Christmas Village Sets and Houses

How to choose your Christmas village

Start with the space you have. A narrow shelf or a windowsill suits the Folk Art Christmas Village Figurines, which run from 1.1 x 1.4 in (2.8 x 3.5 cm) to 1.6 x 2 in (4 x 5 cm) depending on the figure. A side table or a low cabinet can hold The Sleigh Over the Village at 4.53 x 4.53 x 6.69 in (11.5 x 11.5 x 17 cm). A full mantel or a dedicated display table is the right home for The Snow Village Build, which measures 15.1 x 6.4 x 8.4 in (38.4 x 16.3 x 21.3 cm) once built.

Next, decide if you want light and sound. The Sleigh Over the Village has a warm white light with 8 music settings and runs on 3 AAA batteries, which you add yourself. The Lantern Nativity has a rotating LED lantern light inside the Joseph figurine, so the glow moves across the scene. The Folk Art Christmas Village Figurines and The Snow Village Build have no light, which makes them easy to place anywhere without a cord or a battery.

Finally, think about how much time you want to spend. The Snow Village Build is a 1484 piece project in ABS plastic for ages 14 and up. The other pieces arrive ready to set out.

Sizes and measuring your display

Measure your surface before you buy. Write down the width, the depth and the height you can spare. A village scene usually looks best when the tallest piece sits at the back and smaller pieces step forward.

The Snow Village Build is the largest piece here at 15.1 x 6.4 x 8.4 in (38.4 x 16.3 x 21.3 cm). Give it a surface at least 16 in (41 cm) wide and 7 in (18 cm) deep so nothing hangs over the edge.

The Sleigh Over the Village is 4.53 x 4.53 x 6.69 in (11.5 x 11.5 x 17 cm). It works on a mantel, a bookshelf or an entry table. Leave a little room around it if you want the light to show on the wall behind.

The Lantern Nativity comes as 2 figurines. Joseph stands 3.9 in (9.9 cm) tall and Mary with the manger stands 2.9 in (7.4 cm) tall. They are small enough for a windowsill or a narrow shelf.

The Folk Art Christmas Village Figurines vary by figure, from 1.1 x 1.4 in (2.8 x 3.5 cm) to 1.6 x 2 in (4 x 5 cm). Because they are small, they are good for filling gaps between larger houses or for lining a stair rail.

If you plan to group pieces, sketch the layout on paper first. Mark the footprint of each piece in inches. This saves you from moving everything twice.

Materials and finish

Most pieces in this category are made of resin and painted by hand. Resin holds fine detail well, which is why the Folk Art Christmas Village Figurines, The Sleigh Over the Village and The Lantern Nativity all use it. The painted finish gives each piece a slightly different look, so no two figures are exactly alike.

The Snow Village Build is made of ABS plastic. The pieces press together, and the built model is sturdy enough to move as a single-piece unit once it is complete. ABS is a common choice for build kits because it holds shape and takes color evenly.

None of these pieces need glue, tools or wiring. The only thing you add is 3 AAA batteries for The Sleigh Over the Village.

Care and storage

Dust is the main thing to manage. Use a soft dry cloth or a clean makeup brush for the small figures. Avoid water and cleaning sprays, which can dull the painted finish on resin pieces.

Keep resin pieces out of direct sun. Long exposure can fade paint over time. A shelf away from a south-facing window is a good spot.

For The Snow Village Build, dust between the pieces with a soft brush. If you need to move it, lift it from the base with both hands rather than pulling on the walls.

When the season ends, wrap each resin figure in tissue or a soft cloth and store it in a labeled box. Keep the boxes in a dry place. For the build kit, you can leave it assembled and store it in a sturdy bin, or take it apart and bag the pieces by step number.

Batteries should come out of The Sleigh Over the Village before storage. That protects the light and music settings for next year.

Building and setting up

The Snow Village Build has 1484 pieces and is rated for ages 14 and up. Set aside a few sessions rather than trying to finish in one sitting. Sort the pieces first, then follow the steps in order. A flat, well-lit table makes the work easier.

The other pieces in this category are ready to place. Unbox them, set them where you want them, and step back to check the layout. If you are mixing sizes, put the tallest piece at the back and the smallest figures at the front.

A simple cloth under the display helps tie the scene together and protects your table from scratches. A piece of white or cream fabric works well with the painted resin and the plastic build alike.