Vintage Christmas Show transports attendees back

Whether it's the need for nostalgia or excitement to be out and about, the Curio Collective's Vintage Christmas Show is striking a chord.

The group of vintage antique sellers began doing antique shows in 2019, and pandemic notwithstanding, have had incredible success.

“We realized that in the city, there wasn't really much specific to antiques, and this group was big enough to do our own thing,” said organizer Brigid Milway. “In 2019, we had 70 sellers in four shows and we had great attendance. It was so well-received.”

She said COVID-19 made things difficult last year, but they made due however they could.

“Last year, we did two virtual shows. They were fun, smaller scale and streamed live. We went person-to-person with a half-hour schedule,” she said.

“But seeing things, touching them and talking to people are such important pieces. The excitement of seeing each other is electric. We're so happy to have that positive energy back, and we will follow all protocols to ensure we can be together.”

The Vintage Christmas Show is on December 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. at the Halifax Convention Centre. It's a relief for Milway that shows are going on again.

“As soon as we were able to this year, we started shows again. In July we had an outdoor one in Rogers Square. It was a great comeback show and we had 3,000 people come through in a day,” she said.

“Now we're here with this Christmas show and we're happy to be back indoors. We have 39 sellers of the best vintage Christmas decor, jewelry, clothing and so much more.”

Milway, owner of What These Old Things, is also a seller in the event, and says there are many reasons antiques are 'in' right now.

“A big part of it really is the nostalgia. If you see something that pings a happy memory or brings back warm feelings, that's huge. Imagine it's something that was in your grandma's house growing up, or an item your parents used to use,” she said.

But there's a bigger, more sustainable factor at play here, especially with changing consumer habits.

“People are very aware these days of where they're spending their money and what they're spending money on. They might buy vintage rather than something new,” he said.

“It's remarkable how older items are just made to last. We get things at our show in fantastic condition from 40 or 50 years ago. A lot of it is better than what's mass-produced now, so quality is a big factor.”

Being at the Halifax Convention Centre is a new, unexpected experience for the group, and Milway says she's still adjusting.

“We used a vacant retail space in 2019 and then we were outdoors for our last space. It was more casual. But this spot is so swanky and bright, and it has clean bathrooms,” she jokes. “We have benefits we never had, and it's delightful.

“It's an amazing spot in the centre of downtown Halifax. We are so excited to get it set up. It has a beautiful, bright, clean palate, and we can't wait to bring some of our charm in.”

A portion of the admission proceeds –$5 for adults, kids 12 and under are free – will go to the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, a cause Milway is hugely supportive of.

“I've fundraised for them in the past. We've always tried to have a charitable element to these things, and this year we have a partner who does great community work,” she said.

“I sat with them and chatted about their programs. They do a lot of work with homelessness, and do many things important to the sellers and I. They work so hard, so we were happy to do something with them.”

For anyone on your list you're having trouble narrowing down a gift for, the Vintage Christmas Show may be the place to go.

“If you're looking for a unique gift for someone hard to buy for, we have so much. We have gifts from $3 to $300, and for every age range,” she said.

“There are fun, special gifts for everyone, and if you want something one-of-a-kind, you will have come to the right place.”

The Vintage Christmas Show, put on by The Curio Collective and What, These Old Things?, will be on Dec. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. At the Halifax Convention Centre. More information can be found online.