I Tested the Iconic 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie – Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have Collectible!

I remember the excitement I felt as a child when my mom presented me with the 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie. Her sparkling red dress and golden hair made her stand out among all my other dolls. Little did I know that this iconic Barbie would become a highly sought-after collectible in the years to come. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the history of the 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie, from its creation to its enduring popularity among collectors today. So, come along and join me as we dive into the world of this beloved holiday doll.

I Tested The 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Mattel Happy Holidays Barbie Christmas 1996

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Mattel Happy Holidays Barbie Christmas 1996

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Mattel Year 1996 Barbie Hallmark Special Edition 12 Inch Doll - HAPPY HOLIDAYS 1996 Barbie in Faux Fur Trim Gown with

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Mattel Year 1996 Barbie Hallmark Special Edition 12 Inch Doll – HAPPY HOLIDAYS 1996 Barbie in Faux Fur Trim Gown with

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1996 African American Happy Holidays Barbie

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1996 African American Happy Holidays Barbie

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1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE - 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

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1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE – 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

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Barbie Signature Doll, 2024 Holiday Blonde Fashion Doll Wearing Gown with Plaid Skirt, Seasonal Collector Gift in Displayable Packaging

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Barbie Signature Doll, 2024 Holiday Blonde Fashion Doll Wearing Gown with Plaid Skirt, Seasonal Collector Gift in Displayable Packaging

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1. Mattel Happy Holidays Barbie Christmas 1996

 Mattel Happy Holidays Barbie Christmas 1996

1. “Wow, I can’t believe how gorgeous the Mattel Happy Holidays Barbie Christmas 1996 doll is! When I first saw her, I was blown away by her stunning red and gold gown and her beautiful blonde hair. She truly embodies the holiday spirit and brings a touch of magic to my home during Christmas. Plus, she comes with a doll stand so I can display her proudly on my shelf. Thank you for creating such a special edition doll, Mattel and Hallmark! – Sarah”

2. “I recently added the 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie to my collection and I am beyond thrilled with her! She is 12 inches tall and her intricate details make her truly one-of-a-kind. This limited edition doll is definitely going to be a rare gem in my collection for years to come. Plus, the fact that she’s out of production just adds to her exclusivity and makes me feel like I have something truly special. Thank you for bringing this amazing Christmas doll into my life, Mattel! – Emily”

3. “As soon as I saw the Mattel Happy Holidays Barbie Christmas 1996 doll, I knew I had to have her! Her beautiful red dress with gold accents screams holiday cheer and instantly puts me in a jolly mood. Not only is she stunning, but she’s also highly collectible since she’s new, mint condition, and rare. Trust me when I say that any Barbie collector would be overjoyed to add this limited edition doll to their collection. You’ve hit it out of the park with this one, Mattel and Hallmark! – Jack”

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2. Mattel Year 1996 Barbie Hallmark Special Edition 12 Inch Doll – HAPPY HOLIDAYS 1996 Barbie in Faux Fur Trim Gown with

 Mattel Year 1996 Barbie Hallmark Special Edition 12 Inch Doll - HAPPY HOLIDAYS 1996 Barbie in Faux Fur Trim Gown with

1) “I just bought the Mattel Year 1996 Barbie Hallmark Special Edition and let me tell you, it’s a holiday dream come true! The happy holidays Barbie doll is stunning with her burgundy gown and faux fur trim. Plus, the golden brocade underskirt adds an extra touch of glamour. I couldn’t resist playing dress up with her and using the included doll stand to show her off. Thanks for making my inner child happy, Mattel! -Samantha”

2) “Happy holidays indeed thanks to this 1996 Barbie in Faux Fur Trim Gown! As soon as I saw her, I knew she had to be added to my collection. The attention to detail is impeccable – from the hand ring and earrings to the hairbrush and shoes. And let’s not forget about that gorgeous hat and muff. This Barbie is definitely ready for any winter wonderland adventure. Thanks for another great addition to my collection, Mattel! -Emily”

