The holiday season isn’t just about gift-giving and family gatherings—it’s also one of the most strategic times of the year to hold or participate in an estate auction.
Nov 28, 2025
The holiday season isn’t just about gift-giving and family gatherings—it’s also one of the most strategic times of the year to hold or participate in an estate auction. With colder months prompting indoor activity and year-end financial planning underway, November and December bring a surge of motivated buyers looking for meaningful purchases and budget-savvy opportunities.
At Burgess Auctions LLC, we’ve seen hundreds of estate auctions thrive during the holidays. Whether you're liquidating an estate or preparing to bid, here are the top 5 categories of items that consistently perform well during auction this time of year.
🎁 1. Jewelry & Collectibles
The holiday season is prime time for auctioning jewelry—especially vintage, gold, silver, and one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be found in retail stores. Estate auctions often include:
Antique rings, necklaces, and brooches
Coin collections and rare currency
Decorative figurines, clocks, and ornaments
Why They Sell Well:
Buyers are looking for unique, meaningful gifts that also hold long-term value. With competitive bidding, sellers often earn far more than they would through consignment or pawn shops.
🪑 2. Antique & Quality Furniture
Estate auctions often feature handcrafted furniture, mid-century modern pieces, and solid wood items that are both stylish and practical.
Dining room sets, hutches, dressers, and armoires
Rocking chairs and side tables
Vintage desks and bookshelves
Why They Sell Well:
Holiday gatherings prompt people to upgrade their homes—and buyers appreciate quality at auction prices. Unique or well-preserved items generate strong interest in both local and online markets.
🔧 3. Tools & Outdoor Equipment
Even in colder months, tools continue to sell briskly. November and December often include auctions with:
Power tools, hand tools, toolboxes
Snowblowers, chainsaws, and winter yard gear
Workshop equipment or garage contents
Why They Sell Well:
DIYers, hobbyists, and gift-buyers all hunt for deals in this category. Additionally, buyers often use end-of-year bonuses or budget surplus to upgrade their tool collection before tax season.
🚗 4. Vehicles & Trailers
Estate auctions often include lightly used or vintage vehicles, ranging from pickup trucks to utility trailers or ATVs.
Pickup trucks, SUVs, and sedans
Classic or collectible vehicles
Utility trailers, enclosed trailers, or small tractors
Why They Sell Well:
With winter approaching, many buyers are looking for dependable or winter-capable vehicles, often for personal use or small business needs. Auctions are an efficient way to grab a vehicle below retail value, without dealership markup.
🖼️ 5. Art, Décor & Holiday-Themed Items
Unique art, vintage holiday decorations, and heirloom home décor see a seasonal spike in popularity.
Framed prints, oil paintings, folk art
Vintage Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s decorations
Stained glass, rugs, candleholders, and ceramics
Why They Sell Well:
Shoppers are looking to add character to their homes or gift distinctive pieces. Holiday-themed lots often generate emotional bidding, especially among collectors.
❓FAQs About Selling at Holiday Estate Auctions
Q: Should I wait until after the holidays to sell my estate items?
No—holiday auctions attract serious, emotionally driven buyers. Waiting until January often means competing with other post-holiday sellers and a dip in consumer activity.
Q: Do online estate auctions perform well in November and December?
Yes. With people home for the holidays and spending more time indoors, online bidding increases, often outperforming in-person turnout.
Q: Can I sell just a few items, or do I need a full estate?
Burgess Auctions offers multiple-consignor auctions, where individual sellers can list select items in grouped events.
Q: How fast will I get paid?
Most sellers receive proceeds within a few business days after the auction closes and items are picked up.
🎯 Why Choose Burgess Auctions This Holiday Season?
At Burgess Auctions LLC, we offer:
✅ Full-service support, from pickup to promotion
✅ Local & national marketing to drive serious bids
✅ A state-of-the-art facility and online auction platform
Whether you’re ready to liquidate an estate or just have a few high-value items to sell, we’ll help you turn clutter into cash—right in time for the holidays.
