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Counting down to Christmas is one of the most magical traditions for families and advent calendars make every morning in December extra special. From LEGO builds to creative collectibles, the best advent calendar ideas for Christmas bring joy, imagination, and excitement to both kids and adults.
In this guide, I’ve handpicked the best advent calendars, featuring top LEGO sets that make the countdown to Christmas a fun daily surprise. Each day reveals something new to build or play with, creating a perfect blend of festive anticipation and hands on creativity.
According to the NHS advice on family wellbeing, shared family traditions like daily advent surprises help strengthen family bonds and boost happiness during the festive season.
Whether your child loves Star Wars, Minecraft, or the LEGO City universe, these calendars add festive magic to every morning with builds that last long after Christmas Day.
Make Elf on the Shelf time extra fun with our Elf accessories guide.
Comparison Table
| Advent Calendar | Key Features | Price Range | Why I Recommend It |
| LEGO City Advent Calendar | 24 mini builds, festive scenes | £20–£30 | Great all rounder for LEGO loving families |
| LEGO Friends Advent Calendar | Heartlake City theme, mini dolls | £20–£30 | Perfect for creative and social storytelling play |
| LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar | Mini ships and characters | £30–£40 | Ideal for Star Wars fans who love collecting |
| LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar | Magical countdown with 24 daily LEGO surprises | £30–£40 | Includes mini builds, characters, and festive scenes from the Wizarding World |
| LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar 21280 | Minecraft world builds | £25–£35 | Perfect for young builders and game fans |
How I Picked These
I looked for calendars that balance fun, creativity, and value and, of course, keep the Christmas countdown exciting from day one to Christmas Eve.
- Variety: Different themes for every interest from city scenes to fantasy worlds.
- Build quality: Genuine LEGO sets with detailed mini builds and figures.
- Playability: Toys that integrate into larger LEGO collections.
- Value: 24 surprises at a reasonable price point.
- Parent feedback: Loved for encouraging daily play and creativity.
Parent Tip: Keep each day’s build in a tray or bowl by Christmas Eve, your child will have a complete festive LEGO scene!
Best Advent Calendar Ideas for Christmas
LEGO City Advent Calendar
Celebrate the countdown to Christmas with 24 festive mini builds from Santa and snowmen to cozy street scenes. Each surprise adds to a fun, evolving holiday story. It’s creative, hands on, and perfect for families who love making Christmas mornings extra magical together.
Pros:
- Family friendly and versatile
- Fun mini builds with seasonal designs
- Encourages imaginative play
Cons:
- Smaller builds may need adult help for younger kids
Best for: Families with kids aged 5–12 who love open ended LEGO play.
This one stood out because it captures everything great about LEGO creativity, festive spirit, and storytelling fun.
LEGO Friends Advent Calendar
Bursting with colour and Heartlake City charm, this calendar includes mini dolls, pets, and adorable winter accessories. Every day brings new surprises for storytelling and imaginative play. It’s ideal for kids who love friendship, creativity, and a sprinkle of festive sparkle.
Pros:
- Great for role play and imaginative storytelling
- Bright, fun designs for all ages
- Encourages sharing and cooperative play
Cons:
- Some small accessories are easy to lose
Best for: Kids who love characters and friendship focused stories.
Pro Tip: Use the mini figures to decorate your child’s Christmas table or holiday scene it makes for adorable décor!
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar
Blast off into a galaxy of holiday fun with this year’s LEGO Star Wars calendar. Featuring fan favourite mini ships, festive droids, and iconic characters, it’s perfect for collectors and young Jedi alike. A must have for anyone who wants to mix Christmas cheer with intergalactic adventures.
Pros:
- Perfect for Star Wars fans
- Collectible figures and ships
- High quality build experience
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than other LEGO calendars
Best for: Older kids (ages 6+) and collectors.
LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar
Unwrap a little Hogwarts magic each day with 24 surprises featuring mini figures, spell accessories, and scenes from the Wizarding World. It’s a spellbinding way to countdown to Christmas while inspiring creative storytelling and imaginative play.
Pros:
- Includes beloved Harry Potter characters and festive details
- Encourages creative, story based play
- High-quality LEGO craftsmanship
Cons:
- Some builds are quite small and detailed for younger kids
Best for: Young wizards aged 7+ who love Harry Potter and magical surprises.
LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar
Bring Minecraft to life beyond the screen with 24 daily builds inspired by blocks, mobs, and epic adventures. It’s a creative way to spark imagination while encouraging hands on play. Perfect for young builders who love crafting, collecting, and festive fun the Minecraft way.
Pros:
- Combines creativity with familiar gameplay
- Encourages problem solving
- Durable LEGO build quality
Cons:
- Some pieces can be quite small for younger players
Best for: Minecraft fans aged 6+ who enjoy building and exploring.
Buyer’s Guide
When I was shopping for an advent calendar, I wanted one that wasn’t just filled with sweets but offered something lasting and creative. LEGO advent calendars are perfect for that balance daily excitement and long term play value.
What to Consider
- Age range: Choose a theme suited to your child’s interest and building ability.
- Theme: From Star Wars to City scenes, there’s something for every personality.
- Durability: LEGO pieces last for years a sustainable alternative to single use calendars.
- Value: 24 surprises that double as toys and decorations.
- Display potential: Encourage your child to build a festive scene over the month.
Expert Tip: Turn each daily build into a story it makes the countdown more interactive and memorable.
Safety / Extra Tips
All LEGO advent calendars meet strict EU and UKCA safety standards. Still, it’s important to supervise younger children due to small pieces.
The NHS toy safety guide advises:
- Avoid toys with small parts for under 3s.
- Check for CE/UKCA markings.
- Store pieces properly to prevent slipping or loss.
Parent Tip: Use a resealable container to store daily builds and avoid Christmas morning clutter.
FAQs
Are LEGO advent calendars worth it?
Absolutely. They offer daily fun and long lasting play value compared to chocolate calendars.
What age are LEGO advent calendars for?
Typically for children aged 5 and up. Some, like LEGO Star Wars, are better suited for older kids.
Can adults enjoy LEGO advent calendars?
Yes! LEGO’s intricate designs and fandom themes make them just as fun for grown ups.
Are the builds reusable?
Yes all LEGO pieces can be combined with other sets for ongoing play.
Do these calendars come with instructions?
Yes, each day includes easy to follow visual guides.
Conclusion
The best advent calendar ideas for Christmas combine festive cheer with daily creativity. My top pick is the LEGO City Advent Calendar it’s versatile, engaging, and perfect for families who love shared playtime.
I know finding the right advent calendar can be hard, but with these LEGO sets, each December morning becomes a magical moment your family will treasure.
Need more festive ideas? Have a look at our top kids Christmas toys.
