Department 56 began its village tradition in 1976 with six lighted ceramic buildings. Today, its miniature buildings, figures and scenery let collectors create displays around a favorite setting, story or season.
Start with the scene you want to build, then compare the collection, finish and dimensions of each piece. A building can anchor a small display; coordinating figures and landscaping add the activity around it. The collection links above make it easy to explore a particular series without sorting through unrelated designs.
Already collecting? Check the series and item number before adding a piece, especially when matching an older display. Retirement describes production status, so use the individual listing to check what is currently available.
Department 56 FAQs
Choosing and CollectingCare and StorageLighting and Repairs
Choosing and Collecting
How do I choose which village to collect?
Start with a setting or story you enjoy, then consider the space available. One building and a few accessories can establish a scene. Compare dimensions and leave room for lighting cords before expanding. Collect around your interests rather than trying to buy an entire series at once.
What Is the Department 56 Heritage Village Collection?
Heritage Village is the family name for several Department 56 village series, including Dickens’ Village, Christmas in the City and North Pole. These collections generally feature matte-finished porcelain and smaller proportions than the glossy ceramic Original Snow Village.
Why are village figures a different scale from the lighted buildings?
Larger accessory figures preserve fine details that would disappear at the buildings’ smaller scale.
Which model train scale works best with each village collection?
O and HO are model-train size scales: O is approximately 1:48, while HO is approximately 1:87. A 1:87 model represents the real train at about one eighty-seventh of its size. Department 56’s FAQ reports that collectors often find O a close visual fit for Original Snow Village and HO for Heritage Village collections. The villages are not built to one exact railroad scale, so compare the train’s measurements and appearance with your buildings. A decorative village train is not automatically HO scale.
How often are new village pieces introduced?
Introductions are typically announced in January and late spring. Announcement dates are not guaranteed retailer arrival dates.
What does it mean when a village piece is retired?
The design is no longer being produced. Remaining inventory may still be sold, so a retired piece can still be available from a retailer. Check the individual listing for stock status; retirement alone does not establish rarity, resale value or whether an item is secondhand.
Care and Storage
How should I clean village buildings and accessories?
Dust with a soft brush or feather duster. Avoid water, soap and liquid cleaning sprays.
Should I keep the original boxes and packaging?
Yes. The fitted packaging protects pieces during storage and handling.
Can I get a replacement box for a village piece?
Department 56 says replacement original boxes are unavailable. Use a sturdy box with protective packing instead.
What is the best way to store village buildings and accessories?
Store at roughly 50–80°F in dry conditions, away from extreme temperatures. Avoid hot attics; protect boxes from moisture.
Lighting, Parts and Minor Repairs
Are replacement parts available for village pieces?
Department 56 offers selected replacement parts, including bulbs, adapters and small decorative components. Availability is specific to the item. Use the building or accessory’s product number to identify the correct part, and check the replacement listing’s compatibility rather than relying on appearance alone.
Which replacement bulbs do village buildings use?
There is no single bulb for every village piece. Department 56 lists different voltages and bulb types, including 120V, 12V and 3.5V options. Match the item’s instructions and required rating before buying; a similar-looking bulb is not proof of compatibility.
Can village buildings be converted to battery-operated lighting?
Some can. Department 56’s Display Anywhere Lighting Retrofit Unit replaces a traditional light cord in many buildings and requires four AAA batteries, sold separately. It is not a universal conversion kit. Confirm compatibility with your particular building and existing lighting before purchasing. Shop the Display Anywhere Lighting Retrofit Unit at City Lights.
How do I retrieve a light cord that has slipped inside a building?
Unplug it first. Department 56 suggests gripping the spring clips with needle-nose pliers. Avoid pulling the wire or forcing fragile parts.
What adhesive does the manufacturer recommend for minor repairs to village pieces?
Department 56 recommends gel-formula super glue for minor repairs; remove existing adhesive first.
