Nosh your way through December
Dale Cooper—the fictional TV detective from David Lynch’s Twin Peaks—once said, “Every day, once a day, give yourself a present.” Lucky for cheese lovers, advent calendar season is upon us. That means it’s very easy to gift yourself daily, delicious surprises this holiday season.
A nibble of cheese a day is sure to increase cheer, so indulge in one (or a few) of culture’s seven favorite advent calendars.
Redhead Creamery’s 2025 12 Days of Cheesemas Advent Calendar, $130
Redhead Creamery places a variety of its award-winning artisan cheeses in its advent calendar each year, and prides itself on the 12 Cheesemas cheeses being different from year to year. Inside the box, you’ll also find expertly curated goodies that inspire delight: French Grey Sea Salt chocolate, Effie’s Oatcakes, and even a miniature honey bear wearing a Santa hat. There are only 500 of these bad boys, so order one while you still can.
Murray’s Cheese’s 12 Days of Murray’s Cheese Countdown Calendar, $90
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Murray’s Cheese’s Countdown Calendar is back, showcasing some of the best international cheese and accompaniments money can buy. This calendar is a hot-ticket item, considering it’s currently sold out. However, you can sign up for a notification that notifies you when it’s back in stock.
Cheese Brothers’ 12 Days of Cheesemas Advent Calendar, $105
Some of the best cheese in America can be found in Wisconsin, as more than 100 positive reviews for Cheese Brothers’ advent calendar can attest. Featuring full-sized blocks of cheese and coming in at $105, this is a gift that’ll keep on giving well beyond the 12 days it was made for. Each box contains curds, cheddar, and festive flavored cheeses ranging from sweet to spicy.
Vaughan Cheese’s Advent Cheese Calendar, $275
Vaughan Cheese is a cheese counter and bar serving the bayside town of North Beach, Maryland. However, this shop ships its cheese advent calendar anywhere within the contiguous US for $5. Expect everything in this calendar to be domestic, from its 12 cheeses to the complementary bites. Overall, it’s a perfect present that supports a small business.
Kraft Natural Cheese’s Holiday Advent Calendar, Free
Kraft couldn’t resist getting in on the holiday spirit this year. The mac and cheese company’s limited edition advent calendar counts down Christmas with a variety of items such as grated parmesan cheese, cozy Kraft-branded socks, and more. Chicagoans can get their hands on the calendar for free at the city’s Christkindlmarket from Dec. 10 through Dec. 13, but Kraft’s Instagram DMs are open if you’d like to see how you can snag your own.
Aldi’s European Festive Cheese Advent Calendar, $16.99
A solid budget option, Aldi’s advent calendar offers 24 mini cheeses imported from Europe—think aged Gouda, Mimolette, even Grana Padano PDO. All cheeses are made from hormone-free milk and pair with Aldi’s other advent calendars featuring wine and chocolate.
Williams Sonoma’s 12 Days of Cheese Advent Calendar Gift Crate, $129
Who doesn’t want a wooden crate full of Beehive Cheese? Williams Sonoma delivers with 12 4-ounce wedges of Beehive’s signature flavored cheddars, including a cult favorite: coffee-rubbed Barely Buzzed. Plus, the crate is reusable.
Alana Pedalino
Alana Pedalino serves as Managing Editor of culture. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and more. She loves to write, cook, and kayak. Find her bylines at alanapedalino.com.
