Hailey
Snow Globes: Sometimes, a small gift can turn into something truly amazing. That is exactly what happened to Josef Kardinal, a man from Nuremberg, Germany. What started as a simple Christmas gift in 1984 slowly became the world’s largest snow globe collection.
In 2025, Guinness World Records officially recognized Josef for owning the largest snow globe collection ever recorded, with a total of 11,017 snow globes. This achievement shows how a hobby, when cared for with passion and patience, can grow into something globally celebrated.
How the Snow Globe Journey Began
Snow Globes: Josef’s journey started more than 40 years ago when he received his very first snow globe as a gift. At that time, he never planned to become a collector.
However, he felt a special connection to the tiny winter scenes inside the globe. Over time, he began adding more snow globes to his collection, picking them up during travels, from friends, and from special occasions.
By the year 2002, Josef already owned 6,100 snow globes. Even then, his collection was impressive, but he did not stop. Year after year, his collection continued to grow, driven by his love for the memories and emotions that each globe represented.
Inside the World’s Largest Snow Globe Collection
Today, Josef’s home has a multi-room basement that looks more like a museum than a storage space. The rooms are filled with shelves carefully arranged to display thousands of snow globes.
His collection includes snow globes from famous European landmarks, cities from around the world, rare Disney-themed globes, and designs from different decades.
Josef takes care of his collection like a professional archivist. He regularly cleans and maintains each snow globe to make sure the snow inside still falls properly.
For him, these globes are not just decorations. He believes that snow globes capture memories, places, and feelings, and that every single one tells a story.
Key Facts About the Snow Globe World Record
Record Holder: Josef Kardinal
Location: Nuremberg, Germany
Total Snow Globes: 11,017
Collection Started: 1984
First Official Count: 2002
Guinness Recognition Year: 2025
Another Festive World Record in 2025
Along with Josef’s snow globe achievement, another Christmas-themed world record was also recognized in 2025. At Cragside in Northumberland, a Giant Redwood Wellingtonia tree was officially named the world’s tallest bedded Christmas tree.
The tree stands 44.70 meters tall, which is about 146 feet and 7 inches. It was planted in the 19th century and has become a much-loved feature of the Cragside estate.
To celebrate this record, the tree was decorated with 1,000 colorful lights and large bows, creating a beautiful festive scene for visitors.
What Guinness World Records Said
Guinness World Records officials praised both achievements, saying that the holiday season often brings some of the most creative and memorable record-breaking attempts.
They highlighted that both Josef’s snow globe collection and the giant Christmas tree show strong passion, dedication, and creativity.
According to Guinness, these records prove that personal interests and local traditions can turn into officially recognized global achievements when people put their heart into what they love.
Josef Kardinal’s world record snow globe collection is a powerful reminder that even the smallest beginning can lead to something extraordinary. From one simple gift in 1984 to more than 11,000 snow globes today, his journey shows the value of patience, care, and passion.
Along with the record-breaking Christmas tree at Cragside, these festive achievements highlight how hobbies and traditions can bring joy not only to individuals but also to people around the world. These records truly capture the magic of the holiday season and the creativity of human dedication.