Last Christmas season, LEGO gave away this LEGO Christmas Tree (40338) as a gift with purchase. I can’t remember how much you had to spend, but clearly we don’t have an issue with spending money at LEGO. So here we are.
I was super excited about this set.
You’re probably like “Why? It’s just another Christmas tree? Don’t you have plenty of those already?” And normally, I would say, yes. However, this LEGO Christmas tree has something special. It has a turning mechanism that makes the train under the tree rotate round and round!
I’ve been itching to build it was released.
Box & Instructions
The packaging for this LEGO set is true to the winter theme. Set on a backdrop of falling snow, the build image showcases all the best of the build. It even has a smaller image depicting the movement in the tree.
The build comes with 2 bags and a decent sized instruction booklet. Notice my photo above only shows one bag. That’s because the hubs forgot I claimed this build as my own and started building it. Fortunately, I stopped him just in time!
He was kind enough to break it apart what he had already built so I could get the joy of building the fun parts. What more could I ask for in a guy?
The Build
The first bag in the build has you assembling the bottom portion of the tree. This is where you put together the 3 gift boxes and the town scene with 2 trains that sits under the tree. This scene is also the piece that will rotate once the build is full completed.
The second bag builds the top half of the Christmas tree. Hence the large amount of green brick in the bag.
There was a lot of repetition in this part of the build. You’ll find yourself assembling the same bricks several times to create the multiple layers on the tree. It will definitely feel less fun than the first bag.
However, it does require some focus, as it’s easy to mess up. Fortunately, since everything is built in layers, it’s also easy to go back and correct any mistakes made.
The Completed Model
Once fully assembled, the tree is almost as tall as the box in which it came. All the detail on each layer of the tree is lovely. It is definitely worth of “town tree” status in your winter village build.
If you’re curious about how the rotation works, the core of the tree is not actually connected to any of the tree limb layers added in the second bag. The only piece that is connected is the top portion of the tree, above the gold tiles. When you turn this section of the tree, the trains rotate as well, while the rest of the build remains stationary.
Overall Thoughts on the LEGO Christmas Tree Build
The build was fun. The concept of a rotating plate at the bottom is nice. The presents and decorations on the tree add a cute touch.
The only other LEGO Christmas tree comparable to this build is the one found in the LEGO Creator Winter Village Toy Shop (10249). Between the two of them, I would definitely set this one up as the town square tree. Hands down… and that’s what we plan on doing.
Also, this set is begging to be motorized… so I motorized it! I’ll have a review on that coming soon.
That’s a great kit, thanks for sharing. I’m bummed I missed out on this last year.
Thanks!
You know, you could easily rebrick this one, I’ll sure. The only truly “special” pieces are the balls. Had never come across them in so many colors before.