A Guide to Year-Round Christmas Collectibles

For many of us, Christmas isn't just a season. It’s a way of life. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, Christmas collectibles offer a wonderful way to keep the festive spirit alive throughout the year. 

From vintage ornaments to limited-edition figurines, these treasures bring joy, nostalgia, and a touch of sparkle into everyday life. 

Here's your year-round guide to finding, displaying, and preserving Christmas collectibles.

Why Collect Christmas Items All Year?

Collecting Christmas items year-round isn’t just about preparing early. It’s about celebrating the magic of the season every day. 

Many collectors find joy in the hunt, tracking down rare finds at car boot sales, antique fairs, online marketplaces, and charity shops. Others love curating a display that evolves with the seasons, from snowy winter scenes in January to summer Santas in July.

Types of Christmas Collectibles

Here are some of the most popular categories of Christmas collectibles:

1. Ornaments

Ornaments are the heart of many Christmas collections. Look for:

Vintage glass baubles (especially German or Polish-made)

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments

Handcrafted wooden decorations (particularly from Germany’s Erzgebirge region)

Personalised or family-themed ornaments that grow with each year

2. Santa Figurines

Santa Claus has taken many forms over the years, from Father Christmas to St. Nicholas. Look for:

Coca-Cola Santas

Jim Shore or Department 56 figurines

Hand-carved wooden Santas

Vintage mechanical or musical Santas

3. Christmas Villages

These miniature towns are a nostalgic favourite. Collect pieces from:

Lemax

Department 56 (especially their Dickens’ Village series)

DIY ceramic houses (often found unfinished at craft shops)

4. Advent Calendars

Reusable Advent calendars, especially vintage or handmade ones, are increasingly popular. Consider:

Wooden or fabric designs

Limited-edition branded versions (e.g., Fortnum & Mason)

DIY kits for a personalised touch

5. Christmas Books and Ephemera

Don’t overlook the charm of printed Christmas memorabilia:

Vintage Christmas cards and postcards

Classic illustrated Christmas books (like The Night Before Christmas)

Old wrapping paper, gift tags, and catalogues

Where to Find Christmas Collectibles Off-Season

While December may be peak season, collectors know the best treasures appear when you least expect them:

Charity shops often restock year-round.

eBay and Etsy have global selections with rare finds.

Summer car boot sales and flea markets yield hidden gems.

Antique fairs and vintage markets offer premium, well-preserved pieces.

Facebook Marketplace and local selling groups can offer unexpected bargains.

Tips for Storing and Displaying Collectibles

To preserve your collection:

Store in acid-free boxes or plastic containers with dividers.

Wrap delicate items in tissue paper or bubble wrap.

Avoid damp storage areas—humidity can damage vintage items.

Rotate displays seasonally or by theme to keep your home feeling fresh and festive.

Spotlight on UK Christmas Brands to Collect

For collectors in the UK, keep an eye out for:

Gisela Graham decorations

Harrods and Liberty London exclusive ornaments

Emma Bridgewater Christmas pottery

Radley London Christmas-themed handbags or charms

A Final Word

Collecting Christmas memorabilia isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to hold on to memories, traditions, and that childlike wonder we often lose in the bustle of daily life. 

Whether you're displaying a Christmas village on your mantle in May or hunting for a 1950s bauble in July, your collection is a celebration of joy that lasts all year long.

A Guide to Year-Round Christmas Collectibles

For many, Christmas is more than just a day—it’s a feeling, a mood, a cherished part of who they are. 

And what better way to keep the festive spirit alive all year long than by collecting Christmas-themed treasures? 

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just discovering the charm of festive finds, Christmas collectibles can bring joy and beauty to your home throughout the seasons.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of collectibles, where to find them, and how to enjoy them beyond the holiday period.

Why Collect Christmas Items All Year Round?

There’s something timeless about Christmas decorations—the sparkle of glass baubles, the warmth of vintage figurines, the nostalgia of handmade ornaments. Many collectors find joy in preserving these festive moments, not just during December but as part of their everyday home décor or personal hobby.

Christmas collectibles often evoke powerful emotions and memories, making them a comforting presence year-round. Plus, many items gain value over time, making them a savvy investment for enthusiasts.

Types of Christmas Collectibles

1. Ornaments

From antique glass baubles to limited edition Hallmark keepsakes, ornaments are among the most popular items to collect. Look for unique materials (blown glass, porcelain, wood), hand-painted designs, or regional artisanship.

Pro tip: Display them on decorative hooks or inside a shadow box for year-round enjoyment.

2. Santa Figurines

Old Saint Nick has had many interpretations through the decades—Victorian, traditional, whimsical, and even modern minimalist. Collecting Santas from around the world can become a fascinating cultural study as well as a cheerful display.

3. Snow Globes

These magical domes offer miniature worlds to admire and often depict wintry scenes, religious nativity settings, or iconic Christmas villages. Older globes with hand-painted features and high-quality bases are especially desirable.

4. Nutcrackers

With their roots in German folklore, nutcrackers are beloved by collectors for their colourful costumes and detailed craftsmanship. Some collectors focus on vintage German Steinbachs or themed nutcrackers like soldiers, kings, or professions.

5. Christmas Villages

Brands like Department 56 and Lemax offer intricate buildings, snowy landscapes, and tiny characters that bring festive towns to life. These make stunning displays not just at Christmas, but as part of a winter-themed shelf or mantelpiece.

6. Advent Calendars

Vintage or unique advent calendars, especially wooden or hand-crafted versions, are becoming increasingly collectible. Look out for reusable calendars with hidden drawers or artistic flair.

7. Christmas China and Tableware

Special edition holiday china from brands like Spode, Wedgwood, or Royal Albert offers a classic, elegant way to enjoy the festive season year-round—think Christmas-themed teacups for your daily brew!

Where to Find Christmas Collectibles

Charity Shops & Car Boot Sales – You never know what gem you'll find tucked away in the seasonal section.

Etsy & eBay – Ideal for hunting rare vintage pieces or handcrafted items.

Christmas Markets – Especially those in Germany, Austria, and across the UK during November–December.

Antique Fairs – Many dealers carry themed or seasonal collectibles throughout the year.

Specialist Collectors’ Groups – Online forums and social media communities can be great for swapping tips and finds.

How to Display Christmas Collectibles Year-Round

Themed Bookshelves: Create a small winter wonderland with figurines, globes, and lights.

Glass Cabinets: Perfect for preserving fragile or valuable items.

Seasonal Rotations: Switch out a shelf or mantel with festive pieces every few months.

Incorporate into Everyday Décor: A subtle ornament here, a nutcracker there—let them blend with your home’s style.

Final Thoughts

Collecting Christmas items doesn’t have to end when the tree comes down. Whether you love the stories behind the objects, the thrill of the hunt, or simply want to keep the magic alive all year, there’s joy to be found in every sleigh bell, snow globe, and sparkle.

So pour yourself a cup of mulled wine (or a nice hot tea), pop on some classic Christmas tunes, and dive into the wonderful world of year-round Christmas collecting. After all, who says Christmas has to come just once a year?