The 2023 Vaillancourt Catalog — It’s Hard To Tell When A Tradition Begins...™

The 2023 Collection

Although our Retail Gallery is open all year (outside of being closed for January’s inventory), the Christmas season is when we overhaul the space with decorations that are meant to make you forget about the world outside and get lost in the magic of the season. But when the Vaillancourt family began hosting collectors on a bi-annual Viking River Cruise of Europe’s Christmas markets is when things really began to get interesting.

Finding absolute inspiration from the extensive Christkindlesmarkts throughout Europe, the Vaillancourt Retail Gallery—along with our chalkware and ornaments—enjoys subtle touches of inspiration from the markets, local cultures, and German traditions.

Whether you join us in celebrating our annual “Christmas Opening with the introduction of the Starlight Santa,” our own two-day Christkindlesmarkt or winter outdoor Mini Wine Markets, or just to enjoy quiet Christmas shopping, we invite you to see the splendor of the season with us in Sutton.

Within our Retail Gallery you will find some of the highest quality Christmas brands that have stood the test of time as well as new brands that embody the spirit of Christmas. Newly discovered brands like KASTEL blend with brands that have historic roots throughout generations like Ino Schaller and MAROLIN, the displays and decorations are a literal winter wonderland and tip of the hat to department stores of years past.

Additionally, the Vaillancourt Chalkware and Ornament collections are the pride and joy of the Retail Gallery. For 2023, the Vaillancourt Collection looks unlike it ever has before, and that’s because most of the moulds used to shape these figures have been custom made to match the vision that Judi had for each design. Whether traditional reds, gray, or vibrant silver and golds, this year’s collection is sure to inspire both the traditional European celebration and the modern American festivities.

If you are able to join us in person in Sutton, or only through our website and catalog, we appreciate allowing us to start a tradition with you.

EVERGREEN FOREST FATHER CHRISTMAS 2 x 2.75 x 8.25 in VFA Nr. 23032, $270

SANTA ON SILVER BELL 3.25 x 4.25 x 6.75 in VFA Nr. 23033, $260

STARLIGHT: MIDNIGHT FOREST SANTA WITH SACK OF GIFTS

Limited Edition of 500

1.5 x 3 x 4.5 in VFA Nr. 23030, $215

While many of the Starlight Santas feature traditional reds, this year’s piece is inspired by a cold winter’s night. His midnight blue coat is decorated with subtle snowflakes falling within a forest of silhouetted trees. In his gloved hand, decorated with a white star, is a freshly cut green tree with soft white glitter that matches the snow on the ground. In his other hand, you see that he’s delivering gifts, including a beautifully painted teddy bear.

B. FATHER CHRISTMAS WITH BASKET OF ORNAMENT KUGELS

2.25 x 3.25 x 8.25 in VFA Nr. 23035, $270

C. ANGEL TAKING FLIGHT ON CARDINAL

2.75 x 5 x 5.5 in VFA Nr. 23037, $290

One of the most anticipated chalkware pieces from the 2023 Chalkware Collections: Christbaumschmuck Santa. Inspired by the German Seiffen Arch with candles for advent, Judi first began the development of a mould for this piece after being inspired by the German Christmas markets from along the Danube. The term “Christbaumschmuck” which refers to Christmas decorations, was first learned by the Vaillancourts during a visit to the medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

CHRISTBAUMSCHMUCK SANTA

4.25 x 5 x 10.75 in VFA Nr. 23040, $395

In 2014, Gary and Judi hosted a Viking River Cruise to share their Christmas experience with collectors by visiting Christkindlesmarkts. Since 2014, the Vaillancourts have shared numerous more experiences with hundreds of collectors sailing along the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe rivers. Visiting many countries along the way (the 2023 trip, which is sold out, will start in Germany and end in Hungary), these trips also have become important for Judi to find inspiration for both the Retail Gallery and her chalkware designs.

This year, one of the most celebrated pieces is the Amsterdam Canal House Santa. At the start of one of the Viking River Cruise trips, Gary and Judi spent time in the Netherlands’s capital. Amsterdam, boasting a vibrant artistic and cultural culture, is characterized by its historic canal-lined streets that serve as a backdrop for a rich tapestry of world-class museums, eclectic galleries, and cutting-edge contemporary art spaces. The city’s open-mindedness and progressive spirit foster an atmosphere

where traditional Dutch heritage harmoniously merges with innovative creativity for artistic expression and cultural exploration. While Gary and Judi spent countless hours at the famous museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, it was in the Centrum neighborhood where something different caught Judi’s eye.

While strolling down Westerstraat, Judi noticed that the house numbers jumped from 54 to 70 and within the 4-inch gap between the buildings lies a charming piece of artwork: seven miniature houses painted with stunning architectural detail. These hand painted houses pay homage to houses that once were accessible through a courtyard that no longer exists.

Although you won’t be able to find these buildings in Amsterdam anymore—as they were removed over the past few years—the charm of them continues to live on through this chalkware Santa.

2.25 x 3 x 7.5 in VFA Nr. 23034, $325

A. FATHER CHRISTMAS WITH WINTER’S NIGHT COAT 2.5 x 3.75 x 9 in VFA Nr. 22066, $280

B. TRADITIONAL GOLD SANTA HOLDING PINEAPPLE 2 x 3 x 7 in VFA Nr. 22069, $260

C. WINTER NIGHT’S LANTERN SANTA 2 x 2.5 x 6 in VFA Nr. 23036, $240

FIDDLEHEADS & FERNS SPRING SANTA WITH LAMBS 2.75 x 4 x 9 in VFA Nr. 23018, $260

S.W.A.K (SEALED WITH A KISS) VALENTINE SANTA 2 x 4 10.5 in VFA Nr. 23016, $290

CELTIC TRIQUETRA KNOT IRISH SANTA WITH CLADDAGH 3.5 x 3 x 7.25 in VFA Nr. 23017, $265

mouth-blown & painted in Poland

JINGLE BALLS™ YELLOW LAB

3 x 4.25 x 4 in VFA Nr. OR23506, $38 GOLD BELL SANTA ORNAMENT

3.5 x 3.75 x 5.5 in VFA Nr. OR23504, $70

FATHER CHRISTMAS OR23507, $38

NANTUCKET SANTA ON DORY ORNAMENT 6 x 2.5 x 6 in VFA Nr. OR23503, $100

SMALL ROCKING HORSE SANTA ORNAMENT 4 x 1.75 x 5.75 in VFA Nr. OR23508, $70

BIG NOSED HALLOWEEN WITCH

4 x 4.75 x 9.5 in VFA Nr. 23021, $325

HALLOWEEN OWL

2.5 x 2.5 x 4.5 in VFA Nr. 23022, $230

“EYES ON YOU” HALLOWEEN SANTA

3.25 x 4 x 9 in VFA Nr. 23020, $290

FATHER CHRISTMAS WITH SACK

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