Department 56 Christmas Vacation: Vintage Village Magic & Collecting Tips

Introduction: The Magic of Department 56 Christmas Villages

Imagine a tiny winter world. Snow covers miniature houses. Tiny lights glow in windows. People ice skate on frozen ponds. This is Department 56 Christmas villages. They create magical holiday displays. Families love them. Collectors seek them. They bring Christmas spirit to any home.

Department 56 started in 1976. It began with ceramic houses. Now it includes hundreds of pieces. Each piece tells a story. Some show historic buildings. Others feature famous landmarks. Many depict cozy winter scenes. The details amaze everyone. Tiny wreaths hang on doors. Miniature trees stand in yards. Little people enjoy winter activities.

This guide will help you start your collection. You will learn display tips. You will discover rare pieces. You will understand the history. Let's explore this wonderful hobby together. Create your own Christmas vacation village today.

The History of Department 56 Christmas Villages

How It All Began

Department 56 began in 1976. It was part of a company called Schmid. They made ceramic giftware. Their first Christmas village was simple. It had just six buildings. These became the Original Snow Village. People loved them immediately.

The company grew quickly. They added new villages. They created different themes. Each village had unique characters. The details got better every year. Today, Department 56 is famous worldwide. Collectors wait for new releases. Some pieces become very valuable.

Major Milestones and Changes

Department 56 reached many important points. In 1980, they introduced lighted buildings. This changed everything. The villages looked magical at night. In 1985, they added the Heritage Village series. This showed historic American buildings.

The 1990s brought big growth. They added licensed properties. These included Disney and Peanuts characters. They also started special collections. Some honored Christmas traditions around the world. Others featured famous literature scenes.

Today, Department 56 continues to innovate. They use new materials. They add amazing details. But they keep the classic charm. That's why people still love them.

Understanding Different Village Collections

Original Snow Village

The Original Snow Village started it all. It shows classic American scenes. You see small town life. There are churches and schools. There are shops and houses. Everything feels cozy and warm.

This collection grows every year. New buildings join the village. Some become collector favorites. The style stays consistent. That makes mixing pieces easy. You can start small and grow your village over time.

Heritage Village Series

Heritage Village features historic buildings. You see famous American landmarks. There might be Independence Hall. Or Mount Vernon. Each piece teaches history. They show how people lived long ago.

This series appeals to history lovers. The buildings look authentic. They use correct architectural details. Many come with information cards. These explain the building's history.

North Pole Series

The North Pole series is pure fantasy. It shows Santa's workshop. You see elves making toys. Reindeer prepare for Christmas Eve. Santa checks his list. Everything feels magical and fun.

Children love this collection. The colors are bright. The scenes are playful. It brings the Christmas story to life. Many families mix North Pole pieces with other villages.

Christmas in the City

This collection shows big city life. You see tall buildings. There are department stores. Ice skaters fill the rink. Taxis wait at corners. It feels busy and exciting.

The scale is different here. Buildings are taller. Streets are wider. This creates a dramatic display. It works well in large spaces.

Starting Your Department 56 Collection

Setting Your Budget

First, decide how much to spend. Department 56 pieces range in price. Small accessories cost around $20. Large buildings can cost over $200. Rare retired pieces cost much more.

Start with a realistic budget. Maybe begin with one building. Add pieces each year. Many collectors buy one new piece annually. This makes the hobby affordable. It also makes Christmas special.

Choosing Your First Pieces

Pick pieces you love. Consider your available space. Think about your preferred style. Do you like historic buildings? Or fantasy scenes? Start with a theme that excites you.

Many experts suggest starting with:

One central building (like a church or main house)
Several smaller accessory pieces
Some figurines of people
A few trees and lampposts

This creates a complete scene quickly. You can expand from there.

Where to Buy Department 56

You can buy from many places. Department stores often carry them. Specialty Christmas shops have good selections. Online retailers offer wide choices. The official Department 56 website shows everything available.

