LEGO advent calendars is a collection of seasonal sets which are released annually some time before Christmas. They belong to many different themes. Every advent calendar contain 24 little models for each day, from the beginning of December to Christmas Eve.
History and Background[]
An advent calendar is used to countdown the days preceding the Christmas Day. In the XIX Century it had strictly religious character, as it was used by German Lutherans to mark passing days of preparation time (advent) before the birth of Christ's celebrations. The printed or home-made calendars revealed daily a part of a Nativity story, a verse from the Bible or a religious image. The idea of a device allowing children to receive one small gift a day while waiting for presents under the Christmas tree was created after the Second World War. The typical calendar is made of 24 little sealed compartments which can be reached by forcing open the pre-cut ‘windows’ of the cardboard cover. The windows are designed to be opened one per day. Each compartment contains a small treat (usually a sweet or an image) – in LEGO sets there is a few bricks or a minifigure inside. The calendar is supposed to be given to children on December the 1st to teach them patience and to make the waiting for holidays more interesting.
The first LEGO advent calendar appeared in 1998. The late nineties’ sets contained a Santa Claus minifigure and – typically to the Basic theme – simple brick-made structures, which can be finally reassembled into a bigger model. This idea was continued in Creator's calendars (2001–2004), which also included Max and Tina 4+ figures. In 2004 two advent calendars representing different themes appeared for the first time. An alternative advent calendar set belonged to Clikits theme and from then on up to three sets are available each year. The City theme calendars have been released every year since 2005, usually accompanied by one or two sets from other popular themes. Apart from various minifigures, the mystery windows contain many useful accessories. Nowadays the biggest advantage of purchasing advent calendars – apart from receiving a surprise gift every day – is the possibility of obtaining rare parts and unique variations of certain minifigures (e.g. Friends girls wearing winter clothes).
Description[]
Many models hidden in Basic, Creator, City and Friends advent calendars are connected to Christmas celebrations and winter activities, therefore they represent typical holidays icons (like Santa Claus, a snowman or a Christmas tree), which throughout the years appeared in many variations.
Other non-seasonal themed treats are included in order to enrich owner's collection. Star Wars, Castle and Pirates calendars are focused on valuable themed parts and figures but sometimes contain unique and surprising elements like main characters clad as Santa.
List of LEGO advent calendars[]
1998[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1298 | Basic Advent Calendar | 216 | Santa Claus (2) | $19.99 | 1998 |
1999[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1076 | Advent Calendar | 229 | Santa Claus | 1999 |
2000[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2250 | Holiday Advent Calendar | 240 | $20.00 | 2000 |
2001[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4124 | Countdown to the Holidays | 231 | 2 | $14.99 | 2001 |
2002[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4524 | Advent Calendar | 2 | 2002 |
2003[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4024 | Advent Calendar | 318 | $14.99 | 2003 |
2004[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4924 | Advent Calendar | 335 | $14.99 | 2004 | |
 | 7575 | CLIKITS Advent Calendar | 124 | $15.00 | 2004 |
