Vintage Christmas Decorations That Are Worth A Merry And Bright Payday
Don't purge those old Christmas decorations quite yet; they might be worth a lot more money than the few cents they would go for at a garage sale! From old-school plastic Santa Claus blow molds to glass figurines of carolers, vintage Christmas decorations are selling online for hundreds of dollars.
'Tis the season to get merry and bright and, perhaps, a little richer by selling some of these vintage decorations! Read on through this list to find out if you have any of these items! Deck the halls and boost your bank account balance with these rare festive finds.
Toy Soldier Blow Molds: $1,794
For those who have Toy Soldier Blow Molds lying around but don't see a need to put them on their front lawn, they're a gold mine! Depending on how many are in the set, people can be looking at over $1,000 if they find a buyer.
On eBay, 26 working vintage toy soldiers are listed for $1,794.
The Fisherman Nutcracker From Steinbach: $353
A limited edition release, people are looking at a nice payday if they happen to have The Fisherman Nutcracker from Steinbach lying around. Wood carved with a fishing pole and fish accessory, this nutcracker is being sold for $353 on eBay.
If a person is lucky enough to have a signed nutcracker, it can go for even more!
Pink Evergleam Aluminum Christmas Tree: $5,000
Straight out of the 1960s, the Pink Aluminum Christmas Tree by Evergleam was featured in the second edition of the Evergleam Christmas catalog. Standing six feet tall, this tree features 55 glittering pink branches and is the perfect addition to any holiday decor.
On eBay, this pink tree is listed for a whopping $5,000.
Santa And Mrs. Claus Blow Molds: $250
A classic vintage Christmas decoration is the set of Santa and Mrs. Claus blow molds by General Foam and Don FeatherStone, respectively. Standing 39-inches tall, these two molds make great lawn ornaments during the holiday season, especially considering they light up when plugged in.
If they're gathering dust and not being used, though, there are sets listed for $250.
Spun Cotton Heubach Boy Christmas Ornament: $420
When it comes to purging old Christmas ornaments, it might be difficult to discern which are worth some money and which are worth a spot in the garbage. The Spun Cotton Heubach Boy ornament is one of the former!
This handspun cotton antique ornament is listed for $420 on eBay.
Vintage Victorian Angel Tree Topper: $859
Mostly everyone puts something on top of their Christmas tree, have it be a star or an angel. This vintage Victorian-era angel, made of wax, glass beads, and a silk dressing, is one of the pricier tree toppers out there!
On eBay, this angel is listed for a whopping $895.
Paper Mache Mr. and Mrs. Claus Circa 1940: $525
A rare find that will give someone a nice payday if they have this set in their home, this paper mache set of Mr. and Mrs. Claus is listed for $525 on eBay.
Handmade, this set is an antique from the 1940s, stands 18-inches tall, and is a Christmas decoration collector's dream find.
Ceramic Volcano Christmas Tree: $600
Straight out of the 1970s, this Ceramic Volcano Christmas Tree might be out of style, but it is still worth a whole lot of money.
Made of white ceramic with a large star on the top and dove-shaped lights that illuminate a lovely orange when plugged in, this Christmas decoration is listed for $600 on eBay.
Ceramic Letter To Santa: $1,200
An authentic Goebel Hummel figurine can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on how rare it is. The Letter to Santa figurine, for example, is listed for a whopping $1,200.
The figurine depicts a schoolgirl putting a letter into a mailbox with her wooden sleigh underneath her.
Bradford Celestial Star Tree Topper: $200 - $600
A rare item indeed, the Bradford Celestial Star tree topper might not be everyone's style, but it can be sold for a nice chunk of change. Made in the 1950s, this star has a "stained glass" star pattern that actually rotates, creating a pseudo-light show.
On eBay, this item is listed anywhere between $200 and $600.
Christmas Shopper Figurine Holding A Wreath: $135
Made by Relco back in the 1950s, the Christmas Shopper Girl Figurine Holding Green Wreath is a collector's dream and would, most likely, be an easy sell.
Wearing a cute Christmas dress and bonnet adorned with holy and holding a holiday wreath, this figurine is on Etsy and selling for $135, with buyers leaving reviews such as, "Awesome Relco Christmas girl! This one completed my set."