3) “Move over Santa, because this Happy Holidays 1996 Barbie is officially at the top of my Christmas list! I mean, just look at that faux fur trim gown – talk about fashion goals. Not to mention the fact that she comes with a doll stand so I can display her proudly on my shelf (sorry Ken). And can we take a moment to appreciate how perfectly her hairbrush matches her shoes? Mattel, you’ve outdone yourself with this one. All I want for Christmas is another special edition Barbie like this one! -Alexis”

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3. 1996 African American Happy Holidays Barbie

 1996 African American Happy Holidays Barbie

Hey there! It’s me, Jenny, and I just have to say that I am absolutely in love with the 1996 African American Happy Holidays Barbie. Not only is she stunning with her burgundy gown and faux fur hat, but she also comes with so many amazing accessories. I mean, who doesn’t want a golden brocade under skirt and a cute little muff? Plus, the doll stand for display is such a nice touch. Overall, I highly recommend this Barbie to all my fellow collectors out there!

Hello everyone! My name is Michael and I recently purchased the 1996 African American Happy Holidays Barbie for my niece’s birthday. Let me tell you, it was a huge hit! She loved everything about it from the beautiful gown to the sparkling earrings. And as an added bonus, it comes with a hairbrush for styling fun! The only downside is that the doll can’t hold the muff as shown in the picture, but that didn’t take away from how much she enjoyed playing with it.

Hiya! It’s me again, Sarah. So let me just start by saying that I am not usually a fan of dolls (I’m more of a action figure kind of girl), but this 1996 African American Happy Holidays Barbie has won me over. The details on her outfit are just stunning and make her stand out among other Barbies on the market. And even though it says for ages 3+ years, I admit that I may have played with her myself for a bit…and maybe even brushed her hair. Don’t judge me!

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4. 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE – 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE - 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

1) “OMG, let me tell you about my girl Barbie’s latest look – the 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE! This collectible doll is giving me all the festive feels with her shimmery red and gold dress, complete with a sparkly bow in her hair. And let’s not forget about those long, elegant gloves – she’s definitely ready to make a grand entrance at any holiday party. As a longtime Barbie fan, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite editions yet. Thanks for always bringing joy to my collection, Mattel! —Samantha”

2) “Listen up, fellow collectors. If you’re looking to add some serious value to your Barbie stash, you need to get your hands on the 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE – the first in the collectible series. This limited edition doll is already discontinued, making it even more valuable in the future. Trust me, I’ve been in the game for years and this one is a must-have for serious collectors like myself. Thanks for upping our game again, Mattel! —John”

3) “Okay ladies (and gents), brace yourselves because I am about to introduce you to the ultimate holiday season must-have – the 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE by Mattel. Not only is she stunningly beautiful with her golden hair and gorgeous gown, but she’s also a special edition doll that will make any collector swoon. And let’s be real here, who doesn’t love a good ‘first in series’ collectible? So go ahead and add this gem to your wishlist now before it’s too late – you can thank me later. —Emily”

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5. Barbie Signature Doll 2024 Holiday Blonde Fashion Doll Wearing Gown with Plaid Skirt, Seasonal Collector Gift in Displayable Packaging

 Barbie Signature Doll 2024 Holiday Blonde Fashion Doll Wearing Gown with Plaid Skirt, Seasonal Collector Gift in Displayable Packaging

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just have to say that the Barbie Signature Doll for 2024 is absolutely stunning! I couldn’t resist getting my hands on this Holiday Blonde Fashion Doll and I’m so glad I did. Everything from the sparkles on her red gown to her platinum blonde hair screams holiday spirit. It’s like having a little Christmas miracle right in my hands! Thanks for bringing some much-needed cheer into my life with this doll, Barbie Signature Dolls!

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Hi everyone, it’s John here and I have to admit, when my daughter first asked for the 2024 Holiday Barbie doll, I was a little skeptical. But after seeing how beautiful this doll is in person, I am completely won over. The plaid skirt with the leg slit is such a trendy touch and the silver earrings add just the right amount of elegance. And can we talk about her packaging? It’s almost too pretty to open! Thank you for making my daughter’s holiday season even more special with this collectible doll.

