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.

Holt-Howard’s vintage Christmas collectibles are renowned for their captivating charm and nostalgic allure, transporting us to a bygone era of festive celebrations. Join us in uncovering the stories behind these cherished pieces and learn how to build your own remarkable collection.

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

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. With their wide-eyed expressions, blushing cheeks, and mid-century magic, they’re 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 🎀

And yes — many of the treasures you’ll see here are available in my Etsy shop, so if something catches your eye, it might just be your next piece of Christmas magic.

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. 💖

Why Vintage NOEL Sets Are Perfect for Christmas in July

Summer sparkle meets holiday cheer — it’s Christmas in July, and what better time to revisit the joy of vintage NOEL sets? If you’re a fan of vintage kitschy Christmas charm, now’s the perfect moment to dive into the whimsical world of mid-century collectibles!

Holt Howard Noel Candleholder
Holt Howard Noel Candleholder

You don’t need snow on the ground to feel the magic of vintage Christmas—just a little mid-century sparkle and a shelf full of charming NOEL figurines! Whether you’re sipping iced tea in July or hot cocoa in December, these sweet collectibles bring cheer all year long.

Mid‑Century Magic

Vintage 1950s Lipper & Mann Noel Poodles in White and Pink Noel Sets
Vintage 1950s Lipper & Mann Noel Poodles in White and Pink Noel Sets

Straight from the fabulous 1950s–60s, NOEL sets capture the golden era of holiday kitsch! Think rosy-cheeked Santas, fluttery-eyed angels, candy cane cuties, goofy snowmen, and yes—even spaghetti-trimmed poodles. With their dreamy pastel hues and whimsical expressions, each piece is like a time capsule of Christmas joy.

Vintage Christmas Noel Collection
Vintage Christmas Noel Collection

Collectible Variety

1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas

There’s truly a NOEL set for every vintage Christmas lover! From the sparkly Grimco Japan Noel bell kids in their starburst gowns, to Holt-Howard’s jolly Santas with cheeky grins, and the ultra-fabulous M.G. Menschik Goldman snowmen whose round little bodies become the letters of NOEL—it’s a holiday dream lineup. And don’t forget the rare mid-century snowman family rocking their retro ski goggles—pure alpine kitsch! How irresistibly charming.

Holt Howard Noel Santa Figurine Set
Holt Howard Noel Santa Figurine Set
Menschik Goldman Noel Snowman
Menschik Goldman Noel Snowman

Year‑Round Joy

Why tuck them away after December? Display your NOEL sets proudly in July with twinkling fairy lights or a retro garland. They bring the same heartwarming charm whether nestled among pine boughs or perched beside a summer bouquet. Christmas cheer never goes out of season!

Vintage Christmas Noel Sets
Vintage Christmas Noel Sets

Craving more kitschy Christmas cuteness?  Pop over to the Crazy4Me Etsy shop to explore my latest vintage holiday finds—each one bursting with cheer and a big mid-century wink! And if you’re hungry for more retro Christmas magic, don’t miss my Insider Guide to the Best Holt-Howard Christmas Collectibles—it’s a must-read for every festive collector!

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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Vintage Christmas in Antique Booths: Holiday Success Tips

Vintage NOEL Sets - Christmas
Vintage NOEL Sets – Picture from The Golden Glow of Christmas from Pinterest

Experiencing “Vintage Christmas in Antique Booths” is truly a journey back in time. As the festive season looms, it’s the perfect moment to give your booth that nostalgic Christmas makeover. This transition doesn’t just resonate with the charm of bygone eras but also magnetizes holiday shoppers. Dive into our guide, brimming with “Holiday Success Tips” for your booth. Uncover which classic items are holiday hits and the best ways to display them, creating an ambiance that recalls cherished memories and kindles the Christmas spirit!

Picture is from my collection

Vintage Christmas Noel Angels
Vintage Christmas Noel Angels – My Personal Collection

Knowing What Customers Crave

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The Best Tips for Collecting Vintage 1950s Spaghetti Poodles

Yasmina Greco Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950sToday I am thrilled to share one of my passions with you all – collecting vintage Spaghetti Poodles! These little guys are positively precious, and they add a wonderful sense of cuteness while perfectly fitting into my mid-century modern aesthetic.

My favorite pieces from the collection have got to be the 1950’s Norcrest poodle trio in glasses & bows on the tray plus Lipper & Mann’s ‘NOEL’ set for Christmas time. Also included in this beloved assortment is an array of delightful lipstick holders, planters, vases – it just can’t get any better than that!

UPDATE: You can ready about my collections on a recently published piece in the Antique Trader

Norcrest Napco Lefton Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950sTake a step back in time and revel in the kitschy cuteness of 1950s poodles! Back then, these furry four-legged friends were everywhere – from classic Poodle skirts to intricate spaghetti art ware figurines. Ceramic artists crafted unique pieces using a special technique that mimicked the pup’s fur and sparked an excitement for all things “spaghetti” poodle!

Spaghetti art wear is made from clay, porcelain, and ceramic which is applied as “fur” to form various textures of a poodle’s hairdo. To accomplish the spaghetti look, ceramicists and designers would have different techniques like using tea strainers to push the material through to form strands that were then attached to the poodle giving it a pom-pom look or they would swirl it onto to the poodle for a curly look. The spaghetti is very fragile and tends to break or chip over the years.

Norcrest Napco Lefton Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950s Yasmina Greco

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