Vintage Christmas Decor: What to Look for at Antique Stores and Markets This Season

There’s something magical about stumbling across vintage Christmas decor at antique stores and markets this time of year. The booths sparkle with shiny ornaments, plaid thermoses, old sleds, and the kind of nostalgic treasures that instantly bring back holiday memories.

This season, I set out to see what vintage Christmas decor is worth hunting for, and the finds did not disappoint. From antique Christmas ornaments to Santa figurines, here’s what to keep an eye out for at your favorite markets.

This post is part of my Secret Cupboard series, where I share quick styling ideas, seasonal inspiration, and the little vintage treasures that make a home feel collected and loved.

A Vermont Weekend of Friends, Fun, and Vintage Christmas Decor

This weekend, I headed to Vintage Market Days Vermont with two of my Instagram friends, Bernadette and Molly, for what we like to call a little Thrifting with the Gals. We followed the same fall weekend agenda I shared in my recent Vermont guide, but this time we had a festive twist in mind, spotting the very best vintage Christmas decor.

Instead of just showing you what I brought home, I thought it would be more fun to share what we discovered along the way and what you should be on the lookout for at your own favorite markets this season.

Before we dive in, explore more posts from my Vintage Market Days Vermont series, a peek into the markets, the finds, and all the fun that comes with them.

10 Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas to Look for This Season

Whether you’re browsing your favorite antique shop or heading to a holiday market, now’s the time to keep an eye out for those charming, old-fashioned pieces that bring the season to life. From twinkly glass ornaments to nostalgic Santa figurines, here are some of my favorite vintage Christmas decor ideas to look for this season, straight from our weekend at Vintage Market Days Vermont.

Tinsel is fun, but charm comes from chippy paint, well-loved ornaments, and a little holiday whimsy…

1. Vintage Christmas Ornaments: The Classics That Still Shine

There’s just something magical about vintage Christmas ornaments. Whether it’s a delicate glass mushroom, a shimmering mercury glass bulb, or a full bag of old-fashioned red and gold ornaments from a favorite market vendor, these timeless pieces add instant charm to your holiday home. I spotted so many retro classics at Vintage Market Days Vermont this year, from colorful vintage bulbs in their original packaging to bundles of retro light bulbs in bright reds, greens, and oranges. And don’t feel limited to the tree, try tucking a few ornaments into a milk glass bowl, layering them on a tiered tray, or even clustering them into a centerpiece for an easy pop of holiday cheer.

2. Vintage Santa Figurines and Nostalgic Christmas Wall Art

Santa never goes out of style, especially when it comes to vintage Christmas decor. From classic plastic porch Santas to charming figurines tucked into a shelf of ironstone, there’s something so nostalgic about collecting old Saint Nicks. I spotted everything from hand-painted wooden Santas (perfect for hanging on a barn or garage) to retro Santa mugs, complete with rosy cheeks and wire-rimmed glasses, ideal for a festive hot cocoa station in the kitchen. And don’t forget your walls and bookshelves! Framing old Santa illustrations from thrifted books or magazines is such a fun and inexpensive way to add vintage holiday charm. Tuck a few into a gallery wall, layer them into a hutch, or even plop a small framed Santa right into the branches of your Christmas tree.

3. Winter Animals in Vintage Christmas Decor

From fluffy white owls to grapevine reindeer and ceramic bunnies, vintage winter animals add a touch of whimsy and warmth to holiday decorating. At Vintage Market Days Vermont, I spotted so many charming creatures, framed owl prints, soft plush owls, and even a pale aqua ceramic owl that I’m already regretting leaving behind. I’ve decorated entire Christmas trees around owls before, and they continue to be one of my favorite holiday motifs. You’ll also find reindeer made of natural materials like grapevine, perfect for porches or rustic mantels. And don’t overlook vintage figurines like sheep, polar bears, or brass bunny bookends, sweet little details that tuck beautifully into hutches, cobbler racks, or Christmas shelves. Even a classic puppy planter becomes festive with a holiday bow and a cozy corner spot. Winter animals are an easy, affordable way to bring personality into your vintage Christmas decor.

4. Brown Transferware and Vintage Christmas Dishware Ideas

Brown transferware is one of those timeless vintage staples that transitions beautifully from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Whether you’re setting the holiday table or styling a hutch for the season, these warm, earthy pieces add instant charm. At Vintage Market Days Vermont, I saw everything from Nordic-style dish sets to classic brown and white transferware plates, pitchers, and sugar bowls, all perfect for layering with your seasonal decor. But it’s not just about dishes on the table. Try tucking feathers, pine sprigs, or mini arrangements into a creamer or sugar bowl, or use a vintage transferware pitcher as a centerpiece filled with winter greenery. These pieces mix beautifully with ironstone, add cozy texture to any space, and bring a collected, old-world feel to your holiday home.

5. Red and Green Vintage Christmas Accents with a Fresh Twist

Red and green might be classic Christmas colors, but with vintage pieces, they can feel completely new. At Vintage Market Days Vermont, we spotted everything from red vintage chairs and plaid pillows to stacks of worn red books, all perfect for adding pops of holiday color without going over the top. One of my favorite finds? A green ceramic Christmas tree with built-in lights that feels wonderfully nostalgic on a sideboard or windowsill. Bernadette also picked up a gorgeous Nordic-style rug in red, black, and blue, proof that holiday accents don’t have to scream Christmas to feel festive. Mix and match textures and patterns, and let these cozy colors add warmth to your vintage holiday home.