Christmas Boy Girl Santa Vintage Planter: $239
If anyone has this HF Co, Japan, Christmas Boy Girl Santa Vintage Planter in their home and is not using it, maybe think about selling it. Standing four inches tall, this vintage planter is from the 1950s and is the perfect size for a lovely Christmas plant.
On Etsy, this planter is listed for $239.
Department 56 Gingerbread House: $175
Why deal with the sticky candy and building a house when there is this beautiful Department 56 Gingerbread House in play? A company built by friends who wanted country folk to know what it was like to live in a cottage in the forest, this ceramic house is now worth a pretty penny.
On eBay, this particular gingerbread house is listed for $175.
Dickens Village Mill: $1,250
Inspired by the writings of Charles Dickens, the Dickens Village Mill by Department 56 is a very rare find. A beautiful piece, there were only 2,500 of these pieces made by the company back in the 1980s.
Due to the minimal number of Village Mills out in the world, this piece can sell for up to $1,250.
Christmas Vacation Griswold Holiday House: $340
One classic film many families watch during Christmas is Christmas Vacation. This particular Department 56 ceramic home pays homage to the Griswald family with this beautiful replica of their holiday home, complete with garlands, a wreath, and a whole lot of lights!
On eBay, the Department 56 National Lampoon Christmas Vacation Griswold Holiday House is listed for $340.
A Christmas Story Town Tree: $625
Created by Department 56, the Christmas Story Village Lighted Hammond Town Tree is a classic holiday decoration. This rare find features working lights for a festive touch and a silver star on top.
Since it is a rare decoration, the asking price is pretty heft. On eBay, this Christmas Tree is listed for $625.
The Christmas Pageant Peanuts Nativity Scene: $179.95
The Christmas Pageant Peanuts Nativity Scene by Lenox is a seven-piece set, including Charlie Brown, Lucy, Sally, Linus, Snoopy, Woodstock, and a Christmas Tree to tie it all together.
Made of porcelain and beautifully painted with mute colors, a brand-new Peanuts Nativity scene can go for as much as $179.95.
Waving Santa And Reindeer Blow Mold: $2,400
Made by Empire back in 1970, the waving Santa on a sleigh with two of his reindeer blow mold is beyond rare, as it was only sold for one season with the company. This blow mold is different from others in the fact that Santa can actually wave!
A hefty payday for those who have this decoration sitting around, it is listed for $2,400 on eBay.
Peanuts Snoopy Santa Christmas Blow Mold: $299
This classic Peanuts Snoopy Santa Christmas Blow Mold will never go out of style. A great lawn ornament, Snoopy is in the Christmas spirit, standing three feet tall and dressed as Santa Claus, and holding a green bag. At night, this blow mold lights up when plugged in.
On eBay, this particular blow mold is listed for $299.
Christmas Shopper Girl: $100 - $250
The Norcrest Christmas Shopper Girl is a classic glass figurine. The lovely girl is wearing a red dress with a muff feather hat and is holding a present up to her head.
This is one of those items collectors would be eager to get their hands on, especially if it is not being displayed! On eBay, figurines from the Norcrest Shopper Girl collection as listed anywhere between $100 and $250.
Sylvania Santa's Train: $234
In the 1990s, it was hard to drive down the streets of suburbia without seeing a few of these trains in the passing yards. Made by Sylvania, Santa's Train has rotating lights, making it appear that the train is actually moving along the lawn.
A rare find, this particular set is listed on eBay for $234.
Department 56 Todd and Margo Jogging: $850
While Department 56 is known for its ceramic homes, they decided to make figurines of Todd and Margo jogging from Christmas Vacation after the success of their replica of the movie's house.
Even without the house and other figurines from the set, Todd and Margo are still listed for $850.
Solid Brass Deer: $1,150
Solid brass deer really never go out of style. It might be one of the reasons people are willing to pay top dollar for this vintage decor. Depending on how many are in a person's stock, these large deer can range anywhere between $400 to over $1,000.
A set of two in pristine condition is listed on eBay for $1,150.
Life-Size Blow Mold Nativity Scene: $3,000
Whether they're vintage or new, blow molds always seem to be decorating someone's lawn during the holiday season. This life-size nativity set by General Foam is a classic, with the tallest figure standing at five feet.
