The Best Holt-Howard Christmas Collectibles Insider Guide

Holt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa Collection
Holt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa Collection
Holt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa Salt and Pepper Shakers
Holt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa Salt and Pepper Shakers

In our exclusive, best Holt-Howard Christmas collectible insider guide, learn why these ceramics are so collectible and why prices are skyrocketing for these treasures.

Collecting the Rare Holt-Howard Noel Santa Set

Holt-Howard’s vintage Christmas collectibles are renowned for their captivating charm. These pieces transport us to a bygone era of festive celebrations and family traditions.

COLLECTOR’S ALERT! As of March 4, 2025, a Holt Howard Noel Santa set identical to the one pictured in our collection has been listed on Etsy (not my listing) for a staggering $3,995!

These rare mid-century treasures continue to skyrocket in value, making Antique Harvest’s curated collection not just nostalgic finds, but potential investment pieces. Stop by to see this coveted set in person before serious collectors snap up these increasingly scarce holiday icons!

I have a blog post about collecting Holt-Howard Pixieware you can read that has information and some history about the Holt-Howard company and how it started, why they moved their ceramic manufacturing to Japan and has some neat pictures of the famous Holt-Howard Pixieware collectibles if you want to learn a little bit about the company.

Yasmina Greco collecting vintage Christmas

Last week we published post number 1 in our Vintage Christmas Collecting Series on collecting vintage NOEL sets and this week’s post is all about collecting Holt-Howard Christmas goodies so grab your favorite beverage, sit back and relax as I share some of my favorite Holt-Howard collectibles with you.

Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders
Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders

Vintage Holt-Howard Noel Angel Candleholder

Holt-Howard’s vintage Noel angel girl candleholders are the queens of kitschy Christmas charm! Dressed in snowy white robes sprinkled with golden starbursts, each sweet cherub proudly holds a red letter to spell out “NOEL,” topped with a festive green candleholder.

These pieces feature wide-eyed expressions and blushing cheeks. They offer the ultimate throwback to 1950s-60s holiday cheer.

Collectors go crazy for these iconic cuties and sets in great condition can fetch $800 to $1,800 or more! When hunting for your own heavenly set, keep an eye out for flawless halos, intact letters, and un-chipped candleholders.

This beautiful pristine set of Holt Howard Noel Candleholders is available now on at my shop Crazy4MeStyle

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Vintage Christmas Starts Now: Tinsel, Santa Mugs, MCM & More

Vintage HF Co Girl Snowman Planter
Vintage HF Co Girl Snowman Planter

 (A Crazy4Me Holiday Kickoff!)

Oh yes, friends — the vintage Christmas sparkle is officially beginning! I know it’s only October, but I couldn’t resist the glittering pull of vintage Christmas any longer. The air is getting crisp, the shops are starting to shimmer with tinsel, and my collection of mid-century merriment is ready to take center stage once again.

Vintage Christmas Collectibles
Vintage Christmas Collectibles

Every year, this moment feels like unwrapping a little piece of magic. The minute I open those boxes marked “XMAS” in my handwriting; I can practically hear the jingling bells and smell the cinnamon cocoa! Out comes the Holt Howard Santa mugs, each with their winking and starry eyes. Then the Napco shopper girl figurines with their cloaks, candy canes and fur hand-muffs, Lefton and Norcrest reindeer prance right in — gold antlers polished, ready for the spotlight. And don’t even get me started on the bottle brush trees, still fluffy and fabulous after all these decades.

Holt Howard Starry Eyed Santa Pitcher
Holt Howard Starry Eyed Santa Pitcher

There’s just something about vintage Christmas that captures the heart. Maybe it’s the charm of hand-painted faces or the way those shiny mid-century colors — cherry red, icy turquoise, and glittering gold — instantly transport us back to a simpler, sweeter time.

This season, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite vintage holiday treasures here on the blog — from whimsical candleholders and NOEL angels to kitschy mugs, sparkly aluminum trees, and those oh-so-hard-to-find Japan-made figurines that make collectors swoon. I’ll also share some decorating ideas for adding nostalgic cheer to your own home, along with stories from my adventures treasure hunting through antique malls and estate sales.

Vintage NOEL Girls
Vintage NOEL Girls

If you’re as Crazy4VintageChristmas as I am, you’re in for a treat!

So dust off that tinsel, grab your cocoa (extra marshmallows, please), and let’s officially kick off the holiday season — mid-century style!

