Aldi’s holiday cheeses are back—and the prices are unbeatable

Aldi fans treat holiday cheese season like an event, and there’s a good reason for it. Every year, the cheese section quietly turns into a little tasting tour: imported wedges, seasonal flavors, party boards in a box, and, of course, the famous cheese Advent calendars.

You could absolutely spend more at a specialty store for the same feel. But Aldi’s whole thing is giving you that “we’re spoiling ourselves” moment at Tuesday-night-dinner prices.

The cheese Advent calendar everyone stalks

The Emporium Selection Cheese Advent Calendar is the one people ask about every single year. Food sites and cheese bloggers have pointed out that it comes loaded with 24 mini European-style cheeses—goudas, cheddars, and other fun varieties—for around $16.99, which works out to a very reasonable price per ounce for what you’re getting.

It sells out fast because it’s limited, in-store only, and you’re basically getting a sampler platter spread across the whole month. There’s nothing similar in that price range at most regular grocery stores.

Everyday holiday cheeses that still feel special

Even if you don’t care about Advent calendars, Aldi’s seasonal cheese lineup is usually packed with good deals:

• Brie and double- or triple-cream cheeses that jump in price elsewhere
• Flavored goudas and cheddars (truffle, black pepper, cranberry, etc.)
• Pre-sliced or cubed party trays that undercut traditional grocery pricing

Roundups of Aldi’s seasonal Finds often point out that their holiday cheeses give you the look and taste of a fancier board for far less than you’d pay at a big-name supermarket.

How to build a “fancy” board on a very normal budget

If you keep it simple, you don’t need much: two or three cheeses, one cured meat, a couple of crackers, and something sweet like jam or dried fruit. The cheese is where Aldi does the heavy lifting. You can use an inexpensive cutting board or baking sheet, scatter everything in small groups, and it still looks like you planned it out.

A cheese Advent calendar, a few seasonal wedges, and a box or two of Aldi crackers can carry you through last-minute guests, New Year’s snacks, and nights when dinner turns into “let’s just graze.” The prices are what make it easy to say yes to that without feeling guilty.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.