Christmas Trends and News - Christmas Place

If you're thinking about starting a collection of Department 56 Christmas Villages and Lemax Christmas Villages, you're entering one of the most rewarding holiday decorating hobbies available. Whether you're building a charming Christmas village display or creating a spooky Halloween village scene, both brands offer highly detailed buildings, figurines, and accessories that can transform any space into a miniature holiday world. What Are Department 56 and Lemax Villages? Department 56 and Lemax Villages are collectible miniature holiday displays that feature buildings, figures, lighting, and accessories designed to create themed Christmas and Halloween scenes. Quick Comparison Feature Department 56 Lemax Best Known For Premium collectibles Animated displays Price Range Higher Budget-friendly Christmas Selection Extensive Extensive Halloween Selection Growing collection Industry-leading collection Animated Features Some Many options Collector Value Often higher Good affordability For beginners, Lemax often provides a lower-cost entry point, while Department 56 is popular among serious collectors seeking premium craftsmanship. How Do Beginners Start a Christmas or Halloween Village? The best way to start a holiday village is to buy one centerpiece building, a few accessories, and several figurines that fit a single theme. Beginner Shopping List One main building Two to three supporting structures Three to five figurines Trees or landscaping Streetlights or lighting accessories Display mat or village snow blanket Starting small helps you avoid overspending and allows your collection to grow naturally over time. What Theme Should You Choose? Selecting a theme is one of the most important decisions when building a village. Popular Christmas Village Themes Victorian town North Pole and Santa's workshop Snow-covered mountain village Traditional Main Street Christmas in the City Popular Halloween Village Themes Haunted neighborhood Gothic cemetery Witch village Zombie town Haunted carnival A clear theme makes shopping easier and helps your display tell a story. Can You Mix Department 56 and Lemax Pieces? Yes, many collectors successfully combine Department 56 and Lemax pieces within the same display. However, pay attention to: Building heights Figurine sizes Accessory scale Street layouts Checking dimensions before purchasing will help create a balanced and realistic village. What Accessories Make a Village Look Better? Accessories often have a bigger impact than additional buildings because they add realism and storytelling elements. Must-have accessories include: Trees and shrubs Benches and fences Roads and pathways Street lamps Snow blankets Vehicles Villager figurines For Halloween displays, consider: Tombstones Fog effects Flickering lights Skeletons and ghosts Pumpkin decorations Accessories help transform a collection of buildings into a living scene. How Much Should You Spend on Your First Village? Most beginners can start a quality Christmas or Halloween village for between $100 and $300, depending on the brand and number of pieces purchased. Budgeting tips: Look for starter sets Shop retired collections carefully Purchase accessories before adding more buildings Focus on pieces you genuinely enjoy Collecting should be fun, not stressful. How Do You Create a Professional-Looking Village Display? One of the easiest ways to improve your display is to create multiple levels. Display Tips Use risers underneath rear buildings Place taller structures toward the back Create winding roads or pathways Group related scenes together Hide electrical cords whenever possible Add lighting for nighttime effects Levels create depth and make smaller displays appear much larger. How Should You Store Department 56 and Lemax Villages? Store village pieces in their original boxes whenever possible and keep them in a cool, dry location. Best storage practices: Save all packaging materials Wrap fragile items carefully Label storage containers Keep moisture away Store lights and cords separately Proper storage protects your investment and prevents accidental damage. Frequently Asked Questions Can You Mix Department 56 and Lemax Villages? Yes. Many collectors combine both brands successfully. Just pay attention to the size and scale of individual pieces. What Is the Best Christmas Village Theme for Beginners? A traditional snow-covered town is often the easiest and most versatile theme for new collectors. What Is the Most Popular Halloween Village Theme? Haunted towns, cemeteries, and Halloween carnivals are among the most popular themes for Lemax and Department 56 collectors. Final Thoughts Whether you're collecting a Department 56 Christmas Village, a Lemax Halloween Village, or a combination of both, the key to success is starting small and building carefully over time. Focus on a theme, invest in quality accessories, and create scenes that reflect your personal style. With thoughtful planning, your Christmas village collectibles and Halloween village collectibles can become a cherished holiday tradition for years to come

As we look ahead to Christmas 2026, one thing is clear: this season is all about heartwarming tradition paired with delightful surprises. At Christmas Place and ChristmasPlace.com, we’re seeing a beautiful blend of nostalgic décor, elevated greenery, and playful must-haves that bring instant smiles.