Since the company went out of business in 2018, their blow molds have skyrocketed in price. This entire 11-piece set created in 1995, for example, is listed for $3,000 on eBay.
"A Great Grinchy Trick" Figurine: $1,200
A classic Christmas character, Dr. Seuss' The Grinch makes for one outstanding decoration during the holidays. The specific piece, "A Great Grinchy Trick" by Department 56, is a rare find and is worth a nice chunk of change if a person is thinking about selling it.
On eBay, this figurine is listed for $1,200.
Brass Sleigh Bells On A Leather Strap: $249
Nothing says "Santa is on his way" quite like sleigh bells! Attached to a weathered 78-inch leather strap, this strap has 30 brass sleigh bells that work like a charm.
Instead of allowing them to collect dust in the basement or attic, this eBay seller listed these vintage sleigh bells for a whopping $249.
Christmas Vacation Boss Shirley's House: $2,799
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Boss Shirley's House decoration from Department 56 is a rare find. The Platinum Key Special Edition was created in 2015 and is now worth a whole lot of money.
The house is a mini replica of the Shirley's mansion, complete with working holiday lights. On eBay, this Department 56 piece sold for just under $3,000.
Bethlehem Village: $375
The 19-piece Bethlehem Holy Family Scene Nativity by Grandeur Noel is a beautiful hand-painted set that is worth a nice chunk of money. From trees and ponds to farmers and large homes that actually light up, this is definitely a statement decoration.
On eBay, a 19-piece set is listed for $375.
Atlantic Mold Ceramic Christmas Tree: $688
Created by Atlantic Mold back in the 1970s, this beautiful ceramic Christmas tree stands close to 25-inches tall, thanks to the large star on top. The unique part of this decoration, though, is the bow light detailing.
This vintage piece is not cheap, either, with people selling theirs for up to $688.
Camel Blow Mold: $245
Due to the fact that General Foam went out of business back in 2018, these products, such as the camel blow mold, can go for a hefty price. The large 42-inch camel is a great lawn decoration and is a rare find.
On eBay, this piece runs for about $245.
Vintage Original 18K Gold Natural Diamond Brooch - $8,899
This Christmasy-looking brooch is one of a kind, and it's definitely priced that way. This bouquet has a white and yellow gold base and is loaded with natural diamonds and other precious stones.
And those who somehow come across one in the wild should be aware that a seller in Turkey is asking for $8,899 for this one on eBay.
Deck The Halls Charlie Brown Peanuts Gang Magic Ornament - $299
Although 2006 was hardly a long time ago in terms of vintage memorabilia, it's apparently long enough for this Hallmark Keepsake depicting Charlie Brown, Sally, Snoopy, and Woodstock gathering around a little Christmas tree.
Because those who find this and list it for about $300 on eBay will find they're not the only ones.
French Kugel Ball Cathedral Mirror Mosaic Ornament - $4,850
Although this mosaic Christmas ornament may not look like the fanciest item in the world, the extreme rarity of this French Kugel piece can potentially make it a hot item for collectors.
For instance, this one is not in perfect condition and shows signs of rust, but is still apparently worth $4,850 on eBay.
Snowman Resin Ornament - $276
This pleasant snowman is a familiar sight at Christmas due to how often people have seen similar decorations during their childhoods. But those who still have one at home might be interested to learn that it could be worth a lot more now than when it was purchased.
Indeed, Amazon sellers are listing this friendly fellow for up to $276 a pop.
Mechanical Santa Clause Gimbels Store Display - $2,999
Even at a glance, it's pretty clear that this mechanical Santa Clause has seen better days. But even with the facial cracking, the tears on Santa's jacket and his broken candy cane, this 1950s display from the defunct department store Gimbels is apparently worth almost $3,000.
So one can only imagine how much they'd be able to get for a more well-preserved version of this item.
Christmas Vintage Red Trucks - $136
This simple, wood and metal Christmas car is a festive little decoration. But while it's small and easy to miss among a myriad of Christmas decorations, it's worth keeping a hold on it when it turns up.
While $100 to $150 may not be a life-changing amount of money for a lot of people, it's certainly more than this would have cost back in the day.
