If you're someone who believes the magic of Christmas should come with a side of nostalgia, then vintage Christmas decorations are where your heart belongs. Whether you're drawn to the charm of vintage Christmas ornaments, holiday figurines, the sparkle of a retro Christmas tree, or the character of antique outdoor Christmas decorations, curating a home filled with pieces from decades past brings a timeless beauty to the holidays.
From tinsel-covered vintage Christmas trees to retro Christmas decorations outdoors, this guide will help you build a collection of vintage Christmas decor that captures the spirit of holidays gone by.
What Defines Vintage Christmas Decorations?
There's something special about the quality, colour, and craftsmanship of vintage Christmas decorations. From the whimsical to the elegant, these items reflect the design trends of their time—whether it's 1950s glass ornaments, 1960s blow molds, or handmade fabric décor from the 70s.
Look for:
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Vintage Christmas ornaments like hand-painted baubles, mercury glass balls, and Shiny Brite collections
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Vintage Christmas decorations from the 1950s (or 1950s, depending on how you search), including tinsel garlands, ceramic trees, and metal icicles
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Retro Christmas tree toppers such as spun-glass angels or light-up starbursts
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Vintage outdoor Christmas decorations like carolers, sleighs, and oversized plastic figurines from mid-century manufacturers
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Antique Christmas ornaments crafted in Germany or Japan with paper, glass, or hand-blown details
Vintage Christmas Trees and Table Settings
A truly nostalgic holiday scene starts with the vintage Christmas tree.
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Try a silver aluminum tree with a colour wheel for a classic retro Christmas tree look
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Feather trees and ceramic tabletop trees also bring old-school charm
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Adorn your tree with vintage Christmas ornaments—the more varied, the better. Look for sets from the 1950s or unique one-off pieces with wear that tells a story
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To complete the look, use vintage Christmas decorations throughout your dining room:
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Layer the table with embroidered holiday linens
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Use vintage holiday china from brands like Spode, Royal Albert, or Johnson Brothers
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Serve from silver-plated trays and punch bowls for added mid-century flair.
Vintage Christmas Decorations for Outside
Nothing brings that neighbourhood showstopper feel quite like retro Christmas decorations outdoors. These pieces combine kitsch and nostalgia in the most joyful way:
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Outdoor vintage Christmas decorations might include blow-mold Santas, plastic reindeer, snowmen, or nativity scenes
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Retro Christmas outdoor decorations often have bright, saturated colours, glowing lights, and oversized designs
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Looking for durability with charm? Try antique outdoor Christmas decorations like wrought iron sleighs or tin lanterns
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Don't forget vintage Christmas decorations for outside your porch, balcony, or front doors—think metal signs, painted wood cutouts, or weathered wreaths
All of these add character to your curb appeal, and they're often sturdier (and more unique) than modern counterparts.
Blending Vintage with Contemporary Holiday Decor
Incorporating vintage Christmas decorations into a modern home doesn't mean your space has to feel like a time capsule. In fact, the contrast between old and new can create a warm, layered look that feels both personal and timeless. Try placing vintage Christmas ornaments alongside sleek, minimalist baubles on your tree, or set a clean-lined table with fine holiday patterns, retro holiday glassware, or contemporary dinnerware. A vintage Christmas tree skirt under a modern pre-lit tree or antique outdoor Christmas decorations next to twinkling LED lights can create that perfect balance of nostalgia and style. The key is to let vintage pieces shine as accents, adding texture, character, and stories to your holiday aesthetic.
Most Popular Vintage Christmas Decorations & Collectibles
If you're building your collection or just getting started, it helps to know which pieces are especially beloved. These highly sought-after vintage Christmas items are not only nostalgic—they're also favourites among collectors for their quality, charm, and display value:
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Shiny Brite Ornaments (1940s–1960s) – Iconic glass ornaments are known for their bright colours, hand-painted details, and charming designs. Complete sets in original boxes are especially prized
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Aluminum Christmas Trees – Mid-century silver trees, often paired with rotating colour wheels, remain a standout symbol of retro holiday style
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Blow Mold Outdoor Decorations – Think illuminated plastic Santas, reindeer, snowmen, and nativity figures from makers like Empire and General Foam. These are holiday lawn classics.
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German and Czech Glass Ornaments – Hand-blown and finely detailed, these early 20th-century pieces often take whimsical shapes like birds, pinecones, or fruit
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Fontanini Nativity Sets – Italian-made and highly detailed, these nativity figurines are a cherished addition to any vintage Christmas display
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Ceramic Christmas Trees With Lights – Popular in the 1960s and 70s, these tabletop trees with colourful plastic bulbs are back in style and often passed down through families
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Spode Christmas Tree China – With its 1930s roots and enduring design, Spode's holiday tableware remains a seasonal staple and a collector's favourite
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Vintage Advent Calendars and Christmas Cards – Paper ephemera from the 1940s to 70s, especially German-made versions with glitter or pop-up elements, are often framed or displayed
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Wool Felt Stockings – Often hand-sewn or embellished with sequins, appliqués, or classic characters, these stockings from the 1950s–60s bring instant nostalgia
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Mid-century Tree Toppers – Spun glass angels, metal starbursts, or early electric light-up toppers add the perfect vintage finishing touch to your Christmas tree
Whether you're hunting for the perfect ornament to complete your vintage Christmas tree or hoping to score a standout retro Christmas decoration for outside, these pieces are a great place to start—or expand—your holiday collection.
How to Store and Care for Your Vintage Christmas Decorations
To protect your vintage Christmas decorations, a little extra care goes a long way:
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Store fragile items like antique Christmas ornaments in acid-free tissue and boxes with dividers
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Keep outdoor pieces dry and protected from extreme heat or cold
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Avoid harsh cleaners; gently wipe surfaces with a soft cloth
Where to Find Vintage Christmas Decorations
Wondering where to find vintage Christmas decor in Toronto? Visit Around the Block, a consignment store known for its thoughtfully curated holiday selections.
Our inventory often includes:
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Vintage Christmas decorations from the 1950s and 1960s
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Retro Christmas tree décor
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Vintage Christmas outdoor decorations and garden pieces
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Mid-century holiday serveware, figurines
As a trusted Toronto consignment destination, we offer authentic seasonal finds that go beyond the typical big-box store displays.
Vintage Chrismas Decor - Final Thoughts
As you gather ornaments, wrap tinsel around branches of pine, and set your vintage serving ware out in anticipation of Christmas cheer, you are not just decorating; you are curating a seasonal museum of joy. Much like the season itself, your collection of vintage Christmas decor is a tapestry woven from the threads of time, full of stories and memories that continue to warm hearts year after year.
So, this Christmas, as you unpack each bauble and figurine, consider not just its form but the hands that once hung it, the tables it once graced, and the Christmases it has seen. You are now part of its history, as it is a part of yours. Merry collecting, and may your holidays be adorned with the rich, nostalgic beauty of a collector's Christmas.Christmas Decor at Around the Block
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just looking for something unique this holiday season, consider Around the Block for vintage Christmas decor, dishes, and other seasonal items. Tis the season we put our curated collection of Christmas items on display. But hurry! Christmas decor and dishes are very popular, and these items often fly off the shelves.
