Treasure Chest Tioga has unveiled a Christmas village just in time for the holidays – taken out of storage after 10 years. 

“It belonged to my grandfather, Paul Fett, Sr.,” said owner Phyllis VanGossen. “He collected this Christmas village for years, and then at every gift-buying opportunity, all of our family bought him something new.”

Her grandfather kept the village set up year-round, until his death in 2002.  VanGossen said she brought it out this year as a nostalgic tribute to the past.

“Stepping back to like the old days of seeing a storefront window display at Christmas time. We don’t have that anymore in Alexandria,” VanGossen said.

VanGossen said it warms her heart to see the younger generation experience it.

“The kids, their little eyes light up because they’re not expecting it, and there’s a lot of moving parts to this. We have ice skaters that are moving and some ballroom dancers so for them to be able to see that they love it,” VanGossen said.

The Treasure Chest, located at 4617 Shreveport Highway, sells new and vintage antiques. The village will be on display through January, and VanGossen promises that it will be even bigger next year.

The village is not for sale and is free for anyone who wants to stop by to experience it. The store is open Wednesday through Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 9:30am to 4:30pm.