Man sets world record for largest snow globe collection

Josef Kardinal made the record books for a staggering collection of 11,017 snow globes.

His collection began in 1984 with a single gift and was first officially counted at 6,100 in 2002.

A second festive world record was set in Cragside, in Northumberland, which saw a Giant Redwood Wellingtonia crowned as the world’s tallest bedded Christmas tree.

Standing at 44.70 meters (146 ft 7 in), the tree was planted in the 19th century and has become a much-loved feature of the estate.

Both have now been formally recognized by the global authority on record-breaking achievements as two Christmas records achieved in 2025.

Josef said he approaches his collection with the care of an archivist and regularly maintains the globes so each still “snows” as intended.

He said: “Snow globes capture memories, places and feelings.

"Every one of them tells a story.

"I never expected that a small gift in 1984 would grow into something recognized around the world.”

Today, Josef's multi-room basement in Nuremberg, Germany, showcases an 'extraordinary variety' of designs.

His snow globes range from European landmark globes to editions from cities around the world, rare Disney-licensed pieces and themed globes spanning across multiple decades.

To celebrate the achievement of the largest tree, Cragside added 1,000 multicolored lights and large bows, creating a vivid display for visitors.

Reflecting on the achievement, Steve Howard, Visitor Operations Manager at Cragside, said: “It’s been quite the year of planning.

"Last year we presented the UK’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree, and we kept wondering if we could go one giant leap further and secure a Guinness World Records title… and we made it!”

Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief at Guinness World Records, added: “This time of year often brings some of the most memorable and imaginative record attempts, and these two titles are no exception.

"From a towering living Christmas tree to an extraordinary snow globe collection, both achievements show the passion and creativity behind record-breaking.

"It’s a pleasure to recognize them as part of this year’s record-breaking highlights - and to mark them, as ever, as officially amazing."