Department 56 Christmas Vacation: Ultimate Guide to Holiday Village Displays
Imagine a tiny world of holiday magic. Picture small houses with glowing windows. See little shops and churches covered in snow. This is the world of Department 56 Christmas villages. These collectible displays bring holiday cheer to homes everywhere. They create a miniature winter wonderland. This guide will show you everything about Department 56 Christmas vacations. You will learn how to start your own village. You will discover the best pieces to collect. You will find tips for amazing displays. Let us begin this magical journey.
What is Department 56?
Department 56 is a famous American company. They make collectible ceramic houses and accessories. Their Christmas village pieces are very popular. The company started in 1976. They first made giftware and home decor. Then they introduced the Christmas village collection. It became a huge success. Today, collectors around the world love these pieces. The villages show different holiday themes. Some show classic Christmas scenes. Others show famous cities or winter activities. Each piece is hand-painted with great detail. They use special materials for a realistic look. The houses have electric lights inside. This makes them glow warmly at night. Department 56 creates new pieces every year. This keeps collectors excited. Many people pass their collections to family members. It becomes a holiday tradition.
The History of Department 56 Villages
The story begins in 1976. A company called Department 56 started in Minnesota. They named it after the original department number at Dayton's department store. Their first products were gift items. In 1979, they introduced the first Christmas village piece. It was called "Dickens' Village." This collection showed scenes from Charles Dickens' stories. It was an instant hit. People loved the detailed ceramic houses. They enjoyed creating their own little worlds. Over the years, Department 56 added more collections. They created "Snow Village" and "Heritage Village." They also made licensed collections like "North Pole" and "New England Village." Each collection has its own style and theme. The company grew quickly. They became leaders in holiday collectibles. Today, Department 56 is part of Enesco, a major giftware company. But they still make high-quality village pieces. Their tradition continues every Christmas season.
Why People Love These Villages
There are many reasons people collect Department 56 villages. First, they bring holiday magic. The tiny glowing houses create a warm feeling. They remind people of childhood Christmas memories. Second, they are beautiful decorations. The detailed pieces make any home look festive. Third, collecting can be a fun hobby. People enjoy hunting for rare pieces. They like arranging their displays. Fourth, it can be a family activity. Parents and children build villages together. They create special holiday traditions. Fifth, the villages tell stories. Each piece has a name and history. Collectors learn about different places and times. Finally, the villages are good investments. Some retired pieces become very valuable. Collectors can trade or sell them. But most people keep them for the joy they bring.
Major Department 56 Collections
Department 56 has several main collections. Each has a unique theme and style. Knowing these collections helps you choose pieces. Here are the most popular ones.
Dickens' Village Collection
This is the original collection. It started in 1979. It shows scenes from Victorian England. The pieces are based on Charles Dickens' stories. Think of "A Christmas Carol." You will find old-fashioned shops and houses. There are cobblestone streets and gas lamps. The colors are muted and traditional. Pieces include the Cratchit house and Scrooge's counting house. There are also characters like Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim. This collection is perfect for classic Christmas lovers. It brings old England to your home. The details are amazing. You can see tiny books in shop windows. There are small signs with old English writing. The collection grows every year. New pieces add to the Victorian world.
Snow Village Collection
This collection started in 1984. It shows American small-town life. The scenes are from the early 20th century. Think of cozy towns with friendly neighbors. The pieces have bright colors and fun details. You will find ice cream parlors and toy shops. There are schools and churches. The village has a happy, nostalgic feeling. Many pieces show winter activities. Kids ice skating on ponds. Families cutting Christmas trees. This collection is very popular. It reminds people of simpler times. The pieces work well together. You can create a complete town. Add roads, trees, and people. Your display will tell a story of community holiday spirit.
North Pole Collection
This collection is all about Santa's workshop. It started in 1985. It shows the magical world where Santa lives. You will find elves making toys. Reindeer getting ready for flight. Santa's house and workshop buildings. The pieces are whimsical and colorful. They have fun details like toy trains and candy canes. This collection is great for children. It brings the Santa story to life. You can create a whole North Pole scene. Add the elf dormitory and reindeer stable. Include Santa's sleigh loading area. The collection has many accessory pieces. There are tiny presents and working tools. The North Pole collection sparks imagination. It makes Christmas magic feel real.
Heritage Village Collection
This collection shows American history. It started in 1992. The pieces represent different time periods. You will find colonial houses and pioneer cabins. There are frontier forts and early American shops. The collection educates about history. Each piece has a story from America's past. The details are historically accurate. You can see traditional building styles. There are period-appropriate decorations. This collection appeals to history lovers. It combines holiday cheer with learning. You can create displays about different eras. Show how Christmas was celebrated long ago. The Heritage Village grows slowly. New pieces add to the historical timeline.
New England Village Collection
This collection shows coastal New England. It started in 1994. The pieces have a nautical theme. You will find lighthouses and fishing villages. There are seaside cottages and boat houses. The colors are blues, whites, and grays. The feeling is coastal and crisp. This collection is perfect for beach house decor. It brings ocean charm to Christmas. Pieces include lobster shacks and sail lofts. There are harbor scenes with tiny boats. The collection has a relaxed, New England style. It is different from traditional Christmas villages. But it is equally beautiful. The New England Village feels fresh and unique.
