Every year, some new Lemax products appear first at Michaels. These pieces do not form a village in their own right: they are commercial exclusives attached to known universes, such as Caddington Village, Vail Village, Santa’s Wonderland or Spooky Town. Here's how this exclusivity works, when these references generally become available elsewhere and how to find them in the catalog.
To remember: a new “Michaels Exclusive” is reserved for Michaels during its first marketing season. Most of these pieces join other resellers the following year, but this transition to the general catalog is not guaranteed for each reference.
What is a Lemax exclusive at Michaels?
Michaels is a major North American creative leisure brand. Each season, Lemax reserves a selection of luminous buildings, animated scenes, figurines and accessories. On the official Lemax website, these models are grouped under the name Michaels Exclusives. For the 2026 season, Lemax explicitly indicates that the creations in this selection are available exclusively at Michaels.
The word “collection” can therefore be confusing. Michaels designates the retailer who benefits from exclusivity, not the village universe. An exclusive piece can belong to Caddington Village, Vail Village or Santa’s Wonderland for Christmas, and to Spooky Town for Halloween. It is this narrative collection that determines its style and the pieces with which it matches.
Commercial exclusivity
The piece is sold first at Michaels during its launch season.
Lemax Collection
It retains its universe: Caddington, Vail, Santa’s Wonderland or Spooky Town.
Why this agreement? Lemax does not publicly communicate the exact terms of the agreement. For Michaels, these exclusives differentiate the seasonal offering and attract collectors; for Lemax, they offer a privileged showcase on the North American market.
Why are we talking about availability one year later?
The observed operation is simple: during the launch year, the reference is reserved for Michaels, mainly in the United States and Canada. The following season, most models can accommodate the wider Lemax distribution and arrive at other resellers, including in Europe.
It is better to call it a marketing habit than an absolute rule. A model may be discontinued, remain difficult to find or not be carried by all stores. The expression “available to everyone one year later” therefore means that it becomes generally accessible to the network of resellers, not that it will automatically be in stock everywhere.
- Year N: launch under the Michaels Exclusive label.
- Year N + 1: usual opening to other resellers for most references.
- Actual availability: it then depends on the orders and stocks of each store.
This discrepancy explains why a piece that is very visible in American videos can remain unobtainable in France for several months. This is not necessarily an out of stock product: it may simply still be in its exclusivity period.
When are the new Michaels products revealed?
The releases follow the two major Lemax seasons. Exclusives Spooky Town are usually presented in the spring, before Halloween. Christmas pieces arrive later, during the summer. For example, Lemax announced the new Spooky Town 2025 products on May 9 and the new Christmas products on August 1. For 2026, the brand's community page already announced the launch of Michaels exclusives and the launch of Spooky Town in May.
To follow the next season, find the first information on the new products and the Lemax 2027 catalog, with the announcements to look out for and my desires for the collection.
This calendar gives a good guideline, but the shelf dates vary depending on the store. For a highly sought-after reference, it is better to monitor its official file and authorized resellers rather than relying on a single date.
Lemax collections associated with Michaels exclusives
To keep a coherent catalog, the Michaels exclusives are linked here to their real Lemax universe. You can consult the retailer's selection, then continue with pieces in the same atmosphere.
Michaels Exclusives
All Michaels references already listed in our catalog.
Caddington Village
The Victorian village, its shops, its lively streets and its party scenes.
Santa’s Wonderland
The world of Santa Claus, elves, reindeer and workshops at the North Pole.
Vail Village
A mountain resort made up of chalets, slopes and winter sports scenes.
Spooky Town
The haunted houses, monsters and animated attractions of the Halloween season.
My Lemax USB tip
My assembly for small lights.
Parts affected
Michaels 2026 exclusives already in the catalog
Should you buy an exclusive right away or wait?
The right choice depends above all on your place of purchase and your attachment to the piece.
Buy during exclusivity
This is relevant if you live in North America, if the part is central to your project or if you do not want to take the risk of it disappearing. Still compare the final price, especially in the case of import.
Wait for the next season
From France or Belgium, being patient often avoids shipping costs, customs and complications related to the power supply. Most references become easier to purchase when they reach European distributors.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a Michaels exclusive a limited edition?
Not necessarily. “Exclusive” first indicates a sales channel reserved during the launch season. Production time and available quantities may vary from one reference to another.
Are all the exclusives coming to Europe the following year?
No. Most can join general distribution, but Lemax does not guarantee that each model will be taken up by every European reseller. Some references remain rare or are quickly discontinued.
How do you know which village a Michaels piece belongs to?
Consult the collection indicated on its sheet: Caddington Village, Vail Village, Santa’s Wonderland or Spooky Town. In our catalog, the Michaels page serves as a commercial shortcut and each product also remains linked to its categories and season.