here
If any store screams luxury, then it’s Harrods. The world-renowned shop in Knightsbridge is a favourite haunt of the rich and famous, and no shopping trip to central London is complete without a visit there.
This year’s Harrods beauty advent calendar is suitably luxurious, with skincare, make-up and hair care from big names and cult brands, including Charlotte Tilbury, Acqua di Parma, Eve Lom, Elemis, Christophe Robin and Bobbi Brown.
The contents are worth a massive £1,173 and include 21 full-size items hidden inside the 25 drawers, so you could look at it as a beauty investment, as well as a gift to yourself.
One happy shopper added: 'Absolutely loved the products in this year‘s calendar. It is a fantastic value for the quality of the beauty items that are in the calendar this year.'
Number of products: 25, worth: £1,173
Dr Hauschka Advent Calendar
- Dr Hauschka advent calendar, £90 from Sephora – buy here
The acclaimed natural beauty brand Dr Hauschka has brought together a selection of its bestselling products in this 24-day advent calendar.
Behind each door, you’ll find a travel-size gift with an extra special treat for Christmas Eve – a full-size hydrating Cream Mask to moisturise your skin to perfection ready for the big day.
Fans of the brand love the quality ingredients, many of them organic, and natural plant essences the products contain, as well as the minimalist packaging, which looks fab on the bathroom shelf.
Expect to find favourites and limited-edition goodies such as Rose Day Cream, Quince Hydrating Body Milk, Night Serum, Revitalising Day Lotion, Blackthorn Toning Body Oil and Regenerating Eye Cream, as well as many more.
Number of products: 24, worth: £133
Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar
- Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar, £250 from Liberty London – buy here
The iconic London store always sets the bar high and this year is no exception. Their luxury advent calendar is worth £1,043 and contains 29 gifts, of which 20 are full-size.
There’s also a golden ticket hidden inside five of the calendars which will give each lucky winner £1,000 to spend in store.
Open each door to reveal skincare from Zelens, Aromatherapy Associates and REN; makeup from Rose Inc, Surratt and Byredo; haircare from Davines, Larry King and Charlotte Mensah and so much more, including eau de parfums, jewellery and accessories.
As well as being exclusive this beauty advent calendar is also exceptional value for money.
It's always popular with shoppers and with an average four-star review, it continues to be one of the most sought-after advents.
One reviewer wrote: 'I think it is good value for money, and I will definitely use all the contents. In love with the fragrances and the lipstick is really nice.'
Number of products: 29, worth: £1,043
Cheesegeek Advent Calendar
- Cheesegeek Advent Calendar, £150 – buy here
If you’re a total cheese head then you’re going to love this calendar – 24 different cheeses to take you up to Christmas. That’s almost 4lb of cheese!
Cheesegeek is keeping quiet about the types of cheese included in the calendar, but says each is a unique artisan cheese to discover.
The calendar comprises three sections, sent out separately for freshness, and each one comes with eight cheeses, crackers, honey and a jar of condiment.
Each box is also designed to fit in the fridge for easy storage.
Deliveries will arrive on 1st December, 8th December and 15th December for cheesy smiles all round.
A happy customer commented: 'Absolutely fantastic! Bought for my husband and he is thrilled. Love the extra addition of the biscuits, chutney and honey.'
Number of products: 24, worth: unknown
ESPA Wellness Calendar
- ESPA Wellness Calendar, £175 from LookFantastic – buy here
Conjure up that luxury spa experience at home with this indulgent calendar from ESPA.
Each of the 25 doors opens to reveal a gorgeous gift that will have you looking and feeling your best in the run up to the big day.
Pamper yourself with treats for your hair, face and body, including Pink Hair and Scalp Mud, Fortifying Bath & Body Oil, Active Nutrients Yuzu and Ginger Cleansing Sorbet and Tri-Active™ Regenerating Moisture Complex.
Espa’s popular Winter Spice fragrance, full of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and sweet orange, also makes an appearance as a votive candle and a scented ceramic ornament to bring festive harmony to your home.
A beautiful collection of 25 skincare, bodycare and haircare products in luxurious packaging – pure bliss!
