Dory, I have seen them in shops and catalogs. They are not refrigerated. They probably should be stored away from heat, so they won't melt. As for storage length, what is the storage for chocolate? I have kept chocolate, in the freezer, for a year or so and at room temperature for several months (OK, so I forgot where it was or it fell behind something, but I still ate it when I found it!). Sometimes, it will change color or develop a grayish cast if stored too long. Most folks don't want to eat it then. They should be fine from now until Christmas or New Years easy.