24 Festive Builds!
Count down with Christmas Build-Up

Unwrap a new mini-model every day in December with this 254-piece Advent set! Get creative and build your own holiday creations.

Breaking News

LEGO Retiring Soon List – October 2026 Update

The Brick Fan • about 6 hours ago
🏛 Advent
Set #40253

Christmas Build-Up

The Christmas Build-Up set is a delightful advent calendar alternative.

Before you buy

Who it's for
Ages 7+ · Beginner build Families and LEGO enthusiasts looking for a festive building experience during the holiday season
Build
254 pieces · about 3 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price
$29.99 list price · 11.8¢ per piece
Availability
Retired at LEGO
★★★☆☆ 3.3 community rating from 191 ratings

Fans appreciate the festive theme and the variety of small builds, making it a fun advent calendar alternative. Some find the models a bit too simple and basic, but overall it's considered a good value for the price.

MSRP
$29.99
Best Price
$26.99
You Save
10% OFF
View on

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Christmas Build-Up set is a delightful advent calendar alternative. Instead of minifigures and small builds hidden behind doors, this set provides the pieces and instructions to build a different festive model each day leading up to Christmas.

This set is perfect for families looking for a fun holiday activity. The builds are simple enough for kids to complete with minimal help, and the variety keeps it engaging throughout December.

Skip this if you prefer traditional advent calendars with licensed characters. Consider LEGO Star Wars or Harry Potter advent calendars for minifigure-focused fun.

✨ New
BlockTalk

Ask BlockTalk about this set

AI assistant with full set data

Powered by AI
BlockTalk
BlockTalk
Hi! I'm BlockTalk, your LEGO expert. Ask me anything about the Christmas Build-Up - building tips, investment potential, comparisons, or anything else!
Try asking:
How does this advent calendar compare to other LEGO advent calendars? Are the building instructions reusable for future years? What are some creative ways to display the completed models? Is this set a good investment for long-term value?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI
🧩
254
Pieces
⏱
3h
Estimated Build Time
📊
Beginner
Difficulty
👤
7+
Ages
Build Highlights:
  • 24 different mini-models to build, one for each day of Advent
  • Simple, straightforward building techniques suitable for younger builders
  • Focus on festive themes like Christmas trees, snowmen, and presents
  • Great for adding a touch of LEGO to your holiday decorations

