Vintage Belsnickel Christmas Print - Antique Victorian Fur-Clad St. Nicholas with Switches & Toy Sack, 8x10 Wall Art

A vintage Christmas print in the style of an early-1900s chromolithograph postcard: Belsnickel, the old Pennsylvania-Dutch and German Christmas visitor, striding in a long shaggy brown fur coat with a rope belt and a sprig of holly, a bundle of birch switches tied with red ribbon in one hand and a burlap sack of red apples, walnuts and a wooden toy horse over his shoulder. The figure is die-cut and floated on warm, tea-stained parchment with soft foxing and an aged edge, like a Victorian paper scrap.

Who is Belsnickel?

Belsnickel is the fur-clad gift-bringer of Pennsylvania-Dutch and southwest German tradition, who visited homes before Christmas to check whether children had been good, rewarding them with nuts, fruit and small toys. He is the rustic, old-world cousin of Father Christmas and Santa Claus.

What size is it?

It is an 8x10" portrait print that fits any standard 8x10 frame, or an 11x14 frame with a mat.

Does it come framed?

No — the print ships flat and unframed in protective packaging, so you can choose a frame that suits your room. It looks best in a dark wood or black frame with a wide cream mat, as shown in the photos.

Who is it for?

For anyone who loves an old-fashioned, candlelit Christmas — collectors of antique Christmas ephemera, families with Pennsylvania-Dutch or German roots, and anyone decorating a farmhouse, cabin, cottage or Victorian home for the holidays.

Is it a good gift?

Yes — a thoughtful Christmas gift or stocking stuffer that is a little different from the usual red-suited Santa. It pairs well with our vintage Father Christmas print as a small holiday gallery wall.

How is it made?

Printed in the USA on heavyweight archival matte paper with fade-resistant inks, then packed flat with a rigid backing board.