Practiced on

During the Halloween Season 

Country of Origin 

United States - 1930s

Key Points / Halloween Connection

-  Tradition that comes from the practice of building a miniature village underneath or near a Christmas tree

- Has become popular with those who are unable to decorate on the outside for Halloween

Brief Bio

The history of village miniature Halloween houses is a modern one, with the first commercial series, Department 56's Snow Village Halloween, introduced in 1998 in response to collector demand. Before that, the concept of themed haunted structures dates back to community-organized "haunted houses" during the Great Depression in the 1930s, which were created to redirect youth from vandalism. The modern miniature village trend is fueled by social media, seasonal decoration enthusiasm, and a desire to create immersive, elaborate displays. 

From community events to miniature collections

1930s: As a response to increased vandalism on Halloween, communities started organizing "haunted houses" or "haunted trails" as a way to channel youthful energy into a safe and entertaining activity.

Late 1990s: Inspired by the popularity of Christmas villages and rising Halloween celebrations, the modern miniature Halloween village began to take shape. Artist Scott Enter at Department 56 created a spooky-themed house for his own enjoyment, which was then developed into a commercial product.

1998: Department 56 released its first Halloween Village series, starting with the "Haunted Mansion," marking the official beginning of this collectible market.

2000s to present: The trend has grown significantly. Brands like Lemax expanded their Halloween collections, and enthusiasts began creating intricate, multi-level displays using materials like foam, water features, and special effects.

Present day: Social media platforms have made these miniature villages accessible and inspiring to a wider audience, boosting their popularity and demand for new and unique pieces