Ever wonder what the differences between Department 56's villages were?

Begun in 1976 as a collection of six-hand painted ceramic buildings, Department 56 Villages have grown to be a much loved tradition in homes throughout North America and beyond. The line grew from the original six buildings to a collection that includes several different series of lighted buildings, accessories and display pieces.

Ever wonder what the differences between Department 56's village pieces are? Today we are going to give a little history and explain the highlights of four of Department 56's series, The Original Snow Village, Dickens Village Series, North Pole Series and the Disney Village Series.

The Original Snow Village Collection

The Original Snow Village Collection began in 1976 with the aforementioned six hand painted ceramic buildings inspired by a Christmas drive past a beautifully decorated small town covered with newly fallen snow. The original six buildings were retired in 1979 to make way for 12 new items along with the introduction of the first Village Accessories. The collection has grown since 1976 to include hundreds of buildings and accessories.

The Original Snow Village items are crafted with the same traditions and values that founded small towns across the US. Main street shops and neighborhood homes that are part of the collection are modeled after shops and homes that can be found throughout the country. Handcrafted and beautifully detailed, the buildings in this collection are a wonderful way to bring small town American Christmas spirit right into your home.

Dickens’ Village Series

The history, architecture, customs and traditions of Dickens’ Victorian England comes alive with these gorgeous buildings, shops and figurines. Lighted houses, Victorian bird shops, strolling couples in period attire and all manner of Victorian businesses are among the selections in this wonderful series. Exquisitely crafted and painted by hand, the beauty and charm of Dickens's England will lend a special element to any home for the holidays.

North Pole Series

Begun in 1990, Santa Claus literally came to town with the addition of the North Pole Series to The Heritage Village Series. The North Pole Series, inspired by the wonder and magic of the Christmas legend, is hand painted and brings to miniature life creations such as Santa’s North Pole Office, elf homes, toy factories, bakeries and much more. These wonderful lighted homes and businesses from D56 express the joy and wonder of all Santa and the North Pole bring to Christmas.

Disney Village Series

The magic and excitement of Christmas continues with buildings and accessories from the Disney Village Series. Find Mickey and all his family and pals from Minnie and Pluto to Huey, Dewey and Louie in this colorful series. Created and crafted with all the magic and energy you would expect from a Disney collection, you can find pieces such as Mickey’s House, Mickey’s Candy Shop and wonderful Disney figurines to accompany your collection.

No matter what series interest you, the important part is to enjoy your Department 56 collection and choose each piece because you love it and it sparks something inside of you. Create and display your D56 pieces any way you choose and it will convey your personality and bring a smile to your face all season long!