For some reason, Star Wars has become an unofficial part of the Christmas season. We often see massive inflatable R2-D2s and Millennium Falcons adorning yards alongside traditional reindeer and Santas. It seems our collective subconscious has merged Yoda with Yuletide. After assembling the incredible new LEGO Star Wars Gingerbread AT-AT Walker set, I can confidently say I’m fully on board with this festive mash-up. This building experience is nothing short of pure delight.
The LEGO Star Wars: Gingerbread AT-AT Walker is a charmingly modest set, featuring just under 700 pieces. It’s currently available for $59.99.
Packaged in five bags, the entire build took approximately three hours to complete. Despite the seemingly odd pairing of Christmas cheer with an Imperial war machine, I found myself constantly smiling throughout the assembly process. This festive vehicle is cleverly infused with holiday touches in every single section.
A gallery of images showcasing the LEGO Star Wars Gingerbread AT-AT build is available.
The journey begins on an incredibly exciting note: assembling Gingerbread Darth Vader himself! This isn’t just any Sith Lord minifigure; from the peak of his helmet to the flow of his fabric cape, he’s rendered in a rich gingerbread brown, with intricate details resembling cookie frosting. Of course, he wields his iconic Lightsaber, but in his other hand, he holds a tiny cookie adorned with red and green sprinkles. Honestly, it might just be the finest minifigure I now possess.
You might wonder if the festive brilliance could possibly continue at such a high level after Gingerbread Vader, but rest assured, it absolutely does, especially during the initial main section of the build. The first major component you construct is the AT-AT’s substantial body, its torso. While this might sound like a mundane task, it conceals a genuine Christmas marvel.
Somewhere along the way, our collective unconscious seems to have linked Yoda with Yuletide.
You start with the base, the ‘belly’ of the walker, complete with four circular connection points for the legs. Then, you meticulously stack blocks to create a beautifully wrapped Christmas present and a cozy miniature fireplace, flickering with translucent flame pieces. A tiny green wreath and a pair of stockings adorn the mantle. In front, you’ll find a latticed grate and a table with a mug – presumably for Vader’s warm cup of cocoa. A chair is placed nearby, and the wall behind it is decorated with another wreath and a candy cane. This charming scene is later enclosed by hinged side panels, keeping it a delightful secret unless you choose to reveal it.
This hidden room is a truly heartwarming pocket of holiday magic, and I absolutely adore it. It’s a perfect Christmas tableau for Darth Vader to unwind in after a long day of battling Rebel scum. It stands as the most wonderful surprise at the heart of this set.
The remainder of the assembly is equally engaging and quick. You construct the AT-AT’s imposing head and legs, which are adorned with vibrant circular dots, adding a distinct seasonal flair. Some accent pieces are crafted from darker brown, enhancing visual depth. The head features two candy canes where its blasters would typically be, and the feet are elegantly decorated with icing patterns and ribbons. Along the AT-AT’s sides, you string up an array of multi-colored Christmas lights.
Among my favorite details are the white connection pieces, cleverly designed to resemble the frosting used to join the walls of a real gingerbread house. These elements truly unify the entire build, bringing the gingerbread theme to life.
To be honest, I have no significant criticisms of the LEGO Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. It’s one of those perfectly sized sets that offers a satisfying build time without demanding excessive shelf space upon completion. Its moderate scale also keeps it at an accessible price point of $59.99, which feels just right for such a whimsical and delightful creation.
While I may never fully grasp the origins of the Star Wars and Christmas connection, I’m certainly grateful it brought us the LEGO Gingerbread AT-AT. It’s a genuine gift. Any LEGO enthusiast, with or without children, will find immense Christmas joy in constructing this set. Merry Christmas, Vader!
The LEGO Star Wars Gingerbread AT-AT Walker is exclusively available for $59.99. You can also explore other exciting LEGO Star Wars sets.
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also leads IGN’s board game and LEGO coverage.