Tired of the same old chocolate advent calendars? Here’s a grown-up way to count down to Christmas that’s actually worth getting excited about.
Beer advent calendars have become the perfect holiday treat for craft beer enthusiasts and anyone looking for a more sophisticated December countdown. Whether you’re searching for a unique mens advent calendar or a craft beer advent calendar packed with exclusive brews, there’s an option out there to match your taste and budget.
From premium craft selections to budget-friendly options, we’ve tested and reviewed the 12 best beer advent calendars for 2024. Each one offers a different take on the classic countdown tradition, featuring everything from local microbrews to international favourites.
Premium Craft Beer Calendars
For the most discerning beer enthusiasts, premium craft beer advent calendars offer an exceptional countdown experience. These luxury calendars showcase the finest selections from renowned breweries worldwide.
Premium Beer Selection
Your premium calendar journey includes carefully curated selections featuring up to 24 unique craft beers. These exclusive collections typically include 9-10 brand new brews, limited-edition releases, and beloved classics. Many premium calendars feature special re-launches of discontinued favourites, giving you access to rare finds that aren’t available elsewhere.
Key features of premium selections include:
- 20-24 unique beers with no duplicates
- Mix of 330ml and 440ml formats
- Combination of new releases and classic favourites
- Vegan-friendly options available
Premium Calendar Pricing
Premium craft beer advent calendars represent significant value despite their higher price point. Here’s what you can expect:
| Calendar TypePrice RangeWhat’s Included | ||
| Basic Premium | £75-£85 | 24 beers + glass |
| Deluxe Premium | £85-£140 | 24 beers + glass + extras |
Premium Design Features
Your premium calendar experience extends beyond just the beers. These calendars feature robust construction with individual compartments designed to protect each bottle and can. Most premium options include a limited-edition branded glass or tumbler, perfect for enjoying your daily discovery.
The packaging itself becomes part of the experience, with sturdy boxes featuring festive designs and often incorporating interactive elements like printed games or quiz questions. Many premium calendars are designed with sustainability in mind, using FSC-certified materials that are 100% recyclable.
Each day reveals not just another beer but a complete tasting experience, with some calendars featuring detailed tasting notes and brewery information. The attention to detail extends to delivery, with special protective packaging ensuring your calendar arrives in perfect condition, typically dispatched in early November to ensure it reaches you well before December.
Budget-Friendly Beer Calendars
Looking for excellent value without compromising on quality? Budget-friendly beer advent calendars offer an impressive array of craft brews at wallet-friendly prices.
Affordable Beer Options
Your journey through December doesn’t need to break the bank. Budget-friendly calendars like BrewDog and Woodforde’s deliver award-winning beers at reasonable prices. These calendars typically include a mix of popular favourites and special releases, ensuring you get both familiar comfort and exciting surprises.
Key features include:
- 24 unique beers with no duplicates
- Mix of ales, IPAs, stouts, and lagers
- Special seasonal brews like Hoppy Christmas IPA
- Guest brewery collaborations
Budget Calendar Costs
Value-focused calendars offer significant savings compared to buying individual craft beers. Here’s what you can expect:
| Calendar TypePrice RangeContents | ||
| Basic Value | £55-£65 | 24 beers |
| Enhanced Value | £65-£75 | 24 beers + glass |
Value Calendar Features
Despite their lower price point, these calendars don’t skimp on the experience. Many include thoughtful touches like branded glassware or festive packaging. The Woodforde’s calendar, for instance, comes in an attractive blue box decorated with fairy lights, while BrewDog’s offering features a festive red-and-green design.
Your daily reveal might include popular brews like Volt IPA or special seasonal releases. Some calendars even incorporate local brewery selections, giving you a taste of regional craft beer excellence. The packaging is designed to protect each beer properly, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition for your December countdown.
Most value calendars ship from mid-November, giving you plenty of time to prepare for your festive beer journey. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of premium options, these calendars deliver where it matters most – quality beer at an accessible price point.
