Rumor has it that the 2025 LEGO Winter Village set, officially dubbed the 10361 Winter Express Train, will chug onto shelves this October, boasting 956 pieces and a somewhat bold price of $129.99.
Yep, this year’s festive train is arriving with fewer pieces than past sets but a noticeably higher price tag—so expect some fancy tracks or motorized magic.
I’m picturing a train that’s gone all “express” on us, maybe something a bit more in line with the Polar Express vibe. I want to see carriages for minifigures rather than just gift-filled wagons.
It’s been almost a decade since LEGO last offered a Winter Village train. I’m excited to see if this one brings something fresh to the tracks, despite the shrink in piece count.
All Aboard!
The 2025 Winter Village is reportedly switching tracks—literally. I’m seeing some interesting numbers for piece count, price, and a potential October drop that might have your wallets shaking.
This train isn’t just any train; it’s shaking up the Winter Village tradition. Rumors about motorization and tracks are fueling plenty of my brick-built daydreams.
Rumored Set Details: Piece Count, Price, and Release Date
Word on the LEGO track is the Winter Express Train, set number 10361, will have about 956 pieces. That’s fewer bricks than recent sets, which often boasted around 1,400 to 1,500 pieces.
The price, however, is taking a steep climb—expect to shell out $129.99. That’s roughly a 30% hike compared to previous Winter Village models usually priced near $99.99.
The release date is rumoured to be October 1, 2025, keeping with the usual autumn tradition.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Set Name | Pieces | Price | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10339 Santa’s Post Office | ~1,440 | $99.99 | 2024 |
| 10361 Winter Express Train | 956 | $129.99 | 2025 |
If you’re wondering if the price hike is just inflation or something else, well, that’s where speculation starts.
What Makes This Train Different from Previous Winter Village Sets
This time, the Winter Village set is reportedly all about the train—no quirky shops or cozy cottages stealing the spotlight. That’s a big shift from sets packed with buildings and bustling markets.
The “Express” part hints at a possibly beefier locomotive with maybe more carriages designed for minifigure passengers. Past trains usually hauled gifts or cargo instead.
The piece count suggests LEGO might be focusing on quality over quantity, maybe using bigger or more complex elements. If the set includes tracks (which it might), those can bulk up the price while not adding much in the way of tiny bricks to snap together.
The format and focus could make this one a totally different kind of Winter Village experience. Less stroll through the village, more a ride on rails.
Speculation: Motorization, Tracks, and Possible Features
Now, I can’t confirm if this train will motorize. But given the price jump and historical context—like the 2016 Winter Holiday Train that had motorized parts for $99.99 with fewer bricks—it’s a decent guess.
Including a full circle of track could explain the shorter piece count but higher price. Tracks are famously pricey plastic curves and straightaways.
Motorization, if included, would add another layer of complexity and wallet challenge. Could this be a Polar Express-style set, with a powerful locomotive and passenger cars? Possibly.
Maybe LEGO is aiming to blend nostalgia with new tech. Until LEGO spills the beans, I’ll be here imagining my minifigs drifting around snowy villages—if they don’t get too distracted riding that express train.