What is the snow globe liquid?

Original answer: The liquid in snow globes is water and anti-freeze. They were once filled with just water but if in cold surrounding would freeze and bust. Although it helped with that problem but the antifreeze is poisonous so keep away from children and animals if its cracked.

Improved answer:

Snow globes which are made overseas may use a combination of antifreeze and water to prevent freezing.

Snow globes made in the United States are held to higher standards and typically use liquids which are safe for consumption (although not the intended use), should a globe break and the liquid be tasted by children or pets. (There are very few snow globe manufacturers in the United States, but there are maybe one or two left.)

Artisans who make individual globes may use water and glycerin to slow down the effect of falling "snow" but these are likely to freeze and must be stored, displayed and shipped where there is no danger of freezing.