2018 Update: According to their website The National Christmas Center collection has been sold, however it will remain in Lancaster County at a new location – the upcoming “Barns of Belmont” – read all about it here or at the website for Stone Gables Estates where it will reside.
Original 2011 Post:
If you’re looking to immerse yourself immediately into the vintage Christmas spirit and aren’t near a REAL 5 & 10 store, you won’t want to miss the vintage Woolworth’s display at the National Christmas Center on Route 30 in Paradise, PA. It’s like stepping back into another era, with the holiday seen through the eyes of a child – or a holiday shopper!
The display area is chockablock full, from top to bottom with vintage holiday items that were available at Woolworth’s from the 1930s to the 1950s. Ornaments, toys, trees, signage, display cases, everything – the mind boggles!
Alas, for those of us who love old stuff as much as old places, none of these items are for sale. I know, bummer, right? So many cool things!
But what a great opportunity to see just a fraction of what was available at your local five and dime – and to keep an eye out when you’re antiquing or thrifting!
I love to decorate the Hacienda with fun vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations, and was delighted to see this plastic Santa Claus on display:
As his doppleganger holds a place of honor in our Christmas decoration collection (as you can see here the Hacienda mantlepiece)
Here’s a video of the entire display from YouTube vintage Christmas fan “ChristmasMemories1”
They do have more vintage Christmas items scattered throughout the museum, so if you want to get in the holiday spirit real quick this is your place.
Lizzie
December 18, 2011 at 11:19 amOh goodness… another MUST SEE place to add to my list.
Mary
February 12, 2012 at 9:47 amWe went here back in November…I didnt want to leave the Woolworths “store”!
Then that night we headed up to Koziars Christmas Village….a very nice trip
Mod Betty
February 12, 2012 at 9:56 amMary- I know, I could’ve stayed in there looking at things for hours! Paired with a trip to Koziars, sounds like a perfect holiday combo!
Darlene Monroe Smith
April 11, 2015 at 5:43 pmI have an entire collection of a Christmas display my grandmother put up every year until she died and I have documentation to prove it is from the early ’50s and some older if you know anyone interested MSG me on Facebook Darlene Monroe Smith i have to sale as I have no where to display it anymore will sell whole or by the piece.
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