Number of products: 24, worth: £419
Scream Pretty Jewellery Calendar
- Jewellery Advent Calendar, £195 from Scream Pretty – buy here
Choose between 18ct gold plated or sterling silver in this gorgeous calendar from Scream Pretty.
The earrings behind each of the 12 doors are from their best-selling Sparkle and Starburst collections, and they come in a range of styles to finish off any Christmas party look.
There are three different box designs to choose from to suit your style/
With contents worth £330 this is definitely on our Christmas list!
Number of products: 24, worth: £330
Biscuiteers Sophie Conran Advent Calendar and Luxe Biscuit Tin
- Biscuiteers Sophie Conran Advent Calendar, £115 – buy here
- Advent Luxe Biscuit Tin, £60 – buy here
A reusable advent calendar is a great idea when you have children and over the years it can become a family heirloom, making an appearance every Christmas as they grow up.
This beautiful hand-made advent calendar from Biscuiteers is designed by Sophie Conran and has 24 pockets in which to hide delicious treats or small toys – including the amazing advent iced biscuits.
Each of the vanilla biscuits in this luxury advent tin is iced individually and there are 24 of them, including Christmas trees, snowmen, teddy bears and Santa’s sleigh.
They’re just the right size for popping in the calendar pockets.
A reviewer added: 'Extremely classy, vibrant colours and a great keepsake for years to come.'
Number of products: 24, worth: unknown
Old & Rare Edition Whisky Advent Calendar
- Old & Rare Edition Whisky Advent Calendar, £999.95 from Master of Malt – buy here
This advent calendar is definitely for die-hard whisky fans and it’s sure to delight this December.
Each of the 24 drawers in this calendar contains a wax-sealed bottle of rare and well-aged whisky from a host of well-known producers. Most of the whiskies are more than 20 years old and a number of them are over 25 years old.
Drams include Balvenie 25-year-old single malt, Dalmore Quintessence and Braes of Glenlivet 27-year-old single malt.
If that’s not enough to make your mouth water then you can see what else is inside by visiting the Master of Malt website. The calendar also comes with a tasting glass to enhance your whisky appreciation experience.
Number of products: 24, worth: unknown
The White Company Advent Calendar
- The White Company Advent Calendar, £175 – buy here
The White Company does amazing winter fragrances and its candles are a must during the festive season.
There’s a great selection of them in their advent calendar, along with lots of skincare and wellness goodies, so whether you’re already a fan or eager to find out more, this is a lovely treat to take you up to Christmas Day.
Inside each of the 25 drawers, you’ll find bestsellers, such as their Winter Signature Candle, which gives 33 hours of burn time, the Fir Tree Mini Home Spray, Grapefruit & Mandarin Body Lotion, Nourish Cloud Cream and Spa Restore Muscle Gel.
There’s a mix of full-size and mini products all hidden inside minimalist white packaging with a foil wreath motif.
Shoppers love its selection of items with one praising its 'lovely presentation and products'.
Number of products: 25, worth: £273
Sephora Advent Calendar
- Sephora Advent Calendar, £189 – buy here
For Sephora’s fans in the UK this has been a long time coming.
While shoppers in the USA and Europe could get their hands on Sephora’s goodies, we had to wait for a trip abroad to stock up on our favourites. Not anymore!
Discover 36 products – of which 23 are full size – with skincare and makeup from Elemis, Nars, Neom and more. Worth more than £1,000 this will definitely keep you merry through to Christmas Day.
A happy reviewer wrote: 'This advent arrived today and it's really stunning. The box comes in lovely orange which you can keep for storage and the products are so nice - lovely variety of serums, makeup and hair products.'
Number of products: 34, worth: Over £1,045
The Whisky Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar
- The Whisky Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar, £145 – buy here
This advent calendar is ideal if you don’t want to just stick to one particular spirit, as it contains a mixture of different genres that are sure to put the merry into your Christmas.
Open each of the 25 doors in December to find old favourites and discover new contenders – gin, whisky, vodka, rum they’re all here, along with Calvados, Armagnac and several liqueurs to tempt your tastebuds.
Each bottle contains 30ml of a new or familiar flavour to savour, with drinks from well-known names, specialist distilleries and family firms from around the world.
