The Best Time of Year To Sell Vintage Holiday Decorations

Written by Toi Williams on May 26, 2025 updated May 29, 2025

Three clear plastic bins filled with assorted Christmas decorations, including red and gold ornaments, stars, and wooden pieces, are on a table. A blurred Christmas tree with lights is visible in the background.

There’s a sweet spot for selling vintage holiday decor — and it isn’t necessarily in December. The secondhand market has its seasonal rhythms, and knowing when collectors actually buy makes all the difference. From blow molds to Shiny Brites to ceramic trees, timing your listings right can help you cash in on those nostalgic treasures. We dug through resale trends and expert insights to determine exactly when to list your pieces — and why it pays to plan ahead.

Vintage Valentine’s Day Cards: Early January

Four vintage Valentine’s Day cards are arranged on a white surface, featuring children, hearts, gingerbread cookies, and cheerful messages in bright, nostalgic colors. — Flickr

These charming die-cuts might seem like a niche collectible, but vintage Valentine’s Day cards have a loyal following, and some can fetch surprising prices. Shoppers start hunting for them in early January to prep for displays or gifts, so you’ll want your listings live right after the new year. Look for mid-century examples with bright colors, mechanical parts, or clever puns. Cards from the 1940s to 1960s tend to be the most in demand, especially when they feature animals or anthropomorphic food.

Vintage Easter Baskets: Early Spring

Two small woven baskets with colorful patterns, mainly red and natural hues, hang by their handles from the back of a wooden chair against a dark, textured background. — Flickr

Vintage Easter baskets, often made from wicker or molded plastic, have a timeless appeal that makes them highly sought after by collectors. The best time to sell these is in early spring, when people are looking for unique baskets for their Easter celebrations. Look for baskets from the 1950s to 1970s, especially those with colorful handles or decorative touches like satin ribbons. Well-preserved baskets in good condition can fetch a premium, particularly if they feature nostalgic, pastel colors or vintage labels.

Vintage Fourth of July Ornaments: Late June

A decorative wreath featuring a glittery portrait of George Washington, an American flag, a gold star, and red, white, and blue ribbons, displayed on a wooden background. — Flickr

Vintage Fourth of July ornaments, from star-shaped baubles to red, white, and blue glass designs, add a festive touch to any celebration. These patriotic treasures are perfect for collectors or anyone looking to add a bit of retro flair to their Independence Day decorations. The best time to sell is in late June. Look for ornaments from the 1940s to 1960s, particularly those with unique shapes or hand-painted details, which tend to attract the most attention from buyers.

Vintage Halloween Decorations: Late Summer to Early October

A festive Halloween wreath featuring a smiling jack-o'-lantern with a witch hat, decorated with gold tinsel, orange "Boo" signs, and orange flowers on a blue and white patterned background. — Flickr

From classic plastic jack-o’-lanterns to spooky paper mâché ghosts, vintage Halloween decorations are a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts. The perfect time to sell these nostalgic pieces is from late summer through early October as people begin planning their spooky setups. Look for items from the 1950s to 1970s, especially those in vibrant colors or with rare designs. Well-preserved decorations, made by brands like Beistle or Dennison, tend to fetch higher prices from buyers eager to add a retro touch to their Halloween celebrations.

Vintage Thanksgiving Cornucopias: Fall

A decorative cornucopia filled with autumn leaves, berries, pinecones, fabric flowers, and ribbons sits on a windowsill, with sunlight streaming through the window behind it. — Flickr

Vintage cornucopias, often made from ceramic, metal, or woven materials, are classic symbols of abundance and the harvest. These charming pieces are especially popular in the fall. Look for cornucopias from the mid-20th century, especially those with rich colors, intricate detailing, or unique designs. Well-preserved, complete pieces can attract collectors eager to add a touch of vintage elegance to their Thanksgiving tables or seasonal decor.

