Sleigh bells ring across numerous wintertime LEGO sets, so Blocks is looking at some of the best so far…
Dashing through the snow in sleigh is a classic part of Christmas, whether it’s a horse-drawn ride around town or Santa Claus with his team of trusty reindeer. Decked out in bells, tinsel, or plush red velvet, they are a quintessential part of the winter season. Sleighs and sleds of all shapes and sizes have featured in plenty of LEGO sets, all offering a different take on this mode of transport.
So, Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, is grabbing a mighty stead to gallop through some of the best so far…
10245 Santa’s Workshop (2014)
One of the only times the Winter Village theme has visited the North Pole is for 10245 Santa’s Workshop. As the elves hurriedly put the finishing touches to the toys, the big man himself is getting the reindeer ready for their flight around the world. What is so lovely about this sleigh is how everything is beautifully proportioned and the charismatic expressions of the reindeer. Swap out one of the black studs for a red one, and you can easily make Rudolph too.
41077 Aira’s Pegasus Sleigh (2015)
Although Elves wasn’t a particularly long-lived theme, it provided a fantastic place for whimsical ideas and some truly unique sets. 41077 Aira’s Pegasus Sleigh proves that they aren’t just for Christmas. Pearl gold and purple combine into an eye-catching sleigh that is trimmed with LEGO wing decorations to match the pegasi. It’s ornate yet fun and a brilliant way to travel through the clouds.
41066 Anna & Kristoff’s Sleigh Adventure (2016)
This list wouldn’t be complete without including Kristoff’s beloved sleigh from 41066 Anna & Kristoff’s Sleigh Adventure… even if he incorrectly calls it a sled the whole time throughout the movie. Inspired by classic Scandinavian sleigh designs, it’s practical with just about enough room for Anna and the ice blocks. It’s still the only set featuring this version of Sven, who has a unique mould that captures his playful expression perfectly.
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40499 Santa’s Sleigh (2021)
40499 Santa’s Sleigh portrays the classic image that comes to mind. It’s a typical red sleigh that features intricate scrollwork along the edges, giving it a timeless feel. There’s plenty of room in the rear for Santa’s magical sack of toys, with a range of brick-built presents and LEGO elements stuffed inside. Perhaps what’s most exciting about this set though are the reindeer. They’re a rare mould and buying two of this set makes the whole team.
40603 Winter Carriage Ride (2023)
Okay, so while this is technically a carriage, it does still have sleigh vibes. Plus there’s a one horse open sleigh in Jingle Bells anyway. Dark red and green give the carriage a classy Christmas colour scheme, complemented by new pearl-gold wheels. If all that wasn’t cosy enough, each minifigure has a scarf and warm winter jackets. Put this set beside any Winter Village model and it will look right at home.
No matter whether it’s a pegasus, reindeer, or horse, there have been so many great sleighs over the years. And this list shows they’re a really common occurrence for the LEGO designers, so they only keep getting better. What animal – mythical or real – would pull your LEGO sleigh? Let us know on any of the Blocks social media channels.