For retired pieces, try:

eBay and other auction sites
Collector conventions
Antique shops
Online collector groups

Always check condition carefully. Make sure lights work. Look for cracks or chips.

Creating Magical Christmas Displays

Choosing the Right Location

Pick a good spot for your village. It needs a stable surface. It should be visible to guests. But keep it away from high traffic areas. This prevents accidents.

Good locations include:

Large tables
Bookshelves
Window sills
Special display tables
Entertainment centers

Make sure there are electrical outlets nearby. You will need them for lights.

Building Different Levels

Create height in your display. Use boxes under your village cloth. Cover them with white batting. This looks like hills and valleys. It makes your village more interesting.

Place taller buildings in back. Put shorter pieces in front. This creates depth. Your display will look more realistic. People can see all the pieces clearly.

Adding Snow and Landscape

Snow makes Christmas villages magical. Use white batting or fake snow. Spread it under buildings. Pile it around trees. Make it look natural.

Add other landscape elements:

Small mirrors become frozen ponds
Blue paper looks like rivers
Rocks become mountains
Twigs can be bare trees

Be creative with your scenery. It brings your village to life.

Lighting and Electrical Setup

Understanding Village Lighting

Most Department 56 buildings have lights. They use small bulbs. Some buildings have multiple lights. They might glow in windows. Or shine from street lamps.

Newer pieces use LED lights. These stay cool. They use less electricity. They last much longer. Older pieces used incandescent bulbs. These get hot. They burn out faster.

Power Management Tips

Plan your electrical needs carefully. Count how many buildings need power. Add accessories that light up. Make sure you have enough outlets.

Use power strips with surge protection. This keeps your village safe. Consider using timers. They turn lights on and off automatically. This saves energy. It also makes display easy.

Hide cords as much as possible. Run them behind hills. Cover them with snow. This keeps your display looking magical.

Maintenance and Storage Guide

Cleaning Your Collection

Clean pieces gently. Use a soft brush. Remove dust carefully. Avoid harsh chemicals. They can damage paint.

For deeper cleaning:

Unplug all electrical pieces
Use mild soap and water
Dry completely before storing
Check lights for damage
Replace burned-out bulbs

Store cleaning supplies with your village. This makes setup easier next year.

Proper Storage Methods

Store pieces carefully after Christmas. Keep original boxes if possible. They provide the best protection. Wrap each piece in soft paper. Place them in sturdy containers.

Label everything clearly. Note which pieces need bulb replacement. Mark fragile items. This helps with next year's setup.

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid attics and basements. Temperature changes can damage pieces.

Department 56 Community and Events

Collector Clubs and Groups

Join other Department 56 fans. Local clubs meet regularly. They share display ideas. They trade pieces. They help new collectors.

Online groups are also active. Facebook has many collector pages. People post photos of their villages. They ask advice. They announce finds.

Being part of a community enhances the hobby. You learn from experienced collectors. You make new friends. You discover rare pieces.

Annual Events and Conventions

Department 56 hosts special events. The annual Christmas convention is popular. Collectors come from everywhere. They see new releases first. They meet designers.

Local stores often have events too. They might host display contests. Or have signing events. Check with retailers near you.

These events create special memories. They make collecting more fun.

Practical Tips for Department 56 Christmas Vacation Displays

Create amazing displays with these tips:

Start planning early - Sketch your layout before setting up
Use mirrors - They make your village look larger
Add movement - Small rotating displays add life
Create stories - Group pieces that tell Christmas stories
Change yearly - Move pieces around for fresh looks
Involve family - Let children help arrange accessories
Photograph your display - Keep records of your favorite arrangements

Remember: There are no wrong ways to display. Do what makes you happy. Your village should reflect your Christmas spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Department 56 different from other Christmas villages?

