‘Department 56 North Pole’ Archive
Monday, December 6th, 2010
 Two sisters in Bloomington, Illinois, have turned the two-car garage of their new home into a virtual winter wonderland with hundreds of Department 56 buildings and accessories.
According to the Pantagraph newspaper, Marge Russell and Barbara Strangeway started collecting the lighted buildings and figurines 15 years ago. Since then, the sisters have accumulated a collection of more than 500 buildings and about 4,000 accessories.
"I just love being creative with it," Russell told the news provider.
"It never goes up the same twice," her sister, Strangeway, added.
The duo says that the garage is the perfect space to display their stunning collection, as they've never had so much space. However, all of their pieces are still not being used.
They noted that they began their collection when they lived in a small mobile home in Florida with their elderly mother.
"We didn't have much room, but we'd line the living room with just a path in the middle to walk through," Strangeway told the newspaper.
Whether individuals have a small shelf or mantle or an entire room, Department 56 collectibles can help make holiday décor more festive.
Some people choose to display entire collections, while others choose to pick and choose their favorite pieces to create a smaller centerpiece.
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Monday, December 6th, 2010
 A group of Department 56 collectors known as the Nifty '56ers has donated hundreds of lighted buildings and figurines to be put on display and benefit a charity this holiday season, according to the News-Sentinel.
The display, which features pieces from the Department 56 Snow Village, Department 56 North Pole and Department 56 Dickens Village collections, is being billed as "Indiana's largest snow village."
The holiday collection is being showcased at the Grand Wayne Convention Center through December 23.
While individuals and families can view the display, called "Holiday Houses for Habitat," for free, organizers are encouraging donations to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Visitors can donate at the convention center or by visiting HolidayHousesforHabitat.com.
Department 56 collections feature buildings and figurines depicting Christmas scenes.
Department 56 Snow Village, the original collection released in 1976, is modeled after the 1950s suburban communities that started to pop up everywhere across the U.S. after World War 2.
Department 56 North Pole collection depicts the magical fantasy land of elves working hard to manufacturer toys while Santa Clause overlooks the scene.
Department 56 Dickens Village collection is modeled to depict the time of Charles Dickens and the stories he wrote. Some of the more famous pieces include, The Cottage of Bob Cratchit & Tiny Tim, The Old Curiosity Shop, Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield and Oliver Twist.
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
 While some use the beginning of the holiday shopping season to get into the Christmas spirit, others prefer decoration. These folks typically adorn their homes and offices with trees, lights and figurines.
Department 56 figurines are the centerpiece of these holiday displays, as collectors can use the products to create various eye-catching scenes.
Department 56 Christmas in the City series has been a favorite among collectors and decorating enthusiasts since 1987.
The collection showcases a winter scene in New York City during the 1940s. Best-selling pieces include landmark buildings such as the Flatiron building and the Chinatown gate as well as other city structures such as row houses, firehouses and city shops. In addition, these items are all lighted to create a stunning holiday display.
While many of the structures featured in the series are no longer standing, Department 56 has worked out exclusive partnerships to construct models of many famous buildings of New York City’s skyline, including Yankee Stadium and Rockefeller Center.
The Christmas in the City buildings feature detailed architecture that can be enjoyed by both the young and old for years to come!
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Monday, November 15th, 2010
 Homeowners have the advantage of decorating a large amount of space during the holiday season, but apartment renters typically have a smaller area to work with. Brown and white wire lights can add the finishing touch to Christmas decor, but Department 56 can bring the spirit of Christmas to even the smallest spaces.
Department 56 is renowned for crafting some of the most eye-catching figurines seen in households and apartments across the country throughout the winter. Their snow globes, glassware and lighted buildings have attracted collectors from around the world.
Many of the hand-crafted items Department 56 offers come in different shapes and sizes. Consumers can purchase entire snow villages or simply collect Department 56 figurines. They're perfect for apartment owners who are searching for a few pieces that will make a big impact.
Department 56 is known for its Christmas products, but the company also designs a number of different decorations for other events throughout the year ranging from Halloween to Easter.
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Monday, October 25th, 2010
 The Department 56 North Pole series offers collectibles that are perfect gifts for yuletide lovers of any age. Whether it's a young child who is counting down the days until Santa's arrival, or an adult who takes great pride in their home's Christmas decor, these charming pieces mat appease any individual looking to catch the holiday spirit.
The North Pole series is aimed at the dreamers who, when thinking of Christmas, concoct images of Santa Clause, elves and reindeer. The North Pole series may serve as a pleasant reminder of what Christmas is all about, drawing on the joy and innocence that many experienced during the winter season as children.
Some of the ceramic products included in the North Pole Series radiate with a blend of brights colors. The jigsaw puzzle workshop, the karaoke club and the rubber duck factory are miniature buildings that will add ambience to any corner of your home.
There's also plenty of humor in these pieces, including an elf figurine that is collecting coal for the naughty children of the world. The North Pole series shows that life as one of Santa's helpers extends to more than just toy-making. One available piece is a pizza-delivering elf making a sizable delivery, while the "lunch box cafe" hints that elves, just like the rest of us, like to kick-back and convene for a meal and a beverage after a long day's work.
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Friday, September 24th, 2010
 Whether you're living in sunny Florida or frigid Michigan this winter, the Christmas season invokes a similar image for many Americans: snow falling from the sky, elves crafting toys and saddled reindeer bracing for Santa Clause's epic flight.
The North Pole is synonymous with Christmas. Santa's hometown is viewed as a place rife with joy, as ornaments hang from every nook and laughter emanates from each workshop. You don't have to be a child to marvel in the magic that the North Pole represents.
The Department 56 North Pole series was born 20 years ago, starting with three buildings: Santa's Workshop, Elf Bunkhouse and Reindeer Barn. It has since flourished into a vast collection, including a candy-cane house, a snowboard shop and a karaoke club.
The ceramic figurines show that elves have more hobbies than just making toys. One piece features an elf delivering pizza, while another displays two of Santa's helpers ice fishing.
For those looking to invite the Christmas spirit into their homes this holiday season, the Department 56 North Pole collection is a great start.
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