Number of products: 25, worth: unknown
Fortnum’s Feasting Advent Calendar
- Fortnum’s Feasting Advent Calendar, £200 from Fortnum & Mason – buy here
Make your December really special with the Feasting Advent Calendar from Fortnum & Mason.
The iconic Piccadilly store is known for its gourmet food and drink, as well as for being a destination for royalty, and a little of this historic luxury has made its way into this foodie advent calendar.
It’s jam-packed with delicious goodies including Burlington Breakfast Marmalade, Christmas Tea Biscuits, Earl Grey, Breakfast Blend Coffee, Christmas Gin and Spiced Orange & Dark Chocolate Biscuits.
There’s even a quarter bottle of Champagne and a Christmas pudding to get you in the mood for the big day.
Number of products: 25, worth: unknown
La Mer The Atelier Advent Calendar
- The Atelier Advent Calendar, £470 from La Mer – buy here
This limited-edition calendar is worth £571 and contains a selection of La Mer’s best-selling skincare – including the signature Crème de la Mer.
If you’re already a fan you’re going to love it and if you’ve always wondered what all the fuss was about, then this is the perfect introduction to the brand.
There’s 12 drawers to open and inside you’ll find mini versions of La Mer’s bestselling skincare and bodycare products, including The Regenerating Serum, The Intensive Revitalizing Mask, The Eye Concentrate and The Lip Polish.
La Mer has an army of fans around the world who swear by its luxury high-end products.
The Atelier isn’t cheap, but then again, you wouldn’t expect it to be.
Number of products: 12, worth: £571
Jurlique advent calendar
- Jurlique advent calendar, £110 from Amazon – buy here
Australian holistic beauty brand Jurlique has included a great selection of products in this advent calendar, with a lovely mixture of skincare and bodycare.
There’s a full-size version of its gorgeous Rare Rose Face Oil and another full-size bottle of its Relax Essential Oil Blend, which you simply add to a diffuser for a heady aroma of Australian orange, patchouli, bergamot, cedarwood, frankincense and myrrh – particularly fitting at this time of year.
The remaining 22 pull-out drawers feature travel-size favourites such as Moisture Replenishing Day Cream, Nourishing Cleansing Oil and Nutri-Define Supreme Eye Contour Balm. Each drawer also features an inspiring mantra for each day.
Number of products: 24, worth: over £220
Style Advent Calendar
- Style Advent Calendar, £175 from Latest in Beauty – buy here
This year’s Style Beauty Advent Calendar is a goodie, with 25 gorgeous gifts – of which 19 are full size – and worth a total of £700.
Discover skincare, make-up and bodycare from icons such as Gatineau, Aveda, The body Shop and Dr Hauschka.
Try the Botanical Collagen Mask from Pixi, or feed your skin with Magic Cream from Charlotte Tilbury and Isotonic Hydra-Serum from Oskia.
There's a mix of beauty essentials with standouts including the Tatcha Water Cream, a moisturiser that instantly replenishes dry skin and is worth £65 alone.
Another standout includes a sample of the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream and you can read our Bum Bum cream review here.
This is the perfect early Christmas present for beauty fans and a great opportunity to discover new products and brands.
Latest in Beauty also offers a subscription and you can read our thoughts on the best beauty box subscriptions here.
Number of products: 25, worth: £700
Fortnum’s Tea Filled Wooden Advent Calendar
- Tea Filled Wooden Advent Calendar, £155 from Fortnum & Mason – buy here
Tea will never taste the same again after spoiling yourself with this luxurious selection from Fortnum & Mason.
The 24 loose leaf teas are presented in miniature tins, each hidden behind a door in this keepsake wooden advent calendar.
A mixture of green and black teas includes Smoky Earl Grey, Assam Superb, Black Tea with Cranberry, Royal Blend and Christmas Green Tea.
Number of products: 24, worth: unknown
Clarin’s 12-Day Self-Care Advent Calendar
- Clarin’s 12-Day Self-Care Advent Calendar, £65 from John Lewis – buy here
Self-care is crucial for everybody, not least at this – often stressful – time of year. Favourites including ClarinsMen Super Moisture Lotion, Active Face Wash, Energizing Eye Gel and SOS Hydra Mask will have you looking party-ready in no time.
