Christmas Village

Adamcp898

After threatening to do so for the last couple of years I finally want to get this going and make my Christmas village scene to build under the tree.

However, I'm going to have to do so on a budget and any of the buildings and figurines I seem to find available in Ireland are all expensive (being made by Lemax, Department 56, etc.). So I'm wondering if anyone knows where I could pick up the ornaments at a more reasonable price.

Something like this would be perfect but the associated shipping (~$80) is putting me off. Even if our own euro shops did something similar it'd be ideal but I've never seen them carry more than the usual manger scene and candle ornament buildings.

I don't mind spending more than what the above set would cost, I'm just trying to avoid paying €50/60 a building as I'm thinking big already .

So if anyone has any suggestions as to where I could pick some up, be it online or in a shop let me know .

Mars Bar

I have nothing to help you but :eek:
That's the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen

Pang

Oh my goodness, that is amazing! Best of luck with it!

leahyl

Haha I love the way you speak so matter of factly about it - like that picture would be fairly easy to achieve :-P

I have no ideas but I LOVE that picture!! :-D

Adamcp898

leahyl wrote: »

Haha I love the way you speak so matter of factly about it - like that picture would be fairly easy to achieve :-P

I have no ideas but I LOVE that picture!! :-D

Yeah well I'm not exactly expecting to start of there, as much as I would like to

But to even populate a village with 4/5 buildings and a couple of figurines could easily cost ~€200 if you go with the 'brand' name stuff from Lemax which tbh looks increasingly like the only option unless the likes of the €2 shops get stuff in this year

NeVeR

what about this ? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Village-Build-Illuminate-Festive/dp/B005DXP6ZS

leahyl

Adamcp898 wrote: »

Yeah well I'm not exactly expecting to start of there, as much as I would like to

But to even populate a village with 4/5 buildings and a couple of figurines could easily cost ~€200 if you go with the 'brand' name stuff from Lemax which tbh looks increasingly like the only option unless the likes of the €2 shops get stuff in this year

I know - great idea though That one in the picture looks like it's in a mansion!

Adamcp898

NeVeR wrote: »

what about this ? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Village-Build-Illuminate-Festive/dp/B005DXP6ZS

Yeah I seen those alright, but those paper structures just never look as good on the box, or at least not for me

paul_c79

OP - This is class ! Love it. I have been a boards.ie member since 2006 and havent logged on in years so forgot my username so had to create a new one for myself but I've never felt the need to log-in and post over the years but something grabbed my attention with your post and I felt like I needed to offer help in anyway that I can. I Would like to help you to make it happen. I'm from Cork Originally now living in the states (North Carolina), there is a Dollar store on every corner/street almost. If you would like, maybe you can purchase it on-line and either ship to my local address here or maybe I could collect it in store at a local Dollar Store or whatever.

Here's the thing though, I'm coming home for Christmas this year (the tickets have been booked since July..cant wait !!)...so I touch down in Dublin airport on Monday the 23rd...I know it's a tad late to be constructing this brilliant scene at that stage but I don't know where you are based...If you're in the Dublin area, perhaps you could come to the airport to meet us and collect ? I could pack it in the toy suitcase (along with the thousands of other things for my 12 nieces and nephews back in Cork !!)...ha ha. We normally have one big suitcase solely dedicated to the Christmas stuff for the kids...

Failing that, I'll be picking up the rental car after we get in and I'll be making the journey back to Cork so if you happen to be based somewhere along that route, then maybe we could meet you somewhere...I honestly don't mind if it happens to be a little out of my way, but I'd love to be able to make your Christmas by getting to do this for your family...It looks un-believably class ! That would save you having to deal with the ridiculous UPS postage costs...It's up to you anyhow..willing to help if I can and just thought I'd offer...The 23rd might be a bit late for you though and I totally get that...If it was me...I'd want to have it all set up the 1st week of December !!

Cheers anyway and no bother at all if you'd prefer to leave it off,

Paul

Adamcp898

paul_c79 wrote: »

OP - This is class ! Love it. I have been a boards.ie member since 2006 and havent logged on in years so forgot my username so had to create a new one for myself but I've never felt the need to log-in and post over the years but something grabbed my attention with your post and I felt like I needed to offer help in anyway that I can. I Would like to help you to make it happen. I'm from Cork Originally now living in the states (North Carolina), there is a Dollar store on every corner/street almost. If you would like, maybe you can purchase it on-line and either ship to my local address here or maybe I could collect it in store at a local Dollar Store or whatever.

