Model Carnival and Fairground Pieces
Christmas Village Displays

When it comes to model carnival and fairground pieces for Christmas villages, Lemax really does lead the way and manages to boast a very extensive assortment of moving rides, themed carnival accessories, animated table pieces and figurines. Some retailers even stock miniature roller coasters, complete with cars that will actually zoom along the track, high above your village.
Many of the items are electrical, being supplied with either adaptors or battery casings, and often feature flashing lights, moving parts, music and carnival sound effects (sounds can usually be switched off and may come with a volume control).
It should be noted that some of the rides are quite large in size, so do be sure that you allocate enough space to comfortably accommodate them in your overall design without the rides taking over and dominating the display. Make sure that you are still creating a Christmas village, rather than a model fairground with a few snowy houses, unless that is your ultimate aim.

When designing their display, many collectors choose to allocate a section where several fairground rides can be grouped together for added impact, often being positioned on model grass paper to give the effect of a small field. If you are planning to include a Christmas fairground in your village and just have room for a couple of rides, then a traditional Ferris wheel and carousel will certainly vie for your attention when you consider the many options available.
There are also swing roundabouts, bumper cars, side stalls, game booths and models of typical fairground stands selling toffee apples (candy apples), candyfloss (cotton candy), hot dogs and lemonade. And to add a further element of realism, why not include a few figurines of children with holiday balloons, a clown riding a unicycle, a kiosk selling popcorn, or even a small zoo with circus-type animals. However, don't lose sight of your winter theme and be sure to add an almost obligatory sprinkling of snow, here and there, along with the occasional frosted pine tree or two.
All of the following carnival and fairground pieces are currently offered for sale by Lemax.

Snowflake Paradrop
A new edition to Lemax's Christmas village fairground collection, the Snowflake Paradrop ride was added in 2013 and features seats that move up and down, along with the sound of excitable children.
Size: 39 cm / 15.2 inches (high), 26 cm / 10.2 inches (wide), 25 cm / 9.8 inches (deep).

Round Up
This ride came along in 2012 and boasts a spinning dish, which raises up and down as it rotates, with flashing lights in the centre and around the edge.
Size: 17 cm / 6.7 inches (high), 27 cm / 10.8 inches (wide), 29 cm / 11.4 inches (deep).

Sunshine Carousel
Perhaps the favourite of all the Lemax fairground elements, the Sunshine Carousel proved to be a popular addition in 2011, as well as a fairly expensive addition. However, there is exceptional detailing and the smooth motion of the moving horses does display real craftsmanship.
Size: 27 cm / 10.5 inches (high), 27 cm / 10.5 inches (wide), 27 cm / 10.5 inches (deep).

Cosmic Swing
Added in 2009, the Lemax Cosmic Swing depicts a typical roundabout, where chairs hang beneath, suspended on wires. As the roundabout speeds up, the chairs begin to swing out past the edge of the base, so do allow plenty of room in your carnival for this popular fairground ride.
Size: 24 cm / 9.6 inches (high), 23 cm / 8.9 inches (wide), 25 cm / 10 inches (deep).

Junior Flight School
The Junior Flight School was born in 2008 and portrays a ride for young children, who sit in elephants and planes, lifted up and down by long mechanical 'arms'.
Size: 22 cm / 8.5 inches (high), 29 cm / 11.4 inches (wide), 29 cm / 11.4 inches (deep).

Duck Hunt
More of a side stall than an actual ride, the Duck Hunt has been a solid seller since its release in 2006 and features moving targets, with three men poised with their air rifles, ready to take aim and perhaps win a prize or two.
Size: 19.5 cm / 7.7 inches (high), 20 cm / 8 inches (wide), 16 cm / 6.3 inches (deep).

Crazy Cars
Released in 2006 by Lemax, Crazy Cars is a fully animated dodgems attraction, perfect for any fledgling fairground in a Christmas village. There are five moving bumper cars in total, with a mirror at the back reflecting the movement and making it appear considerably larger.
Size: 23 cm / 9 inches (high), 24 cm / 9.6 inches (wide), 28 cm / 11 inches (deep).

Starburst
The Starburst quickly became a bestseller following its introduction in 2006. This colourful Ferris wheel comes with an AC electrical adaptor and revolves slowly, whilst music is played, along with background noises.
Size: 32 cm / 12.5 inches (high), 27 cm / 10.5 inches (wide), 17 cm / 6.6 inches (deep).