Although best known for their villages, Department 56 is much more than little houses. Their products include giftware, collectibles, holiday decoratives and of course loads of little buildings!
About Department 56
Used with permission of Department 56
Want to know how the villages got their start or more about the path the company has taken over the years? It's a cute story, one that could be imagined as part of a Hollywood movie, but it's all true.
Read the profile on the Department 56 company and how they came up with the unusual name..
The Villages
From the 1976 Snow Village, the towns of Department 56 have grown over the years and there are looks that appeal to almost everyone. You might like the traditional houses of the Snow Village, the North Pole Village, Dickens Village or even the big city look of Christmas in the City.Whimsical villages include: Elfland, Grinch, Peanuts Village and a Disney Village.
The company has loads of resources and ideas for those collectors who are interested in constructing their own towns or just might want to use one or two pieces in a unique setting.
Halloween Villages
© Susan Rayburn
Department 56 is not always Christmas, for these collectors Halloween is their passion and of course there are spooky houses and villages.
Village D-Lights
©Pioneer Communications
Over the years various publications have been published for village enthusiasts and collectors. Most have gone by the wayside. Not so with Village D-Lights. It's an great publication for those who are into the how-tos on village collecting, ideas and construction.
It you want to know the ins and outs of creating great effects, it's a terrific read.
Polar Palette Art Center
© Department 56
Although this is an older piece in the North Pole village series, the Crayola, Polar Palette Art Center is a favorite. It's shown in this article on Crayola collecting. Yes people collect Crayola items too!
Cookie Jars
Barb Crews
Although the company is not known for their cookie jars, Department 56 jars are eagerly sought after by collectors. They are always well made with clever designs. The biggest problem is that they can be hard to find as the company usually doesn't market them per se.
- Assorted Christmas jars
- Penguin
- Little Red Riding Hood
- Spooky Black Cat
- Pumpkin with Black Cat Finial
- Rodeo Teapot (has a matching cookie jar)
- Antique-look Santa Jar