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI
↓ Price declining
B-
Investment Grade
⏳ Retired
The Christmas Build-Up set, being a retired seasonal set, holds some investment potential. Its relatively low piece count and original MSRP make it an accessible entry point for LEGO investors. The set's value is tied to its festive theme and appeal to collectors of holiday-themed LEGO items. While not a guaranteed high-return investment, its retirement status suggests it may appreciate modestly over time, particularly if kept sealed and in excellent condition. The falling price trend may indicate a current oversupply, so patience might be required for significant appreciation.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Compared to other LEGO advent calendars, this set focuses solely on building, without minifigures. The Harry Potter or Star Wars advent calendars offer minifigures and smaller builds. This set is a good choice for those who prefer a pure building experience. The price is similar to other advent calendars, but the piece count is higher, making it better value.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count
254
Parts cataloged in this inventory
79 unique parts, 254 pieces
Brick Special 1 x 2 with 2 Studs on 1 Side Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 11211 1× Light Bluish Gray
Brick Curved 2 x 1 No Studs [1/2 Bow] Brick Curved 2 x ...
Part #: 11477 2× Tan
Brick Curved 2 x 1 No Studs [1/2 Bow] Brick Curved 2 x ...
Part #: 11477 2× Olive Green
Plate Round 4 x 4 with 2 x 2 Round Opening Plate Round 4 x 4...
Part #: 11833 1× Lime
Plate Special 1 x 2 with 5.9mm Centre Side Towball Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 14417 1× Dark Bluish Gray
Plate Special 1 x 2 5.9mm Centre Side Towball Socket Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 14704 1× Light Bluish Gray
Plate Special 1 x 1 with Vertical Tooth Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 15070 2× White
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Three Teeth [Tri-Tooth] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 15208 2× Tan
Plate 3 x 3 Cross Plate 3 x 3 Cross
Part #: 15397 1× Reddish Brown
Plate Round 1 x 1 Swirled Top Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 15470 1× Reddish Brown
Plate Special 1 x 2 with 1 Stud with Groove and Inside Stud Holder (Jumper) Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 15573 2× Red
Plate Special 1 x 2 with 1 Stud with Groove and Inside Stud Holder (Jumper) Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 15573 2× Reddish Brown
Plate Special 1 x 2 with 1 Stud with Groove and Inside Stud Holder (Jumper) Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 15573 1× Tan
Plate Special 1 x 2 with 1 Stud with Groove and Inside Stud Holder (Jumper) Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 15573 1× White
Plate Special 1 x 2 with 1 Stud with Groove and Inside Stud Holder (Jumper) Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 15573 1× Blue
Plate Special 1 x 2 with 1 Stud with Groove and Inside Stud Holder (Jumper) Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 15573 1× Black
Brick Sloped 45° 2 x 1 with 2/3 Cutout [New Version] Brick Sloped 45° ...
Part #: 15672 1× Bright Light Orange
Tile Special 1 x 1 with Clip with Rounded Edges Tile Special 1 x ...
Part #: 15712 2× Black
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Handles on Ends Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 18649 2× Black
Plate Special Round 2 x 2 with Center Stud (Jumper Plate) Plate Special Rou...
Part #: 18674 1× White
Plant, Leaves 4 x 3 Plant, Leaves 4 x 3
Part #: 2423 2× Green
Tile Special 1 x 2 with Handle Tile Special 1 x ...
Part #: 2432 1× Red
Plate Special 2 x 2 with Pin on Bottom Plate Special 2 x...
Part #: 2476a 1× Dark Tan
Brick Special 1 x 1 with Studs on 2 Adjacent Sides Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 26604 4× Tan
Brick 2 x 4 Brick 2 x 4
Part #: 3001 1× Reddish Brown
Brick 2 x 3 Brick 2 x 3
Part #: 3002 1× Blue
Brick 2 x 2 Brick 2 x 2
Part #: 3003 2× Red
Brick 2 x 2 Brick 2 x 2
Part #: 3003 1× Black
Brick 2 x 2 Brick 2 x 2
Part #: 3003 1× White
Handlebars Handlebars
Part #: 30031 1× Light Bluish Gray
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 1× Light Bluish Gray
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 1× Black
Brick Special 1 x 2 Palisade [aka Log] Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 30136 2× Dark Brown
Plate 2 x 4 Plate 2 x 4
Part #: 3020 4× Red
Plate 2 x 4 Plate 2 x 4
Part #: 3020 2× Tan
Plate 2 x 4 Plate 2 x 4
Part #: 3020 1× Blue
Plate 2 x 3 Plate 2 x 3
Part #: 3021 2× Reddish Brown
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 2× Lime
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 5× White
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 1× Black
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 4× Red
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 4× Reddish Brown
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 1× Tan
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 2× Trans-Clear
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 4× Reddish Brown
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 3× Medium Blue
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 1× Bright Light Orange
Plate 4 x 4 Plate 4 x 4
Part #: 3031 1× White
Plate 4 x 4 Plate 4 x 4
Part #: 3031 1× Blue
Plate Round Corner 3 x 3 Plate Round Corne...
Part #: 30357 1× Tan
Brick Sloped 45° 2 x 2 Brick Sloped 45° ...
Part #: 3039 4× Green
Brick Sloped 45° 2 x 1 with Bottom Pin Brick Sloped 45° ...
Part #: 3040b 2× Tan
Brick Sloped 45° 2 x 1 with Bottom Pin Brick Sloped 45° ...
Part #: 3040b 4× Green
Brick Round 1 x 1 Open Stud Brick Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 3062b 4× White
Brick Round 1 x 1 Open Stud Brick Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 3062b 3× Black
Brick 1 x 2 without Bottom Tube Brick 1 x 2 witho...
Part #: 3065 1× Trans-Clear
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Door Rail Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 32028 1× Yellow
Brick Sloped 33° 3 x 2 Brick Sloped 33° ...
Part #: 3298 1× Blue
Food Croissant - Rounded Ends Food Croissant - ...
Part #: 33125 1× White
Plant, Flower, Plate Round 1 x 1 with 4 Petals Plant, Flower, Pl...
Part #: 33291 3× Bright Green
Plate 1 x 3 Plate 1 x 3
Part #: 3623 1× Reddish Brown
Plate 1 x 3 Plate 1 x 3
Part #: 3623 2× Red
Minifig Head [Plain] [Hollow Stud] Minifig Head [Pla...
Part #: 3626c 1× Trans-Clear
Brick Arch 1 x 4 Brick Arch 1 x 4
