Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
The 8 best LEGO advent calendars for 2023: recommended by families
In true holiday spirit, we’ve rounded up this year’s best LEGO advent calendars according to Mumsnetters, featuring beloved themes like Star Wars, Harry Potter and LEGO Friends. Let the countdown to a very LEGO Christmas begin!
By Tammy Jacks | Last updated Dec 5, 2023
Few festive traditions captivate the excitement of Christmas as much as the humble advent calendar, and this year, LEGO has outdone themselves once again with a collection of the best advent calendars for 2023, including updated versions of classic favourites from Star Wars to LEGO City, Harry Potter, Marvel and more.
Educational advent calendars like these do more than just mark the days until Christmas; they celebrate the wonder of building, imagination, and the joy of discovery as kids get to craft mini-builds and memorable characters each day. In fact, many Mumsnetters like millespadpuddy prefer LEGO advent calendars to traditional chocolate varieties: “I love the LEGO calendars. They’re much better than having chocolate for breakfast. The excitement each morning is great. I gave my 8-year-old the calendar towards the end of November last year and he used the box as a backdrop for his LEGO creations. He appreciated it so much it was money well spent.”
To find the best LEGO advent calendars on offer for 2023, we read countless online reviews, from our trusty Mumsnet Forum to top retail sites like Amazon, John Lewis and Argos. Our focus was laser-sharp, examining features like value for money, the LEGO set's difficulty rating, the number of pieces included, and the festive excitement it promises as children build their holiday creations in stages. The insights we've gathered provide you with a comprehensive guide to make an informed choice as you get stuck into your Christmas shopping.
For additional Christmas gift ideas, be sure to check out our guide to the best Christmas toys for 2023, the best stocking fillers and the best gifts for teens. For the adults, we’ve rounded up the best adult stocking fillers available right now. Happy shopping!
The best LEGO Advent calendars: at a glance
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar
What we like
Has loads of pieces
Includes nine cute collectible characters
Beautifully detailed box and playmat
Can be combined with other LEGO Star Wars sets
Ideal for boys and girls
What we don't like
Pricey
Not suitable for young kids
Key specs
Price on writing: £24 | Age: From age six | When available: Available now | Number of pieces: 320
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
With 24 days of immersive play, the 2023 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar deserves the top spot on our list, simply because it’s packed with over 300 fun LEGO Star Wars pieces, offering hours of building fun and it continues to be a firm favourite on our Mumsnet forum for kids from age six – all the way into adulthood. This latest version has a Return of the Jedi theme and offers a thrilling way to experience the magic of both LEGO and the Star Wars universe, as well as a perfect countdown to Christmas.
The box has incredibly detailed illustrations of festive Star Wars scenes and we like the fact that once opened, the playmat of this advent calendar immediately lies flat on the table, without having to put anything heavy on top of it. The instructions for each mini figure and/or build are highlighted clearly on the inside of each mini door, you’ll find nine characters including Emperor Palpatine, an Ewok and a Pit Droid in Christmas outfits, a Gonk Droid dressed as a reindeer and Omega with a sledge.
Plus, we love the detailed mini-build toy vehicles, of which there are 10-, and five Star Wars Saga mini-builds including the Clone Command Centre, Ewok Village, Endor Bunker, Endor Shield Protector and Emperor’s Throne.
A highlight in this set has to be the little festive reindeer with standout black nose and the Ewok wearing a green Christmas jumper, which will undoubtedly put a smile on your child’s face.
LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2023
What we like
Good value for money
Characters look festive
Includes 18 mini-builds
Can be combined with other LEGO Harry Potter sets
What we don't like
Not suitable for young kids (it contains many small parts)
Cardboard may tear in some places as you pull the LEGO out the doors
Key specs
Price on writing: £22 | Age: From age seven | When available: Available now| Number of pieces: 227
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
Harry Potter fans will love this year’s festive advent calendar, complete with six popular characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, plus 18 mini builds which makes this version super-detailed and great value for money.
This intricate advent calendar is set against the backdrop of the Hogsmead village and LEGO has made sure to display all the magical shops, inns, and pubs, including the iconic Three Broomsticks Inn and Honeydukes Sweetshop on the front and across the pull-out board.
We’re also fans of the detailing on the cute, updated figures, for instance, Harry Potter himself is dressed in a navy-blue coat and dark red removable hood this year. The sweet-related mini builds like the ice cream treat cart and bright sweet station, complete with mini cherries and lollipops are fun for kids to build and set the scene for the characters to sit in the Hogsmead village.
Of course, the real gem is the Aberforth Dumbledore minifigure who’s never appeared in a Harry Potter Advent Calendar before, so definitely worth adding him to your collection.
Another great feature of this calendar is that it comes with a detachable, cardboard container inside the box for sorting and storing your pieces, for months after Christmas.
