Add a Little Vintage Magic in Your Holiday Home with Christmas Putz Houses

Whether you grew up surrounded by your grandmother’s cherished Putz houses or are stumbling across the festive tradition for the very first time, it’s easy to agree that there’s something whimsical and serene about these sparkling Christmas villages. Learn everything there is to know about vintage Putz houses (and how to make your own!) for magical Christmas décor.

What is a Putz House?

Tiny, collectible, and oh-so-charming, Putz houses are small, hand-crafted buildings used in Christmas décor. While similar to well-known Christmas village brands, such as Department 56 and Lemax, vintage Putz houses are fashioned to give a festive feel to your home at a fraction of the price. Typically made from glittery cardboard or pressed paper (though some valuable Christmas putz houses were crafted with wood), putz houses are a simple and classic way to deck the halls each season.  

Why Are They Called Putz Houses?

Christmas putz houses get their name from the German word “putzen,” translating to clean or to decorate. Arranging each carefully crafted putz house to create the perfect tableau on your table, complete with figurines and fake snow, of course, gives the colloquialism of “putzing around” a whole new meaning!

The Best Places to Display Vintage Putz Houses:

• China cabinet

• Bookshelves

• Mantle

• Entryway table

• Beneath the tree

Where Did the Tradition of Christmas Putz Houses Originate?

Though many people who grew up collecting putz houses are more familiar with the glittering Japanese models, Christmas putz houses actually originated in Bohemia and Moravia (now part of the Czech Republic and Slovakia). When the Moravians faced persecution during religious wars in 1742, they immigrated to the States, bringing their beloved Christmas traditions with them. Young family members would spend their autumns collecting natural materials in the woods to use as decorations for the miniature European buildings, elaborate castles, and nativity structures made by the adults in town.

Years later, during the Industrial Revolution, artisans began producing cardboard houses with printed patterns and hand-painted details, taking the original concepts from their ancestors and elevating them into more modern, lasting designs. As these vintage Putz houses became easier to manufacture, the trend skyrocketed, spreading across the globe.

Are Christmas Putz Houses Still Made Abroad?

Yes! In fact, if you were to walk around an old-fashioned Christmas market in Europe, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon local craftsmen whose families have been creating traditional putz houses for generations.

As for mass production, there are also a few international factories in Asia that continue to release styles more popular between the ‘20s and ‘60s, with multiple roofs on each cardboard or ceramic building and glitter coating every surface. This more modern style became increasingly popular, paving the way for other collectible Christmas village brands to launch.

Are Vintage Putz Houses Worth Anything?

Most vintage Putz houses are valued between $15 and $150, depending on a variety of factors such as age, origin, and condition, making them a valuable investment for antique shoppers. That is, as long as you know what you’re looking for.

Similar to other types of collectibles, scarcity is key, with the few remaining Christmas Putz houses made before World War II considered far more valuable than post-war models. If a vintage Putz house has any rarely found features, such as limited edition figurines or unique architectural details like garages or fences, prices increase significantly. A Putz house that’s seen as more dime-a-dozen will go for less.

How to Authenticate a Vintage Christmas Putz House

There’s nothing worse than being duped by an untrustworthy seller when buying your favorite vintage Christmas décor! While most vendors at Melbourne antique malls are transparent about what they’re selling, it’s always a good idea to know what you’re looking for in terms of authentic vintage putz houses.

When you come across a Christmas Putz house at the Phoenix vendor mall, check the base for a country-of-origin stamp right out of the gate. If it was imported in the early to mid-century, it’ll have an ink label detailing something like “Made in Japan” or “Occupied Japan.” Authentic ceramic antique putz houses will feature a barely noticeable opening in the back for light bulbs. If it’s around 1 inch in diameter, it likely came from a modern replica company.

Pro tip: If it’s a really old vintage Putz house, it might even have colored cellophane windows shining in the cut-out frames. Don’t be alarmed if these have crinkled with age—it’s just a sign of their authenticity.

Can You Make Your Own Christmas Putz Houses?

If you’re looking for a whimsical craft to do to add to your personal winter wonderland, you’re in luck! Crafting putz houses is so easy that everyone in the family will be begging to try their hands at it. All you need is some cardboard or cardstock, a craft knife, glue, paint, glitter, and festive embellishments.

Steps to Crafting Your Own DIY Putz Houses:

• Step 1: Find a pattern for what kind of putz house structure you’d like to build or draw your own.

• Step 2: Trace said pattern on a heavy paper material, such as card stock or chipboard.

• Step 3: Cut out each panel with scissors (or an X-Acto knife for more precision), pre-folding all the designated lines to make assembly easy.  

• Step 4: Assemble the structure, applying your favorite durable craft glue to the tabs and corners and pressing each wall together, leaving the roof panels for last.

• Step 5: Paint, decorate, add glitter, and set up your little Christmas Putz village—complete with all your beloved figurines, bottle brushes, and fake snow, of course.

Can You Repair Damaged Vintage Putz Houses?

If you come across a Christmas Putz house in less-than-mint condition, you may be able to save it. Because these darling models are made from paper products and glue, repairing a putz house is easier than you’d think.

Anything from damaged corners to missing windows to debris buildup can be handled at home. If you aren’t sure how to do it yourself, you can always find an expert (likely whoever sold it to you at the Ohio antique mall) who’s willing to give it a try.

This year, bring a bit of holly jolly spirit to your home with your very own vintage putz houses. Stop by America’s Antique Mall today to start your search!