Vintage Kitsch Christmas Collection
Vintage Kitsch Christmas Collection

Stay tuned for upcoming posts featuring:

  • Decorating with Vintage Santa Mugs ☕
  • The Glittery History of 1950s Bottle Brush Trees 🌲
  • Collecting Holt Howard Christmas — A Whimsical Wonderland 🎅
  • Easy Ways to Mix Vintage Cheer into Your Christmas Decor 🎀

Add some mid-century magic to your holiday decor! ✨

Whether you’re searching for the perfect Holt Howard piece, rare Napco and Norcrest ceramics, classic Noel sets, retro Shopper Girls, or a tree full of vintage Shiny Brite ornaments, we’ve got your nostalgia covered.

🛍️ Tap the link to shop our curated collection before your favorites are gone! ➡️ http://crazy4vintagechristmas.com/

Vintage Lefton Christmas Santa Decanter Mug Set
Vintage Lefton Christmas Santa Decanter Mug Set

Want to start your own vintage Christmas collection?


Check out my post: Kitschmas 101: Best Tips for Collecting Mid-Century Christmas

Here’s to the sparkle, the nostalgia, and the pure joy of a Vintage Christmas season ahead. 💖

Holt-Howard Kitchen Cubs Polar Bears: A Collector’s Guide

A wide banner featuring various vintage Holt-Howard Kitchen Cubs polar bear ceramics, including the "Butter Berg" and "Sugar Crock" on a deep blue background.
The complete whimsy of the 1958 Holt-Howard Kitchen Cubs collection on full display.

Discover the rare and whimsical world of Holt-Howard Kitchen Cubs Polar Bears—adorable 1950s collectibles that include salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes, pitchers, and more. Grab a hot cocoa, cuddle up in your coziest cardigan, and get ready to tumble down a frosty vintage rabbit hole! Today, I’m sharing one of the cutest, and rarest mid-century marvels ever to grace the kitchen scene, the elusive Holt-Howard Kitchen Cubs Polar Bear series.

Now if you’ve been collecting for a while, you already know Holt-Howard was the king of kitschy-cute, with starry-eyed Santas, Pixieware jars galore. But in 1958, Holt-Howard briefly tiptoed into Arctic territory, releasing a charming little line of polar bear-themed kitchen accessories that are now so rare, some collectors don’t even know they exist!

Let’s break the (thin) ice on these chilly cuties, and I’ll share the scoop on what they are, why they’re special, and what to look for if you’re lucky enough to spot one out in the vintage wild.


What Are the Kitchen Cubs?

The Kitchen Cubs were part of Holt-Howard’s last known animal-themed kitchen series, and rumor has it they were created to celebrate the buzz around Alaska becoming a U.S. state in 1959. Imagine: ceramic polar bears perched on icy icebergs, ready to serve up your sugar, butter, and salt with a wink and a scarf.

These frosty little treasures were as whimsical as they were functional—full of mid-century charm and clever design. But here’s the twist: the Kitchen Cubs Polar Bears were part of a limited test production, meaning many never made it beyond the prototype or salesman sample stage. I

t’s believed there are just 10 unique pieces in the series—or 14 if you count the pairs. The ones that did make it into the world? They’re about as rare as a sunny day at the North Pole—and twice as delightful to discover!

Meet the Cubs: Pieces in the Series

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Antique Society: A Treasure Trove in the Heart of Sebastopol!

Hey, time-travelers and history hunters! Grab your magnifying glasses and put on your safari hats, because we’re about to journey into an oasis of antiquity – the Antique Society in Sebastopol, CA! This isn’t your typical antique shop; it’s an eclectic community of over 125 dealers under one roof, each showcasing a diverse array of treasures waiting to be discovered.

From the moment you step inside this charming brick and mortar, you’re greeted with an atmosphere that’s as captivating as it is inviting. The air is perfumed with a mix of old wood, time-worn books, and a dash of nostalgia. The sound? Oh, just the soft hum of conversation, punctuated by the delighted gasps of patrons unearthing a hidden gem.

Antique Society specializes in a wide range of categories. Fancy some Victorian-era furniture? They’ve got you covered. On the lookout for vintage jewelry? Look no further. Hunting for mid-century modern decor, retro kitchenware, Pyrex or classic vinyl records? Check, check, and check! The store is laid out in a maze of mini-stores, each dealer curating their space with their unique style and specialty. It’s like hopping between different decades with every turn.

Calling All Atomic Age Aficionados!


If you’re wild about mid-century kitsch, you must swing by this jaw-dropping case by dealers YG at Antique Society in Sebastopol! It’s a retro lover’s dream packed to the brim with Holt Howard collectibles, dreamy vintage cameras, vibrant Bakelite jewelry, and all the atomic flair your heart can handle.

Every shelf sparkles with nostalgia, whimsy, and rare finds. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering the charm of the 1950s-60s, this case is pure vintage magic—and an absolute must-visit!