Part #: 3659 2× Dark Brown
Brick Sloped Inverted 45° 2 x 2 [Ovoid Bottom Pin, Bar-sized Stud Holes] Brick Sloped Inve...
Part #: 3660 1× Red
Brick Sloped Inverted 45° 2 x 2 [Ovoid Bottom Pin, Bar-sized Stud Holes] Brick Sloped Inve...
Part #: 3660 1× Tan
Brick Sloped Inverted 45° 2 x 2 [Ovoid Bottom Pin, Bar-sized Stud Holes] Brick Sloped Inve...
Part #: 3660 1× Blue
Brick Sloped Inverted 45° 2 x 2 [Ovoid Bottom Pin, Bar-sized Stud Holes] Brick Sloped Inve...
Part #: 3660 1× Lime
Technic Brick 1 x 2 [1 Pin Hole] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3700 1× Red
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Handles [Flat Ends / Low Attachment] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 3839b 2× Light Bluish Gray
Equipment Cup / Mug [Plain] Equipment Cup / M...
Part #: 3899 1× Red
Brick Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole Brick Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 3941 1× Tan
Brick Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole Brick Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 3941 1× Trans-Clear
Brick Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole Brick Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 3941 2× White
Plate Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole Type 1 (+ Opening) Plate Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 4032a 2× Red
Plate Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole Type 1 (+ Opening) Plate Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 4032a 2× Green
Wedge Plate 4 x 2 Right Wedge Plate 4 x 2...
Part #: 41769 2× White
Wedge Plate 4 x 2 Left Wedge Plate 4 x 2...
Part #: 41770 2× White
Dish 3 x 3 Inverted [Radar] Dish 3 x 3 Invert...
Part #: 43898 1× Black
Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on Side, without Groove Hinge Plate 1 x 2...
Part #: 44567b 1× Yellow
Bracket 1 x 2 - 2 x 2 Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...
Part #: 44728 1× Dark Bluish Gray
Brick Special 1 x 1 Studs on 4 Sides Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 4733 1× White
Dish 2 x 2 Inverted [Radar] Dish 2 x 2 Invert...
Part #: 4740 2× Black
Brick Special 1 x 1 with Studs on 2 Sides Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 47905 1× Red
Brick Special 1 x 1 with Studs on 2 Sides Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 47905 1× Black
Plate Special 1 x 2 [Side Handle Closed Ends] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 48336 1× Green
Panel 1 x 2 x 1 [Rounded Corners] Panel 1 x 2 x 1 [...
Part #: 4865b 2× Red
Brick Sloped Inverted 45° 4 x 2 Double with 2 x 2 Recessed Brick Sloped Inve...
Part #: 4871 1× Reddish Brown
Plate Special 1 x 1 with Tooth Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 49668 2× Bright Light Orange
Plate Special 1 x 1 with Tooth Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 49668 2× Black
Animal Body Part, Barb / Claw / Tooth / Talon / Horn, Small Animal Body Part,...
Part #: 53451 4× Yellow
Brick Sloped 30° 1 x 1 x 2/3 (Cheese Slope) Brick Sloped 30° ...
Part #: 54200 10× White
Brick Sloped 30° 1 x 1 x 2/3 (Cheese Slope) Brick Sloped 30° ...
Part #: 54200 6× Reddish Brown
Brick Sloped 30° 1 x 1 x 2/3 (Cheese Slope) Brick Sloped 30° ...
Part #: 54200 2× Black
Brick Sloped 30° 1 x 1 x 2/3 (Cheese Slope) Brick Sloped 30° ...
Part #: 54200 1× Tan
Brick Sloped 30° 1 x 1 x 2/3 (Cheese Slope) Brick Sloped 30° ...
Part #: 54200 3× Red
Cone 1 x 1 [Top Groove] Cone 1 x 1 [Top G...
Part #: 59900 1× Green
Cone 1 x 1 [Top Groove] Cone 1 x 1 [Top G...
Part #: 59900 1× Orange
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Clips Horizontal [Open O Clips] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 60470b 1× Yellow
Plate Special 1 x 1 with Clip Vertical [Thick Open O Clip] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 60897 2× Black
Brick Curved 1 x 2 x 1 1/3 with Curved Top Brick Curved 1 x ...
Part #: 6091 1× Dark Green
Brick Curved 1 x 2 x 1 1/3 with Curved Top Brick Curved 1 x ...
Part #: 6091 6× Red
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 2× Tan
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 6× Trans-Light Blue
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 2× White
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 2× Trans-Orange
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 2× Trans-Red
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 4× Pearl Gold
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 2× Red
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 4× Trans-Yellow
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 4× Green
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 8× Black
Food Ice Cream Scoops Food Ice Cream Sc...
Part #: 6254 1× White
Tile 1 x 3 Tile 1 x 3
Part #: 63864 1× Dark Tan
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Clip Horizontal on End Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 63868 2× Blue
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Clip Horizontal on End Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 63868 2× Black
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Open Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 85861 2× Light Bluish Gray
Brick Special 1 x 1 with Stud on 1 Side Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 87087 2× Dark Bluish Gray
Plate Special 2 x 2 with Groove and Center Stud (Jumper) Plate Special 2 x...
Part #: 87580 2× Black
Plate Special 2 x 2 with Groove and Center Stud (Jumper) Plate Special 2 x...
Part #: 87580 1× Green
Brick Wedged 2 x 2 Facet Brick Wedged 2 x ...
Part #: 87620 4× White
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Bar Up [Horizontal Arm 5mm] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 88072 2× Black
Brick Round 2 x 2 [Grill] Brick Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 92947 1× Reddish Brown
Brick Round 2 x 2 [Grill] Brick Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 92947 1× Black
Brick and Axle Separator v2.0 Brick and Axle Se...
Part #: 96874 1× Orange
Tile Round 1 x 1 with Offset Black Eye Print Tile Round 1 x 1 ...
Part #: 98138pr0008 2× White
Tile Round 1 x 1 with Black Eye Closed with Eyelashes Print Tile Round 1 x 1 ...
Part #: 98138pr0026 2× White
Bracket 1 x 2 - 1 x 2 Inverted Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...
Part #: 99780 2× Light Bluish Gray
The set features a good selection of basic bricks and slopes in festive colors, useful for winter-themed MOCs. The cheese slopes and curved bricks are particularly helpful for adding detail to small-scale builds.