Mixed Beer Style Calendars
Discover the excitement of variety with mixed-style beer advent calendars, where every day brings a new flavour adventure. These versatile calendars offer the perfect balance between classic favourites and unexpected discoveries.
Mixed Beer Varieties
Your journey through December becomes more exciting with a carefully curated selection featuring everything from hoppy elves to stout Santas. Each calendar typically includes:
- 12-24 different craft beer styles
- Mix of 440ml and 330ml formats
- Combination of core beers and special releases
- Both vegan and traditional brewing options
Mixed Calendar Pricing
Mixed-style calendars offer excellent value considering their variety. Here’s what you can expect:
| Calendar TypePrice RangeFeatures | ||
| Standard Mix | £55-£65 | 24 different beers |
| Premium Mix | £65-£90 | 24 beers + branded glass |
| Deluxe Mix | £79.99+ | International selection |
Mixed Calendar Design
Your mixed calendar experience goes beyond just the beers. These calendars often feature festive packaging designed to enhance your countdown experience. Many come with artistic touches, like monochrome skyline prints or traditional Christmas imagery. Some calendars even include interactive elements, such as hidden Christmas trivia or post-dinner quiz questions behind each door.
The packaging is thoughtfully designed to protect your diverse beer selection, with individual compartments sized to accommodate different can and bottle formats. Most calendars are dispatched in mid-November, ensuring they arrive well before December 1st.
What sets these calendars apart is their ability to help you step out of your comfort zone while ensuring you’ll find new favourites along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just beginning your beer exploration journey, these mixed calendars offer something to surprise and delight every palate.
IPA-Focused Calendars
Hop enthusiasts, your perfect advent calendar awaits! For those who prefer their Christmas countdown with an extra dose of hops, IPA-focused advent calendars deliver exactly what you’re craving.
IPA Selection
Your journey through hoppy heaven includes carefully selected IPAs from award-winning independent breweries across Britain. From punchy West Coast IPAs to smooth New England styles, each calendar features a diverse range of hop-forward beers. Notable selections include Firebrand’s West Coast IPA, Big Hug Brewery’s Juicy, and Siren Brewery’s acclaimed Lumina.
Key features of IPA selections:
- ABV ranges from 3.4% to 8.0%
- Mix of traditional and modern IPA styles
- Award-winning independent brewery selections
- Combination of seasonal and core range IPAs
IPA Calendar Cost
Investment in your hop-filled holiday varies based on selection size:
| Calendar TypePrice RangeContents | ||
| 12-Day IPA | £45-£55 | 12 curated IPAs |
| 24-Day IPA | £89.95-£95 | 24 premium IPAs |
IPA Calendar Features
Your IPA advent experience goes beyond just great beer. Each calendar comes thoughtfully designed with bespoke packaging featuring traditional door-opening mechanisms. Inside, you’ll discover tasting notes detailing each brewery’s story and their brewing techniques.
Many calendars include extras like branded beer mats and festive fridge decorations. The packaging ensures each can arrives in perfect condition, with individual compartments protecting your precious IPAs. Delivery typically begins in early November, giving you plenty of time to chill your beers before December arrives.
What sets these calendars apart is their focus on showcasing the best of British IPA craftsmanship. From London’s urban breweries to Cornwall’s coastal creators, you’ll taste the diversity of British brewing talent. Each calendar represents a carefully curated journey through different IPA styles, making it perfect for both IPA aficionados and those looking to explore the world of hoppy beers.
Lager Specialist Calendars
Celebrate the art of craft lager this festive season with specially curated calendars that showcase the finest British and international lagers. These calendars are perfect for those who appreciate the subtle complexity and crisp finish of well-crafted lagers.
Lager Collection
Your daily December treat features an impressive array of craft lagers from renowned British breweries. Notable selections include Harbour Brewing Co’s Singlefin lager and Glamorgan Brewing’s Welsh Lager. The Edinburgh edition brings you an exceptional collection from ten local breweries, including Barney’s, Bellfield, and Cold Town.