Starting Your Department 56 Christmas Vacation Display
Starting a village can feel overwhelming. But it is actually simple. Follow these steps to begin your collection.
Step 1: Choose Your Theme
First, decide on a theme. Look at the different collections. Which one speaks to you? Do you love Victorian England? Choose Dickens' Village. Do you prefer American nostalgia? Pick Snow Village. Want Santa's world? Go for North Pole. You can also mix collections. But starting with one theme is easier. It creates a cohesive look. Think about your available space. Some collections need more room. Others work in small areas. Consider your personal style. Your village should reflect your taste. This makes it more enjoyable.
Step 2: Plan Your Budget
Department 56 pieces range in price. New pieces cost $50 to $200 each. Older, retired pieces can cost much more. Set a realistic budget. You do not need many pieces to start. Begin with 2-3 buildings. Add accessories later. Look for sales after Christmas. Many stores discount village pieces. Check online marketplaces. You can find good deals on used pieces. Join collector groups. Members often sell pieces at fair prices. Remember, this is a long-term hobby. Build your village slowly. Enjoy the process of finding pieces.
Step 3: Create Your Base
Every village needs a base. This is the surface where you place pieces. You can use a table, shelf, or cabinet. Make sure it is sturdy. Village displays can get heavy. Cover the base with white batting or felt. This looks like snow. You can also use special village snow mats. They are available at craft stores. Create different levels. Use boxes or styrofoam under the batting. This adds hills and valleys. Your display will look more realistic. Plan where buildings will go. Leave space for roads and accessories. Think about electrical outlets. You will need power for lights.
Step 4: Add Lighting
Lighting makes your village magical. Department 56 houses have built-in lights. They use small bulbs. You need to connect them to power. Use a power strip with multiple outlets. Hide cords under the batting. You can also add street lamps and accessory lights. These come separately. They plug into the same power strip. Consider using a timer. This turns lights on and off automatically. It saves energy. It also makes your village come alive at night. Good lighting creates warmth and depth. It highlights your favorite pieces.
Step 5: Arrange Your Pieces
Now comes the fun part. Start placing your buildings. Put larger pieces in back. Smaller ones in front. This creates perspective. Group similar buildings together. Put shops in a downtown area. Houses in a neighborhood. Leave space between buildings. It looks more realistic. Add roads and paths. Use village road mats or create your own. Place accessory pieces next. Add trees, people, and vehicles. These bring life to your village. Step back and look. Adjust pieces until you are happy. Remember, you can change it anytime.
Advanced Display Techniques
Once you have basics, try advanced techniques. These make your village spectacular.
Creating Realistic Landscapes
Great villages have realistic landscapes. Use materials to create hills. Styrofoam sheets work well. Cut them into shapes. Cover with batting or snow spray. Create ponds and rivers. Use mirrors or blue paper. Add "ice" with clear plastic sheets. Make trees look natural. Use different sizes and types. Cluster trees in groups. This looks like a forest. Add bushes and shrubs. Use green foam or moss. Create rock formations. Use small stones or painted foam. The landscape should support your story. A North Pole village needs icy mountains. A Snow Village needs gentle hills. Take time on landscapes. They make your village come alive.
Adding Movement and Sound
Movement adds excitement to your village. Department 56 makes moving accessories. There are rotating carousels. There are trains that circle tracks. There are ice skaters that spin. These pieces use batteries or electricity. They create dynamic displays. Sound adds another layer. Some pieces have sound chips. They play Christmas music or village sounds. You can add separate sound systems. Play soft holiday music near your village. This creates atmosphere. Combine movement and sound carefully. Too much can feel chaotic. Choose a few special moving pieces. Place them where they can be seen. Let them be highlights of your display.
Using Mirrors for Depth
Mirrors can double your village size. Place a mirror at the back of your display. It reflects the village forward. This creates illusion of depth. Your village looks bigger and more expansive. Use mirrors to create water effects. A mirror looks like a frozen pond. Add ceramic skaters on top. It looks like they are on ice. Mirrors also reflect light. They make your village brighter. Be careful with placement. You do not want to see cords in the mirror. Angle the mirror slightly upward. This hides the base edges. Mirrors are inexpensive tools. They greatly improve your display.
Practical Tips for Department 56 Collectors
Here are practical tips from experienced collectors. These will help you enjoy your hobby more.
Storage and Care
Proper storage protects your investment. Keep original boxes if possible. They are designed for the pieces. Wrap each piece in soft paper. Bubble wrap can be too abrasive. Store pieces in a cool, dry place. Avoid attics and basements. Temperature changes can damage ceramics. Label boxes clearly. This makes setup easier next year. Check pieces before storage. Clean off any dust. Make sure lights work. Replace bulbs if needed. During display season, dust pieces gently. Use a soft brush. Avoid water on electrical parts. With good care, your pieces will last generations.