Here's the thing though, I'm coming home for Christmas this year (the tickets have been booked since July..cant wait !!)...so I touch down in Dublin airport on Monday the 23rd...I know it's a tad late to be constructing this brilliant scene at that stage but I don't know where you are based...If you're in the Dublin area, perhaps you could come to the airport to meet us and collect ? I could pack it in the toy suitcase (along with the thousands of other things for my 12 nieces and nephews back in Cork !!)...ha ha. We normally have one big suitcase solely dedicated to the Christmas stuff for the kids...

Failing that, I'll be picking up the rental car after we get in and I'll be making the journey back to Cork so if you happen to be based somewhere along that route, then maybe we could meet you somewhere...I honestly don't mind if it happens to be a little out of my way, but I'd love to be able to make your Christmas by getting to do this for your family...It looks un-believably class ! That would save you having to deal with the ridiculous UPS postage costs...It's up to you anyhow..willing to help if I can and just thought I'd offer...The 23rd might be a bit late for you though and I totally get that...If it was me...I'd want to have it all set up the 1st week of December !!

Cheers anyway and no bother at all if you'd prefer to leave it off,

Paul

Wow that's a very generous offer Paul, you're getting in the Christmas spirit very early

But unfortunately I've looked into the shipping costs if I were to get a third party to do it for me and it would be ~$80 as from what I can gather from other sites the package weighs around 14 lbs.

The 23rd would be a little late too but I'll see if I can maybe find anything here or organise some other work around.

Thanks very much for your offer all the same though, it was very kind of you

paul_c79

Adamcp898 wrote: »

Wow that's a very generous offer Paul, you're getting in the Christmas spirit very early

But unfortunately I've looked into the shipping costs if I were to get a third party to do it for me and it would be ~$80 as from what I can gather from other sites the package weighs around 14 lbs.

The 23rd would be a little late too but I'll see if I can maybe find anything here or organise some other work around.

Thanks very much for your offer all the same though, it was very kind of you

No trouble at all. I think Walmart here are doing the Lexmax ones aswell for cheap. Might be something to look into. Not sure what their shipping costs run at but they prob have a much wider distribution and logistics network than the Dollar Tree.

I didn't realise the box weighed 14 lbs on it's own. With the misses packing everything plus the kitchen sink for a 2 week trip, it's probably for the best.

All the best to you and hope it works out and that you find a work around and get to enjoy it.

Cheers,

Paul

Adamcp898

paul_c79 wrote: »

No trouble at all. I think Walmart here are doing the Lexmax ones aswell for cheap. Might be something to look into. Not sure what their shipping costs run at but they prob have a much wider distribution and logistics network than the Dollar Tree.

I didn't realise the box weighed 14 lbs on it's own. With the misses packing everything plus the kitchen sink for a 2 week trip, it's probably for the best.

All the best to you and hope it works out and that you find a work around and get to enjoy it.

Cheers,

Paul

Yeah, that's what I could figure out from someone re-selling the set on Amazon at least.

I'll keep the search going!

Moonbeam

That looks amazing:)
I will keep an eye out for you but I find you get the best deals straight after christmas.
Maybe you could pick up a cheap kids train set and then add the christmassy bits,I reckon e-bay is a good bet.

Cherrycola

You need to start stalking Woodies in December and waiting for the 50% off sale to start, afaik they do it every year just before christmas and all the christmas village stuff is half price, but it flies out quick so you need to get there on the day and with a big trolley.
Ive started buying one piece every year, so hopefully before i die i might get a small village built!

Good luck.

Cherrycola

This is what they had last year, not sure if its the kind of stuff you are looking for, some are big enough.

http://pagesonline.ie/issue/2012/woodies_winter2012/index.html#/44/

Loughc

Cherrycola wrote: »

This is what they had last year, not sure if its the kind of stuff you are looking for, some are big enough.

http://pagesonline.ie/issue/2012/woodies_winter2012/index.html#/44/

I want ALL of those Christmas decorations!! Woddies have some fab stuff! I will def be going to woodies this year to buy some stuff to decorate the house with

Adamcp898

Anyone got any idea when Woodies usually start stocking Xmas stuff?