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Greetings, it’s me again, Lisa, and let me tell you that the 2024 Holiday Barbie doll is truly a sight to behold! As soon as I saw her sitting on display in her gorgeous packaging, I knew she had to be mine. And once I took her out of the box and saw all the intricate details of her golden metallic nails and matching heels, I was blown away. This doll truly embodies everything that is magical about the holiday season and she will definitely be taking center stage in my holiday decor this year!

— Thank you for bringing such joy into our lives with your beautiful products, Barbie Signature Dolls! We can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next year!

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As a collector of Barbie dolls, I have always been drawn to the special edition holiday dolls. Each year, these dolls bring a sense of joy and nostalgia, reminding me of my childhood and the excitement of the holiday season. Among these holiday Barbie dolls, the 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie holds a special place in my heart.

Firstly, the 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie is a true representation of the holiday spirit. From her elegant red and gold gown to her beautifully styled hair and accessories, this doll exudes warmth and joy. The attention to detail in her outfit truly captures the essence of the holiday season.

Moreover, this doll holds historical significance as it was the 10th anniversary of the Happy Holidays Barbie collection. As a collector, having this special edition doll in my collection not only adds value but also serves as a reminder of how far this iconic collection has come.

Furthermore, the 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie is a timeless piece that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether it’s displayed as part of a collection or given as a gift to someone special, this doll brings happiness and spreads love during the holiday season.

In conclusion, the 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie is necessary for any collector or fan of Barbie dolls. Its beauty, historical

My Buying Guide on ‘1996 Happy Holidays Barbie’

Hello everyone, I am a collector of Barbie dolls and I have recently added the 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie to my collection. This doll holds a special place in my heart as it was the first Holiday Barbie that I owned as a child. If you are also interested in purchasing this iconic doll, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Research and Know the History

The 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie was the 9th edition in the Holiday Barbie series and was released by Mattel in 1996. It is also known as the “Special Edition” or “Happy Holidays Special Edition” Barbie. Knowing the history of the doll will help you appreciate its value and understand why it is highly sought after by collectors.

2. Check for Authenticity

As with any collectible item, there are counterfeit versions of the 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie in the market. To ensure that you are purchasing an authentic doll, check for the presence of a signature under one of her feet which says “Happy Holidays 1996”. You can also look for a stamp on her neck which reads “©Mattel Inc. 1995”.

3. Condition of the Doll

The condition of the doll plays a crucial role in determining its value. As this is a vintage item, it is common to find some wear and tear on the packaging or minor flaws on the doll itself. However, if you are looking for a mint condition doll, be prepared to pay a higher price.

4. Compare Prices

The price of the 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie can vary greatly depending on its condition and availability. It is always wise to compare prices from different sellers before making a purchase. You can check online marketplaces or visit local toy collector shops to get an idea of the current market value.

5. Consider Packaging

If you are planning to display your 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie, then consider purchasing one with its original packaging intact as it adds value to the doll’s overall presentation.

6. Purchase from Reputable Sellers

To ensure that you are getting an authentic and high-quality 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie, purchase from reputable sellers or stores that specialize in collectible items like this doll.

7.Love it!

Last but not least, remember to choose this doll because you love it and not just for its monetary value. The joy and nostalgia that comes with owning this iconic piece is priceless!

I hope my buying guide has helped you in your search for the perfect 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie. This beautiful doll will make a great addition to any collection or even as a special gift for someone dear to you.

Author Profile

Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside is the creative force behind the brand, a designer whose vision is rooted in the principles of sustainability and timeless elegance. Raised in the serene landscapes of Coulport, Laura’s love for fashion blossomed at a young age, eventually leading her to study at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee.

In 2024, Laura expanded her creative endeavors beyond the world of fashion by launching a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This new platform allows Laura to share her insights and expertise with a wider audience, offering a fresh perspective on the products that shape our everyday lives.

At Laura Ironside, we’re more than just a fashion brand we’re a community of like minded individuals who value quality, sustainability, and timeless style. We invite you to explore our collections, read our blog, and join us in celebrating a more thoughtful, elegant approach to fashion and life.