2005[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No image | 4424 | Advent Calendar | Would have been 2005 | |||
 | 7324 | City Advent Calendar | 203 | Chef, Handsome Hank, Police Officer, Construction Worker, Santa Claus, Octan Driver, Surfboard Dude, Train Conductor | 2005 | |
 | 7574 | CLIKITS Holiday Gift Calendar | 115 | 2005 |
2006[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7904 | City Advent Calendar | 257 | Airport Worker, Police Officer, Firefighter, Construction Worker, Doctor, Train Worker, Airplane Mechanic, Cleaner, Santa Claus | $20.00 | 2006 |
2007[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7600 | Belville Advent Calendar | 215 | 1 | $19.99 | October 7, 2007 |
 | 7907 | City Advent Calendar | 232 | Airport Worker, Harbor Worker, Construction Worker, Sanitary Engineer, Police Officer, Octan Worker, Train Worker, Firefighter | $24.99 | October 24, 2007 |
2008[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7979 | Castle Advent Calendar | 176 | Skeleton Warrior, Black Skeleton Warrior, Crown Knight (x2), Troll Warrior, Bat Witch, Jester Gogo, Maid, Dwarf | $29.99 / €16.99 | September 14, 2008 |
 | 7724 | City Advent Calendar | 196 | People (3), Fireman, Chef, Diver, Police Officer, Handsome Hank, Train Worker, Hiker | $29.99 / €16.99 | August 26, 2008 |
2009[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6299 | Pirates Advent Calendar | 148 | Captain Brickbeard, Hank the Castaway, Lady Pirate, Salty the Sailor, Mermaid, Imperial Guard, Imperial Guard - Officer, Skeleton | $39.99 / €19.99 | 2009 |
 | 7687 | City Advent Calendar | 257 | Police Officer,
Skaters (2), Child, Lumberjack, Sanitary Engineer, Postman, Chef, Santa Claus, | $29.99 | September 12, 2009 (US and UK) |
2010[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2824 | City Advent Calendar | 271 | 6 | $34.99 / €19.99 | August 2010 |
 | 7952 | Kingdoms Advent Calendar | 167 | Queen, Lion Prince, Spear Lion Knight, Crossbow Lion Knight, Dragon Knight, Wizard, Blacksmith, Maid, Skeleton | $34.99 / €19.99 | August 2010 |
2011[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7553 | City Advent Calendar | 232 | Police Officer (2), Crook (2), Fisherman, Santa | €19.99 | 2011 |
 | 7958 | Star Wars Advent Calendar | 266 | Pilot Battle Droid,
Clone Pilot, Yoda, Chewbacca, Nute Gunray, Rebel Pilot, R2-Q5, Mouse Droid, TIE Pilot | $39.99 / €29.99 | August 2011 |
2012[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 3316 | Friends Advent Calendar | 193 | Olivia, Christina | $34.99 / €19.99 | 2012 |
 | 4428 | City Advent Calendar | 249 | Santa , Fireman (2) , Firewoman , Boy , Girl , Repairman | $39.99 / €19.99 | 2012 |
 | 9509 | Star Wars Advent Calendar | 234 | Darth Maul (Santa), Super Battle Droid, Snowtrooper, Rebel Trooper, Security Battle Droid, Gungan Warrior, Hoth Rebel Trooper, Imperial Officer (Hoth), R2-D2 (Snowman), Gonk Droid | $49.99 / €29.99 | August, 2012 |
2013[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 41016 | Friends Advent Calendar | 213 | Stephanie, Lilly | $29.99 / €19.99 | 2013 |
 | 60024 | City Advent Calendar | 244 | 8 | $29.99 / €19.99 | 2013 '"`UNIQ--ref-00000002-QINU`"' |
 | 75023 | Star Wars Advent Calendar | 254 | Boba Fett (Young) '"`UNIQ--ref-00000001-QINU`""`UNIQ--ref-00000002-QINU`"',
Jango Fett (Santa suit) '"`UNIQ--ref-00000003-QINU`""`UNIQ--ref-00000004-QINU`"', Scout Trooper '"`UNIQ--ref-00000005-QINU`"', R5-F7 '"`UNIQ--ref-00000006-QINU`"', Rebel Commando '"`UNIQ--ref-00000007-QINU`"', Clone Trooper '"`UNIQ--ref-00000008-QINU`"', Battle Droid '"`UNIQ--ref-00000009-QINU`"', Geonosian Pilot '"`UNIQ--ref-0000000A-QINU`"', FA-4 '"`UNIQ--ref-0000000B-QINU`"', | $39.99 | September 2013 |
2014[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 41040 | Friends Advent Calendar | 228 | Mia, Ewa | $29.99 | 2014 |
