Snow Globe: How It Became a Magical Christmas Tradition

The snow globe is one of the most loved and famous Christmas decorations, an object found all around the world. But how did it come about?

Who hasn’t received a snow globe as a gift at least once in their life? It’s a glass or crystal sphere (though plastic is now also widely used) filled with water, containing inside a small figurine or miniature scene. Besides the water, there are white particles inside the globe that float and swirl when shaken, creating the illusion of falling snow. It’s an extraordinarily popular object, offered as a souvenir in countless situations and found in virtually every gift shop in every city around the world.

What is perhaps less known is that the tradition of glass spheres containing snow — also known as snowballs or snow globes — has ancient origins, dating back at least to the 19th century. The first snow globe was created almost by accident, but soon these decorative objects became popular and have continually reinvented themselves over time, never losing their vintage charm.

Today, snow globes are often transformed into music boxes, with a mechanism that makes the figurines inside rotate to the sound of a sweet melody and stirs the snow without the need to turn the globe upside down. Especially Christmas snow globes, associated with the winter holidays, have become much-loved decorations and timeless gift ideas.

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How the Tradition of Snow Globes Began

The most widely accepted sources claim that the tradition of glass spheres containing snow originated in Austria in the 19th century. The first example of a snow globe is said to have been invented by chance by a German inventor named Erwin Perzy I, who specialised in surgical instruments. While attempting to create a lamp that would properly illuminate operating rooms, he tried placing glass and metal powder inside a water-filled glass globe lit from behind by a bulb, hoping to increase the brightness.

He noticed that the effect resembled swirling snow, and he even tried adding a bit of semolina, which enhanced the effect. Inspired by this discovery, he placed a small model of the Mariazell Shrine, near Vienna, inside the globe. He had created the first snow globe — and immediately realised it could become very popular.
To this day, his descendants continue his work in the famous Perzy workshop in Vienna-Hernals, known as the Original Wiener Schneekugelmanufaktur (Original Viennese Snow Globe Factory).

In the 1940s, the Perzy family began adding Christmas-themed elements to their snow globes. They did so to support young American soldiers far from home, who could appreciate familiar miniature scenes. Thus, Perzy II started producing new snow globe models featuring Christmas trees, small Father Christmas figures, and snowmen inside. The Original Wiener Schneekugelmanufaktur began selling its products in the United States, and the snow globe trend soon crossed the ocean.

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There is also a tradition claiming that the first snow globe was invented in France, where, as early as the 19th century, similar objects known as boule de neige already existed. It is difficult to confirm who had the idea first.

Regardless of their exact origins, snow globes became popular as decorations — particularly Christmas ones — all over the world. Today, they are available in a wide variety of styles and designs, from traditional Christmas scenes to customised versions featuring images, characters, and different themes. They are often considered ornamental and collectible items that bring a touch of winter magic to the festive season.

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How to Make a Snow Globe

But what if we wanted to make our own snow globe? It’s not difficult at all — all you need is a bit of creativity, some simple craft materials, and a touch of manual skill.
First, choose the container. If you don’t have a glass sphere, you can use a jar — preferably a rounded one — but make sure it can be sealed tightly.
Next, select the object to place inside. It could be a resin figurine or a small statue, but remember it must be water-resistant. The figurine should be glued to the inside of the lid using waterproof glue, before filling the jar with distilled water, thickened slightly with a few drops of glycerine.
Finally, choose the particles that will recreate the snow: glitter, sequins, and so on. The Perzy family stopped using semolina long ago, replacing it first with hard wax and magnesium powder. Today, the mixture they use to make their artificial snow is top secret!
All that’s left is to close the jar tightly and seal the edge with hot glue — and there you have your personalised snow globe, ready to brighten your home or serve as a delightful gift for someone special!

Christmas Snow Globes on Holyart

The charm of the snow globe has captivated us at Holyart too. In our online store, you’ll find various models of Christmas-themed snow globes — original gifts for your friends as well as festive decorations for your home.

The Glass Snow Globe with Father Christmas is made of glass and resin and stands 15 cm tall. It also functions as a music box: by winding the mechanism at the base, the globe rotates and plays We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

In the Music Box with Christmas Tree, the glass sphere encloses a Christmas tree made of polystone, decorated with traditional ornaments: Father Christmas, presents, teddy bears, and snow. The music box sits on a base that, when wound up, plays a Christmas melody.

The charming family of snowmen inside a glass lantern is an original reinterpretation of the classic globe. Thanks to three AA batteries, the lantern lights up and the snow inside begins to move.

In the Glass Fireplace with Snow and Elves, the snow movement is battery-operated. The glass fireplace is decorated with Christmas motifs, and inside the glass are elves gathered around the Christmas tree.

Charming and festive, the Christmas Locomotive is a delightful snow scene on a red carriage with candy-shaped wheels. Inside, Santa and his cheerful elves fill the gift sack, surrounded by swirling snow, lights, and a joyful Christmas melody.

Santa Claus snow globe decorated base 15x10 cm
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Christmas tree snow globe with music box 20x10x10 cm
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Snow globe with snowman in lantern 25x10 cm
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Fireplace snow globe with snow with elves 25x20x10 cm
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Christmas candy cane train snow globe 30x10x15 cm
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