Christmas Jack

I wish the set had more play features, or at least more potential for emergent narrative -- I like that the tax collector has a little hidey-hole for his stolen coins, but apart from that I'm not seeing much of a story. Why doesn't the tax collector have a proper chest for the wolfpack crook to steal? Why doesn't the crook have his own hidey-hole inside the tree? Why doesn't the shield painter have an illicit wolfpack shield hidden behind a secret wall? Maybe that's not the point of an 18+ set, but the Lion Knights' Castle had oodles of play features, so I'm disappointed they didn't broaden that appeal again here.

EDIT: Beaten to the punch.

A prominent leaker revealed one of the seasonal GWPs a few days ago, which looks to be some brick-built Christmas baubles. Which isn't Winter Village news per se, but given how many of the previous GWPs have been compatible with the theme, it's kind of news that this one won't be. The same leaker claims they'll be releasing some more "festive rumours" on Friday -- something involving a horse, perhaps?

Thanks -- I've been lurking in this thread for years, so it's fun to finally contribute!

Here's my six-year wishlist for the Winter Village theme: Winter Village Post Office (remastered) Retains the post van and the colour scheme from the original 2012 set, but adds in some extra pieces to beef up the main build. Includes a working parcel locker and two numbered letterbox side builds (like the “front gate” from Santa’s Visit) so the postman can drive a little route. Christmas Tree Farm Similar to the GWPs from 2013, but adds on a big snowy barn filled with animals. Includes a pick-up truck and some “blank” brick-built Christmas trees which can be decorated to taste using the ornaments provided. Holiday Inn A restaurant and hotel all in one, with gabled roofs, dormer windows, and cute little window boxes. Includes outdoor seating (with a gas heater) and a cosy upstairs guest room, and maybe even an old fashioned taxi (like Ernie’s cab in It’s a Wonderful Life) to help ferry the suitcases of a weary minifigure. Winter Village Police Station A charming village police station, staffed by classic English bobbies similar to the CMF Series 11 Constable. Includes two mini-cases to be solved: finding a lost cat (as seen on a child’s poster), and catching a crook dressed as Santa Claus, whose cache of stolen presents can be found by following some footprints in the snow. Winter Village Market (remastered) Retains the iconic carousel, but makes the side builds a bit more interesting. Now includes a stage for carollers, a stall selling ornaments and wreaths, a wandering clown, and a puppet show booth that evokes a (much friendlier) Punch and Judy show. Holiday Main Street 2 Two more tall shops to match the 2022 set: a sports store filled with bicycles, skis, and toboggans, and the oft-requested lolly shop, filled with all sorts of candy. Includes lots of holiday shoppers and a large snowy rotunda.