🛒 Where to Buy

LEGO (DE)
✓ In Stock
Compare on eBay →
€9.99
LEGO (UK)
✓ In Stock
Compare on eBay →
£9.99
eBay
✓ In Stock
$26.99 →
Walmart
✓ In Stock
Compare on eBay →
$28.49
Target
✓ In Stock
Compare on eBay →
$29.99

💎 Notable Parts

White Slope 30° 1 x 1 x 2/3 (Cheese Slope) (10x) $1.00
Red Brick Curved 1 x 2 x 1 1/3 with Curved Top (6x) $0.60
Trans-Light Blue Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud (6x) $0.42
Reddish Brown Slope 30° 1 x 1 x 2/3 (Cheese Slope) (6x) $0.60
Est. BrickLink Part Value
$2.62

💡 MOC Potential

🌳 Winter village expansions
🏰 Small-scale medieval buildings
🚗 Miniature cars and trucks

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

2 videos found
BlockTalk AI

Based on the provided data, BrickBros UK consistently enjoys the building experience of LEGO sets they review, including Christmas-themed ones like the 2016 Christmas Toy Soldier. They particularly appreciate the ability to construct all models within a set, suggesting a generally positive view towards LEGO sets with multiple build options.

What the Community Says

2 YouTube reviews
BlockTalk AI Summary

BrickBros UK's reviews of LEGO sets, including the 2016 Christmas Toy Soldier, emphasize the fun building experience. A recurring positive point is the capability to build all models within a set, indicating a preference for versatile LEGO sets.

Community Content: These reviews are from Reddit and YouTube users sharing their personal experiences. Opinions may vary.

📖 Building Instructions 2

Christmas Build-Up Instructions
BI 3004, 160+4/65+200G, 40253 V29
Download PDF
Christmas Build-Up Instructions
BI 3004, 160+4/65+200G, 40253 V39
Download PDF

Charts Inventory Statistics

79
Unique Parts
254
Official Piece Count
254
Cataloged Inventory Pieces
0
Minifigures
17
Spare Parts
Inventory Version: 1

Missing a piece? Use the Missing Piece Checker.