Moonbeam

I saw this on adverts.ie http://www.adverts.ie/lego-building-toys/lego-10222-winter-village-post-office-brand-new-sealed/3860016 so pretty.

Cherrycola

Adamcp898 wrote: »

Anyone got any idea when Woodies usually start stocking Xmas stuff?

It will probably be after Halloween I'd say.

Cherrycola

Just had a quick search through the forum and last year they started putting Christmas stuff out in early October it seems, so any day now then!

Loughc

Cherrycola wrote: »

Just had a quick search through the forum and last year they started putting Christmas stuff out in early October it seems, so any day now then!

Woodies watch is on!

I've a big house to decorate this year compared to the small apartment from last year, I'm very eager to grab some stuff at 50% off, assuming Woodies still do that offer!

Cunning Stunt

Just saw this on amazon - they will be in stock in November. Good price IMO.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pre-Lit-Village-Christmas-Decoration-Illuminated/dp/B005MX4JSO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380822368&sr=8-2&keywords=christmas+village

edit: I see they have different types, so you could invest in a few and it would really look lovely. Am tempted myself..

Adamcp898

Would anyone who is in and out of Woodies in the near future be so kind as to up date if they have their Xmas stock and any potential village items in yet

Moonbeam

Cunning Stunt wrote: »

Just saw this on amazon - they will be in stock in November. Good price IMO.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pre-Lit-Village-Christmas-Decoration-Illuminated/dp/B005MX4JSO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380822368&sr=8-2&keywords=christmas+village

edit: I see they have different types, so you could invest in a few and it would really look lovely. Am tempted myself..

it is so pretty:)
I got some nice stuff after christmas last year and hopefully my sitting room will be done up in time yo make it super pretty.

JJudy

I would love a village like that!

Loughc

Cunning Stunt wrote: »

Just saw this on amazon - they will be in stock in November. Good price IMO.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pre-Lit-Village-Christmas-Decoration-Illuminated/dp/B005MX4JSO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380822368&sr=8-2&keywords=christmas+village

edit: I see they have different types, so you could invest in a few and it would really look lovely. Am tempted myself..

Looks amazing! It's time to sit down and make a plan for which ones off any to get!

Ann Grey53

oh my god that is fantastic, best of luck with it hope it works out for you and your family.

Cherrycola

Woodies Christmas stock is in store!!!! Loads of Christmas village pieces, around €20-€40 price range.

Loughc

Cherrycola wrote: »

Woodies Christmas stock is in store!!!! Loads of Christmas village pieces, around €20-€40 price range.

Carpool to Woodies! Boards takeover :P

JJudy

Woodies here I come!

Moonbeam

This seems like great value - http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/SID-3A6BA237-29382F5F/www_lidl_ie/hs.xsl/Offers.htm?action=showDetail&id=635
Heatons also have little houses for a christmas village.

kerry4sam

@Adamcp898 : I'd really like to see a picture of the Final Adamcp898's Christmas Village of 2013!

Have a look in: Woodies; Homebase; Homestore & More; Dealz and Euro-shops. If you have the space, then the shops have all types of houses, buildings, figures, village-scene 'extras' like lamps (street-lighting), post boxes etc along with lickle figuerine animals that light up to complete your Village-Scene!

Most seem battery operated this year, but some are electric. All reasonable prices too.

This year the shops seem to have catered for all Christmas Village Scenes.

What buildings etc have you left to purchase & maybe people could keep an eye out for you

Emcm

Hey OP how is your village scence coming on ?

The picture in your original post is just heaven. I have a few pieces that I have picked up over the years most of them are the brand Premier which I got in woodies they were plug in ones with bulbs inside them. They are beautiful but were expensive. I was a little disappointed with the few I purchased last year they were battery operated and only had tiny little lights here and there on the outside I think it's much nicer when the whole house lights up from the inside I should have known really as they were too cheap to be electric.

I think it's harder to find that type now but Good luck and post some pics please would love to see how you get on

Broken Strings

I got 6 houses in Heatons for 8 euro each and larger ones in Homestore and More for 19.99 each. Constucting mine this weekend We have about 16 Houses so it should be decent sized

Emcm

Broken Strings wrote: »

I got 6 houses in Heatons for 8 euro each and larger ones in Homestore and More for 19.99 each. Constucting mine this weekend We have about 16 Houses so it should be decent sized

Are the ones out of Heatons the type that light up from the inside ? Are they battery or plug ? Sorry for the load of questions I am on a quest to add to my collection this year and just finding it harder to find the type I want. The ones I got from Woodies where Christmas scenes all by themselves with churches houses etc in one ornament but they are just too expensive so would love a few cheaper ones to add in

05Mav

Does anyone know where i can get the light fittings only to light up these houses. I lived in America for a while and have some Christmas Village buildings, they all light up from the inside, but they are 120v.

