This Illuminated Christmas Tree Went for $865
Before you toss out your old stuff, make sure it has no vintage decoration pieces, no matter how small. This miniature model of an illuminated Christmas tree left its owner some $865 richer after a bidding war online. It is a Department 56 item from the company’s ‘A Christmas Story’ collection that came out back in 2006.
The piece has its value in the fact that although the company makes lots of different Christmas tree models, they are rarely illuminated. So it not only sports beautiful Christmas lights, but they are also functional and run on standard watch batteries.
A Beautiful Scene Captured In This Piece
In this list, we are talking about Christmas decorations. We have seen many iconic buildings being miniaturized into beautiful pieces to elevate the standard of Christmas decorations. Regardless, Christmas decorations are not limited to trees, elves, reindeer, buildings, etc. The list also includes some exciting scenes where we can see historical personalities like Jesus.
This piece would be the best example of such a piece. This whole set consists of eleven individual pieces, which together build this stunning piece. This was created back in 1995. Unfortunately, it’s not available in stores anymore, but we can get it online for around $800.
This Figural Collection Is Hard to Come By
Figural Christmas collectibles can add character to your home during the celebration season. The figurines in the picture appear to be the Grinch, and Cindy-Luo, who are excited about the celebration. They both have caps at the top to enable you to hang them on the Christmas tree, so you know that you've got companies to celebrate the season with.
Gradually, figurines are becoming one of the most cherished holiday decorations as they are now rare to come by. This figural collection might mean nothing to you, but after you know its worth, you cannot help but cherish this item. They can be sold (or bought) for US$4250.
Blow Mold Decoration Set With an Astronomical Price-Tag
The older a decoration piece is, the more value it has, and this simple blow mold Christmas decoration set that went for around a thousand bucks is proof enough. The set was made up of nine Christmas-themed decoration pieces with no hidden tricks or features.
Still, it turned out to be a well-sought-after item online and had many bidders trying to out-bid one another. The listing also did not specify any manufacturing date for the set; however, from the looks of it, it seemed vintage. We hope it proved to be the treasure the winning bidder expected.
Giant Santa's Sleigh for Christmas Decor
Christmas décor needs a statement piece that will be the center of attention in the room, and we think the vintage Santa sleigh decoration fits this description perfectly. Huge enough to fit Santa's gifts to all the children in the world, the sleigh stretches to three feet long.
Even with chips and cracks on the Christmas blow mold decoration, the piece is still worth quite a penny. It was sold at almost $700 due to its massive size, and its value keeps increasing. Would you buy such a timeless piece?
Flying Reindeer Need a Place to Rest
We all know how Santa travels while delivering his gifts. He journeys in a big red sleigh controlled by flying reindeer that pull through the sky. Many also believe that reindeer represents a safe journey and safely brings people home to enjoy the celebration season.
After completing all these tasks, we believe reindeer need a place to rest, and this birthed the idea of making a reindeer spa in 2005. The collection was meant to complement other items from Christmas village sets. From the picture, we can see that the reindeer has retired, though, in a dented box, it is still worth more than US$3550. This is a perfect way to say never to judge a book by its cover!
The Who-Ville Music Shop Decoration
Department 56 created this colorful Christmas decoration made in 2008. We're not sure why, but they only released a limited number of the Grinch Village Music Shop pieces. Thankfully, this one in the picture was kept in great shape. Even the horns and lights are working completely fine.
The Who-ville music shop would undoubtedly make a great addition to your Christmas decorations, but finding one for your home would be extremely challenging or even impossible, and if found, it will go for around 1000 dollars.
A Gingerbread House Made by Department 56
Even though some Christmas decorations lose value soon after the holidays, others only become more adorable with time. One good example of these unique items is this beautiful, miniature, snow-covered country home which many people in a big city cherish.
This ceramic masterpiece was created in 1976 by a group of friends who believed that making the miniature form of a picturesque country Christmas would really be a sight to cherish. Their dream eventually gave birth to the production of several of these items, including one made in 2008 that was later sold online for $230.
