by Rob Wolfe
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The Hunt for Authentic Vintage Christmas Collectibles
The appeal of a true vintage Christmas item goes beyond its beauty. When you hold a 1940s glass ornament or a 1950s Santa Claus figurine, you’re connected to the past and the people who decorated their own homes with those items. There’s something so personal about Christmas collectibles – these were items that people carefully selected over their lifetimes and brought out once a year to make their homes feel festive.
As with any collectible, its condition is key, which means that those that you can find in their original box is a real score. That’s why I always get a thrill when I find an old Christmas item in good condition, often tucked away in an attic, wrapped in old newspaper, or sometimes even, still in its original packaging. In the world of vintage holiday décor, packaging often tells a story of its own. It can date an item and even add to its value. One example is from Hess Trucks, now in their 60th year of producing an annual Christmas truck. The community of Hess collectors has a loyal following and whether it’s a Hess Tanker Truck, a Fire Truck of a Voyager Ship, or any other ones of their classic Christmas trucks, finding one in its original packaging is quite a thrill.
Finding the Right Era
Every collector has their sweet spot. Some focus on the Victorian era, collecting items like feather trees and blown glass ornaments, while others hunt down mid-century modern pieces—the era of kitschy, colorful Santas, reindeer, and even aluminum trees. There’s a growing interest in 1980s and 90s items, too, especially the Hallmark ornaments from that time.
My personal favorite is the post-WWII period up through the 60s when Christmas décor became mass-produced, but was still made to last. You had brands like Shiny Brite making ornaments in vibrant colors and bold designs that have become iconic over the years. And of course, we can’t forget about the aluminum Christmas trees, which some people love, and others love to hate. Those trees scream 1960s futurism, and for the right collector, they’re worth their weight in silver.
Christmas Window Displays: The Ultimate Find
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In that first year, Macy put special seasonal displays in the windows to delight shoppers and entice them into his store—a collection of dolls, posed in scenes from Uncle Tom’s Cabin—and a new tradition was born. And as early as 1883, according to some reports, Macy’s took a leap forward with a steam-powered Christmas window display that included characters that moved along a track.
Marshall Field’s, Gimbels and more picked up the tradition that Macy’s started and continues to this day. But it’s tough to find those original store displays that are still intact, especially in good condition. Many were tossed when stores changed out their decorations each year, or they simply deteriorated over time. But it’s not impossible. The animated figures from brands like Steiff or Department 56 were often used in these displays and are highly collectible today. But when you do find one of these relics, it’s an instant show-stopper. They’re the kind of pieces that make people stop in their tracks and say, “I remember that!”
The Spirit Behind the Collectibles
For a picker like me, Christmas collectibles are different from, say, a vintage motorcycle or an old advertising sign. These items weren’t just decorations; they were part of people’s family traditions. Imagine the stories: a family hanging up that same set of ornaments every year, or kids pressing their faces against a store window to watch an animatronic Santa wave. Each piece connects you with someone else’s memories, and for me, that’s what gives them so much power.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting into it, remember that it’s not just about finding the rarest piece. It’s about finding something that resonates with you, something that makes you feel that holiday warmth and nostalgia every time you look at it. Because at the end of the day, the best collections are the ones that tell a story, and with Christmas collectibles, each piece has a little holiday magic all its own.
Best known for his co-hosting role on The History Channel’s long-running hit, American Pickers, Rob Wolfe is also a seasoned antique dealer. From vintage signs to antique cars and motorcycles, and everything in between, Rob has an extensive knowledge of, and passion for, all things antique. He’s been collecting unique items and learning about their history since early childhood and today that passion can be seen at his showroom in Bettendorf, Iowa, where Rob hosted the annual Bettendorf Americana Car show and Antique Auction.
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