Day 18-Unwrapping the Galaxy with The Disney Nerds: A Daily Adventure with the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar!
Hello, Disney Nerds and Star Wars fanatics! Can you believe it's already December? The holiday season is officially upon us, and what better way to count down to Christmas than with a little daily dose of magic and intergalactic fun?
For those unfamiliar, an advent calendar is a special calendar used to count the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. Traditionally, they have little doors or windows that you open each day from December 1st until Christmas Eve, revealing a small picture, a piece of chocolate, or a scripture verse. It's a wonderful tradition that builds excitement and adds a touch of daily joy to the festive season.
But what if your advent calendar could transport you to a galaxy far, far away? Enter the incredible world of LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendars! For years now, LEGO has been delighting fans with these special holiday sets, and they've truly become a beloved part of many Star Wars enthusiasts' December routines. Imagine, each day, getting to open a new door and discover a brand new, exclusive LEGO Star Wars mini-build or minifigure! It's like a tiny Christmas gift every single day.
This year, we're embarking on this daily adventure together with the latest LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar. And let me tell you, the first door certainly didn't disappoint!
December 1st: Our journey into the advent calendar began with this charming little guy! We opened door number one to reveal a minifig boy, complete with a cozy winter sweater, ready to hit the slopes on his very own sled. It’s a wonderfully festive start to the calendar, adding a touch of winter cheer to the Star Wars universe. You can almost imagine him zipping through a snowy Hoth landscape, albeit a much less dangerous one!
December 2nd, the second day of the LEGO Advent Calendar brings a thrilling addition for Star Wars fans: a micro-scale model of Cad Bane's starship, the Justifier. This imposing vessel, instantly recognizable from its appearances in The Bad Batch, is cleverly recreated with a small number of pieces, capturing its unique, blocky silhouette and large engine assembly. It’s a fantastic inclusion that provides a cool, collectible representation of the notorious bounty hunter's ship, ready to patrol the growing fleet of miniature starships from the calendar.
December 3, today is a fantastic day for our Star Wars Advent Calendar! The inclusion of the Mandalorian Starfighter (likely Din Djarin's iconic modified N-1 Starfighter) is a highlight for any fan of The Mandalorian series. This mini-build perfectly captures the sleek, distinctive silhouette of the Naboo fighter, now a recognizable symbol of Mando's journey across the Outer Rim. The tiny scale is a clever feat of LEGO engineering, often using just a handful of pieces to convey details like the exposed engine on the right side and the cockpit for a micro-scale Mando. It makes for a great little display piece on its own, adding a touch of speed and adventure to your growing collection of holiday-themed Star Wars trinkets. Tomorrow I’ll take a pic of the parts first.
The Star Wars Advent Calendar Day 4 surprise is a festive take on a classic character: a Christmas-dressed Pit Droid. These diminutive, multi-limbed automatons were first introduced to us working on the podracers in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Pit Droids are typically employed as specialized mechanics and repair droids, collapsing into small, compact forms when not working or for transport. It looks like this little fella is ready to pit stop your sleigh and give your reindeer a festive tune-up!
Day 5 of the Star Wars LEGO Advent Calendar featured the iconic Clone Turbo Tank, a massive armored transport used by the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. This powerful vehicle first appeared in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, most memorably during the Battle of Kashyyyk as clone troopers rolled into combat alongside the Wookiees. Built for both troop transport and heavy firepower, the Turbo Tank is equipped with massive wheels, blasters, and room for dozens of soldiers. Its imposing size and battlefield presence made it one of the most recognizable ground vehicles of the Clone Wars era.
The LEGO minifigure of the 212th Clone Trooper represents one of the most recognizable clone units from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars, known for their distinctive orange markings. The 212th Attack Battalion was led by Obi-Wan Kenobi and the respected Clone Commander Cody, playing a major role in pivotal battles such as the Siege of Utapau. These troopers symbolized the frontline assault force of the Republic, often deployed in some of the most dangerous combat zones of the Clone Wars. Their loyalty and discipline made them legendary among clone forces right up until the tragic execution of Order 66. As part of a LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar, this minifig is a small but powerful nod to one of the most important military units in Star Wars lore.