Make Your Tree Shine With This Star
The perfect decoration for the top of a Christmas tree is the star. So if you are looking for something that truly stands out on your evergreen, you are in luck. Valued at $650, this illuminated battery-operated star lamp is up for sale, so we recommend you grab it soon. It is a product of Bradford Exchange, which is famous for its handcrafted and uniquely designed collectible items.
We all know it is hard to get your hands on items manufactured by the company, so it would be an opportunity to get your hands on the product when available for sale online. Also, it functions perfectly well despite being manufactured seven decades ago.
Welcoming the Holidays With Vintage Bells
The person putting up these silver bells for sale online must indeed be a collector. Why else would he have 27 pieces of these vintage silvery ornaments with the years 1971 to 2002 engrained on them? Interestingly, the manufacturing year finds a mention on the bells.
With Christmas just around the corner, for $650 these bells could be a perfect decoration for your evergreen or be an excellent gift for a loved one. Even though these pieces produced by Wallace Silversmith aren't a hundred years old, their value is nothing less than the other antique items on this list. We must say these bells do have some ring to them.
A Fireplace Decoration That Will Warm Your Heart
For those that love exclusivity, this fireplace decoration with a reindeer on the side is the thing that will provide just that. Purchased through an estate sale, we’re sure many are seeing this vintage ornament for the first time.
Yet as portable as it may seem in the picture, you may need to make room because you’ll need a lot of it for this rare find that’s slightly over two feet tall and three feet wide. As for the cost, well, that will be $300- quite the sum to pay for a decoration, aye? Yet, seeing it’s not something one would come across every day, we say it’s worth every penny spent.
The Griswold Holiday Made by Department 56
In 1990, Department 56 again produced a miniature version of Griswold Holiday House after the movie became the talk of the town. Another reason why they cashed in on the opportunity was that keeping up with their tiny reproduction was becoming increasingly difficult, so they needed an available alternative.
The massive house, which must have cost the Grisworlds a fortune to possess, looked terrific covered in snow, and the decoration which took after it looked no less stunning. As a collectible, it costs about $235.24, which is enough reason to avoid throwing it away once the celebrations are over.
A Set of Brass Vintage Deer Decor
Have you been looking for pure brass décor to spruce up your house during the holidays? You are lucky because a set of solid gold brass deer decorations are on the market for almost $700. Besides being vintage, the set is in near-perfect condition.
If you love a touch of vintage in your Christmas decorations, these three pieces will be a perfect addition to your collection. The set contains a baby deer, a male, and a female deer, all made of high-quality brass—what a sweet deal.
A Decorated Empire State Building
Imagine the famous Empire State Building getting decorated for Christmas. People would go from far and wide only to witness its beauty. Some who would not be able to pay a visit can always go for the other option; the Christmas collectible from 'Department 56'.
Yes, the company made a stunning miniature version of the Empire State building for Christmas. It was a part of their "Christmas in the City" collection and was a customer's favorite. The piece features many tiny windows that light up, showing a beautiful view. Unfortunately, this item is no longer available in stores and has climbed to vintage status. It can cost us around $785.
This One Got Into Trouble
We should all thank Department 56 for their creativity. Over the years, they have made some of the most memorable holiday collectibles for us and made our holidays even better. One of the most iconic pieces ever made by this company was the Fox Theatre.
It was in 2012 that Department 56 built a miniature Fox Theatre, but one thing got this beautiful piece into trouble. The manufacturers made it show that the theatre is playing a classic movie It’s A Wonderful Life. Unfortunately, the manufacturers didn’t take the rights before doing so. That’s how it became a limited edition with a price tag of $760.
It Is An Expensive Town Hall
Christmas is all the holiday spirit, hot cocoa, sweet carols, presents, and decorating the house. Speaking of decorations, one can find hundreds of thousands of beautiful pieces in a store, but nothing beats a good old vintage piece.
Out of some of the prettiest vintage decoration pieces, this is called the 'Department 56 A Christmas Story Village Hammond Town Hall'. This piece truly represents the Christmas spirit with a building with bricked exterior and covered with decorations. Nonetheless, after all this hard work in making this piece, it should not be surprising that it comes at $741.56.
It Is An Expensive Town Hall
Christmas is all the holiday spirit, hot cocoa, sweet carols, presents, and decorating the house. Speaking of decorations, one can find hundreds of thousands of beautiful pieces in a store, but nothing beats a good old vintage piece.