Christmas lighting does more than brighten a room — it creates atmosphere, sets tradition, and defines your holiday style. Some homes call for the warm glow of vintage, nostalgic lights, while others shine best with crisp, modern LED designs. At The Christmas Place, we offer both classic and contemporary lighting options so you can decorate with intention and confidence. Here’s how to know which lighting style works best for your space — and how to use them together for a layered, thoughtful holiday display. When to Choose Vintage or Nostalgic Christmas Lights Vintage-inspired lighting brings a sense of tradition and warmth that instantly feels familiar. These lights are ideal when you want your décor to feel timeless, cozy, and full of character. Vintage or nostalgic lights are best when: You want a traditional Christmas look rooted in classic holiday memories You’re decorating indoor spaces like mantels, staircases, shelves, or windows Your décor includes heirloom ornaments, wood accents, or classic reds and greens You want lighting that feels decorative, not just functional A great example is the 128-inch Multi Retro LED Bulb Garland. This strand features bold, colorful retro-style bulbs that give you the look of classic Christmas lighting with the reliability of modern LED technology. It’s perfect for wrapping a mantel, draping over garland, or accenting a porch railing with a nostalgic feel. Vintage-style lighting works especially well in areas where you want guests to linger — living rooms, dining spaces, and entryways — because the glow feels warm and inviting rather than bright or overpowering. When Modern LED Lights Are the Better Choice Modern LED lights are designed for versatility, efficiency, and longevity. They’re ideal for decorators who want strong performance without sacrificing style. LED lights are a great option when: You want energy-efficient lighting that can stay on for extended periods You’re decorating large trees, rooftops, fences, or outdoor spaces You prefer clean whites, vivid color options, or contemporary designs Durability and safety are a priority Our LED Lights collection includes a wide range of styles, from compact and micro lights to longer runs designed for full tree coverage. LEDs are especially popular for outdoor displays and large indoor trees because they stay cool to the touch and last season after season. Modern LED lighting also works well in homes with a more minimal or contemporary aesthetic, where clean lines and uniform lighting help the décor feel polished and intentional. Using Both Styles Together You don’t have to choose one style exclusively. In fact, some of the most beautiful holiday displays use both vintage and modern lighting. Consider using modern LED lights for your main tree, outdoor décor, or roofline, then layering in vintage-inspired lights for mantels, shelves, or accent garlands. This approach allows you to enjoy the efficiency and brightness of LEDs while still capturing the warmth and charm of nostalgic lighting. Adding Personality with Novelty Lights For families and decorators who enjoy playful details, novelty lights add personality and charm to holiday spaces. These lights are perfect for themed décor, children’s rooms, or areas where you want a fun, lighthearted touch. Our Novelty Lights collection includes a variety of festive shapes and styles that make great accent lighting and conversation pieces. They’re an easy way to personalize your décor and add visual interest beyond traditional string lights. Final Thoughts The right Christmas lights do more than decorate — they help tell your holiday story. Vintage and nostalgic lights bring warmth, tradition, and charm, while modern LED lights offer efficiency, durability, and flexibility. By choosing the right style for each space — or thoughtfully combining both — you can create a holiday display that feels complete, intentional, and unmistakably festive. Explore our full lighting collections online and find the perfect glow for your home this season at The Christmas Place.

Choosing the right Christmas lights sets the foundation for your entire holiday décor. At The Christmas Place, we carry Lumineo® Compact and Cluster lights for their rich light coverage, premium quality, and professional finish. Learn the difference between these two lighting styles and discover how the right bulb spacing can transform your tree, garland, and seasonal displays.

One of the most crucial decisions you'll make when decorating for Christmas is choosing the perfect size artificial tree for your space.

Thoughtfully integrate Christmas Lights into your year-round decor!