LEGO Friends Advent Calendar 2023
What we like
Cheerful festive scenes
Easy to build
Includes mini pets for animal lovers
Ideal for boys and girls
What we don't like
May not be challenging enough for some LEGO enthusiasts
Not suitable for younger children (it contains many small parts)
Key specs
Price on writing: £13 | Age: From age six | When available: Available now| Number of pieces: 231
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
This year’s LEGO Friends advent calendar offers a festive winter wonderland scene, set on a fun playground for kids to enjoy. It’s ideal for animal lovers too as it comes with eight mini animals and two dolls/minifigures dressed in fun Christmas jumpers.
A highlight of this year’s calendar is the mini mobile train with sturdy wheels and two carriages to transport the pets, and of course the tall Christmas tree complete with a bright, gold star that can be decorated by the two minifigures, Leo and Autumn. Like the other LEGO advent calendars on our list, this one has easy to open doors for each day and a large playmat with plenty of detailed features like the train track that goes the whole way around.
We like that the parts in this advent calendar can also be combined with any LEGO Friends Heartlake City collection.
LEGO Marvel Advent Calendar 2023
What we like
Includes plenty of superhero characters
Comes with detailed accessories
What we don't like
Some of the pieces are a little plain/boring
Some say it’s pricey for what you get
Key specs
Price on writing: £28 | Age: From age seven | When available: Available now | Number of pieces: 243
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
As the third LEGO Marvel Avengers Advent calendar to launch since 2021, we think the latest version is LEGO’s best one yet. Centred about the Infinity Saga theme, this calendar has 24 gifts with seven LEGO Marvel Avengers minifigures including the classic favourites such as Doctor Strange, Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Okoye, Wong- which is an unusual character only found in the more expensive Giant Sanctum Santorum set, and Black Widow. Most of the characters look a little more festive than normal – with Christmas jumpers and accessories – which is a nice touch in the build-up to Christmas.
This set also includes more classic Christmas animals like reindeer and snowmen with a large Christmas tree as the festive focus for this set, plus smaller web-shaped gold Christmas trees as part of the Spider Man set. We also like the black mobile train set which is the first LEGO train specifically made after the first Avenger movie.
In a nutshell, we think that this advent calendar will appeal to Marvel fans of all ages and offer hours of building fun!
LEGO The Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar
What we like
Includes every Guardian of the Galaxy character
Good value for money
Comes with festive accessories
What we don't like
The playmat is very plain
Some of the pieces are unrecognisable and a little vague
Key specs
Price on writing: £32 | Age: From age six | When available: Available now | Number of pieces: 268
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
Another Marvel-inspired advent calendar, the LEGO Super Heroes Guardians Of The Galaxy Advent Calendar (2022 edition) is a great choice for kids who love superheroes. This advent calendar includes 6 LEGO Marvel minifigures including Star-Lord, Rocket Racoon (from the Guardians ship set), Groot – who comes with a cute Christmas tree rocket accessory and Mantis, plus mini builds and Guardians of the Galaxy accessories like a portable Walkman and a snack table with pastries, thus giving kids a chance to engage with the characters in different ways.
We also love that the last three days of the calendar include different pieces to build a supersonic sleigh on day 24 – a great collector’s piece which will be a firm favourite in any child’s collection.
Although it’s last year’s model, this special holiday edition advent calendar is still a great choice for kids from age six as it’s packed with more pieces than most others on our list, except for the Star Wars advent calendar which comes with 320 pieces.
As with all LEGO sets, this Advent calendar encourages creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills, making it an educational and fun choice for children.
LEGO Friends Advent Calendar 2022
What we like
Bright, cheery, and colourful
Easy to build
Not too pricey
What we don't like
Some say the box is flimsy
Key specs
Price on writing: £24 | Age: From age six | When available: Available now | Number of pieces: 312
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
Although this LEGO Friends advent calendar is last year’s model, we still think it’s a great festive option for kids wanting to get into the Christmas spirit and is available on Amazon, while stocks last.
This set includes LEGO Friends Olivia and her family of mini-dolls, Santa Claus and his chair, a large reindeer, a sleigh filled with Christmas presents and the cutest food tables complete with ice-creams and hot dogs.
Like the latest 2023 version that’s also on our list, this LEGO Friends advent calendar has a wonderfully festive playmat to set the scene with snowy Christmas trees, market stalls and brightly coloured buildings in the little town. The mini builds are also easier to put together than some of the other LEGO advent calendars on our list, making it a good option for younger kids who can create the characters with supervision.
DUPLO Santa's Gingerbread House
Best LEGO Advent calendar for toddlers
What we like
Bright and cheerful
Bigger pieces for little hands
Comes with festive characters
Comes with clear picture story-building instructions
What we don't like
Pricey for a single build
Some say the house isn’t very big
Key specs
Price on writing: £25 | Age: From age two | When available: Available now | Number of pieces: 50
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
While the DUPLO Santa’s Gingerbread House isn’t technically an advent calendar, it’s still a great option if you’re looking for a creative filler option for your toddler’s reusable advent calendar. As our Mumsnetter explains above, simply divide the pieces into separate bags and let your child open a few pieces each day for 24 days.
This latest Christmas set from DUPLO includes a Santa Claus figure, a boy and a girl, fun Christmas gifts, a Christmas tree, teddy bear and treat options such as a plate of cakes and of course, an adorable tea pot for afternoon tea!