Out of some of the prettiest vintage decoration pieces, this is called the 'Department 56 A Christmas Story Village Hammond Town Hall'. This piece truly represents the Christmas spirit with a building with bricked exterior and covered with decorations. Nonetheless, after all this hard work in making this piece, it should not be surprising that it comes at $741.56.
Vintage Timeless Todd and Margo Figurines
This next vintage set will never go out of style. Department 56 is famous for manufacturing cute holiday collectibles, including adorable ceramic houses. They also sell figurines along with the houses, and among their best seller is the Todd and Margo set jogging from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Since its release in the mid-2000s, the set has sold over a million pieces worldwide. The figurines are still worth a penny because they are valued at $675. Get yourself this vintage set that will impress your guest during Christmas dinner.
The Beauty of Ceramic Christmas Trees
Ceramic Christmas trees were the talk of the town in the mid-nineties. They were available in different colors, but white was the most popular. Perhaps, the people loved it more because it stood out beautifully when lit with colored lights.
This classic Christmas decoration costs over a thousand dollars and is well over two feet high and 20 inches wide. Still, people bought ceramic trees to beautify their homes during the holiday. After all, what's a Christmas celebration without a huge, colorful Christmas tree?
Bringing Your Favorite Cartoon Character Home for Christmas
While they have never shared their story and why they felt it necessary to buy this, we’re almost sure that the person who purchased this decoration was a Peanuts fan. It didn’t matter how much they had to part with to own this vintage piece; this buyer was determined to bring this 3 feet tall mold home.
Lucky for them, the Snoopy collectible had never been displayed outside before they bought it, so they got it in almost mint condition. And now, they get to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones and with Snoopy not just on their screen but alongside them.
A Grandeur Noel Bethlehem Village Set
The nativity scene warms the heart of most people who experience it in any form. Similar emotions are conveyed by this gorgeous nativity decoration hidden away for two years after its first and only public appearance.
Remarkably, the item was left in pristine condition and completely intact without any cracks or missing rocks. It, therefore, came as no surprise when the majestic set, fitted with new lights and the original box, was sold for a beautiful $249.
A Christmas Church Cathedral From the Mid-Century
A Christmas Church Cathedral covered from roof to floor with a snowy blanket is in keeping with the spirit of Christmas, and it was indeed a great idea to produce its toy version as a Christmas decoration.
Made in the '50s and '60s, this miniature, snow-covered cathedral remained valuable several years after it was first used as an item for decoration. Its white color and internal lights reflecting off the snow-covered lawn endear it to everybody. It must have been why it got sold for a handsome $249.99, which is a reasonable price for something that old.
A Christmas Tree Decorated With the Peanuts Gang
The Peanuts is a comic strip developed in the '50s and became popular among comic lovers worldwide. This Christmas tree, designed by Danbury and produced by Hallmark in the '90s, was decorated with the entire Peanuts gang. It was also fitted with some colorful lights so that the deco is a beauty when fully operational.
Many years after it was first used, this vintage Christmas tree with all its beautiful characters was still considered valuable. It was sold for about $255.21 and, in the end, proved to be a mini holiday investment.
A Reminder for Passersby to Be Merry
The joy of Christmas comes from sharing, not just with family and friends but also with the community around us, including strangers. This is why the Blow mold decorations are a staple for us.
Even though it’s hard to see one these days, this mold figure resembling gifts stacked together was popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s. The decoration designed by Don Featherstone would be on almost everyone’s yard as a reminder to passersby of the spirit of the holiday season. So even if one is having a hard day, seeing this would remind them to be merry and to open themselves up to give and receive love.
A Decor Piece Whose Light Brightens One's Mood
Christmas doesn't have to be perfect, but our decor can be. So what better ornament that says impeccable than this collectible which was part of the Ashby Manor Dickens' Village Series?
The Department 56' piece was an instant hit as soon as it hit the market in 2005, and understandably so, but it would become even more popular when the manufacturing company that made it stopped producing it. Like the light inside the house, this is one of those decor pieces that brighten up one's mood at a glance and our favorite one so far. Look through the illuminated glass, and you will notice people are dancing inside the house-can you think of anything better?
