Castle Noel is good for people who are really nostalgic and like going to Big Fun and who like really tight crowded, cluttered spaces. aka, not me. I have to agree with Megan V. that it's got kind of a weird vibe, and they talk way too much about Mark the owner during the tour.
I tried to call ahead just to see if they thought I'd need reservations to visit that afternoon. It was the most ridiculous process. I literally had to call back 4 times because the woman who answered my phone could not take 2 minutes to look at the schedule and answer my question. She just kept saying "It's really busy in here right now. I'll call you back in 5 minutes." And 20 minutes later I'd have to call again for the same run around. Eventually it worked out and we got reservations for the time we wanted, but the process took over an hour and I nearly called the whole visit off.
To me, $17 is a bit steep for what you get. But the place was crowded and they move you through the exhibits at a good clip, so obviously people are wiling to pay it.
Definitely not small-child friendly. The tour involves too much listening and waiting to be fun for little ones. The website warns to bring an umbrella stroller or none at all because you will have to carry it up and down steps, and it's a good thing! It's also not that interesting for young kids because most of the attraction is about 'remember when' stuff.
All that being said, my family had a good time and I don't regret going. I did enjoy the window displays and the ornament ceiling.