The Clone Command Center build from the Calendar represents the mobile control stations used by the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. These command centers were used on battlefields and inside Republic bases to coordinate troop movements, vehicle deployments, and real-time strategy with Jedi generals. Often seen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series, they feature hologram projectors, tactical displays, and communication arrays critical to Republic operations. From directing massive planetary invasions to defending key outposts, clone command centers were the nerve hub of many Republic victories. Even in miniature form, this day 7 build captures the strategic heart of the Clone Wars.
Day 8. Today’s Star Wars LEGO advent calendar surprise was a classic B1 Battle Droid, one of the most recognizable soldiers from the prequel era. These droids were mass-produced by the Trade Federation and later served the Separatists during the Clone Wars, known for their flimsy design and unintentionally humorous personalities. Despite their weakness on the battlefield, their sheer numbers made them a constant threat to the Republic’s clone troopers. The LEGO version captures their iconic thin frame and simple construction, making them a fun and nostalgic addition to any collection. Getting one in the advent calendar feels like opening a little piece of Star Wars history, battle-ready and full of charm.
Opening the door for Day 9 of the Star Wars Advent Calendar revealed a miniature STAP, also known as the Single Trooper Aerial Platform. This agile, two-legged vehicle is a lightweight, open-air repulsorcraft, essentially a fast-moving speeder bike used primarily by the Separatist Alliance's B1 Battle Droids. Its main purpose is for rapid scouting, reconnaissance, and patrol over the battlefield, though it is also armed with twin blaster cannons for light engagement. The STAP is a familiar sight from the Clone Wars era, making its notable first film appearance during the massive Battle of Naboo in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. This little build makes a fun, instantly recognizable addition to a collection of Separatist vehicles.
Today’s Star Wars LEGO advent calendar revealed a miniature Hailfire Droid, one of the Separatists’ most intimidating ground vehicles. Known for its enormous rolling wheels and devastating missile pods, the Hailfire Droid made its memorable debut during the Battle of Geonosis in Attack of the Clones. Its speed and maneuverability allowed it to dart across the battlefield, launching swarms of guided rockets at advancing clone troopers and armored units. The LEGO version captures the droid’s unique wheel design in a fun, compact build that stands out among the calendar’s daily surprises. Getting the Hailfire Droid today adds an exciting burst of Clone Wars action to your growing December lineup.
The Armored Assault Tank (AAT) is a formidable main battle tank of the Trade Federation and later the Confederacy of Independent Systems, first prominently featured in the 1999 film, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. This repulsorlift vehicle hovers rapidly across the battlefield and is centrally armed with a devastating cannon capable of demolishing ground structures and enemy vehicles. Its secondary weapons include anti-personnel blaster cannons and a heavy complement of explosive projectiles stored in a forward-facing turret rack. Operated by a crew of Neimoidians or battle droids, the AAT formed the backbone of the Separatist ground forces throughout the Clone Wars. Though powerful, its relatively slow rate of turn and exposed turret housing made it vulnerable to coordinated anti-armor attacks from the Republic's clone troopers.
Gonk droids are boxy power droids in Star Wars, famous for their simple design and their endlessly loyal job of supplying energy wherever it’s needed. Giving this reindeer-themed Gonk droid a name like “Gonker”, inspired by Santa’s classic reindeer names, feels perfectly festive and fitting. It would be incredibly useful for keeping holiday tech powered up, from lights and decorations to gadgets around a winter base or starship. At the same time, its reindeer look makes it a fun seasonal companion that brings humor and charm to any Star Wars collection. The idea of a Gonk droid clomping along on Christmas deliveries, powering sleigh tech and spreading cheer, makes it both practical and delightfully playful.
