The holidays may come once a year, but Christmas collectibles hold their charm year-round. From hand-blown ornaments and village houses to nutcrackers, postcards, and even vinyl, these pieces blend nostalgia with craftsmanship—and many have steady resale value thanks to active collector markets. Whether you’re curating a cozy display, hunting for investment-worthy finds, or just love the story behind each piece, the right pick can deliver both joy and ROI.
This roundup highlights ten categories people consistently keep or buy, drawing on real-world sales trends, auction results, and reputable sources. You’ll find classic staples alongside a few sleeper hits—items that are easy to spot at thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces, especially in the off-season when prices can dip. Ready to deck your halls (and maybe your portfolio)? Let’s dive in.
1. Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Vintage Christmas ornaments, often made from glass, ceramic, or metal, are a popular collectible item that many people keep or buy due to their timeless appeal and nostalgic value. These ornaments, typically featuring classic Christmas symbols such as Santa Claus, snowflakes, or reindeer, often remind people of their childhood Christmases or evoke a sense of history and tradition.
As the trend of vintage aesthetics continues to thrive, the market for these ornaments is experiencing a resurgence. Collectors value them for their craftsmanship, rarity, and the stories they tell. In fact, some rare vintage ornaments can fetch a high price on the market. Check out this eBay search to see the wide range of vintage Christmas ornaments available and their current market values.
2. Christmas Village Sets
Christmas village sets, miniature table-top displays that depict idyllic festive scenes, are a favorite amongst collectors. These sets often include detailed houses, shops, churches, or other buildings, along with figurines and landscape elements. They are cherished for their intricate details, the joy of setting up the scene, and the festive cheer they bring.
The demand for these sets increases around Christmas time, but they can be a smart buy in July as well. The off-season often brings sales and better prices, plus you can take your time to find the perfect pieces to add to your collection. For more information, explore this eBay category page dedicated to collectible villages and houses.
3. Nutcrackers
Nutcrackers, particularly those originating from Germany, are often associated with Christmas and are a popular collectible. These wooden figurines, typically depicting soldiers, kings, or other notable figures, are not only functional but also serve as decorative pieces. They are often kept or bought for their craftsmanship and the festive charm they add to any setting.
While they are traditionally associated with the Christmas season, nutcrackers can actually be a year-round collectible. There is a growing interest in these figurines outside the holiday season due to their historical and cultural significance. The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum provides a wealth of information about the history and varieties of nutcrackers.
4. Christmas Postcards
Christmas postcards from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are a unique collectible that many people overlook. They often feature beautiful illustrations or photographs of festive scenes, along with heartfelt holiday messages. Collectors appreciate them for their historical value, the artistry involved, and the glimpse they offer into the holiday traditions of the past.
These postcards are gaining recognition as valuable pieces of ephemera, with some rare or exceptional examples commanding high prices at auction. The market for these postcards is active year-round, not just during the holiday season. This CardCow page showcases a variety of vintage Christmas postcards and their current market values.
5. Christmas-Themed Stamps
Christmas-themed stamps, especially those issued by the U.S. Postal Service or other notable postal administrations, are a niche collectible. They often feature vibrant designs depicting traditional Christmas symbols or scenes. Stamp collectors, or philatelists, keep or buy these stamps for their aesthetic appeal, historical significance, and potential investment value.
While Christmas-themed stamps are issued during the holiday season, they are collected and traded throughout the year. They offer an interesting intersection of postal history and holiday tradition, making them a fascinating area of focus for collectors. Check out this Smithsonian National Postal Museum page for a look at the history and variety of Christmas stamps.
6. Christmas Records
Christmas records, especially vintage ones or those by notable artists, are an overlooked collectible. These records, featuring holiday classics or festive albums, often hold nostalgic value for collectors. They are kept or bought for their musical content, album artwork, and the warm, analog sound quality that vinyl records are known for.
While Christmas records are traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season, they can be a worthwhile investment year-round. With the resurgence of vinyl records, these holiday albums are seeing increased interest.
7. Christmas Comics
Christmas comics, whether standalone issues or holiday-themed stories within regular series, are a unique collectible. They often feature beloved characters in festive scenarios and are appreciated by collectors for their storytelling, artwork, and the holiday spirit they embody.
While these comics are most popular during the holiday season, they can be valuable collectibles throughout the year. They offer a fun and festive twist on traditional comic book collecting, and rare or vintage issues can be worth significant amounts. This GoCollect page provides a wealth of information on comic book collecting, including holiday-themed issues.
8. Christmas-Themed Barbie Dolls
Christmas-themed Barbie dolls, often dressed in glamorous holiday outfits, are a specific niche within the Barbie collecting community. These dolls are kept or bought for their beauty, the joy they bring to children, and their potential as an investment.
The market for these dolls is active year-round, with some rare or limited edition dolls fetching high prices. Collecting these dolls can be a fun and rewarding hobby, offering both the nostalgia of childhood play and the potential for financial gain. The official Barbie website showcases a range of Christmas-themed Barbie dolls and their details.
9. Christmas-Themed Pez Dispensers
Christmas-themed Pez dispensers, featuring characters like Santa Claus or Rudolph, are a fun and affordable collectible. These candy dispensers are often overlooked, but they are cherished for their whimsical designs, the joy of collecting different characters, and the sweet treats they dispense.
While these dispensers are most popular during the holiday season, they can be collected and traded year-round. The market for Pez dispensers, including Christmas-themed ones, is surprisingly robust, with some rare or vintage dispensers commanding high prices.
10. Christmas-Themed Coca-Cola Memorabilia
Christmas-themed Coca-Cola memorabilia, such as vintage advertisements or special edition bottles, are a popular collectible amongst fans of the iconic brand. These items often feature festive designs or the famous Coca-Cola Santa Claus, and they are kept or bought for their aesthetic appeal, historical significance, and brand loyalty.
While these items are most sought after during the holiday season, they can be valuable collectibles throughout the year. They offer a unique intersection of brand history and holiday tradition, making them a fascinating area of focus for collectors. This Coca-Cola Company page provides a look at the history and variety of Coca-Cola memorabilia, including Christmas-themed items.
