The Evolution of Lego Christmas Sets Over the Years

The Evolution of Lego Christmas Sets

Lego sets have been a staple Christmas gift for kids around the world for decades. The Danish toy company first started producing Christmas themed sets in the 1970s and has continued the tradition ever since. From small stocking stuffer sets to elaborate seasonal builds, Lego offers a wide range of holiday sets every year. Join me as we take a nostalgic trip back through the years to see how Lego Christmas sets have evolved over the past five decades.

The 1970s: The Early Days of Lego Christmas

Lego released its first official Christmas set in 1974 featuring a simple Santa and sleigh built from basic bricks. In the late 70s, they started offering larger holiday sets like the 1977 385 Christmas Tree decorative model. Other 1970s Christmas sets included buildable holiday characters like carolers, reindeer, and nutcrackers made entirely from standard Lego bricks.

The 1980s: More Complex Holiday Themes Emerge

As Lego expanded its offerings in the 1980s, more intricate Christmas sets entered the lineup. The 1984 Santa's Workshop set featured micro Lego figures and accessories to build a festive North Pole scene. The following year, Lego released its first modular holiday house with the 1985 Christmas Chalet. Lego also joined forces with popular brands to release Christmas sets featuring Snoopy, Mickey Mouse, and other beloved characters during this decade.

The 1990s: Lego Advent Calendars and Larger Sets

The 1990s saw the introduction of the first Lego advent calendar in 1992. This popular Christmas countdown tradition continues today with seasonal mini build sets behind each door. On the larger side, the 1997 Holiday Train set with power functions and lights brought an added level of realism. Licensing deals also expanded in the 90s with Christmas sets from popular movies like Home Alone.

The 2000s: Movie Tie-Ins and Expanded Themes

Lego Star Wars sets first appeared in 1999 and the theme brought holiday versions in the 2000s like 2009's Clone Trooper Battle Pack under the tree. Harry Potter and Indiana Jones also got Christmas makeovers for respective franchise sets around the holidays. More elaborate winter village designs like the 2005 Holiday Train and 2006 Holiday Village also debuted in this decade.

The 2010s: Christmas in Miniature Scale

The most prominent Christmas Lego line of the 2010s was the winter village series. This theme recreated heartwarming holiday scenes with minifigures and micro-builds. Sets like the 2010 Winter Village Toy Shop and 2014 Winter Village Cottage gave builders a chance to create an idyllic festive town. Licensed themes included Christmas versions of City, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and other popular series.

The Most Popular Lego Christmas Sets

With over 50 years of Christmas sets in the archives, Lego has delivered countless seasonal builds over the decades. Here are a few of the most beloved and memorable Lego Christmas sets from the past 50 years:

Winter Holiday Train (1985)

The original motorized Holiday Train released in 1985 is still cherished by Lego fans both old and new. This set's festive green, red, and white color scheme and Christmas tree cargo make it an iconic Christmas build.

Toy Workshop (1996)

Complete with micro Lego figures, toys, and a winding stairway, this North Pole toy factory creates an immersive Christmas world in miniature. It remains a sought-after set from the mid-1990s.

Winter Village Cottage (2011)

Part of the popular winter village series, this quaint Christmas cottage with a decorated tree inside captures the serene feeling of the holidays in beautiful detail.

Gingerbread House (2017)

The delicious-looking gingerbread house with candy cane fence and path has appealed to Lego and holiday fans alike since its release. This set has the charm and colors of the season.

The Future of Lego Christmas

If history tells us anything, Lego has no plans to stop making Christmas-themed sets anytime soon. The company has already announced new winter village sets for 2022 continuing this popular seasonal theme. We can likely expect more advent calendars, holiday versions of licensed themes, and completely new Christmas concepts. For kids and adults alike, new Lego sets under the tree each holiday season have become a much-loved tradition.

Lego Christmas sets have come a long way while still retaining their nostalgic classic Yuletide charm. It will be exciting to watch how Lego keeps developing festive new sets and figures to help build happy Christmas memories for many holidays yet to come.

FAQs

What was the first official Lego Christmas set?

The 1974 Santa and Sleigh set was the first Christmas-themed set produced by Lego.

When did Lego start making advent calendars?

Lego first released an advent calendar in 1992. It contained 24 mini builds behind each door in the countdown to Christmas.

What was the most popular Lego set of the 1990s?

The Holiday Train released in 1995 that featured lights and motorized functions was highly sought after in the 1990s.

When did Lego Star Wars Christmas sets debut?

The first Lego Star Wars Christmas sets appeared in 2009 with festive versions of popular ships and characters.

What is the winter village series?

Starting in 2009, the winter village series creates Christmas scenes and buildings with mini figures and intricate details. Sets like the Toy Shop capture the holiday spirit.