Key features of these specialist calendars include:
- Mix of 330ml and 440ml craft lagers
- Selections from both established and emerging breweries
- Exclusive seasonal releases
- Variety of styles from pilsners to traditional lagers
Lager Calendar Price
Your investment in these specialist calendars offers excellent value for premium craft lagers:
| Calendar TypePrice RangeContents | ||
| British Craft | £69.99 | 24 premium lagers |
| Edinburgh Edition | £69.16 | 24 local craft lagers |
| International Mix | £75.00 | 24 global selections |
Lager Calendar Design
Your lager advent experience comes beautifully presented in thoughtfully designed packaging. The Edinburgh edition features a stunning combination of illustration artwork by Susie Wright and an iconic photograph of Edinburgh’s Christmas Tree on the Mound by George Clark. Each calendar includes individually numbered doors, protecting your daily lager discovery.
What makes these calendars special is their focus on supporting local breweries and craft lager expertise. The Edinburgh edition even contributes £2 per calendar to local charities, adding a meaningful dimension to your festive countdown. Calendars are dispatched from mid-November, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition for your December 1st start.
These specialist calendars represent more than just a collection of lagers; they’re a celebration of brewing heritage and craftsmanship, perfect for both lager enthusiasts and those looking to explore the depth and variety of this classic beer style.
Local Brewery Calendars
Support your local brewing community while enjoying a unique festive countdown with these specially curated local brewery advent calendars. These calendars showcase the finest craft beers from independent breweries across Britain’s vibrant brewing scenes.
Local Beer Selection
Your journey through local craft beer excellence includes selections from up to 24 independent breweries, each contributing their finest brews. From Edinburgh’s historic brewing district to Glasgow’s craft beer renaissance, these calendars feature an impressive array of styles and flavours. Every beer comes from a different brewery, ensuring maximum variety and exposure to local talent.
Key features of local selections include:
- Mix of 330ml and 440ml cans featuring seasonal specials
- Fresh batches specifically brewed for advent calendars
- Combination of award-winning classics and experimental brews
- Special winter releases exclusive to calendar holders
Local Calendar Pricing
Support your local brewing scene with these reasonably priced calendars:
| RegionPrice RangeCharitable Contribution | ||
| Edinburgh Edition | £65-£75 | £2 to local charities |
| Glasgow Collection | £69-£79 | £2 to Beatson Cancer Charity |
| UK-Wide Local Mix | £119 | Community brewing support |
Local Calendar Features
Your local brewery calendar arrives in specially designed packaging featuring artwork from regional artists. The Edinburgh edition showcases Susie Wright’s illustrations alongside George Clark’s iconic Christmas Tree photograph, while the Glasgow version features Adrian McMurchie’s distinctive artistic style.
What makes these calendars special is their commitment to freshness and community. Breweries coordinate their schedules to ensure your beers are at peak condition, with calendars shipping from mid-November. Many include exclusive releases that won’t even make it to brewery tap rooms, giving you access to truly special local brews.
These calendars often sell out quickly due to their limited production runs, as breweries can only commit to certain quantities while maintaining their high-quality standards. Your purchase not only guarantees 24 days of excellent local craft beer but also supports independent breweries and, in many cases, contributes to local charities.
International Beer Calendars
Embark on a worldwide beer expedition this festive season with international beer advent calendars that bring global brewing excellence right to your doorstep.
Global Beer Variety
Your passport to international beer discovery includes carefully curated selections from seven different countries, featuring ten distinct brewing styles. Each calendar showcases the craftsmanship of renowned global breweries including:
- Legendary European brewers like Leffe, Paulaner, and Bitburger
- Craft pioneers such as Sierra Nevada and Beavertown
- International favourites including Quilmes and Moersleutel
What makes these calendars special is their ability to deliver a genuine world tour of beer styles, from Belgian abbey ales to American craft innovations.
