Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend using a soft brush or feather duster to remove surface dust from buildings. Collectors have also shared that using a hair dryer on a low, cool setting, or using canned air (used to clean computer components) is effective. Do not use a liquid spray, water, or a soapy water solution, as this may damage the finish. For more serious damage—such as water damage from flooding—we recommend contacting a local restoration service for professional assistance, as they have the expertise and materials to help.

We recommend using a soft feather duster for figurines. Using a hair dryer on a low, cool setting or canned air is also effective, as shared by collectors. Please do not submerge them in water or soapy solutions, as this can clog the porous material and cause the collection to become dirtier over time.

When storing your collectibles, choose an area kept at a comfortable temperature (between 50–80°F), avoiding extreme heat or cold. A dry basement is a good alternative if needed. We suggest using large, sealable plastic containers to protect against dampness and water. We do not recommend storage in places like attics, as extreme heat can negatively affect electrical cords, sisal trees, animated parts, and finishes.

New introductions are typically announced twice a year. The main introduction is in January, with products available by summer. A smaller, mid-year introduction occurs in late spring, with items usually available for the holiday season. Occasional surprise introductions may also happen! The new list is posted on our website once announced. You can sign up for email notifications using the form in our website footer.

Yes, selected designs are discontinued, or retired, each year to make room for new products. The retirement announcement is made on the first Friday in November.

The joy of collecting is selecting items you love. Many choose buildings and accessories that evoke fond holiday memories or remind them of a favorite place.

The collections currently offered on our website feature a variety of nostalgic, festive, and whimsical themes, allowing you to create a unique display.

Pieces shrink during the high-temperature firing process, usually by 5% to 15%. Making accessories any smaller would cause the loss of fine details, such as flower petals or the folds in clothing.

We recommend a Super Glue gel formula for repairs. Please remove all old adhesive first (it can often be softened and removed with a hairdryer). To remove a lodged light, try using needle-nose pliers to grasp the metal butterfly clips, or thread a twist-tie through the clip to pull it out. As a last resort, you may cut the cord, work the clip out bulb-first, and replace it with a new light cord. Standard and specialty light cords are available.

It is important to use the correct bulb for each piece. A guide showing the most common bulbs and their sizes is available on our website.

We do not maintain a list of repair services. Many collectors find local technicians through hobby shops specializing in model trains or airplanes.

Cordless Retrofit lighting units are available for most buildings that currently use a single standard light cord. These units allow you to display pieces without visible cords. Four AAA batteries provide approximately 75 hours of light.

To reset your website account password, use the “Forgot Password” link. If your email is not recognized, please try a different address or create a new account.

After placing an order, you may see a temporary authorization hold on your payment account. This is a standard bank practice to ensure funds are available. The hold will clear according to your bank’s policy (often within 48–72 hours). To avoid multiple holds, please click the “Place Order” button only once. If a transaction fails, funds from a debit or gift card may still be held temporarily by your bank. The most common reason for a failed transaction is an incorrect billing address. We cannot release bank holds; please contact your financial institution directly with any questions about their authorization policies, as hold durations vary.

Consumer Services are available to assist collectors and answer questions through the contact form on our website.

For more detailed information on any topic, please visit the relevant sections of collectionofvillages.com.