The Snow Globe

A snow globe is a round glass ball filled with water and tiny white flakes. Inside there is a little scene, like a house or a snowman. When you shake it, the flakes swirl around and look like falling snow.

How the Snow Globe Was Invented

The snow globe was invented in Austria around 1900. A man named Erwin Perzy was trying to make a brighter light bulb. He filled a glass globe with water and shiny flakes to reflect light. It did not work as a lamp, but it looked like a beautiful snowy scene.

Perzy started making snow globes with tiny village scenes inside. They became popular souvenirs. His family still makes snow globes in Vienna, Austria, to this day.

Snow Globes Today

Snow globes are popular souvenirs and gifts all around the world. You can find them in almost every gift shop. Many have famous landmarks or holiday scenes inside.

Some snow globes play music when you wind them up. Others light up with tiny LED lights. Collectors seek out rare and old snow globes. Shaking a snow globe and watching the snow fall is a simple joy that people of all ages enjoy.

Fun Facts

• The snow globe was invented by accident while trying to improve a light bulb.
• The same family in Austria has been making snow globes for over 100 years.
• Some collectible snow globes are worth thousands of dollars.

Did You Know?

The flakes inside snow globes are not really snow. They are usually made from tiny pieces of plastic, ceramic, or even ground-up bone.