Department 56 Christmas Vacation: Creating Magical Holiday Displays & Traditions
Christmas is a special time of year. Families gather. Homes glow with lights. The air smells of pine and cookies. For many people, holiday decorations are very important. They create a festive atmosphere. They bring back happy memories. One company makes this magic possible. That company is Department 56.
Department 56 creates miniature ceramic villages. These villages show snowy scenes. They have tiny houses, shops, and people. Each piece is very detailed. The company started in 1976. It began with a single ceramic church. Now, it has hundreds of different pieces. Collectors love these villages. They set them up every Christmas. It becomes a family tradition.
This guide is all about Department 56 Christmas vacations. We do not mean a trip to a place. We mean creating a vacation in your own home. You build a miniature world. It tells a story of holiday joy. This tradition is like a mental vacation. It lets you escape into a perfect Christmas scene.
We will explore everything about this hobby. You will learn the history. You will see how to start your own village. We will give you practical tips. We will answer common questions. By the end, you will be ready to create your own magical Christmas display. Let's begin our journey into the world of Department 56.
The History and Magic of Department 56
Every great tradition has a beginning. Department 56 started in 1976. The company was part of a larger gift company. It was called Schmid. The first piece was the "Original Snow Village" church. It was a simple white ceramic church. It had a light inside. People loved it. They wanted more buildings.
The company listened. They made more pieces. They created houses, shops, and people. Each piece was hand-painted. The details were amazing. Tiny windows had curtains. Doors had wreaths. Lampposts glowed. The villages showed life in a small town. It was a nostalgic view of Christmas.
Over time, Department 56 expanded. They created different village lines. The most famous is the "Snow Village." It shows classic American scenes. Another line is "North Pole." It has Santa's workshop and elf houses. "Dickens' Village" shows scenes from Charles Dickens' stories. "Heritage Village" has historic American buildings.
Collecting these villages became a hobby. People bought new pieces each year. They set up displays in their homes. Some displays are small. They fit on a table. Other displays are huge. They fill entire rooms. The villages create a sense of wonder. They capture the spirit of Christmas.
Department 56 is more than decorations. It is about storytelling. Each building has a name and a story. For example, "Ye Olde Candy Shoppe" or "Winterhaven Chapel." Collectors create scenes around these stories. They add trees, people, and animals. The display becomes a living diorama. It is a Christmas vacation you can visit every day.
Why People Love Department 56 Villages
There are many reasons for this hobby's popularity. First, it is nostalgic. The villages show a simpler time. They remind people of old Christmas movies. Second, it is creative. You can design your own layout. You choose the buildings. You add snow and lights. It is like being an artist.
Third, it is a family activity. Parents and children set up the village together. They tell stories about the pieces. It becomes a yearly ritual. Fourth, it is collectible. Some pieces become rare. Their value increases over time. Collectors enjoy finding special pieces.
Finally, it is beautiful. A lit Department 56 village is magical. It brings warmth to any room. It is a centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Guests always admire it. It starts conversations. It spreads Christmas cheer.
Starting Your Own Department 56 Christmas Vacation Display
Starting a village can feel overwhelming. There are so many pieces. Where do you begin? Don't worry. We have a simple step-by-step guide. Follow these steps. You will have a beautiful display in no time.
Step 1: Choose Your Theme
First, pick a village theme. Department 56 has several lines. Think about what you like. Do you love Santa? Choose the "North Pole" series. Do you prefer classic stories? Try "Dickens' Village." Do you want a cozy American town? "Snow Village" is perfect.
You can also mix themes. But it is easier to start with one. This creates a cohesive look. Your display will tell a clear story. You can always add another theme later.
Step 2: Plan Your Space and Budget
Next, decide where to put your village. Common spaces include:
- A mantel over the fireplace
- A large table or buffet
- A bookshelf or cabinet
- A dedicated table in the living room
Measure your space. This tells you how many pieces you can fit. Also, set a budget. Department 56 pieces range in price. New buildings cost $50 to $150 or more. You can also buy used pieces. Check online marketplaces. Visit local antique shops.
Start small. Buy two or three key buildings. Add accessories like trees and people. You can grow your village each year. Many collectors add one new piece every Christmas.
Step 3: Gather Your Supplies
You need more than just buildings. Here is a basic supply list:
- Base: Use a board, a table, or foam sheets. Cover it with white batting for snow.
- Lights: Department 56 buildings have light cords. You need a power strip. Use LED lights for safety. They don't get hot.
- Snow: Use polyester batting. It looks like real snow. You can buy it at craft stores.
- Accessories: Trees, people, animals, lampposts, and fences. Department 56 sells these. You can also find similar items elsewhere.
- Extension Cords: To power all the lights. Hide them under the snow.
