Christmas villages have long held a special place in holiday decor, evoking feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and the magic of Christmases past. These miniature, snow-covered towns come to life each year on mantels, side tables, and beneath Christmas trees, capturing the imagination of children and adults alike. As the owners of Vintage Villages, my wife and I have experienced this magic firsthand. In fact, it all started with a single village passed down to me from my grandfather, who has since passed away. That cherished heirloom sparked a tradition in our own home, eventually inspiring us to start our small business.
A Personal Journey into Christmas Villages
My grandfather's Christmas village, a piece from Department 56's Original Snow Village line, was a centerpiece of our family's holiday decor for as long as I can remember. When it was entrusted to me, I proudly displayed it every Christmas. Year after year, I found myself adding pieces, carefully arranging streets, shops, and homes to tell a festive story. It was more than decoration—it was a way to feel connected to my grandfather and to share those memories with my own family. That connection to tradition and nostalgia is what makes Christmas villages so special for many collectors.
The History of Christmas Villages
The tradition of miniature Christmas villages can be traced back to 18th-century Germany with the creation of putz villages. These small nativity scenes, often surrounded by charming village structures, were displayed beneath Christmas trees. According to the Encyclopedia of Christmas and New Year's Celebrations by Tanya Gulevich, the Pennsylvania Dutch brought this tradition to America, where it evolved into the intricate displays we know today.
In the 1970s, Department 56 popularized the modern collectible Christmas village with the launch of their Original Snow Village collection in 1976. Their hand-painted porcelain pieces quickly became sought-after items, turning what was once a simple family tradition into a popular hobby for collectors around the world.
Are Christmas Villages Making a Comeback?
From what we have observed through our business and conversations with fellow collectors, it seems that Christmas villages are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. While these charming displays never fully disappeared, social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have brought new attention to the tradition. Enthusiasts proudly share photos of elaborate villages, inspiring others to begin their own collections.
The rise in popularity may also be linked to a broader cultural trend of embracing nostalgic holiday traditions. In fact, a 2023 survey by the National Retail Federation indicated that 58% of consumers planned to incorporate more traditional decorations into their holiday setups. Vintage-inspired holiday decor, including Christmas villages, fits naturally into this trend.
The Joy of Collecting
What makes collecting Christmas villages so rewarding is the personal connection many of us feel when arranging the tiny buildings and landscapes. For me, it's the memory of my grandfather's village and the sense of continuity it brings to our holiday season. For others, it's the creative challenge of designing miniature winter wonderlands or the joy of finding a rare retired piece.
At Vintage Villages, we believe that Christmas villages have a timeless charm that resonates across generations. As we see more customers searching for Department 56, Lemax, and even custom-made village pieces, we're convinced that this tradition is here to stay. If you've been considering starting your own Christmas village, there's no better time to join this enduring holiday tradition.
Sources
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Gulevich, Tanya. Encyclopedia of Christmas and New Year's Celebrations. Omnigraphics, 2003.
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National Retail Federation. Holiday Trends Survey, 2023.
Whether you inherited a single piece from a loved one, like I did, or are building a village from scratch, the tradition of these miniature Christmas towns brings a sense of joy, creativity, and nostalgia to the holiday season. And perhaps, like us, you might find yourself building not just a village—but a family tradition that lasts for generations to come.