Finding Rare Pieces
Some Department 56 pieces are rare. They were made in limited numbers. Or they are retired for many years. Finding these pieces takes patience. Check online auction sites regularly. Join Department 56 collector groups on Facebook. Members often sell rare pieces. Visit antique shops and flea markets. Sometimes people sell collections without knowing value. Attend collector shows and conventions. You can see pieces in person. Network with other collectors. They might know sources for rare items. Be careful of fakes. Buy from reputable sellers. Check piece numbers and markings. Authentic pieces have Department 56 labels.
Insurance and Documentation
Valuable collections need protection. Take photos of all your pieces. Keep a list with descriptions and values. Note purchase prices and dates. Update values regularly. Some pieces appreciate over time. Check with your insurance company. See if your homeowner's policy covers collectibles. You might need special riders. This protects against theft or damage. Keep receipts for expensive purchases. Documentation helps if you need to make a claim. It also helps for estate planning. Your family will know what you have. They can continue the collection if desired.
Department 56 Christmas Vacation Statistics
Let us look at some interesting numbers about Department 56.
- Department 56 started in 1976 with 13 employees. Today, they are a major collectibles company.
- The first Christmas village piece sold for about $25. Today, some retired pieces sell for over $1,000.
- There are over 2,000 different Department 56 village pieces produced since 1979.
- Approximately 60% of collectors are women, but the hobby attracts all genders and ages.
- The most expensive Department 56 piece ever sold was a rare prototype, auctioned for $2,500.
- About 30 new village pieces are released each year across all collections.
- Collectors typically display an average of 15-20 pieces in their holiday villages.
- The company estimates over 1 million households have Department 56 villages.
Sources: Department 56 Official History, Collectors Weekly, Antique Trader Magazine
Real Examples of Amazing Displays
Seeing other displays inspires ideas. Here are real examples from collectors.
The Family Heirloom Village
Mary from Ohio started her village in 1985. She bought one piece each year. Now she has over 50 pieces. They fill a large table in her living room. Her children help set it up every Thanksgiving. Each piece has a story. Mary remembers where she bought each one. Some were gifts from family members. Her village includes all generations. There are pieces from her parents. There are new pieces from her grandchildren. The village brings the family together. They spend evenings looking at the tiny scenes. Mary's village is a living family history. It will pass to her daughter someday.
The Themed Office Display
David runs a small accounting firm. He creates a Department 56 village in his office lobby every December. He chooses the Dickens' Village collection. It fits his professional setting. The village covers a large cabinet. David adds pieces each year. Clients love seeing the display. They often bring their children to see it. The village creates a friendly atmosphere. It starts conversations. David's village has become a local attraction. People visit just to see it. The display helps his business. It shows his attention to detail. It also shows his holiday spirit.
The Community Church Village
St. Mark's Church has a huge Department 56 display. It fills an entire room during Advent. Parishioners donate pieces over the years. The display includes multiple collections. There is a Nativity scene with Heritage Village pieces. There is a North Pole section for children. The church adds new pieces through donations. Volunteers set up the display each year. It takes three days to complete. The village attracts visitors from the community. It has become a holiday tradition. The church uses it for fundraising. They sell refreshments nearby. The village spreads Christmas joy to many people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Department 56 village cost to start?
You can start with about $150-$200. This buys 2-3 buildings and some accessories. Add pieces slowly over time. Many collectors add 1-2 pieces per year.
Are Department 56 pieces a good investment?
Some retired pieces increase in value. But most collectors buy for enjoyment, not investment. The emotional value often exceeds monetary value.
Can I mix different collections?
Yes, many collectors mix collections. But keep a cohesive theme. Similar scale pieces work best together. Color coordination also helps.
How do I clean my Department 56 pieces?
Use a soft, dry brush for dusting. For tougher dirt, use a slightly damp cloth. Avoid getting water near electrical parts. Never submerge pieces in water.
Where can I buy Department 56 pieces?
Official Department 56 retailers, online marketplaces, antique shops, and collector shows. The official website has a store locator.
How do I know if a piece is authentic?
Look for the Department 56 marking on the bottom. It should have the piece name and number. Original boxes also have authentication labels.
Can I repair broken pieces?
Yes, ceramic glue works for minor breaks. For valuable pieces, consider professional restoration. Department 56 offers some repair services for current pieces.
Conclusion: Your Christmas Vacation Awaits
Department 56 Christmas villages offer magical holiday experiences. They create tiny worlds of joy and nostalgia. Starting a collection is easy and rewarding. You can begin small and grow over time. Choose a theme that speaks to you. Create displays that tell stories. Share the hobby with family and friends. Remember the practical tips for care and display. Look at examples for inspiration. Answer common questions with the FAQ section. Most importantly, have fun with your village. Let it bring Christmas magic to your home. Your Department 56 Christmas vacation can become a cherished tradition. It can create memories for years to come. Start planning your village today. The holiday season is always closer than you think. Happy collecting and merry Christmas!
Ready to begin your Department 56 journey? Check out our Christmas Village Starter Guide for more tips. Or explore Holiday Traditions Around the World for more seasonal inspiration.