Bernadette’s Dutch-inspired rug had me thinking about my own love of Scandinavian style, those clean lines, cozy textures, and timeless Nordic charm. If you enjoy that look too, here are a few of my favorite posts featuring Swedish and Nordic homes you’ll want to see.

6. Decorating with Vintage Christmas Tins and Holiday Vignettes

If you’re looking for an easy way to add charm to a shelf, mantel, or entry table, vintage Christmas tins are one of my favorite things to decorate with this time of year. At Vintage Market Days Vermont, I spotted everything from antique black tins filled with evergreens and red bulbs to tiny kitchen-style tins, think Schilling cloves, Kroger mustard, and even old Coleman’s, each one styled with a pop of greenery, a mini teddy bear in a Santa hat, or a little figurine holding a Christmas tree. They’re like instant holiday vignettes, no crafting required. These sweet little displays work just about anywhere: tuck them into a hutch, layer them on a coffee table tray, or group a few together on your kitchen counter for a cozy, collected look that feels straight out of a nostalgic holiday memory.

7. Feather Accents and Nature-Inspired Vintage Christmas Decor

One of the most creative ways to add texture to your vintage Christmas decor is by incorporating natural elements, and this year, feathers stole the show. I saw beautiful pheasant feathers styled in everything from tiny vintage pitchers to unexpected containers like old doorknobs. Yes, doorknobs! Whether glass or porcelain, they made the perfect little vessels for holding feathers or even miniature mushrooms, which were also popping up everywhere this season. These simple, nature-inspired touches are perfect for layering into shelves, creating a rustic holiday centerpiece, or adding a cozy woodland feel to your home without a single pinecone in sight.

8. Styling Vintage Backpacks, Hats, and Skates for Christmas Decor

One of the most charming displays I spotted at Vintage Market Days Vermont featured a green vintage backpack styled with natural greenery, rustic red flowers, and a few framed gold prints. It was like a scene straight out of a vintage ski lodge. Backpacks like these are perfect for styling near a firewood pile, front porch, or holiday entryway. I also saw cozy knit hats draped across chairs and tables, adding that après-ski feeling to the setup. And nothing says nostalgic winter quite like a pair of vintage men’s hockey skates. Hang them from a hook, lean them against an old sled, or display them next to your favorite vintage boots for a timeless Christmas touch.

9. Vintage Christmas Mugs with Currier and Ives Winter Charm

Vintage Christmas mugs are one of the easiest and coziest ways to add charm to your holiday kitchen, and this blue and white Currier and Ives set is one of my favorites. With nostalgic winter scenes and that classic antique finish, they’re perfect for a cocoa bar, open shelf, or even styled into a holiday hutch. I recently added these to my collection thanks to a dear friend who passed along three matching bells that belonged to her mother, the sweetest gift, and one that makes this little grouping even more meaningful. If you love collecting vintage Christmas mugs, keep an eye out for seasonal transferware or scenic prints like this that work well throughout the winter months.

10. Vintage Desk Bells: A Shopkeeper’s Touch for Holiday Styling

If you’re looking for a conversation piece to add to your holiday vignettes, look no further than a vintage desk bell, the kind a shopkeeper might have kept on their counter, waiting for a friendly ding. I spotted one styled at Vintage Market Days Vermont alongside a simple shelf of evergreens and couldn’t stop thinking about it. It’s such a fun little nod to old general stores or antique booths, and would be darling in a holiday entryway, kitchen, or even on a vintage desk display. These bells were once used for service counters in hotels and shops throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, and today they add a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to your Christmas decor. Keep an eye out for polished brass finishes, worn patinas, or decorative bases; they’re small but full of charm.

How to Spot Authentic Vintage Christmas Decor (And What to Avoid)

Not all vintage Christmas decor is created equal, and knowing what to look for can make all the difference between a true treasure and a reproduction. The charm of authentic vintage lies in the details: a little wear and tear is expected (and even adds character), but skip anything with major cracks, missing parts, or heavy staining unless you’re prepared to restore it. Check for maker’s marks or stamps like “Made in Japan,” which often point to mid-century pieces.

Be especially cautious with vintage electrical items, like old string lights or illuminated figurines. While they’re beautiful, they can be unpredictable and aren’t always safe for modern use. If you love the retro look, go for reproduction lights from a trusted retailer; you’ll get the charm without the fire hazard. And finally, watch out for mass-produced reproductions trying to look old. Trust your gut, look for natural aging, and when in doubt, ask the vendor for more info.

Old treasures, fresh greenery, and a little snow on the porch — that’s Christmas the vintage way.

How to Style Vintage Christmas Decor at Home

Once you’ve found your vintage Christmas treasures, the real fun begins, styling them throughout your home in ways that feel festive, cozy, and uniquely you. Start by creating small vignettes: tuck vintage ornaments into a bowl on your coffee table, layer bottle brush trees across your mantel, or group Santa figurines in a hutch alongside ironstone and greenery. Mix in modern elements like fairy lights, fresh garlands, or candles to add contrast and a bit of sparkle.

Don’t overlook creative containers either; vintage crates, toolboxes, and even old tin canisters make charming backdrops for holiday displays. Whether you’re decorating a full-blown vintage Christmas tree or just adding a few nostalgic touches to your entryway or kitchen, styling vintage finds at home is all about layering textures, telling a story, and making it personal.

More Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas

If you love collecting and styling antique Christmas decor, you’ll enjoy these posts filled with decorating ideas, thrifted finds, and festive inspiration from past seasons.

What vintage Christmas pieces are you always on the lookout for? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear!

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