Step 4: Design Your Layout
Now, design your village. Do not just place buildings randomly. Think like a town planner. Create streets and paths. Place larger buildings in the back. Put smaller ones in front. This adds depth. Leave space between buildings. People need to walk!
Add hills and levels. Use boxes or foam under the batting. This makes the scene more interesting. Place trees and lampposts along paths. Put people doing activities. A man shoveling snow. Children building a snowman.
Arrange everything without glue first. Take pictures. See how it looks. Move things around. When you are happy, secure the pieces. Use museum putty or double-sided tape. This prevents accidents.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
The details make the village come alive. Here are some ideas:
- Add tiny "snow" on rooftops and trees. Use white flocking or sprinkle fake snow.
- Create a frozen pond. Use a mirror or shiny blue paper. Add tiny ice skaters.
- Make a forest area. Cluster many trees together.
- Add a train. Department 56 has village trains. They circle the display.
- Use a mirror as a base. It looks like ice or water. It reflects the lights.
Finally, plug in all the lights. Turn off the room lights. See your village glow. It is magical. You have created your own Christmas vacation world.
Advanced Tips for Stunning Displays
You have a basic village. Now, make it amazing. These tips will take your display to the next level.
Creating Realistic Landscapes
A flat village is boring. Add terrain. Use sheets of foam insulation. Cut them into shapes. Stack them to make hills. Cover everything with white batting. You can also use plaster or papier-mâché. Paint it white. Add texture.
Create different levels. Put a church on a high hill. Place houses in a valley. This looks more natural. It also shows all the buildings better.
Mastering Lighting Techniques
Lighting is key. Department 56 buildings have internal lights. But you need more. Add street lamps. Put tiny lights in trees. Use a string of fairy lights behind the scene. It looks like stars in the sky.
Think about light color. Warm white light is cozy. It feels like candlelight. Cool white light feels icy. It is good for a North Pole scene. You can mix them. Use warm light in houses. Use cool light for street lamps.
Hide your cords. Run them under the batting. Use dark-colored cords. They are less visible. Plug everything into a power strip with a timer. The village will turn on and off automatically.
Incorporating Movement and Sound
Movement adds life. The easiest way is a train. Department 56 makes village-scale trains. They run on a small track. You can also find moving accessories. A rotating carousel. A skating rink with moving skaters.
Sound adds another layer. Play soft Christmas music near the village. You can find small sound modules. They play carols or village sounds. Like church bells or children laughing. Place it under the table. Keep the volume low. It should be background sound.
Storytelling Through Your Village
Your village should tell a story. Group buildings by function. Put the school, church, and town hall together. That is the town center. Place houses in neighborhoods. Put the farm on the edge of town.
Create little scenes. A delivery man with a package. A family decorating their tree. Carolers singing. A baker taking pies from the oven. These scenes make the village feel alive. They invite viewers to look closer.
Change the story each year. One year, focus on Christmas Eve. Another year, show a bustling Christmas market. This keeps the tradition fresh. It gives you something new to create.
Practical Care and Maintenance
Department 56 pieces are delicate. They need proper care. Follow these tips to keep your village safe for years.
Cleaning and Storage
Dust is the enemy. It can dull the paint. Clean your pieces gently. Use a soft makeup brush or a can of compressed air. Do not use water or cleaning sprays. They can damage the paint.
Storage is very important. Never stack pieces. They can chip or crack. Store each piece in its original box. The box has foam inserts. It protects the piece. If you lost the box, use bubble wrap. Wrap each piece separately.
Label your boxes. Write the name of the piece on the box. This makes setup easier next year. Store boxes in a cool, dry place. Avoid attics or garages. Extreme heat or cold can damage ceramic.
Handling and Repair
Always handle pieces with two hands. Pick them up from the base. Do not pick them up by chimneys or delicate parts. When setting up, place them gently. Do not slide them on the table.
Accidents happen. A piece may chip or break. Do not throw it away. You can repair it. Use a clear-drying glue for ceramics. Apply a small amount. Hold the pieces together. Let it dry completely. For missing paint, use acrylic model paint. Match the colors carefully.
For valuable or badly damaged pieces, seek professional help. Some artists specialize in ceramic repair. It may cost money. But it saves a beloved piece.
Lighting and Electrical Safety
Check light cords every year. Look for frayed wires or loose plugs. Do not use damaged cords. They are a fire hazard. Replace old incandescent bulbs with LEDs. LEDs are cooler and use less energy.
Do not overload power strips. Check the wattage. Do not plug too many lights into one strip. Spread them out. Use multiple power strips if needed.
Never leave the village lights on overnight or when you are not home. Use a timer. Set it for a few hours in the evening. This is safer. It also saves electricity.
Department 56 Christmas Vacation: Real Examples and Ideas
Let's look at some real display ideas. These can inspire your own creation.
The Classic Mantel Display
This is the most popular setup. Use your fireplace mantel. It is the perfect stage. The display is at eye level. It becomes a focal point in the room.