International Calendar Cost
Your investment in global beer exploration is competitively priced:
| Calendar TypePrice RangeContents | ||
| World Craft | £89.95 | 24 international beers |
| European Tour | £79.95 | 24 European selections |
| Global Mixed | £85.95 | Mix of cans and bottles |
International Calendar Design
Your global beer journey comes beautifully presented in specially designed packaging that protects each international treasure. The calendar features individual compartments sized perfectly for both 330ml cans and bottles, ensuring your worldwide selection arrives in pristine condition.
The outer design celebrates international beer culture with artistic representations of global brewing traditions. Each door reveals not just a beer, but a story of its origin and brewing heritage. The calendar ships from mid-November, giving you plenty of time to prepare for your December journey around the world of craft beer.
These calendars offer more than just beer; they’re a celebration of global brewing culture, perfect for adventurous beer enthusiasts eager to explore new flavours and traditions from around the world.
Beer & Snack Combination Calendars
Take your festive countdown to the next level with calendars that pair exceptional craft beers with perfectly matched artisanal snacks. These innovative combinations offer twice the excitement with every door you open.
Beer & Snack Selection
Your daily discovery includes carefully matched pairs of craft beers and gourmet snacks. Each combination is thoughtfully curated to enhance your tasting experience. The beer selection features everything from Freedom Pilsner to Thornbridge Jaipur IPA, while snacks range from artisanal treats like Serious Pig Crunchy Snacking Cheese to New York Delhi VIP Nuts with Bollywood Barbecue flavouring.
Key features include:
- Fresh daily-made snacks with unique flavours like chicken crackling and chilli & rosemary olives
- Premium craft beers from independent British breweries
- No repeated combinations throughout the calendar
- Mix of traditional and experimental flavour pairings
Combination Calendar Price
Investment in your gastronomic journey:
| Calendar TypePrice RangeContents | ||
| 12-Day Combo | £55-£65 | 12 beers + 12 snacks |
| 24-Day Deluxe | £75-£90 | 24 beers + 24 snacks |
Combination Calendar Features
Your combination calendar arrives beautifully presented in two separate advent boxes, each containing 12 windows. This innovative dual-calendar system ensures optimal storage conditions for both your beers and snacks, maintaining peak freshness throughout December.
The calendar features hand-selected artisanal snacks made fresh daily, perfectly complementing each day’s beer selection. From salty bar mixes to luxury Bombay blend, every snack is chosen to enhance your beer-tasting experience. The packaging itself becomes part of the experience, with each window revealing not just products, but perfect pairing suggestions and tasting notes.
These calendars represent excellent value, considering the premium nature of both the craft beers and artisanal snacks included. They’re particularly popular as gifts for food and drink enthusiasts who appreciate the art of flavour pairing.
Limited Edition Beer Calendars
Elevate your holiday experience with exclusive limited edition beer advent calendars that offer rare brews and one-of-a-kind festive releases you won’t find anywhere else.
Limited Edition Collection
Your exclusive calendar journey features specially crafted festive releases and returning favourites. Beer52’s premium selection includes three calendar-exclusive surprise beers and three limited edition Christmas cans. Beavertown’s offering brings nine brand new brews alongside the miraculous return of classics like Black Betty and Smog Rocket.
Key features of these exclusive calendars:
- Calendar-exclusive festive releases
- Re-launched classic brews
- Seasonal special editions
- Collaboration brews with guest breweries
Limited Edition Pricing
Investment in these exclusive calendars varies based on their unique offerings:
| Calendar TypePrice RangeSpecial Inclusions | ||
| Standard Limited | £75-£85 | 24 beers + glass |
| Premium Limited | £85-£140 | 24 beers + collectibles |
| Ultra Limited | £140+ | Full set + rare releases |
Limited Edition Design
Your limited edition experience goes beyond just exceptional beers. Each calendar arrives in specially designed packaging that protects its precious contents. Beavertown’s calendar includes an exclusive Christmas-themed tumbler glass available nowhere else, while Beer52’s offering features a special Christmas card with exclusive membership offers.
