Tuesday, 22 April 2025
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A Guide to Year-Round Christmas Collectibles
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?
Not long now! Bristol Walk Fest launches on 1st May
The festival kicks off on Thursday 1st May with an inspiring launch event at Arup, featuring local heroes, championing the benefits of walking for mental health.
Speakers include:
Taylor Moore: Bristol Rovers player & ambassador for 5k Your Way mental health support
Helen Cox: Bristol Rovers assistant coach & Rebound with Rovers, mental-health group
Claire Allen: walked 4,000 miles around GB raising £25k for homelessness charities
Orla Hennessy: founder of Girls Who Walk Bristol, tackling loneliness among young women
We couldn't launch Bristol Walk Fest without putting on a walk too! Bristol Walking Alliance, in collaboration with Bristol Ramblers, will lead a pre-launch interactive walk focussing on the healthiness of our urban streets, from 6.00-6.45pm, starting and ending at the launch venue.
More info on speakers & pre-launch walk here: https://www.eventbookings.com/b/event/bristol-walk-fest-2025-launch-event
Q&A interviews with 2 of our speakers on the website: Orla Hennessy 2025, Claire Allen 2024
We also have hundreds of walks on offer this May! We are excited to have 77 different walk providers leading 150+ unique walks. With some providers offering walks on multiple dates and times, that makes more than 400 walks available between 1 and 31 May.
Says Karen Lloyd, Bristol Walk Fest director: “Bristol Walk Fest is a great chance to discover something new about the city, explore a new area, or try walking for the first time. With a choice of free walks every single day of the month, you’re bound to find something to pique your interest!
“Printed programmes are out now; available in libraries and community centres across Bristol. We are still adding new walks to the website too, so it’s worth exploring online.”
Walks are listed by categories: nature & wildlife; art, history & architecture; health & wellbeing, walking sports and walking for pleasure.
Difficulty level search: easy, fairly easy, moderate or challenging.
Access needs search: wheelchair, visually-impaired, buggy and family-friendly, rest stops, accessible by public transport, toilets/accessible toilets nearby, dogs on leads welcome, etc.
Online programme: https://www.bristolwalkfest.com/events
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