Snow Globe Showcase: Classic and Unusual Snowing Christmas Decorations for Your Collection
Nov 28th 2023
Snow globes are an iconic Christmas decoration. At any moment, any time of year, we can recreate a little Christmas magic with a simple shake that sends a flurry of “snow” whirling around a miniature winter or Christmas scene encased in glass.
The first snow globe was created by accident in Austria in 1900 by an inventor seeking a way to magnify the weak light created by the new electrical light bulb. Shoemakers of the time used to place a glass globe filled with water in front of a candle flame to increase the light. Erwin Perzy took this idea one step further and filled his water globe with a fine white powder of semolina, hoping the particles would refract the light better.
His experiment failed to produce a brighter light. However, the effect of the semolina drifting slowly to the base of the globe gave Mr. Perzy another idea altogether, leading him to create and patent the first snow globe.
More than 120 years later, you can buy snow globes everywhere from gift shops to drug stores. Whether they are elaborate, musical and animated or simple, small and plastic, few people are unfamiliar with the miniature winter wonderland created within the tiny confines of a Christmas snow globe.
Today’s snow globe ornaments are colorful and diverse. They may feature Santa or a snowman, a serene setting of pines or a wintry European village. Some add to their charm with music and movement. And while the globe shape is traditional, there also are many snowglobe inspired Christmas decorations in other shapes and styles.
Following are some of our favorite Christmas snow globes of the season, including classic and non-traditional styles.
Snow globes not only are beautiful Christmas decorations, they make great gifts. Begin or add to a snow globe collection with some of these unique styles!
A miniature train revolves around the base of our musical Christmas tree snow globe. The base depicts a serene Christmas scene, while the decorated tree features presents beneath its branches. Wind up the 6.25-inch musical snow globe to hear “Jingle Bells.”
The Baby Jesus lying in the manger, watched over by Mary and Joseph, is the focal point of this 5.75-inch nativity snow globe. The base depicts the Three Wise Men, a drummer boy and the Town of Bethlehem.
This bright and winsome Santa snow globe is really something special! Our glitter globe features LED lighting and a magnetic motor for a swirling, glittering effect. A cheerful Santa Claus snow globe makes a great addition on a mantel or as a tabletop decoration.
Capturing the serenity of the woods, this silver glitter reindeer snow globe features iridescent glitter and a softly shimmering base. It’s a simple holiday accent with shimmering beauty that harmonizes with both classic and current Christmas decor.
Snowglobes don’t have to be round. Case in point: our Christmas tree light up snow globe! The acrylic tree features a battery-operated motor and multicolored LED lights for a continually illuminated glitter show. Complement your contemporary holiday decor with this delightful lighted snow globe.
Here’s an unusual piece: a 17.75-inch snow globe lantern that can be mounted near your tree, dining table or in a covered outdoor area. This surprising snowman snow globe features LED lights and a motor for continuously cascading snow. Plus, our musical Christmas lantern snow globe plays 25 different Christmas carols.
Children happily chug along with our Christmas train snow globe, featuring a swirling Christmas tree scene. Here’s a classic Christmas musical snow globe that plays “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” when wound.
A Santa Christmas scene that’s all boxed up and ready to snow! Silver ribbon enhances our 12-inch tall snowing gift box that’s lit by a warm white light. Plug into a nearby outlet for continually cascading snow and a variety of classic Christmas tunes.
As musical snow globes go, this train snow globe is right on track, featuring Santa in a burnished bronze-look train with classic style. Battery-operated with lights, music and a motor to move the glitter around.
With their tiny, cheerful winter and Christmas scenes, snow globes are as captivating now as they were a century ago. Take a closer look at our wide assortment of snow globes for Christmas and discover
Browse through our many traditional and non-traditional snow globes and discover a winter wonderland that fits in the palm of your hand.
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