The 12 products are worth over £128 and include two full size versions in addition to 10 miniature gifts.
Plus, John Lewis is currently running an offer where you can get the Clarins Gift of Beauty Skincare Set, which is £96, for free when you spend £80 or more on the brand.
One shopper added: 'Great choice of gifts for a man. Ordering was easy and delivery was quick.'
Number of products: 12, worth: £142
Penhaligon’s The Toy Chest Advent Calendar
- Penhaligon’s The Toy Chest Advent Calendar, £395 – buy here
Luxury parfumier Penhaligon’s The Toy Chest presents a bouquet of fragrances for the festive season.
The 24 doors open to reveal body care gifts and candles, as well as a selection of the company’s iconic perfumes.
Inside the advent is a 30ml bottle of Halfeti, which is one of Penghaligon's most popular fragrances and is worth £95 alone.
Number of products: 24, worth: unknown
A Whisky Tour of Scotland Advent Calendar
- A Whisky Tour of Scotland Advent Calendar, £176.97 from Amazon - buy here
For those who know and love their whiskies then this calendar containing drams from some of the finest distilleries in Scotland is surely a must-have luxury.
A selection of 18 single malts, three single grains and three blended expressions are bottled direct from the cask and nestled within a handmade wooden cabinet.
Over 50 shoppers have bought it in the last month, and its premium range of quality whisky's with notes and glasses makes it a truly impressive gift for a whisky lover.
Number of products: 24, worth: unknown
Dior advent calendar
- Dior advent calendar, £570 from Harrods – buy here
The navy and gold packaging of Dior’s 2023 advent calendar is divine and depicts the designer’s original Paris store on 30 Avenue Montaigne.
The 24 products within are equally sumptuous and include perfumes such as J’adore and Miss Dior, makeup favourites Rouge Dior lipstick and nail colour, skincare and an exclusive 30 Montaigne candle. Available from mid-October.
Shoppers have been super excited to open the advent calendar with many praising its beautiful design.
One said: 'This item is beautifully presented, designed and created. It was packaged with such care. I can not wait to open the days in December. Never been so excited for an advent calendar until now.'
Number of products: 24, worth: unknown
Where to buy luxury advent calendars in the UK?
You can buy luxury advent calendars online or in store, but you’ll find the greatest selection of products online.
Of course if you’re going to purchase an advent from an iconic retailer such as Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, or Harvey Nichols, then part of the fun is going there in person, but alternatively they are on sale through the stores’ websites.
Many of the best luxury advent calendars are stocked by more than one online retailer so if you can’t find what you’re looking for in one, you should find it in another. Don’t be tardy though, advent calendars – especially beauty advent calendars – sell out quickly.
How much do luxury advent calendars cost?
When you’re talking beauty then the best luxury advent calendars can cost upwards of £100, however if you’re talking about chocolate, it will be a lot less.
Booze advent calendars also range from £50 to more than £100 – the most expensive calendar in our round-up is a whisky calendar that costs an eye-watering £999.95!
Luxury means different things to different people; for me luxury is a gorgeous scented candle whereas for you it might mean eating the advent calendar chocolates before the kids can get their hands on them.
Whatever your definition of luxury, there’s bound to be a luxury advent calendar to suit you.
What are the best luxury advent calendars?
This depends on your tastes and what you’re looking for.
If you measure in terms of value for money though then some of the beauty advent calendars will take some beating.
The beauty advent calendars from Harrods, Liberty and Harvey Nichols each contain more than £1,000 of products!
That’s a lot of luxury for a relatively little price.
When do advent calendars go on sale?
Most advent calendars go on sale in October, but some food calendars may launch later.
Many brands have waiting lists you can sign up to from September, so you’re among the first to know when they go on sale. Check out individual websites for the brands you're desperate to get your hands on.
Want to find more savings on your online shopping? Then head to Sun Vouchers where you can get discounts and voucher codes from hundreds of top retailers including B&Q, Boots, Iceland, Lookfantastic, Dunelm, Adidas and more.