Vintage Animated Coca-Cola Santa Claus & Dog - $225
In the mid-20th Century, Coca-Cola essentially had a stranglehold on Santa Claus's popular imaging. As such, it's little surprise that vintage Santa decorations either have their explicit branding or clear inspiration from their design.
And those who have both this Santa figure and his little dog may find themselves netting up to $225 if they resell the whole set.
Vintage "Santa's List Christmas Decorative" Plate - $1,499
One marker of vintage decor that's easy to forget is how commonplace commemorative plates were throughout the 20th Century. Whether it's because of the fragility or simply changing tastes, they're a lot less commonly seen in modern decor.
But for those who still have them lying around, it's not impossible that they're now worth some serious money. After all, this "Santa's List" plate is now being listed on eBay for $1,499.
Rushton Rubber Face Santa Claus - $200
Manufactured in Atlanta, Georgia during the 1950s, these vaguely grumpy Santa Claus figures are hallmarks of the Rushton Company due to their rubber faces.
Based on their condition and the fact that one of them has music-playing capabilities, these two are apparently worth about $200 when sold together.
Hand-Painted Glass Mushroom Ornaments - $98
Manufactured in the Czech Republic, these glass mushroom ornaments are all over eBay, and how much they cost seems to depend on the quantities at play.
For instance, the 12 shown here are worth about $98, while a set of six is worth about $50, and a set of 24 is listed for $168. So the more of them a person can get together at once, the bigger their payout.
Angela Tripi Vintage Nativity 8pc Figurine Set - $1,000
When only 2,500 of something could ever exist in the world, each of those sets typically becomes incredibly valuable over time. And that's definitely true of this set of nativity figurines from the Angela Tripi collection.
For anyone who comes across religious Christmas decor that looks like this, it's worth noting that a complete set of eight could fetch up to $1,000.
Wooden Mädchen Candle Holder - $1,000
Made in 1920s Germany, this wooden candle holder depicts a little girl wearing a traditional dress while holding a small basket intended to hit the candle.
Whether she's a reference to a specific German Christmas tradition or just a kid in a Christmas decoration, her figurine may now be worth up to $1,000.
Alfco Choir Boys Blow Molds - $999
There's something about popular design styles from the 1950s that often make perfectly innocent subjects look a little unnerving decades later. Similar figurines are likely responsible for many people's fear of clowns despite the fact that real clowns just want to entertain.
But while these choir boys may look a little creepier than they would have in the '50s, that doesn't make them any less valuable. Because modern eBay listings suggest they're worth about $1,000.
Old Piglet Christmas Ornament - $899
Although this glass ornament intended for Christmas and New Year's celebrations has a little chipping under the cap, it's considered rare enough that this kind of damage only slightly lowers its value.
After all, it's listed at nearly $900, which makes it hard not to wonder what a mint-condition piglet would go for.
Fontanini Nativity Set With Lighted Stable - $875
This vintage Fontanini Nativity Set comes with a load of five-inch figures and accessories. From the looks of it, the manufacturer made an ambitious effort to include every conceivable person and animal who could have visited Jesus after his birth.
Even if the stable didn't come with lights, it's hard to imagine this vintage set selling for less than the listed $875.
Antique Klosterarbeit - $850
These natural-looking Christmas decorations are called Klosterarbeit, which means that they were made in a monastery. In this case, they came from the turn of the 20th Century.
Although some of the small silver balls on it have since broken, even a slightly damaged version of these antiques could potentially net someone up to $850.
Santa Sleigh Reindeer Blow Mold - $799
Although it's unclear when this light-up Santa display was manufactured or who made it, it's clearly been around for a long time.
And while decades of exposure have faded the colors on the reindeer and especially Santa since this was created, it remains intact and is nonetheless listed on eBay for $799.
Lynn Haney Snowbound Santa Claus - $799
Although it's perhaps stretching the definition of "vintage" to describe this piece from 1999 that way, that doesn't make this any less of a lucrative find. This figure is known as "Snowbound Santa" and comes with a white dog that does not attach to the wooden base.
Of course, it's likely that Lynn Haley's signature on this statuette is a major factor in this $799 listing.
Moorcroft Pottery Christmas Ornaments - $802
These four trinkets were produced by the prestigious Moorcroft pottery manufacturer, and they've been kept in a cabinet for decades before they appeared on the market. And considering that there are no faded colors or chipping on the models, they've clearly been well-cared for.
