REVIEW: Advent calendar 20 December 2023

We’ve got models from the Three Broomsticks inn for the last two days. Based on the previously Hogsmeade buildings covered in the calendar, we’re now due for an outdoor model. But does that logic still hold? Read on to see what we got on day 20…

Oh, that was a surprise. Today, we got another interior model from the Three Broomsticks, using the dark grey, dark blue and tan colour scheme the designers have picked for the inn.

With 14 parts (two are spares today), it is not as big as yesterday’s fireplace, but still a decent size. As seen below, the model consists of a table with a lamp and Christmas decoration (I think – rather than some cherries to snack on) along with a chair. The table has an interesting design with the grey ice cream cones used as table legs.

As such, I’m glad they have included another Christmas decoration (beyond the star at the top of the Christmas tree we got 10 December), but feel it would have been better done with the lamp post (where I added my own). And given we already had one table for the Three Broomsticks, getting another table, but only one chair is a strange addition, and a bit unfocused in my opinion.

Summary

Getting another model from the Three Broomsticks was a surprise. Initially, I was pleased with it, as I felt the first day (18 December) had been a let down, but having reflected on it, I’m puzzled by the two tables we ended up getting (the fireplace yesterday was pretty neat though). With three thirsty students (Harry, Ron and Hermione), I would much have preferred a single table with three chairs and three glasses of butterbeer. A printed tile with price of butterbeer would have been a nice addition (either here – or with one of the models from Hog’s Head) as we haven’t seen many new printed tiles in this year’s calendar.

So, while we got a reasonable amount of bricks, the model doesn’t really add much in the end. So because of the missed opportunity, I’ll give it a slightly below average score of 2.5 out of five house points. Is that too harsh?

Will we get more butterbeer glasses tomorrow? Or are we due for another minifigure – or something else? Check back tomorrow on the 2023 Advent Calendar page to see what we got.

Till then, Build the Magic!