17 Vintage Holiday Heirlooms That Could Be Worth Thousands
The holidays aren’t just about warm memories—they might also be hiding some serious treasures. From antique ornaments to vintage collectibles, certain holiday heirlooms have skyrocketed in value.
Whether you inherited them or stumbled upon them in a thrift store, these pieces could be worth thousands to collectors. Dust off those decorations, and see if any of these 17 items are hiding among your cherished holiday keepsakes.
Shiny Brite Ornaments
These iconic glass ornaments were mass-produced in the mid-20th century and are now collector favorites. Their hand-painted details and vibrant colors make them highly sought after.
Complete sets in original boxes can fetch hundreds, while rare designs or limited editions may bring in over $1,000.
Vintage Aluminum Christmas Trees
Popular in the 1950s and 1960s, aluminum trees are symbols of mid-century holiday chic. The most valuable ones include color wheels that bathe the tree in rotating light.
A well-preserved tree with accessories can sell for $500 to $1,500, depending on size and rarity.
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Antique Nativity Sets
Handcrafted nativity sets from the 19th or early 20th century, especially those from Europe, can command high prices. Pieces made of carved wood or porcelain by artisans like Fontanini or Anri are especially prized.
Rare or complete sets can easily sell for thousands.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments
Hallmark’s first Keepsake ornaments debuted in the 1970s, and some limited editions have since become valuable collector’s items. Look for rare designs or series like Star Wars or Disney.
Certain ornaments have sold for $500 or more at auction.
Vintage Advent Calendars
Old advent calendars, especially those made in Germany with intricate designs, are highly collectible. Calendars from the early 1900s or featuring famous brands can bring in up to $1,000, especially if they are unused and in excellent condition.
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Glass Santa Figurines
Antique glass Santa figurines, particularly those made in Germany or Czechoslovakia in the early 1900s, are favorites among collectors. Hand-blown or mercury glass versions are especially rare and can sell for $500 to $2,000, depending on condition and detail.
Coca-Cola Holiday Memorabilia
Coca-Cola’s Christmas advertisements and decorations featuring Santa Claus have become iconic. Vintage items, such as metal signs, ornaments, or cardboard displays, are highly collectible. Rare finds can range from $200 to $2,500 based on their condition and rarity.
Feather Christmas Trees
Feather trees, made from dyed goose feathers, were popular in the Victorian era and are among the earliest artificial Christmas trees. These delicate items are highly sought after today, with well-preserved examples selling for $300 to $2,000.
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Vintage Snow Globes
Snow globes from the early 20th century, especially those made by companies like Erwin Perzy in Austria, are treasured collectibles. Look for intricate designs and working mechanics. Rare snow globes in excellent condition can fetch up to $1,500.
Hummel Christmas Figurines
Hummel figurines, particularly those with holiday themes, are prized for their craftsmanship. Early editions or limited releases, often marked by distinct backstamps, can be worth several hundred to a few thousand dollars to collectors.
Hand-Crafted Tree Toppers
Antique tree toppers made from hand-blown glass or early plastics are collector favorites. Those featuring unique designs, like angels or stars, from the early 1900s can sell for $500 or more, especially if they’re in excellent condition.
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Victorian Christmas Cards
Elaborate Victorian holiday cards with embossed details and vibrant colors are a niche collectible. Cards featuring illustrations by famous artists or rare designs can sell for $100 to $1,000 each, depending on rarity and condition.
Dresden Ornament Sets
Dresden ornaments, made of paper and cardboard in the late 1800s and early 1900s, are some of the most valuable holiday decorations. These hand-painted treasures can sell for thousands, especially if they feature intricate designs like animals or vehicles.
Antique Holiday Linens
Tablecloths, napkins, and tree skirts with intricate embroidery or lacework from the early 20th century are highly collectible. Those in good condition and featuring unique holiday designs can sell for hundreds of dollars.
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Lionel Train Sets
Vintage Lionel train sets, especially those from the pre-World War II era, are beloved holiday collectibles. Complete sets with original packaging can fetch anywhere from $500 to over $5,000, depending on the model and condition.
Ceramic Christmas Villages
Mid-century ceramic Christmas villages, particularly those by Department 56, have become collector favorites. Rare buildings or limited editions can command high prices, sometimes exceeding $1,000 for sought-after pieces in mint condition.
Antique Holiday Cookie Tins
Vintage cookie tins, especially those with unique designs or branding, have become popular among collectors. Tins from the early 20th century featuring holiday motifs can sell for $50 to $500, depending on their rarity and condition.
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