Mickey's Clock Shop Music Animated Adornments
Disney collectibles are famous anyway. Yet, this one adds X-mas to the picture, which makes it more fascinating. Besides being useful, the item can be displayed on a desk, a showcase, or a Christmas tree. Initially serving as pendulum clocks, these little adornments can also play music.
Most parts of the musical hanging clock have become nonfunctional, but this doesn't hinder it from being used as home decor. The seller even warned that the animated features might cease to function due to age since the decorations were never removed from the box. Still, it sold for more than $300!
Pink and White Vintage House
Miniature collectibles are perhaps never outdated. So, they always form a typical theme in collectors' circles. Made in Japan in the '30s, this little pink and white house features intricate details like little sponge trees and a girl holding her plaything. Some even come with tiny reindeer and a cute snowman.
Earlier, these vintage homes were sold in U.S. dime stores. Now, due to their recent popularity, manufacturers have made them available in online stores. You can select from many such houses and build an entire village using your creativity. Also, remember to add some fake snow for the Christmas-perfect look!
Blow Mold Vintage Santa Face
If you're a Santa lover, then you may wish to have a massive shrine with his face illuminated on your lawn. Well, then keep searching on eBay before you finally come across an antique Santa blow mold Christmas decor similar to the one in the picture. The three-foot-tall head, probably from the '70s, is undoubtedly a statement piece.
The vintage Santa face also mirrors the fineness of blow-molded sculptures of the time and so greatly complements your home. We can use this wonderful collectible to beautify both inside and outside our house. Besides, it would look splendid when lit up.
Vintage Wooden Nutcracker Soldier
Vintage Wooden Christmas Nutcracker is the latest product that can blend in flawlessly with any interior style, whether in a home or an office. The cost of Nutcracker varies from a few dollars to several hundred. The most costly ones are hand-painted and antique, like the one in the picture.
Nutcrackers have been traditional Christmas souvenirs for hundreds of years. So, no wonder they make a fantastic New Year's and Christmas present. We bet this wooden soldier would be an excellent home décor and make any area look cheerful. There's barely any time left before Christmas, so place your order pronto!
Another Vintage Ceramic Christmas Tree
As we said earlier, ceramic Christmas trees are coming back in style. Most people pay hundreds of dollars to get their hands on this highly sought-after decoration. A vintage ceramic Christmas tree produced in the late eighties by Nowell was sold at $699.
This stunning piece of decoration is 27 inches tall and 18 inches wide, the perfect size to fit above the mantle. It also has light bulbs of different shapes, like cones, birds, and poinsettias, to lighten up your space and put you in the perfect mood for the holidays.
Vintage Toy Soldiers for Christmas
Do you sometimes dream that giant rats in ballet costumes are coming to attack your residence on Christmas Eve? The remedy is simple – just get an army of vintage toy soldiers to protect your property. Blow mold adornments are pretty famous nowadays. Some are ideal home decor and can be used to decorate tabletops or a Christmas tree, while others are suitable outdoors.
Moreover, these toy soldiers can be perfect floor models. The item can perform as intended despite some aesthetic deterioration due to age. For only $350, these 14 blow-molded troopers will gladly secure your house from intruders.
A 1950 Noma Christmas Lights Catalogue
Noma was once the biggest and best manufacturer of Christmas holiday lights worldwide, which is why getting your hands on those lights currently will cost you quite a penny. Not only the decorations themselves but the catalog too!
Sold for $372, the vintage catalog was published in the fifties to market Noma Christmas decorations. The catalog was not pristine when sold but had some tears around the edges and a break on the spine. That must have added to the buyer’s appeal of the valuable vintage ornament.
A 1970s Ceramic Volcano Christmas Tree Decoration
Are you tired of seeing the same old Christmas decorations in your living room and thinking of doing something unique for next Christmas? Well, we have the perfect idea for you. Get yourself the vintage ceramic volcano Christmas tree decoration to spruce up your tree, and it might even steal attention from the gifts underneath.
Now, all interior design experts will agree with us that this vintage ornament is not only rare to find but quite expensive as well. It has a mixture of white and gold accents with orange lights, which give off the seventies vibes. Nonetheless, for only $400, you can get this holy grail of Christmas decorations.