How to do it: Cover the mantel with white batting. Arrange 5-7 buildings. Place the tallest in the middle. Flank it with smaller buildings. Add lots of trees. Use different sizes. Put some people and animals. Run the cords down the back of the mantel.
Add a mirror behind the village. It doubles the light. It makes the display look bigger. This is a simple but stunning look.
The Dedicated Village Table
Use a large table. A dining table or a folding table works. This gives you lots of space. You can create a whole town.
How to do it: Create a town layout. Have a main street. Add side streets. Place the town hall at one end. Put the church at the other. Create residential areas. Add a park with a pond. Use foam to make hills. Cover everything in snow.
The key is layers. Have foreground, middle ground, and background. This creates depth. It feels like a real town. You can walk your eyes through it.
The North Pole Workshop
This theme is fun for children. It shows Santa's village. Use the Department 56 North Pole series.
How to do it: Create a centerpiece with Santa's house. Surround it with elf workshops. Add the reindeer stable. Make a toy factory. Include a post office for letters. Use lots of bright colors. North Pole pieces are often red, green, and gold.
Add fun accessories. Tiny toys everywhere. Elves working. Santa checking his list. This display is full of joy and energy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Department 56 a good investment?
Yes, for many people. Some retired pieces become very valuable. They can sell for much more than the original price. But you should not collect just for money. Collect because you love it. The real value is the joy it brings each Christmas.
2. How many pieces do I need to start?
You can start with just two or three pieces. A church, a house, and a shop are a great beginning. Add some trees and people. This makes a lovely small scene. You can add more each year.
3. Can I mix Department 56 with other brands?
Yes, you can. Many collectors mix brands. Lemax is another popular brand. Their pieces are similar in size. The styles may be different. Try to keep a cohesive look. Do not mix styles that clash. A North Pole elf house next to a realistic Victorian home might look odd.
4. How do I power all the lights?
Use a power strip with multiple outlets. Department 56 lights have standard plugs. You can plug many into one strip. Use LED bulbs. They use less power. They also stay cool. Never use indoor lights outdoors. They are not waterproof.
5. My village looks flat. How do I add depth?
Use different levels. Put some buildings on small boxes or foam risers. Place taller buildings in the back. Put shorter ones in front. Create winding paths. Do not line everything up in a straight row. This creates a more natural, interesting scene.
6. Are there Department 56 clubs or communities?
Yes! There are many online groups. Facebook has several Department 56 collector groups. People share photos and tips. There are also forums and websites. Local clubs sometimes have meetings. It is a great way to meet other collectors.
7. What is the most popular Department 56 village series?
The "Snow Village" series is the most popular. It started it all. It features classic American scenes. The "North Pole" series is also very popular. Especially with families with young children.
Statistics and Trends in Holiday Collecting
The holiday decoration market is big. Let's look at some numbers.
The National Retail Federation tracks holiday spending. In recent years, Americans spent billions on decorations. This includes trees, lights, and ornaments. Collectible villages are part of this.
Department 56 does not release exact sales numbers. But the hobby is strong. Online marketplaces are busy. eBay has thousands of Department 56 listings. Prices for retired pieces can be high. Some sell for over $500.
A trend is "vintage" Christmas. People want nostalgic items. Department 56 fits this trend perfectly. Its villages show a cozy, old-fashioned Christmas. This appeals to many people today.
Another trend is DIY and crafting. People enjoy making their own displays. They buy the buildings. Then they create custom landscapes. They add homemade accessories. This makes the village personal.
Social media helps the hobby. People post photos of their villages on Instagram and Pinterest. This inspires others. It creates a sense of community. The hashtag #Department56 has millions of views.
The future looks bright for Department 56. The company releases new pieces every year. They listen to collectors. They create pieces people want. The tradition passes to new generations. Children who grew up with the village start their own.
Conclusion: Your Personal Christmas Tradition
A Department 56 Christmas vacation is a special tradition. It is not about traveling far. It is about creating a world of joy at home. You build a miniature village. It glows with light and story. This becomes part of your family's Christmas.
Starting is easy. Choose a theme. Buy a few pieces. Set them up with care. Each year, you can add more. Your village will grow. It will become more detailed. It will tell new stories.
The benefits are great. It is a creative outlet. It reduces stress. The act of creating something beautiful is calming. It brings families together. Setting up the village is a fun activity. It creates lasting memories.
It also teaches patience and planning. You design a layout. You solve problems. You learn about light and composition. These are valuable skills.
Most of all, it spreads happiness. A glowing village on a dark winter night is magical. It reminds us of the good things. Family, community, and peace. These are the true gifts of Christmas.
So, start your Department 56 Christmas vacation this year. Begin small. Enjoy the process. Watch the magic come to life in your own home. It will become a tradition you cherish for years to come. Merry Christmas, and happy building!