Department 56 pays extreme attention to detail. Each piece has unique features. The quality is consistently high. They use special glazes that look like real snow. The lighting creates warm glows. The company has long history and strong collector community.

How do I know if a Department 56 piece is retired?

Check the official Department 56 website. They list retired pieces. Look for retirement guides in collector books. Ask experienced collectors. Retired pieces often increase in value. But buy what you love, not just for investment.

Can I mix different Department 56 villages together?

Yes! Many collectors mix villages. The scale is generally consistent. Create neighborhoods with different themes. Maybe put North Pole pieces on one street. Put historic buildings on another. Your display will be more interesting.

How do I replace lights in older Department 56 buildings?

First, unplug the building. Access the light compartment. Usually it's in the base. Note the bulb type and voltage. Buy replacement bulbs from Department 56 dealers. Be gentle when handling old wiring. Consider professional help for valuable pieces.

What's the best way to display Department 56 in small spaces?

Use vertical space. Put buildings on shelves. Create different levels. Use smaller accessory pieces. Focus on one special building as centerpiece. Rotate pieces yearly. This keeps displays fresh without needing more space.

Are Department 56 pieces good investments?

Some retired pieces increase in value. But collect because you love them. The real value is Christmas joy they bring. Don't count on making money. Focus on creating beautiful displays and family traditions.

How do I protect my Department 56 village from pets and children?

Place villages out of reach. Use museum putty to secure pieces. Create barriers around displays. Supervise when children are near. Teach respect for the collection. Consider having a "touch table" with less fragile pieces for children.

Real Examples and Success Stories

The Johnson Family Tradition

The Johnson family started collecting in 1990. They bought one piece each year. Now they have over 100 pieces. Their display fills an entire room. Family members each have favorite buildings. They add new pieces during special family events. The collection tells their family history.

Their advice: Start small. Buy what you love. Make it part of your family story.

Community Display at Local Library

Our town library creates a huge Department 56 display each year. Volunteers bring their pieces. They create an entire miniature town. Children love searching for hidden details. The display brings the community together.

This shows how Department 56 can create shared experiences. It becomes more than just decoration.

Statistics and Market Information

Department 56 has interesting numbers:

Over 2,000 different pieces produced since 1976
Some retired pieces sell for 10 times original price
Approximately 60% of collectors are women
Average collector owns 25-50 pieces
Christmas village displays increase in popularity each year

According to Collectors Weekly, vintage Christmas items continue growing in popularity. Department 56 remains one of the most sought-after brands.

The Antique Trader reports steady market for retired pieces. Rare buildings from the 1980s command highest prices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Display

Planning Your Layout

Measure your display space
Sketch possible arrangements on paper
Decide on a focal point building
Plan electrical needs
Gather all materials before starting

Building Your Base

Cover table with dark cloth
Add boxes for different levels
Cover everything with white batting
Create paths and roads
Add mirror ponds or rivers

Placing Buildings and Accessories

Start with largest buildings
Place them according to your plan
Add smaller buildings and houses
Position trees and lampposts
Add people and animals last

Final Touches

Connect all electrical pieces
Add extra snow around bases
Check sight lines from different angles
Take photos for next year
Enjoy your creation!

Conclusion: Creating Your Christmas Vacation Magic

Department 56 Christmas villages bring special magic. They create winter wonderlands in your home. Each piece tells part of a story. Together, they create complete Christmas scenes.

Starting a collection is easy. Begin with pieces you love. Grow your village over time. Display it with care and creativity. Share the joy with family and friends.

Remember the true value. It's not about having the most pieces. It's about the memories you create. The traditions you build. The Christmas spirit you share.

Your Department 56 Christmas vacation awaits. Start planning today. Create displays that will delight for years. Build traditions your family will cherish. Make magic happen in your home this Christmas.

Visit the official Department 56 website to see current collections. Check Christmas Villages website for display ideas. Join collector groups to learn more. Start your magical Christmas tradition today!

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