The 1979 Atlantic Mold Ceramic Christmas Tree
Are you thinking of doing something unique for this year’s Christmas decorations? The Vintage ceramic Christmas tree might be precisely what you are looking for. Ceramic Christmas trees were found in every homestead in the sixties and seventies, and some of them even played music. We don’t know exactly when they went out of style, but they are making a comeback slowly.
With a little over $600, you can be the owner of the 1979 Atlantic Mold vintage ceramic tree. The tree is two feet tall and sold with extra lights to brighten your Christmas even more. It’s definitely worth every penny.
A Hand-Painted Vintage Santa Claus
Christmas decorations don’t always have to be the cheap plastic ornaments you use for one year only to throw them out and buy new ones the following year. Instead, we can invest in long-lasting, unique pieces that we can pass down through generations.
The 1996 Christmas porcelain Santa Claus is the perfect example. The beautiful piece is worth $428 because it’s made of fine white porcelain with hand-painted gold details. Adding this beautiful collectible to your Christmas decoration would make all the difference in your house.
A 1960 Mercury Glass Cloche
Different people have different reasons why they prefer vintage items over modern items. It could be because of their rarity, originality, or fond memories. Whatever the reason, vintage items have that extra flair. For instance, modern glass cloches are found in most stores like Crate and Barrel and home goods at affordable prices, but you can’t compare them to vintage ones.
Made in the mid-century, this decoration is oval-shaped and contains a miniature Christmas world in a bubble. It has different bright colors that put you in a Christmas mood instantly. This vintage got sold for almost $480, and it sure gives off a sixties vibe you can’t find in current glass cloches.
A Vintage Fiberglass Santa Claus
After delivering gifts worldwide in just one night, Santa Claus needs a nap. But does he have to go all the way to the North Pole when he can use the crescent moon as his hammock? Imagine that your Christmas decoration hanging somewhere in your house would look good, right?
For $475.95, you can buy the vintage fiberglass ornament. Measuring 23 inches lengthwise, the collectible has no wear and tear; it looks as good as new. If you love vintage items, you know how rare it is to find such a sweet deal.
Adding a Heubach Ornament to the Collection
Heubach Christmas ornaments are known for their sturdy nature, and why wouldn't they? The company knew well that these decorations would pass down from generation to generation, so it focused on making durable products. As a result, the Heubach dolls became a popular adornment in every home during the early 1900s. Surprisingly made of strands of colored cotton.
Although the establishment no longer manufactures the figurines like the one in the picture today, these vintage pieces are available for sale on several online platforms. The ornament we see in the image is worth around 500 dollars despite the regular wear and tear it has gone through over the years. So if you want something antique to put on the tree, this piece is available for purchase.
A Century-Old Japanese Christmas Castle
This 100-year-old cardboard castle continues to stand tall despite the years it has seen, which makes it a perfect vintage decoration for your Christmas tree. No doubt we see some fading of the colors, but interestingly this red castle is entirely made out of cardboard and has its origin in 20th-century Japan.
The lights inside the place continue to shine bright, so this decoration is in good condition. Well, whoever owned this piece of ornament took great care to store it properly, and we understand why its value is over five hundred dollars.
There’s No Christmas Without a Santa Decoration
The spirit of Christmas is incomplete without the mention of the Father of Christmas, Saint Nicholas. Similarly, a tree without a Santa Claus ornament feels empty. So, if you are looking for a Santa decoration for your fir this festive season, we recommend the one in the picture. We have traced the origin of this adornment back to the 1900s. Interestingly, this sturdy Santa mask is made from a mixture of paper and glue and is a product of Belsnickle, Germany.
Yes, we do see signs of wear and tear here and there, but the shape and structure of this piece remain intact despite being a century old. No wonder its value has hit the roof with time and is now around 640 dollars.
This One Is A Realistic Looking One
This list features several stunning decoration pieces by 'Department 56' that fit the Christmas spirit. One of these pieces is Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. This tiny version of a department store has been crafted to perfection, as it looks almost real if seen from a distance.