 | 60063 | City Advent Calendar | 218 | 7 | 2014 | |
 | 75056 | Star Wars Advent Calendar | 274 | Super Battle Droid, TIE Pilot, Snowtrooper, Luke Skywalker, Dak Ralter, General Rieekan, Darth Vader (Christmas), R2-D2 (Christmas Tree), Clone Trooper(Santa Hat) | $39.99 | August 2014 |
2015[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 41102 | Friends Advent Calendar | 233 | Andrea, Liza | $29.99 / €19.99 | 2015 |
 | 60099 | City Advent Calendar | 278 | 6 | $29.99 | 2015 |
 | 75097 | Star Wars Advent Calendar | 292 | C-3PO (Santa),
R2-D2 (Reindeer), Jawa, Stormtrooper, Hoth Rebel Trooper , Ewok Warrior, Assassin Droid, LIN-Droid | 2015 |
2016[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 41131 | Friends Advent Calendar | 218 | Emma, Naomi | $29.99 / €19.99 | 2016 |
 | 60133 | City Advent Calendar | 290 | 7 | $29.99 | 2016 |
 | 75146 | Star Wars Advent Calendar | 282 | Battle Droid, Bespin Guard, Chewbacca (Snow), Hoth Rebel Trooper, Imperial Trooper, Luke Skywalker (Jedi), Snowtrooper (with backpack), Stormtrooper, U-3PO | 2016 |
2017[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 41326 | Friends Advent Calendar | 217 | Stephanie | $29.99 / €19.99 | 2017 |
 | 60155 | City Advent Calendar | 248 | Snowboarder Kid, Grandma, Coast Guard Member (x2), Jungle Explorer, Santa | September 1, 2017 | |
 | 75184 | Star Wars Advent Calendar | 309 | BB-8 (Santa),
First Order Snowtrooper, First Order Stormtrooper, Imperial Ground Trooper, Imperial Officer, Major Brance, Sabine Wren (Season 2), Unkar Henchman, | 2017 |
2018[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 41353 | Friends Advent Calendar | 500 | $29.99 / €24.99 | 2018 | |
 | 60201 | City Advent Calendar | 313 | 5 | $29.99 | September 1, 2018 |
 | 75213 | Star Wars Advent Calendar | 307 | Battle Droid,
General Merrick, Guavian Security Soldier, IG-88, Imperial Death Trooper, Rathtar, Rose Tico, Rowan Freemaker | $39.99 / €29.99 | September 1st, 2018 |
2019[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 60235 | LEGO City Advent Calendar | 234 | 7 | $29.99 | 2019 |
 | 75245 | Star Wars Advent Calendar | Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Rebel Trooper, Porg, First Order Stormtrooper, Rebel Trooper, Battle Droid, Imperial GunnerGonk Droid, Cloud Car Pilot | 2019 | ||
 | 75964 | LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar | 305 | Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Hogwarts Architect | $39.99 | September 1, 2019 |
2020[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 41420 | LEGO Friends 2020 Advent Calendar | 236 | Emma, Elf (x2), Mrs. Claus | $29.99 / €24.36 | September 1, 2020 |
 | 60268 | City Advent Calendar | 342 | Duke DeTain, Freya McCloud, Wheeler, Rooky Partnur, Harl Hubbs, Daisy Kaboom | $29.99 / €19.49 | September 1, 2020 |
 | 75279 | LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar | Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Rey, Poe Dameron, Stormtrooper, Sith Trooper (Final Order), D-0, Porg, Battle Droid | $39.99 / €29.23 | September 1, 2020 | |
 | 75981 | Advent Calendar | 335 | Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Padma Patil, Parvati Patil, Cho Chang | $39.99 / €29.23 | September 1, 2020 |
2021[]
| Image | # | Set | Number of pieces | Minifigures | Price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No image | 75307 | LEGO Star Wars 2021 Advent Calendar | ||||
| No image | 76196 | LEGO Marvel 2021 Advent Calendar | ||||
 | 76390 | LEGO Harry Potter 2021 Advent Calendar | 274 | Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Griphook, Dudley Dursley | $39.99 / €29.99 | September 1, 2021 |
See also[]
- List of Star Wars Advent Calendars
- List of City Advent Calendars