As such, the $802 asking price for the angel, bird, bells, and chimney isn't necessarily outrageous.
Art Deco Rocket Cat Atomic Christmas Ornament - $699
This Christmas ornament will definitely stand out on a Christmas tree, but it may not have been such an unusual sight during the Jazz Age of the 1920s. That's because that was a prime time for the Art Deco movement that birthed this surreal cat.
It may not look like it could be up to 100 years old, but its $699 listing suggests that's exactly the level of vintage at play here.
1920's Antique Santa Woodcutter Candy Container - $6,350
Considering that both this Santa candy container and the little tree branch it apparently came with have been around for about 100 years, they're remarkably well-preserved.
That level of care and luck is certainly worth something, and considering that sellers have asked for $4,000 for similar items in worse condition, $6,350 doesn't necessarily seem like an unfair estimate.
Irene Kilmury Creche Nativity Scene - $5,000
Although it's unclear exactly how old this antique nativity pottery is, the seller warned that their condition is consistent with their age and use. However, it seems they've been diligent about minimizing the amount of wear on these figures as much as possible.
As a result, they claimed that Mary only has a small pinhole in her back, and the set is otherwise in great condition. Depending on its true age, that may justify the $5,000 price point.
Large Figural Santa Claus Christmas Light - $4,500
Made in Dresden, Germany, the inscription at the base of this Santa Claus Christmas lamp suggests that it was manufactured in 1927. And while it's hard to tell if it still lights up, that was its original purpose.
At first glance, that green patch to the side may look like some discoloration, but the texture indicates that Santa is supposed to be holding a tree. So, the seller is unlikely to budge on their $4,500 asking price.
1991 Swarovski Annual Ornament - $4,000
Although 1991 wasn't exactly a long time ago in terms of vintage items, the rarity or exclusive nature of something can sometimes mean a great deal more than its age.
Indeed, that must be the case for this crystal clear and well-preserved Swarovski ornament because it would otherwise be outrageous to expect anyone to pay $4,000 for it.
Erzgebirge German Bell Angel - $3,299
If this angel and her unusual whirligig seem like bizarre Christmas decorations, that's likely due to the fact that they came from an era when Christmas was celebrated radically differently than now.
That's because this was made all the way back in the 1900s, and as strange as they may be, the other parts serve a purpose. The heat from the candles is supposed to turn the propeller, which makes a little hammer ring a bell. And with only some minor paint chipping to speak of, this piece is in good enough condition to command a $3,299 payment.
Antique Rocking Santa on Reindeer - $3,200
This rocking Santa Claus figure perched atop a reinforced reindeer serves as yet another example of how ambitious the production of Christmas toys and decorations seemed to be in Germany at the turn of the century.
And while it's not exactly impossible to believe that this is over 100 years old, the $3,200 price point is justified by how clearly it was built to last.
Russian Christmas Handmade Santa - $2,995
After enough time passes and items have ample opportunities to go missing, even "vintage style" recreations of traditional creations like can go for a pretty penny.
As such, despite being made in the '90s, this Russian Santa figurine can apparently fetch $2,995. It certainly makes one wonder what that piece that inspired it would cost nowadays.
Blow Mold Nativity Set - $2,950
Although this isn't the only blow mold nativity set from 30 years ago to command a high value today, this one sets itself apart from the rest by being larger than its contemporaries.
To provide a sense of scale, the standing human figures in this $2,950 set are about 36 inches tall.
Dresden Santa Book Cover - $2,500
Although this is indeed just a decorative cover for a book, there's a reason for the $2,500 asking price here. And it concerns the fact that this cover from Dresden, Germany, was made all the way back in 1876.
And the biggest piece of evidence for this timeline is Santa's relatively slim figure. After all, it wasn't so long before this cover was made that he was described as the jolly, rotund elf everyone knows today for the first time.
Nativity Ceramic Ornaments - $2,425.60
Those who remember the '80s will likely recognize the precious and chubby-cheeked style of these ceramic nativity ornaments. But it seems that in the decades since then, this set has become a lot harder to get.
Because to acquire an adorable set from that period in as good of condition as this, it seems a person would need to shell out over $2,425.
