Every year, thousands of families across Canada inherit Christmas village collections that were lovingly built over decades.
These villages often include brands such as Department 56, Lemax, or other holiday collectibles, carefully displayed each Christmas season as part of a family tradition.
When the collection passes to the next generation, many people suddenly find themselves wondering:
- What should I do with this Christmas village collection?
- Are these pieces valuable?
- Should I keep it, sell it, or donate it?
- Is there a store that buys Christmas villages?
If you have recently inherited a Christmas village collection, you are not alone. This guide will help you understand your options and decide what to do next.
The Story Behind Most Christmas Village Collections
Christmas villages are rarely random decorations.
For many collectors, each building represents a memory. A new piece might have been added every year, sometimes as a gift from family members. Over time, a small display can grow into a large and detailed holiday village.
Common brands you may find in inherited collections include:
- Department 56
- Lemax
- St. Nicholas Square
- Hawthorne Village
- David Winter cottages
Some collections contain just a handful of buildings. Others may include dozens or even hundreds of pieces with accessories, figurines, trees, and lighting.
Because these collections often took years to build, families understandably want to make thoughtful decisions about what to do with them.
Step One: Identify What You Have
Before deciding whether to keep or sell a Christmas village collection, it helps to understand what is included.
Look for:
- The brand name on the bottom of each building
- Original boxes or packaging
- Item numbers or product names
- Lighting cords or accessories
Department 56 and Lemax pieces usually have clear markings on the base of the building.
If the collection includes original boxes, that can make identifying the items much easier.
Taking a few photos of the pieces can also help if you decide to have the collection reviewed by a specialist.
Should You Keep the Collection?
Some families decide to keep the village and continue the tradition.
If you have space to display it and enjoy holiday decorating, this can be a meaningful way to preserve a piece of family history.
However, many inherited collections present practical challenges.
Christmas villages often require:
- Storage space during the year
- Careful setup and packing each season
- Replacement light bulbs or cords
- Delicate handling to prevent damage
For people living in smaller homes or condos, maintaining a large display may simply not be practical.
In those cases, selling the collection may be the best option.
Are Christmas Village Collections Valuable?
Some Christmas village pieces can have strong resale value, especially if they are:
From Department 56
- Retired models
- In excellent condition
- Still in the original box
Popular series such as Dickens Village, Snow Village, and Christmas in the City are widely collected and frequently traded in the secondary market.
Even more common pieces can still have value because collectors are always looking to expand or complete their displays.
The overall value of a collection often depends on:
- The number of pieces
- The specific series
- Condition and packaging
- Current collector demand
For larger collections, the combined value can be significant.
The Challenge of Selling Christmas Villages Individually
Many people initially consider selling the pieces one at a time online.
While this can sometimes produce higher prices for certain items, it also involves a lot of work.
Selling individually usually requires:
- Researching each item
- Creating listings
- Photographing every piece
- Packing fragile buildings safely
- Shipping items across the country
- Managing returns or damaged shipments
For collections containing dozens of pieces, this process can take months.
Because of this, many families prefer selling the collection to a buyer who specialises in Christmas village collectibles.
Where Can You Sell a Christmas Village Collection?
There are several common ways to sell an inherited village collection.
Online marketplaces
Websites like eBay allow collectors to sell individual pieces, though the process can take considerable time.
Local classified ads
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji may work for smaller collections but can involve inconsistent buyers.
Specialty collectible stores
Shops that specialise in Christmas villages often purchase collections directly.
These buyers understand the market and can often evaluate collections quickly.
Selling an Inherited Christmas Village Collection to Vintage Villages
Vintage Villages is a Canadian specialty shop dedicated to Christmas village collectibles.
We regularly purchase collections that include brands such as:
- Department 56
- Lemax
Many of the collections we review come from families who have recently inherited them and are unsure what to do next.
Our goal is simply to make the process clear and straightforward.
Collectors and families often reach out to us because:
- We specialise in Christmas villages
- We purchase entire collections
- We are based in Canada
- We are familiar with the collector market
Even if you are unsure whether your collection has significant value, we are happy to take a look.
What Information Helps When Selling a Collection
If you are considering selling your inherited Christmas village collection, a few basic details can help speed up the process.
Helpful information includes:
- Photos of the buildings and accessories
- Any original boxes or packaging
- The approximate number of pieces
- Brand names visible on the bottom of the buildings
In many cases, just a few photos can provide enough information for an initial review.
Vintage Villages Buys Christmas Village Collections
Vintage Villages regularly purchases collections from across Canada, including:
- Department 56 villages
- Lemax villages
- Retired Christmas village buildings
- Large multi-piece village displays
If you inherited a Christmas village collection and are unsure what to do with it, we would be happy to review it and help you understand your options.
Contact Vintage Villages
If you are looking to sell an inherited Christmas village collection, feel free to reach out.
Send us photos or a list of the items and we can help you determine the next step.