Brie merry in 2026: the best cheese advent calendars

If you’re looking for a slightly unusual gift for someone this Christmas, have you ever considered a cheese advent calendar? It may sound like a strange option, but this innovative creation has grown in popularity over the last few years. For cheese lovers, it’s not hard to see why.

Cheese advent calendars are exactly what they sound like; 24 or 25 cheese-filled drawers for the countdown to Christmas. But there’s more than just one kind out there. We’ve compiled all the gouda options for the brie-siest ways to give meaningful gifts this year.

Why choose advent calendars?

We’re huge fans of advent calendars, which have come a long way since the days of 24 doors of cheap chocolates. Check out our other guides on stationery advent calendars, jewellery advent calendars, and our top pick of women's and men’s advent calendars.  

Not only is there a huge variety in the types you can get, but you’re getting lots of little samples of one product. This is ideal for people who are tricky to buy for and only like one or two things.

You’re also getting great value in your advent calendar – the total value of the items inside is usually a lot more than what you pay. Plus they often include limited editions or seasonal specials.

It’s good to note that cheese advent calendars should be stored in the fridge, so make sure recipients have one big enough to accommodate it.

Cheese selection process

We’ve included a variety of brands and budgets in our roundup, from retailers we know and love (and some you can earn cashback on). The selection is in ascending price order with a price range of £15 to £189.

Even the higher-priced calendars can still be an option if you decide to group gift with others. You’ll also find a good mixture of cheese, whether you want 24 from the same brand or all different types.

#1 The Crafty Herd 

We usually start our rundown with the OG in cheese advent calendars, So Wrong It’s Nom. But it looks like there's no such version available this year, so we've got a budget alternative from Ocado.

#2 The Chuckling Cheese Company  

A more recent player to the cheese game, this Lincolnshire-based company has gained in popularity. They’re second on the list with their reasonably-priced 'Merry Cheesemas' 2026 cheese advent calendar.

#3 George & Joseph 

Artisanal cheesemongers George & Joseph are only stocking 30 of their cheese advent calendars this year, so it’s first come first served. The calendar is delivered free in two instalments: 27th November and 11th December.

#4 The Courtyard Dairy 

This award-winning cheesemonger has been featured on the BBC, so they know a thing or two about cheese. Their advent calendar arrives in two sets and cheeses should be eaten within two weeks of delivery.

#5 Paxton & Whitfield

For their fifth year running, Paxton & Whitfield are releasing a cheese advent calendar, but there is limited stock. Three deliveries of eight hand-cut artisan cheeses which arrive on 27th November, 4th December, and 11th December. They also focus on sustainability with 100% sheep’s wool packaging and carbon-neutral delivery. 

#6 The Cheese Geek

The Cheese Geek has only been around since 2017, but they have an impressive array of products, including their cheese advent calendar. Each of the three batches is delivered free to mainland UK on 28th November, 5th December, and 12th December.

#7 The Welsh Cheese Company

Go big or go home, as they say. We’ve listed this cheesemonger last to feature their Giant Welsh Cheese Advent Calendar, but if you want smaller and cheaper, they offer a six-window version for just £49.50.

A feta gift than most

Switch from sweet to savoury with these amazing choices for alternative advent calendars for Christmas. Not only do you get to try all sorts of new flavours, but many of them you can share between two people.

If it’s a hit, it could become a regular gift your loved one looks forward to each year. That means you take the stress out of gift-giving and you can sample one from every company. You can even split the cost between two or three people for the more extravagant options.

We think cheese advent calendars are great gifts for something a bit different, great value, and a fun countdown to Christmas.