Christmas villages are a Christmas tradition for many families. They can be fun and whimsical or a decorative touch for your home. You can find all sorts of holiday villages at your local craft store or online. While there are lots of options, it may be hard to choose one from the crowd.
Some of the earliest known Christmas villages were small nativity scenes. These were adapted to fit the local customs of the area. In Europe, Italians performed a live nativity scene in the Renaissance. This is similar to the tradition of putting up a tree with feathery plumes. Eventually, the animals were removed from the annual scene.
The modern Christmas village has a lot to offer. Many of them are battery-operated or electric powered. Some are elaborately decorated. Others are minimalist. A few of them are animated. Depending on the company, you may even see a few miniature houses.
While the first Christmas village was a cardboard construction, by the early 1900s, the most elaborate villages were constructed from ceramic or other durable materials. These were easier to pack away each year. It was also possible to pass these villages down through the generations.
The first of the modern Christmas villages were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some of them are still around. They were not as large or influential as their predecessors, but they have been passed down from generation to generation.
The most popular of these modern Christmas villages include the Department 56 New England Series and the Hallmark Channel Christmas village. Both offer sleek white houses that can add an elegant touch to your home during the holidays.
The Hallmark Channel set includes three sturdy paper buildings with lights. If you are looking to create a more rustic Christmas village, there are a variety of wooden structures available. Another option is to paint bottle brush trees to match the decorations in your house.
If you are searching for a unique Christmas experience, take a trip to Koziar’s Christmas Village in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Visitors can expect a winter wonderland full of Christmas lights, trains and special Christmas activities. Located in a quaint, rural setting, the village is open throughout the season and offers a number of free services. Whether you want to visit with friends, relax with hot chocolate or enjoy a meal, the village is a great place to be.
Although it is not exactly the same as a Christmas market, the German Christmas Market is a fun Christmas-themed event that takes place at the Sussex County Fairgrounds each year. Featuring more than 300 vendors, authentic food and crafts, and tons of decorations, it is a festive holiday experience.
Although there are no exact measurements, the most elaborate Christmas village displays are several times larger than the most basic ones. There is also a wide range of styles to choose from. For instance, there is a small village made up of cottages modeled after Santa’s village at the North Pole.