It gives us the feeling that Christmas is in its full spirit, and everything represents the theme of the holiday. The carefully piled snow on the top and the sides of the building looks like it has actually snowed here. This particular item in the picture is still in the packaging it was sold in. The cost of this piece is around a hefty $800.
Mobile Home Decoration With Amazing Details
This is a Department 56 mobile home Christmas decoration. The piece, having been discontinued in the '80s, is a rare collectible in the present day. That is why it was listed online with a price tag of $810. Yet, still, it seemed to be on the bucket list of many enthusiasts that did everything to add it to their collection.
Department 56 just outdid itself in coming up with this masterpiece. The mobile home decoration had its beauty in the immaculate details it boasted. Sporting a pine tree partially covered in snow and a wreath on the RV's window, it was undoubtedly a great find for anyone with a passion for Christmas decorations.
The Most Popular Collection of Department 56
One thing that stands out the most in the Department 56 collections is the amount of detail they put into their festive products. This set is the company's 'Christmas in the City' collection, inspired by a real-life New York building, much like their other collections.
It replicated a posh restaurant and club on West 52nd Street in the Manhattan area of New York. The upscale restaurant, called the '21 Club,' is famous for its vast collection of pricey sports memorabilia. This piece replicated the place to the minutest details and was listed for $856.
Vintage Aluminum Tree Listed for $865
Although hardly anyone puts up an aluminum Christmas tree as a decoration these days, they were quite the buzz a while back. A typical decoration back in the day, they are now rare to find and therefore come at a steeper price tag. The owner listed this seven-foot aluminum tree online with an $865 price tag.
The decoration piece came along with its deteriorated but original box, a mint-condition plastic base, a wooden tree trunk, and even its own instruction booklet. This beautiful tree is undoubtedly a rare find, and we hope it proves worth every penny for its new owner.
The Toon Town Christmas Collection
Spending over a thousand dollars on Christmas decorations might seem extravagant, but this Disney ToonTown collection is worth it. It consists of eight classic Christmas structures, namely, Toon Town city hall, Goofy's house, and Toon town five-cent, among others.
The collection was introduced by Department 56 in the nineties. Although it is not the brand's first collection of holiday decorations, the Toon Town line was a fantastic product that rapidly sold out. Unfortunately, since the production was discontinued, finding the complete collection has been tricky.
The Eighties Gimbels Department Store
This is yet another decoration piece from the well-known Department 56. A fun fact is that the Gimbels store was actually a real company established in 1887 and operated for about a hundred years. Nonetheless, many people only know it from the Christmas movie Elf.
The creators of this lovely Christmas decoration chose to make it available in tiny sizes so that it could be used to decorate houses for the holiday season. It was a brilliant idea, and the product saw terrific sales, and is now worth more than US$1000.
The Rustic Dickens Village Mill
Department 56’s Christmas collections always stand out with a clear theme. They are either adapted from Disney, Christmas movies, or New York City stories. This piece resembles a rural mill covered in snow from the Dickens Village collection.
The works of Charles Dickens served as the inspiration for each item in the series, including this one. When the mill was created in 1985, about 2,500 pieces were constructed. Nonetheless, the hand-painted mill’s production was discontinued after just two years.
A Welcoming Grandma's Home
For many Christmas lovers, the celebration isn't complete without the halls. Christmas decorations are the seasonal signal that the holiday has begun. Even though all families across the globe have their traditional way of decorating their homes, one of the most traditional ways remains the Christmas village sets. It remains the most popular and ever-trending Xmas decor style.
The original snow village sets Christmas decorations were crafted in 1992 and were called "Grandma's Cottage" because it looks as welcoming and comfy as Grandma's apartment should. The collection has grown ever since 1992, and the current value of this vintage Christmas decoration is just so mind-blowing, it goes for more than US$1978.
There Is More to This Christmas Bell
The bell in this picture is not just the regular one you have in your apartment; though the name of this item is unknown, its worth would surprise you - US$2032. One unique thing about this piece is that it is rare, and people seem not to find the exact version online.
The bell in this picture is not just the regular one you have in your apartment; though the name of this item is unknown, its worth would surprise you - US$2032. One unique thing about this piece is that it is rare, and people seem not to find the exact version online.