It's that time of year where LEGO Advent Calendars are available start popping up in Costco stores! And today, they are officially available for purchase at Shop@Home! LEGO Advent Calendars are a holiday favorite, and this year, we’ve updated our guide to include the newest themes, answers to your most-asked questions, and the latest tips for collectors and families. Whether you’re a returning reader or discovering this guide for the first time, you’ll find everything you need to know for a magical countdown to Christmas.
What's New In This Post
- Expanded FAQ section with new questions and answers
- Latest information on available themes and exclusives
- Tips for recycling and sustainability
- Advice for buying, collecting, and customizing calendars
What Are LEGO Advent Calendars?
LEGO Advent Calendars are special sets released annually, featuring 24 mini-builds—one for each day of December leading up to Christmas. Each day, you open a new compartment to reveal a small LEGO model, minifigure, or accessory.
When do LEGO Advent Calendars get released?
LEGO tends to release LEGO Advent Calendars in September.
Where can I buy the latest versions of the calendars?
Once they are available to purchase, advent calendars can be found in LEGO stores:
- 2025 LEGO City Advent Calendar (60475) on Shop@Home
- 2025 LEGO Disney Advent Calendar (43273) on Shop@Home
- 2025 LEGO Friends Advent Calendar (42668) on Shop@Home
- 2025 LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar (76456) on Shop@Home
- 2025 LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar (21280) on Shop@Home
- 2025 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar (75418) on Shop@Home
You can also purchase them at affiliated retailers like Walmart, Amazon and Target.
And if you want to see the previous versions, you can check out our Ultimate List of LEGO Advent Calendars post:
Themes: What’s Available Each Year?
LEGO releases Advent Calendars in several popular themes. The selection can change annually, but generally the base themes include:
- LEGO City
- LEGO Friends
- LEGO Star Wars
Additional themes have been made in past years which include:
- LEGO Disney
- LEGO Harry Potter
- LEGO Marvel
- LEGO Minecraft
You can check the LEGO website or major retailers each year for the current lineup, as themes may rotate or special editions may appear.
What’s Inside a LEGO Advent Calendar?
- 24 mini-builds: One for each day of December.
- Mix of models: Expect vehicles, animals, festive scenery, and more.
- Minifigures: Several calendars include exclusive minifigures with unique designs or accessories.
- Piece count: Varies by set, but typically ranges from 200–350 pieces in total.
Age Recommendations
LEGO Advent Calendars are generally recommended for ages 5 and up. Some builds contain small parts that may not be suitable for younger children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Exclusive Minifigures or Parts?
Yes, many calendars feature exclusive minifigures or unique printed pieces not found in other sets, making them highly collectible.
Can I Buy Individual Days or Mini-Builds Separately?
LEGO does not officially sell individual days or mini-builds from the advent calendars. However, you may find individual builds or minifigures from previous calendars on secondary markets like eBay or BrickLink.
Do you get only exact pieces for the build each day?
No. Most of the time you will get a few spare pieces each day from your build.
What Should I Do If I’m Missing a Piece?
If you discover a missing piece, you can request a replacement directly from LEGO’s customer service through their website.
Do LEGO Advent Calendars Go On Sale?
Calendars are most affordable at release (usually September). Discounts may occur in late November or December, but popular themes often sell out early—so waiting for a sale can be risky. Also note that Amazon does carry the LEGO Advent Calendars at discounted prices quite often.
Where do I find instructions for each daily build of the LEGO Advent Calendar?
The instructions are located on the inside of the calendar flap door for that day. For example, here is a photo from Brickipedia that shows you the inside flap of a LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar:
Are Digital Instructions Available?
If you lose the original instructions, digital versions are often available on LEGO’s official Building Instructions website or through fan communities.
How Can I Recycle or Repurpose the Packaging?
LEGO Advent Calendar boxes are made from cardboard and can be recycled with paper products. Many fans repurpose the trays and boxes for custom builds or storage.
Are There Eco-Friendly Options?
LEGO is increasing its use of sustainable materials in both packaging and bricks. Look for the “Plants from Plants” logo or check LEGO’s website for the latest sustainability updates.
How Do I Spot Counterfeit LEGO Advent Calendars?
Buy from reputable retailers and check for the LEGO logo and proper branding. Be cautious of unusually low prices or unfamiliar online sellers.
Can I Make My Own Custom LEGO Advent Calendar?
Absolutely! Many fans create their own advent calendars by filling reusable boxes with custom mini-builds or favorite minifigures.
LEGO Stores sold out of the Advent Calendar. Where can I get one now?
You still have a few options for finding a LEGO Advent Calendar if you're coming late to the game:
You can find the current year and previous year LEGO Advent Calendars on Amazon.com. However, know that if you decide to purchase a previous year calendar, you will probably be paying for the fact it is a retired set. Try and look for the current calendar year to save some money.
Over the past few years, Barnes & Noble has expanded their toy selections in stores to include LEGO products. This also includes the seasonal LEGO Advent Calendars when available. While in store, they may only keep the current advent calendars, if you visit their website, you can also purchase the previous advent calendars, usually for only just a $10 upcharge.
eBay
eBay is a great place to find all kinds of LEGO items... including the Advent Calendars. You'll find, just like Amazon, you will pay more for previous year calendars. However, you're more likely to get lucky and find a good deal on one here.
Target
Target manages to keep the prices down of their LEGO Advent Calendars, which is nice if you simply don't get the chance to purchase one at the LEGO store. You can still order them online, if you don't find one while shopping during Black Friday.
Walmart
Walmart used to be a reasonable place to get the calendars after they sold out in stores. However, they've been cashing in on their popularity and tend to hike the prices the closer you get to December. Great to buy before Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, you're on your own.
Final Thoughts
LEGO Advent Calendars offer a delightful way to count down to the holidays, combining the joy of building with the excitement of daily surprises. With themes for every fan, exclusive collectibles, and the opportunity to create your own traditions, these sets are sure to bring festive cheer year after year.
Hi Susan! Not at all. The years just let you know when they were released. Whether that would be an issue or not when gifting depends on your recipient. If they got an advent calendar last year, they may not want the same one this year. ;)
Are the sets new each year? For instance if I purchased the Friends advent calendar last year does this year’s have the same pieces or new / different from last year?
Hey Heather! All the advent calendars have different builds from year to year.