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Vintage Easter: Collectible Bunnies & The Best Decor Tips

Vintage Easter Fashion Pinup
Vintage Easter Fashion Pinup

Vintage Easter kitsch ceramics are a charming way to celebrate the holiday with nostalgic flair. From ceramic bunny planters to whimsical 1950s figurines, these delightful collectibles capture the playful spirit of Easter. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, this guide will help you discover, identify, and cherish vintage Easter treasures.

Relpo Blue Bunny Rabbit Planter KH985
Relpo Blue Bunny Rabbit Planter KH985
Rune Naito Kitsch Big Eye Bunny Rabitt Lover
Rune Naito Kitsch Big Eye Bunny Rabitt Lover
PY Miyao Anthropomorphic Bunny Rabbit Salt and Pepper Shakers Easter
PY Miyao Anthropomorphic Bunny Rabbit Salt and Pepper Shakers Easter
Vintage Easter Kitsch Relpo Easter Bunny Planter
Vintage Easter Kitsch Relpo Easter Bunny Planter

The Timeless Charm of Vintage Easter Collectibles

There’s something irresistible about vintage Easter decor. The bright colors, cheerful designs, and pure whimsy bring back memories of a simpler time. If you’re looking to infuse your Easter display with nostalgic charm, here are some must-have collectibles.

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Vintage Christmas Noel Set: The Best 5 Tips for Collectors

Yasmina Greco with her Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection

Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year!! I have a great post for you all today; Vintage Christmas Noel Sets: The Ultimate 5 Tips for Collectors for collecting Noel figurines and candle holders from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, Holt-Howard.

That feeling of festivity and joy that comes with this time of year can be attributed to many things, but one of them surely has to be all the vintage kitschy decorations.

Vintage 1950s NOEL Angel Girl Bells - Japan
Vintage 1950s NOEL Angel Girl Bells – Japan

For me, one of my favorite things to do is pull out the vintage Chirstmas NOEL sets that I have been collecting for years and display these treasures as I get my home ready for Christmas.

If you love a touch of nostalgia with some Mid-Century flair then you’ll want to curl up with your cocoa and read our new blog post on Collecting Vintage Christmas: Noel Sets for tips on buying, selling, and searching for these treasures.

Yasmina Greco’s Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection Kitschy Mid-Mod Decorations

Today’s blog post features some of my vintage Noel collection that dates from the 1950s-1960s and features Noel candle holders, Noel bells, and Noel figurines.

When it comes to vintage Noel collectibles there are so many varieties and themes from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, and even Clowns, that there really is something for everyone and you can easily have a theme each year for your holiday decorating too!!

Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders
Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders

Holt-Howard’s vintage Noel angel girl candleholders are cherished mid-century collectibles known for their whimsical charm and festive flair. These ceramic figurines, dressed in white robes adorned with gold star accents, hold red letters that spell out “NOEL” across the set with green tops to insert candles. Their expressive faces and intricate details embody the nostalgic appeal of 1950s and 1960s holiday décor.​

Highly sought after by collectors, these pieces can command prices ranging from $800 to $1,500+, depending on condition. When acquiring them, it’s important to inspect for any damage, particularly to delicate areas like necks, letters, halos, candleholders, and ensure the detailing remains intact and not chipped, cracked, or repaired. ​

This beautiful pristine set of Holt Howard Noel Candleholders is available now on at my shop Crazy4MeStyle

WARNING!! Blog has a lot of photos.

One sure way to any collector’s heart is items that come with their original boxes. For me, the box can also be used as part of your vintage holiday decor as they usually have timeless graphics that add so much charm to your displays.

Since these vintage items are usually 70 yrs old, if you do find an original box it will probably have some wear and tear or even water damage from being stored in basements and attics and that is completely okay and in my opinion, adds that much more to the story and history of the item. 

Here are five of my very favorite Noel sets from my personal collection and I think they are just dynamite. Each set is so unique and has loads and loads of vintage Christmas charm. I actually have them up year-round in my cabinet and they always make me smile when I stop and admire them. 

1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
  1. Collector Alert: For Sale on Etsy – Vintage Christmas Extremely Rare NOEL Bell Set – World Creations by Grimco 1950s Japan MCM   This 4 Piece Noel bells set of boys and girls made by World Creations by Grimco Japan 1950s.

This set is hard to find and very delicate, made from very fine ceramic so there may be light hairline cracks if you do come across a set. The facial expressions on these kids are so darling. In today’s market expect to pay $275-$325.

2. Christmas Cowboy Santa Noel Candle Holders set by Menschik Goldman in the 1950s. Santa is wearing his western hat with green and red holiday flair, his red suit complete with holster and pistol and his body spells out NOEL.

This set is very rare, I have only come across it one time and in today’s market expect to pay $299-$350.

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