The striking tri-winged Lambda-class Imperial Shuttle, often represented by the mini-build from the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar, is one of the Galactic Empire's most recognizable light utility vessels. It was first seen in the film Return of the Jedi when the notorious villain Darth Vader arrives on the second Death Star. As a prestigious transport, the shuttle is used by high-ranking Imperial officers and dignitaries, including Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, due to its well-armored construction and powerful deflector shields. Its distinct design is actually based on the Greek letter $\Lambda$ (Lambda), which its three-winged profile resembles when in flight. The Rebel Alliance famously stole one of these ships, the Tydirium, to sneak onto the forest moon of Endor. With its ability to carry troops and a hyperdrive for long-range travel, the Imperial Shuttle was a versatile and essential symbol of Imperial power across the galaxy.
The minifigure for Day 14 of the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar is Princess Leia Organa in her Endor camouflage fatigues, commemorating her crucial role in disabling the Imperial shield generator in Return of the Jedi. This highly detailed figure features olive and sand green printing on the torso and legs to depict her hooded vest and battle gear, perfectly suited for the dense forest moon. A charming and unique accessory included with this version is a small, round, printed tile representing a cookie, directly referencing the famous scene where Leia first encounters and befriends the Ewok Wicket by offering him the snack, securing a vital alliance that helped the Rebels achieve victory. The pack came with 2 guns and Leia totally rocks the look.
The Ewok Village, or Bright Tree Village, is a remarkable network of thatched huts and wooden platforms suspended high within the towering trees of the forest moon of Endor. This arboreal settlement is connected by a complex system of suspension bridges and rope ladders, allowing the Ewoks to navigate their home without ever touching the dangerous forest floor. Its strategic height provides a natural defense against large predators and served as a secret staging ground for the Rebel Alliance during the Battle of Endor. Central to the village is the Great Hearth, where the tribal council meets and communal feasts are held under the light of flickering torches. This primitive yet ingenious architecture reflects the resourceful nature of the Ewok people, who use the natural bounty of the woods to create a thriving society.
On Day 16 of the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar, the countdown to the holidays takes a trip to the forest moon with a micro-build of Endor Base. This miniature recreation captures the iconic Imperial bunker where the shield generator was housed during the climactic Battle of Endor. Despite its small scale, the build uses clever part usage to mimic the sloped, reinforced entryway and the surrounding dense foliage. It serves as a nostalgic nod to Return of the Jedi, providing fans with a tiny piece of the Galactic Civil War to add to their seasonal display.
The AT-ST (All Terrain Scout Transport), often called the "chicken walker" due to its distinct two-legged gait, is a light, reconnaissance vehicle designed for speed and agility on the battlefield. You can see these walkers in several Star Wars films, making their brief debut during the Battle of Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back before playing a much larger role during the Battle of Endor in Return of the Jedi; they also appear in Rogue One and the sequel trilogy’s The Last Jedi (as the First Order variant). These vehicles are typically operated by a crew of two Imperial Combat Drivers specialized in navigating difficult terrain, though they are most famously "hijacked" in the movies. In Return of the Jedi, Chewbacca and two Ewoks famously commandeer an AT-ST to turn the tide of the battle, and in The Last Jedi, the droid BB-8 takes control of one to rescue Finn and Rose. FYI, I added the extra pieces to the roof and added that turret on my own.
Day 18. The speeder bike, specifically the iconic 74-Z model, is a high-speed repulsorlift vehicle manufactured by the Aratech Repulsor Company. Designed for reconnaissance and rapid transport, these "hover-bikes" can reach blistering speeds of up to 500 km/h, making them both effective and incredibly dangerous to pilot. While they were first used by Clone Troopers during the Clone Wars, they are most famously associated with the Imperial Scout Troopers who patrol the forest moon of Endor. You can see them in several films, most notably during the high-octane forest chase in Return of the Jedi, as well as in the "Order 66" sequences of Revenge of the Sith and briefly in the Special Edition of A New Hope in the streets of Mos Eisley. Beyond the military, characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and even Darth Maul (on his custom Bloodfin model) have used various versions of these bikes to navigate terrain where larger vehicles would struggle.
