That box of Christmas ornaments tucked away in your attic could be hiding a small fortune! From German glass treasures to beloved Hallmark Keepsakes, vintage ornaments are selling to eager holiday collectors for hundreds—even thousands—of dollars. The best part? You might already own some of these pieces, which could mean extra spending money in your pocket. Wondering if you’re sitting on something of value? Here’s a look at which vintage Christmas ornaments are worth big money!

German ornaments

Locals and tourists alike adore German Christmas markets, so it’s no surprise that German-made vintage ornaments can be worth big dollars. The incredible craftsmanship and rarity make these ornaments valuable—especially if they’re very old!

“In December of 2024, an antique hand-blown mercury glass ornament in the shape of a cockatoo or parrot bird with a spun glass tail and clip-off attached to a feather tree (made in Germany around 1910) sold for an astounding $174,898!” shares Noralen Curl, JustAnswer appraisals expert. A similar ornament sold on eBay this fall for $5,200.

Dresden ornaments from that time in particular often sell for around $1,000, notably if they’re made of silver or gold, like this turtle and man in the sun.

Swarovski

Swarovski crystals add magical sparkle to any Christmas tree—and collectors are willing to pay top dollar for vintage pieces! If you happen to have one that’s at least 30 years old, you could get some serious cash for it. A 1993 star snowflake ornament sold for almost $700, and another released in 1992 was valued at $600.

Here’s a pro tip: If you have the original box and certificate of authenticity, you’ll likely earn even more! Some have still been purchased for high amounts without these elements, but including them boosts your chances of a successful sale.

Hallmark

Hallmark has been releasing Keepsake Ornaments since 1973, with new designs coming out every year. Some of the vintage ornaments in these collections are more popular than others, with people willing to shell out to get them for their own decor. 

One Keepsake item that has been eagerly snatched up on eBay this year? The 1980 Frosty Friends Cool Yule ornament, which features a smiling eskimo and polar bear sitting on an ice block. The adorable pieces have been selling for around $200 and up, even if they have some minor damage.

If yours is in good condition, you could pocket hundreds of dollars–even without the original box! 

Here’s another money-making secret: Themed collections of 20 or more Keepsake Ornaments—like Star Trek or Disney sets—often sell for premium prices to dedicated collectors. 

Shopping

Love Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments? Our Favorites for 2025 Are Here!

The beloved Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments are back! These iconic holiday decorations have been around since 1973, but have expanded far beyond the initial 18 designs. Now, new releases come out every year, from the nostalgic to downright quirky. In fact, the line-up for the Hallmark ornaments for 2025 has already been announced, giving shoppers a […]

Italian ornaments 

Italian ornaments are equally treasured by collectors—and they’re just as valuable too.

“Vintage 1960’s handblown mercury glass ornaments from Italy by De Carlini, especially their ‘Angel on Board’ spaceship and aliens in rockets, are unusual in theme and high in value [and can] range from $150-$400,” says Curl. 

Even if you don’t have one of these unusual themed ornaments, other De Carlini pieces inspired by pop culture can be big hits with shoppers. Recent eBay sales have included three Beatles ornaments for $421, Rudolph for $225 and The Wizard of Oz characters for $199. 

Don’t overlook other Italian treasures in your collection. Older Ornaments made of papier-mâché, sterling silver and felt can also command impressive prices.

Waterford

Another crystal company to top the list is Waterford, an Irish manufacturer. Unsurprisingly, its crystal ornaments are the real money-makers, and complete sets sell the best. 

For example, the 12 Days of Christmas crystal ornaments sold between 1982 and 1995 have earned sellers between $240 and $250 recently. Each of the beautiful pieces features a recognizable image (such as swans or golden rings) from the classic Christmas song.

Shopping

IKEA Christmas Finds You’ll Want To Snag

Head to any mall, drugstore or home-goods store and you’ll see that the holidays are in full swing—and that includes IKEA. The beloved Swedish furniture and home-goods chain is selling a variety of stunning, traditional and modern Christmas-themed door mats, lights, tabletop decor, festive wrapping paper and more. The part we love the most? Their […]

Christopher Radko

These beautiful ornaments are hand-crafted in small, artisanal Polish factories, making them cherished pieces. The company has also been known to make its own alien and spaceship glass ornaments that have only increased in value over time.

Ready for some jaw-dropping numbers? Here’s what Christopher Radko ornaments are fetching right now, according to Curl:

1. Made from the 1980’s to contemporary, the Santa in Spaceship can sell for as high as $450. 
2. A full set of their 12 days of Christmas theme ornaments have sold for as high as $2,500.
3. A mere set of 3 Tinsel Twist glass ornaments all have sold for a high of $2,500. 
4. A pair of Prayers and Protection glass angels sold for a whopping $6,214.50 for the two together.

A box of whimsical vintage Shiny Brite ornaments may sell for at least $40 depending on their condition! (These throwback-style ornaments are still being made new today, but many people love to have a truly vintage version.) 

If you believe you have a valuable vintage Christmas ornament on your hands, consider consulting with an appraiser or checking re-sale websites like eBay. You could earn some serious cash to boost your budget during the holiday season!