These calendars showcase thoughtful design elements like sturdy individual compartments and protective outer boxes. Many feature interactive elements such as brewery information cards and tasting notes. What makes these truly special is their strictly limited production runs – when they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
Pre-orders typically open in October, with calendars shipping from mid-November to ensure they reach you before December 1st. Each calendar represents a unique opportunity to taste exclusive brews and own limited edition merchandise that won’t be available again.
Sustainable Beer Calendars
Make your festive countdown more environmentally conscious with sustainable beer advent calendars that prove luxury and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Eco-Friendly Selection
Your sustainable beer journey features an impressive range of craft brews with ABVs ranging from 3.8% up to 13%. These calendars showcase everything from your favourite IPAs to barrel-aged specialties, all packaged with the environment in mind. What makes these selections special is their commitment to both exceptional beer and ecological responsibility.
Key sustainable features include:
- Fully recyclable and biodegradable materials
- Water-based ink printing
- Reusable packaging design
- Peak District-inspired artistic elements
Sustainable Calendar Cost
Your investment in eco-friendly beer discovery offers excellent value:
| Calendar TypePrice RangeEnvironmental Features | ||
| Standard Eco | £65-£75 | Recyclable packaging |
| Premium Sustainable | £75-£95 | Reusable design + refill option |
| Deluxe Green | £95+ | Full eco package + carbon offset |
Sustainable Packaging
Your calendar arrives in thoughtfully designed packaging that transforms the traditional advent experience. The innovative design uses sustainably sourced, fully recyclable raw cardboard decorated with simple but effective water-based ink. The creative approach features cut-outs depicting scenes from the beautiful Peak District, adding a festive touch without excessive materials.
The individual beer boxes can be assembled day by day to create a stunning Christmas table decoration, featuring recreational sports and pastimes of the Peak District. This clever design means your calendar keeps giving long after December ends – you can even repack the individual boxes into the outer packaging and store them for next year’s refill beers.
The sustainable packaging innovation has led to significant material reduction, resulting in a 10% saving in manufacturing costs and reduced delivery expenses due to lighter weight. This proves that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with cost efficiency, all while delivering a premium beer experience worth over £100 in retail value.
Collector’s Edition Calendars
For the ultimate beer connoisseur, collector’s edition advent calendars represent the pinnacle of festive brewing excellence. These prestigious calendars combine rare vintages, exclusive releases, and artistic presentation to create truly memorable experiences.
Collector’s Beer Selection
Your journey into beer collecting excellence begins with Fuller’s prestigious selection, featuring 19 carefully chosen brews including vintage ales from both 2019 and 2024. Each calendar contains exclusive re-releases that aren’t available anywhere else, making them instant collectors’ items.
Key collector’s features include:
- Vintage ales from multiple years
- Exclusive re-releases of discontinued favourites
- Limited edition collaboration brews
- Special Christmas-only varieties
Collector’s Calendar Price
Investment in these collector’s pieces varies based on exclusivity:
| Edition TypePrice RangeExclusive Contents | ||
| Vintage Collection | £95-£115 | Multiple vintage years |
| Limited Archive | £115-£135 | Discontinued classics |
| Ultimate Collector’s | £135+ | Full vintage set + memorabilia |
Collector’s Design Features
Your collector’s calendar arrives in stunning packaging that’s worthy of display. The Edinburgh edition showcases bespoke artwork by Susie Wright, complemented by George Clark’s iconic photography of Edinburgh’s Christmas Tree on the Mound. Each calendar becomes a piece of brewing history, with individually numbered editions and certificates of authenticity.
The attention to detail extends to every aspect of presentation. Fuller’s collection includes detailed tasting notes and brewing histories for each beer, while special editions feature artist-signed packaging. The calendars themselves become cherished collectibles, with many enthusiasts displaying empty calendars alongside their beer collections.
These calendars often incorporate interactive elements like hidden compartments containing brewery memorabilia or limited edition glassware. Some even include personalization options, allowing you to add custom messages or have the calendar signed by head brewers.