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, it's the perfect time to refresh your seasonal decor. Jim Shore's 2025 fall collection brings a delightful array of new figurines that capture the spirit of Halloween, the magic of the Wizarding World, and the timeless charm of the M&M's gang. Let's delve into these enchanting new arrivals that are sure to add warmth and whimsy to your home. Halloween Highlights: Jim Shore's Halloween collection for 2025 is a celebration of spooky fun and folk-art charm. Witches Rotating Around Cauldron   Let this trio of witches add some spookiness to your Halloween decor. They are dancing around a cauldron filled with their newest potion. The free spinning base is adorned with jack-o-lanterns, skeletons, tombstones, spiders, black cats, and bats. Trio of Jack -O-Lanterns: Trio Of Jack-O-Lanterns by Jim Shore. This trio is ready to frighten your guest on Halloween. With their creepy grins and the witch hat with a spider dangling, they are sure to be a hit. Skeleton Pop Out Pumpkin: Skeleton Pop Out Pumpkin by Jim Shore. Add this piece to your Halloween decor and watch as your guest are spooked. It features a skeleton climbing out of a jack-o-lantern as he emerges from gourd's depths with a haunting smile. These handcrafted figurines blend traditional motifs with Halloween whimsy, making them perfect additions to your seasonal decor.   Magical Additions for Harry Potter Fans: Harry Potter Trio Castle Scene:     For those enchanted by the Wizarding World, Jim Shore's new Harry Potter pieces are a must-have: These pieces bring nostalgia and joy, making them perfect gifts or additions to your festive decor. Jim Shore's 2025 fall collection offers a delightful array of figurines that celebrate the season's magic. Whether you're drawn to the spooky charm of Halloween, the enchanting world of Harry Potter, or the heartwarming tales of the M&M's gang, there's something special for everyone. Embrace the festive spirit and add these enchanting pieces to your collection today. For more information and to explore the full collection, visit our Jim Shore 2025 New Arrivals

Personalized family ornaments are a heartwarming way to express your love and appreciation for your grandparents, turning every holiday into a cherished memory. These ornaments can capture the essence of family unity and the special bond between grandparents and their descendants. A Touch of Personalization Custom ornaments bring a unique touch to your grandparents' Christmas tree. Whether it’s featuring the names of all family members or depicting a special year, these decorations make the holidays feel more personal and heartfelt. Long-Lasting Memories Unlike traditional gifts, personalized family ornaments serve as keepsakes that grandparents can treasure year after year. They not only beautify the holiday decor but also act as mementos of familial love and togetherness. Selecting the Perfect Ornament Consider the Family Size Choosing the right ornament often depends on the size of the family. For larger families, ornaments like the Family of 7 Personalized Ornament offer ample space to include every member’s name, ensuring no one is left out. Reflecting Family Dynamics For slightly smaller family groups, the Family of 5 Personalized Ornament provides a charming representation. These ornaments can be customized to reflect the family’s specific characteristics, from the number of children to the inclusion of pets. How to Personalize Your Gift? Adding Special Dates and Names   Personalization goes beyond just names. Including significant dates, like the year of the first grandchild’s birth or the date of a special family reunion, adds a layer of significance to the ornament. Choosing Themes That Resonate Some ornaments allow for thematic elements, such as hobbies or favorite colors, which can be tailored to match your grandparents' interests or the overall holiday theme. Ensuring Quality and Durability Material Matters Choosing for high-quality materials that ensure the ornaments endure through the years. Materials like ceramic, glass, or durable resins are popular choices for their longevity and aesthetic appeal.   Expert Craftsmanship Purchasing from reputable retailers like Christmas Place guarantees that your personalized ornaments are crafted with care and precision, ensuring they hang beautifully on the tree and withstand the test of time. A Gift That Grows More Valuable Each Year   Choosing personalized family ornaments as gifts for your grandparents not only brightens their holiday season but also strengthens the familial bonds with each passing year. These ornaments become more than just decorations; they are a testament to a family's love and history, growing more precious with every Christmas celebrated together. For more information please visit our website!