We love that this set provides young kids with larger, easy-to-handle building blocks that encourage creativity and fine motor skills in a safe and age-appropriate way.
LEGO City Advent Calendar 2023
Best LEGO Advent calendar for young kids
What we like
Good value for money
Comes with detailed characters and mini builds
Ideal for boys and girls
Has a mix of easier and harder builds
What we don't like
Mini builds can’t be customised
Key specs
Price on writing: £20 | Age: From age five | When available: Available now | Number of pieces: 258
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
With Mr and Mrs Claus, cute double sleighs, reindeers, and snowmen – the latest LEGO City Advent Calendar for 2023 offers all the surprises your child could want in the lead up to Christmas and more. There’s even a carol singer, ice hockey player and a little cat and dog for pet lovers.
We also love the giant Christmas tree on the playmat as well as the bright Christmas lights, carousel and market stalls which add an extra sparkle to the festive season spirit and complete the cosy winter wonderland scene perfectly.
Each door has easy-to-follow build instructions, making it a good choice for younger kids and like the other LEGO advent calendars, it comes with a separate cardboard box to sort and store the pieces.
The pieces from this set can also be combined with other playsets from the LEGO City range.
What is the best LEGO advent calendar?
The LEGO Star Wars Advent calendar stands out as the best choice on our list for several reasons. Notably, it features an array of meticulously detailed mini-builds and characters from the Star Wars universe, ensuring daily surprises that captivate both kids and adults alike.
What sets it apart is the sheer number of pieces it offers, making it the most generous in terms of creative possibilities. Furthermore, it strikes a good balance between the holiday spirit and the Star Wars theme, infusing each day with the magic of Christmas while exploring the epic galaxy. This unique blend provides hours of imaginative and inter-generational play, making it a must-have addition to the festive season.
How do I choose a LEGO advent calendar?
While there are only five new 2023 LEGO advent calendars to choose from, some of last year’s sets are still available. To help you pick the best LEGO advent calendar for your family, here are some factors to consider:
Consider the Theme: LEGO offers a variety of advent calendar themes, from LEGO City to LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Friends, and more. Choose a theme that aligns with your family’s preferences.
Is it age-appropriate? Ensure the advent calendar is suitable for your little one. Some calendars may contain small parts that are not safe for very young children. LEGO typically provides age recommendations on the packaging.
Review the contents: Check the back of the box or the product description to get a sense of what's included. Different advent calendars offer different types of mini-builds and figures.
Consider your budget: LEGO advent calendars vary in price, so choose one that fits your budget while providing the desired features. Some older advent calendars from previous years are cheaper, so keep this in mind if you’re on the hunt for a bargain.
Collectability: Some people collect LEGO sets, including advent calendars. If this is the case, choose a calendar that complements an existing collection.
Shop now: LEGO advent calendars are often released well before the holiday season. So, be sure to shop early to avoid disappointment later.
What LEGO advent calendars are there?
LEGO releases a variety of advent calendars each year, catering to different themes and interests. Some of the most common LEGO advent calendar themes (which you’ll find on our list) include:
LEGO City advent calendar: This calendar often features mini-builds related to city life, such as vehicles, buildings, and city workers.
LEGO Star Wars advent calendar: Star Wars fans can expect themed mini-builds, including starships, characters, and scenes from the Star Wars universe.
LEGO Friends advent calendar: Designed with a focus on friendship and everyday activities, this calendar includes mini-builds related to the LEGO Friends characters.
LEGO Harry Potter advent calendar: Harry Potter enthusiasts can find magical surprises like characters, items, and settings from the wizarding world in this calendar.
LEGO Marvel advent calendar: Featuring superheroes and villains from the Marvel universe, this calendar offers fun mini-builds and figures.
Are LEGO advent calendars different every year?
Yes, LEGO advent calendars are updated every year. Each year, LEGO releases new advent calendars with unique themes and mini-builds related to popular LEGO sets or franchises. The specific themes and contents of LEGO advent calendars change annually, making them collectible and exciting for LEGO enthusiasts.
What age is the LEGO City advent calendar for?
This year’s LEGO City advent calendar is for ages five and up, however, some reviewers supervise whilst their younger kids (around ages three to four) build some sections.
Do LEGO advent calendars sell out?
LEGO advent calendars are really popular during the holiday season, and certain sets or themes may sell out or become harder to find as Christmas approaches, so be sure to get in early and grab yours to avoid disappointment.
About the author
As an avid LEGO fan, our writer Tammy loved researching and discovering all the fun festive features, characters and mini-builds in this year’s collection of the best LEGO advent calendars. Tammy is committed to giving truthful and unbiased advice so that parents can make the most informed purchasing decisions- when it comes to seasonal buys for the family.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet’s Talk boards have been the place for parents to come to discuss their Christmas List Plan of Attack for more than two decades. Our members are excellent at coming up with ideas and coming up with the goods in terms of hints and tips on where and when to find the best deals.
Here at Mumsnet HQ we have excellent links with all the biggest shops and manufacturers too, so always have our eye on what’s new and which products are going to be the biggest toys in Christmas list terms.