ALPINE VILLAGE Life in this charming European Village, surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and icy streams, has changed little over the years, except more hilltop chalets and establishments bearing German names line the snow-covered roads. One of the most prosperous shops specializes in feather beds and quilts. Until this charming business opened, waking up on a winter morning in Alpine Village was a chilling experience, especially after a tiring day of climbing every mountain. Alpine Village is perfect for the collector who wants a smaller set to add some warmth to their house.
	CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY We all sometimes wish we could return to the times when life was more simple. Well you can ..... sort of! Take a stroll back to that time just after the turn of the century and wander the streets of "Christmas in the City" where everything seems just the way it ought to be ... simple and good. Listen and you can hear the bustling sounds of the street vendors, carolers and children playing in the park. Turn your imagination loose ... with Christmas in the City.
	DICKENS VILLAGE Step back in time to the cobblestone streets, gas street lamps, and horse-drawn carriages with 19th century Dickens Village Series. Revel in the bustling, hearty and joyous atmosphere found in the holiday season of Victorian England. Sip a cup of hot tea and let the magic of Dickens Village enchant you.
	LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM The Little Town of Bethlehem series captures the essence of the special night when the miracle of Christmas first began. Drawn to a bright star appearing in the East, Balthazar, Melchoir, and Jasper, set out from their homelands and traveled a great distance until they arrived at the place where the start was directly overhead. Amidst the hay and barnyard animals, they found the Christ child. Bestowing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh upon Him, the wise men joined shepherds and angels in celebrating this wondrous occasion. Now you can too.
	NEW ENGLAND VILLAGE Since its introduction in 1986, the New England Village series has captured the spirit of historic small town America in the 1800s - an era of covered bridges, log cabins, and horse-drawn sleighs. Rocky shorelines serve as a backdrop to picturesque lighthouses, nautical cottages, smoking chimneys, one-room schoolhouses, and seaside businesses. Though life is simple here, folks have plenty to do, from selling homemade quilts and jam to traveling by sleigh over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house.
	NORTH POLE Introduced in 1990 as a collection of three lit houses and three accessories, North Pole's popularity was instant ..... and has continued to build ever since. The collection is downright magical and is a testimonial to the imagination and innovation of Department 56. Now a collection of over thirty lit pieces and twenty accessory pieces, North Pole, with its glittering rooftops is one of the most popular of all the Villages.
	SEASONS BAY Take a vacation of the mind with Seasons Bay, a 19th century resort town introduced in 1998. Drift into a daydream of this romantic era, when resort towns were filled with parasols, petticoats, soft breezes, and clean misty air. Stroll the quaint downtown for boutiques and eateries with turn-of-the-century fashions and flavors. Note the splendid building designs with stone bases that model American Shingle Style architecture, which was natural, fluid, and favored wide-open interior spaces. The abundance of porches, balconies, fireplaces, and bay window gave residents and vacationers a place to relax and escape the bustle of the booming cities. The series offers a variety of finely-detailed accessories such as gazebos, gatehouses, fountains, carriages, and figurines dressed in period attire.
	SNOW VILLAGE As the story has it, the original idea for Snow Village came about back in the mid-70's when some of the folks from Bachmann's (the original owners of Department 56) were visiting the Taylor's Falls area about 50 miles north of what is now Department 56 headquarters. They were so inspired by the quaint charm of the area they decided to produce a Christmas village ... and thus was born what has since become the most popular collectible in America. Lots of folks don't realize that many Snow Village designs are patterned after actual places right up here in Collectors Gallery Land ... St. Paul, Minnesota. The Jefferson Schoolhouse is located just west of the downtown area, only a mile or so from The Ramsey Hill House. The Lincoln Park House is in one of the newer parts of town, an area that was just wilderness as I was growing up nearby. And ... Mickey's Diner is still serving up good food 24 hours a day ... just two blocks from the heart of downtown. These are just a few of the many "local" pieces that make Snow Village "extra special" to those of us who live up here.