Advent calendars are one of the few Christmas traditions people start searching for as early as October, and the chocolate-filled version is now the default — but the format itself predates chocolate by decades.
From printed doors to chocolate windows
Advent calendars originated in Germany in the 19th century as a way for Protestant families to count down the days to Christmas. Gerhard Lang, a German printer, is widely credited with producing one of the first commercially printed advent calendars around 1908, using small pictures behind doors rather than sweets. Chocolate-filled advent calendars became a mass-market product from the 1950s onwards, and Cadbury is credited with launching one of the first widely sold chocolate advent calendars in the UK in 1971.
Why they're now a competitive shelf category
What started as a simple 24-door countdown has expanded into a huge range of formats — licensed characters, luxury chocolatiers, and brand tie-ins all now release their own version each year, which is part of why availability and stock levels shift so much through the Christmas run-up.
What we actually stock right now
We do carry the Maltesers Reindeer Chocolate Christmas Advent Calendar 108g as a listed, active product — but we're out of stock on it at the time of writing. It's a seasonal Christmas line, so stock typically comes back in closer to the season rather than being available year-round. If you're after one now, check back nearer December or get in touch and we can flag you when it's back.
FAQ
Where do chocolate advent calendars come from?
The advent calendar format started in 19th-century Germany, with Gerhard Lang credited for an early commercially printed version around 1908. Chocolate-filled calendars became widespread from the 1950s, with Cadbury launching a well-known UK version in 1971.
Why do advent calendars have 24 doors?
They count down the days from 1 December to Christmas Eve, so most have 24 doors, one for each day of Advent leading up to the 25th.
Is the Maltesers advent calendar in stock at Supreme Sweets?
It's a listed, active product on our site, but it's currently out of stock. As a seasonal Christmas item, it typically restocks closer to the season.
Do you stock other chocolate advent calendars?
Right now, the Maltesers Reindeer Chocolate Christmas Advent Calendar is the one we list, and it's currently out of stock. We'd rather say that plainly than suggest more availability than we have.