In 1976 Department 56 came onto the scene making their Original Snow Village. It included lighted buildings and accessories that allowed people to make their own Christmas village. Due to its popularity Dept 56 has continued to make new villages and new collectibles that appealed to even more people. Department 56 lighted buildings and accessories are purchased through independent retailers and every year new buildings are retired while new ones are created. Here is a list of some of the Department 56 villages and other collectibles that are currently available. Remember that once a piece is retired you than have to go find it used.
Alpine Village Series-
The Alpine village was created to highlight the architecture and towns of the alps and Bavarian regions. The buildings are reminiscent to the towns they are from and the accessories that include horse drawn carriages, families at the market, and even nuns will help turn your home into a world far away.
Christmas in the City-
The Department 56 Christmas in the City Village is one of the most popular villages. It brings together distinct architecture from cities like New York and San Francisco and highlights some of the places that have come to represent American life. It includes diners, churches, baseball stadiums, radio stations and all of the other buildings you need to recreate your own Christmas in the City. This collection really highlights the best American cities have to offer.
Dickens’ Village-
Dickens is one of the few authors to get his very own snow village from Department 56. This is due most likely to the fact that his story about Scrooge has been one of the most influential stories about Christmas. The Dickens’ village highlights his home, church and many of the places that were part of his everyday life. This is a great collection for anybody who enjoys Victorian architecture and would love to see Dickens’ world come alive.
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Village-
A Christmas Carol has become one of the standards in literature and at reminding us what exactly Christmas should be. This village helps the story come alive with the buildings and characters of the famous tale.
New England Village Series-
The New England Village is another of the most popular of the villages. It takes us to New England at a pivotal time in United States history when Americans were beginning to forge their own identity. It captures the character and essence of the time with cottages, mills, lighthouses, schools and farms just to name a few.
The 2011 Department 56 New England Buildings contain 3 new lighthouses, a nice addition to homes with a nautical decor.
The 2011 Department 56 New England Accessories have pets, the lighthouse keeper, a clock tower and Santa. They are all part of the Coastal Lights Collection.
North Pole-
Where would Christmas be without the North Pole! This village recreates the hustle and bustle of the things happening at the North Pole at it’s busiest time of year. In this snow village you can have Santa, his reindeer, elves and many of the workshops used to help Santa get ready for the biggest day of the year.
Elfland-
This village compliments the North Pole Village but focuses a little more on Santa’s helpers. It highlights many of the workshops but also the buildings the elves need! They can stop in the diner, get some new clothes or rest peacefully in their own homes.
The Original Snow Village-
This is the first village released by dept 56 and captures the mission of what the company was trying to do, bring small town America into every home during the holidays. There is nothing like celebrating the holidays in a small town, the streets come alive with the sounds, sights and smells of Christmas and that is what this will bring to your home. In recent years it has started to bring to life some of the brands that have influenced America including Harley Davidson and Chik-Fil-A.
The Original Snow Village Halloween-
This is perhaps one of Collectiblestoremember’s favorite villages. It brings a fun twist on the holidays and gives you another excuse to have a village displayed in your home. This one doesn’t take itself to seriously and adds some fun into your home with ghosts, mummys, witches, and vampires all set up in a scary Halloween village. They also have a smaller version of a halloween village called the Legends of Sleepy Hollow-een, read more about that below.
New Department 56 Halloween Buildings And Accessories
Williamsburg-
This town was released in 2010 and it’s pieces bring to life Colonial America with houses, taverns, carriages and all of the other scenes that make Williamsburg what it is.
List of 2011 Williamsburg New Releases
List of Department 56 Williamsburg Buildings
Winters Frost-
Is a small village entrenched in snow. All of the lighted buildings are covered in a white blanket and allow nature to come alive in this town.
A Christmas Story Village-
Based on the popular movie of the same name, A Christmas Story Village is a must have for families who enjoy the antics of Ralphie and his family in this film. Buildings include their family house and it has both buildings and accessories that relive some of the scenes in this movie.
Disney Village-
The Disney Village is part of the Department 56 Brand Collection. Mickey, Minnie and all of your favorite characters are busy making Christmas come alive in this village. It has a similar feel to the workshops and buildings of the North Pole, but with a Disney and Mickey spin.
Peanuts Village-
Charlie Brown and friends have become iconic and well loved by many generations. This is just one of the villages that spans generations and unites generations to some of their favorite characters. You can have the elementary school, Charlie Brown’s house and many more scenes and characters that you have come to love with Peanuts.
This story has become one of the standards at Halloween, telling the story of the Headless horseman and the school teacher, Ichabod Crane. Recapture the fun of this story with these characters and buildings. The best part about this mini village is that it is a much smaller village and takes a lot less space to display.