Shipping begins in mid-November, with each calendar carefully packed to preserve its collector’s condition. Many breweries offer special storage instructions to help maintain the vintage beers at their peak, ensuring your collection remains pristine for years to come.
Brewery Collaboration Calendars
Experience the magic of brewery partnerships with collaboration advent calendars that bring together the finest minds in craft brewing. These unique calendars showcase the creative spirit of multiple breweries working together to create something extraordinary for your festive season.
Collaboration Beer Selection
Your journey through collaborative brewing excellence features special beers crafted specifically for these calendars. Beavertown’s collaboration calendar brings you an exclusive coffee stout alongside creative partnerships with local breweries. You’ll discover unique creations from partnerships between Vault City, North, Pipeline, and Campervan breweries.
Key collaborative features include:
- Exclusive Christmas-themed releases
- Special recipe designs created by multiple brewmasters
- Limited edition collaboration brews
- Seasonal specials unavailable elsewhere
Collaboration Calendar Cost
Your investment in these collaborative creations offers excellent value:
| Calendar TypePrice RangeSpecial Features | ||
| Local Collab | £69-£75 | 24 beers + glass |
| Regional Mix | £75-£85 | Multi-brewery selection |
| National Collab | £85-£95 | Nationwide partnerships |
Collaboration Features
Your collaborative calendar experience goes beyond just exceptional beers. Each calendar represents months of planning between breweries, with teams working together to create unique recipes and label designs. The process involves careful scheduling of brewing dates and coordination between multiple facilities to ensure fresh, peak-condition beers.
These calendars often include special touches that celebrate the collaborative spirit. You might find an exclusive Christmas tumbler glass designed by partnering artists, or a tree decoration that commemorates the collaboration. Some calendars even feature a Golden Can of Dooper, a special edition brew created to celebrate brewery milestones.
The collaboration extends to packaging design, with many calendars featuring artwork that combines elements from each participating brewery. Your calendar arrives in sturdy protective packaging, ensuring each carefully crafted collaboration reaches you in perfect condition.
What makes these calendars truly special is the way they bring together different brewing philosophies and techniques. You might find a West Coast IPA crafted with Rivington, sitting alongside a Sticky Toffee Pudding Imperial Stout brewed in partnership with Bang The Elephant. These unique combinations create flavour experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Most collaboration calendars are vegan-friendly and come with detailed information about each partnership, including the story behind every brew. Your calendar will be dispatched in mid-November, with free delivery included as part of the collaborative spirit of these special editions.
These calendars represent more than just a collection of beers; they’re a celebration of creativity, partnership, and the collaborative spirit that makes the craft beer community so special. Each door you open reveals not just another beer, but a unique story of brewers coming together to create something extraordinary for your festive countdown.
Conclusion
Beer advent calendars offer exciting ways to discover new brews while counting down to Christmas. Premium options showcase rare finds and exclusive releases, while budget-friendly calendars deliver excellent value without compromising quality. Mixed style calendars help broaden your beer horizons, and specialist calendars cater to specific preferences – whether you love IPAs, lagers, or local craft brews.
Your perfect beer advent calendar depends on personal taste and budget. Premium calendars priced £75-£140 feature exclusive releases and collector’s items. Budget options around £55-£75 still pack plenty of craft beer excellence. Specialist calendars focus on specific styles or regions, while combination calendars add snacks or memorabilia to enhance your experience.
These calendars represent more than just daily beer discoveries – they celebrate brewing craftsmanship, support independent breweries, and add a grown-up twist to holiday traditions. Each calendar tells unique stories through carefully curated selections, thoughtful packaging, and often exclusive releases you won’t find elsewhere.
Choose a calendar that matches your beer preferences and festive spirit. Consider factors like beer styles, brewery origins, and special features when making your selection. Remember to order early, as many limited edition and local brewery calendars sell out quickly once the holiday season approaches.