I tried plugging it in for the craic and it works here with a plug adapter, but is way too bright, and could be a potential fire hazard.

I'm not sure if i can change the bulb for something that would work on 240v like a C7 maybe.

Hoping someone here might have a solution for me.

Broken Strings

Emcm wrote: »

Are the ones out of Heatons the type that light up from the inside ? Are they battery or plug ? Sorry for the load of questions I am on a quest to add to my collection this year and just finding it harder to find the type I want. The ones I got from Woodies where Christmas scenes all by themselves with churches houses etc in one ornament but they are just too expensive so would love a few cheaper ones to add in

They are all battery operated with LEDs around the outside but to be honest it would be so much effort to change the batteries that I am putting a set of LED lights around the bottom of the houses and concealing the wire by covering the whole thing in wadding and poking the bulbs through

SurferRosa

Hi, not sure how far along you are, but I just saw an ad on adverts.ie where someone is selling a Christmas village scene for €950. I can't paste the link on this device, but if you search Christmas village scene it should come up!

Adamcp898

How does everyone light their village?

The buildings I have aren't lit and I'm looking for something smaller than fairy lights you'd put on a tree.

Emcm

Adamcp898 wrote: »

How does everyone light their village?

The buildings I have aren't lit and I'm looking for something smaller than fairy lights you'd put on a tree.

You can get little battery operated LEDs in Penneys they might work for you they are a good bit smaller than fairy lights. I am using them for my garland on the fireplace

Broken Strings

This is my effort

Emcm

That is gorgeous Broken Strings love what you did with the fake snow and wee led lights beautiful

Broken Strings

My original plan was to put all the houses on a flat piece of Aeroboard and poke the lights up through which is what my mam always does. Unfortunately as soon as I got the aeroboard home I realised that it was too thick to poke the lights through.

What I did instead was Put all the houses on the Aeroboard, use extra aeroboard blocks from the boxes that the original houses came in to stage some higher than others to give the illusion of hills.

Then I put one set of 180 LED lights all around the houses, but it looked bad because it was a dark green wire on a white piece of aeroboard. So I got wadding and cut it into smaller sections. I covered the board and the blocks in the wadding and poked the lights through so the wire was concealed, and then just sprinkled a bag of iridescent snow from Homestore and more over the wadding when I was done.

Arranged the houses and extra bits and Voila. Took me an hour to put the whole thing together.

Posy

It's gorgeous!

Emcm

Wow a lot of effort but so worth it looks amazing

Navilluso

It looks fab!
Woodies have 50% off since yesterday so I've started a little collection of 3. What's the chances they'll drop to 75% off?

tfak85

I'm loving the Christmas village pictures and I"m really jealous of those of you with great collections!

I am trying to build up my collection of Christmassy bits. This year my "village" is set in an alternate universe, with all manner of creatures populating it!

Moonbeam

Tiger have very reasonable buts to add to a christmas village.
They have a little scene for 15 euro and 2 little houses for 3 or 4 euro.

paul_c79

Hi again OP,

I hope your Christmas village worked out well last year.

The pictures that some people posted on here looked brilliant of their own villages.

I was in a shop called 'Michael's' arts & crafts store here the other day and saw this class Lemax village they had constructed in the shop. I was mesmerized by the thing, the misses was shopping for supplies as she is making a fall & Christmas wreath from scratch, but I didn't move from the display that they had built. It was class ! I should of taken a picture of it.

I just found the Lemax things on their website and see that they are currently reducing the prices it seems. They don't have much of it but they made the whole scene in the shop look brilliant in fairness. All the Wal-Mart's here are fully kitted out with the Christmas stuff now. They have Lemax aswell.

Boards.ie wont let me post the url link for some reason. Just google Michaels and then type in 'Christmas lemax' in the search bar on the top right.

SarahLil

Paul that is so thoughtful, Didn't realise it was an old thread

are you serious

This is the effort from the soon to be father in law