Vintage Christmas Tree Baubles: Early Fall

Six colorful Christmas ornaments, including pink, green, yellow, red, and gold, are nestled in white tissue paper inside a cardboard box with divided compartments. — Flickr

Vintage Christmas tree baubles are iconic holiday decorations with their shimmering glass surfaces and vibrant colors. These ornaments, many of which were made in the 1950s through the 1970s, are perfect for collectors or anyone seeking to add a nostalgic touch to their Christmas tree. The ideal time to sell is in early fall as shoppers begin preparing for the holiday season. Look for unique shapes, intricate designs, or rare color variations — well-preserved baubles often fetch a premium from buyers looking to re-create that vintage holiday atmosphere.

Vintage Ornament Wreaths: Early November

A festive holiday wreath made of pine branches, pinecones, red berries, white berries, and artificial snow, hangs on a rustic wooden wall with empty space on the right side. — LOVE_LIFE

These eye-catching wreaths made from vintage ornaments are a festive way to bring some holiday cheer to any space. Whether made from Shiny Brites or other classic glass ornaments, these wreaths can sell quickly, especially when you list them in early November. Buyers look for unique, well-preserved wreaths that show off the nostalgia of mid-century holiday decor. Keep an eye out for those with rare or colorful ornaments as they tend to get more attention and higher offers.

Vintage Holiday Cards: Early to Mid-November

A close-up of several vintage greeting cards, featuring floral designs, holiday motifs like holly, and decorative text such as “A very Happy New Year to you” and “Easter Greeting.” — Flickr

Vintage holiday cards, particularly those from the mid-20th century, have a special charm that modern cards just can’t replicate. From classic illustrations to heartfelt messages, they are perfect for collectors or those looking to add a vintage touch to their holiday decor. The best time to sell is early to mid-November as buyers prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Cards featuring festive scenes, detailed artwork, or unique designs tend to sell quickly, especially when in mint condition.

Vintage Gift Wrap: Late November

Two types of holiday wrapping paper: one side is green with smiling chefs, red swirls, and peppermint candies; the other side is white with gold patterns, pinecones, red ribbons, and green pine branches. — Flickr

Vintage gift wrap brings a touch of nostalgia and a unique flair to presents. From colorful designs to metallic finishes, these vintage wraps are cherished by collectors and those looking for a special way to wrap their holiday gifts. The best time to list them is just before the holidays, typically in late November. Look for rare patterns, vibrant colors, and packaging that includes original tags or seals. Well-preserved rolls or sheets of gift wrap from the 1950s to 1970s are especially sought-after by collectors.

Vintage Nativity Scenes: Late Fall

A set of colorful nativity figurines, including baby Jesus in a manger, Mary, Joseph, two wise men, a shepherd, and a brown ox, arranged on a dark surface. — Flickr

A vintage nativity scene adds a nostalgic touch to any Christmas display. Many collectors seek out these classic sets for their intricate craftsmanship and historical charm. The best time to sell is late fall, when potential buyers start to decorate for the holidays. Look for sets from the 1940s through the 1960s, especially those made of durable materials like wood or ceramic. Complete sets in good condition are the most sought-after, but individual pieces can also attract collectors looking to fill in gaps.

Vintage New Year’s Eve: Early December

Two vintage noisemakers sit on a shelf. Both are brightly colored with cartoon illustrations of people dancing and celebrating. The one on the left has a red handle and the one on the right has a slot on top. — Flickr

These vintage noisemakers, often made of tin and adorned with bright colors, capture the playful spirit of mid-century New Year’s Eve celebrations. They’re especially popular in the days leading up to the big night, so be sure to list them in early December. Collectors love the variety of designs — everything from clackers to whistles — and the nostalgic feel they bring to any celebration. The more vibrant and well-preserved, the better the chances of a successful sale.

Want more vintage holiday content?

Keep the holiday spirit (and your wallet) merry by browsing 15 Vintage Ornaments and Holiday Decorations That Are Surprisingly Valuable, seeing why 12 Vintage Christmas Blow Molds Worth Serious Cash light up collectors’ bids, and marveling at the prices behind 10 Vintage Christmas Villages Worth Way More Than You Think.