Welcome to the magical world of Lemax! Whether you’re starting your very first Christmas village or expanding a holiday tradition, Lemax offers a huge range of charming pieces, from cozy cottages to bustling downtown scenes. But where should you start? And why do collectors always talk about the importance of finding retired or vintage Lemax pieces? Let’s dive into everything you need to know as a first-time Lemax buyer.
Why Start a Lemax Christmas Village?
There’s nothing quite like building your own holiday world. Lemax villages add instant magic to any home during the Christmas season. Each building tells a story, from tiny bakeries to grand Victorian mansions, and as your collection grows, your village becomes more personal and nostalgic year after year.
The Importance of Retired and Vintage Pieces
If you’ve been browsing Lemax, you might notice some items are marked as “retired” or "vintage." These pieces are no longer in production, making them highly sought after.
Why vintage matters:
Complete the Story: Older pieces often complement newer releases, creating a fuller, more authentic village scene.
Hold Their Value: Retired Lemax items, especially those kept in good condition, often increase in value over time — turning your hobby into a collectible investment.
Add Uniqueness: A village filled with both new and vintage pieces feels richer and more layered than one made only of recent designs.
Tip: If you find a retired Lemax piece you love, don't wait too long — once they’re gone, they’re often gone for good!
Where to Start: Building Your First Lemax Village
Starting your first village can feel overwhelming — there are so many wonderful options! Here’s a good way to think about it:
Choose a Theme:
Classic Christmas (Victorian homes, snowy streets)
Santa’s Wonderland (North Pole factories and candy shops)
Spooky Town (Halloween lovers, this one’s for you!)
Harvest Crossing (Autumn and small-town Americana)
Pick a Strong Centerpiece:
Your first piece should be a showstopper. Look for something larger with lights, movement, or sound to create a strong focal point.
Some great starter pieces:
Department Stores or Main Street Buildings – Great for a bustling town center.
Santa’s Workshop or Christmas Carnival – Perfect for whimsical, North Pole themed villages.
Victorian Homes – A timeless, classic Christmas village look.
Add Supporting Pieces:
Once you have your centerpiece, add:
Smaller buildings (houses, shops)
Figurines (carolers, shoppers, Santa and his sleigh)
Accessories (lampposts, fences, trees, snow)
Best First Piece to Buy
When starting your Lemax village, your first building sets the tone for everything that follows, so it's important to choose something memorable.
For 2025, two fantastic starting pieces are:
Tannenbaum Tower – Christmas Shops:
A tall, beautifully detailed building filled with charming Christmas shops. It naturally becomes the heart of your village, drawing attention and giving you a perfect centerpiece to build around.
(Bonus: its festive design works with almost any theme, classic Christmas, shopping district, or town square.) BUY NOW
Village Square Clock Tower:
A timeless, grand clock tower that's perfect for anchoring your village. Place it in the center and add shops, homes, and market stalls around it to create the feel of a bustling town square.
(Bonus: It adds vertical height, making your display feel more dynamic and lively.) BUY NOW
Starting Tip:
Once you choose your centerpiece, build outward, add smaller shops, cozy houses, and details like street lamps and trees to create a natural town layout.
Final Tips for New Collectors
Think Long-Term: Choose pieces you truly love, not just what’s trendy this year.
Care for Your Pieces: Keep the original boxes for storage and transport. It protects the value.
Start Small: A village doesn’t need to be huge right away. A few well-chosen buildings with a handful of accessories can look just as magical as a sprawling town.
Mix Old and New: The best villages feel like they’ve grown naturally over time, just like a real town.
Ready to start building your Lemax village?
Explore our hand-picked selection of vintage, retired, and brand-new Lemax pieces, and begin a Christmas tradition that will grow with you year after year.