Department 56 Value & Price Guide

Department 56 is the premier name in lighted village collectibles, renowned for transforming holiday decorating into an immersive storytelling experience. From the Victorian charm of the Dickens' Village to the whimsical North Pole Series, these hand-painted porcelain and ceramic pieces have become cherished family heirlooms.

Price Range: $45 - $50 based on recent sales

History of Department 56

Founded in 1976 by Edward Bazinet, Department 56 originally began as a specialty gift department within the wholesale florist Bachman's in Minneapolis. The brand revolutionized the industry with the introduction of the Original Snow Village, featuring six small lighted ceramic buildings that captured the nostalgia of small-town America. Over the following decades, the company expanded into diverse themed collections including the Heritage Village Collection and the popular Snowbabies line. Despite changes in ownership over the years, the brand has maintained a dedicated following of collectors who value the intricate architectural details and the historical accuracy of series like the Dickens' Village, which debuted in 1984. Today, Department 56 remains the gold standard for holiday miniatures, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern licensing partnerships.

Value Factors for Department 56

The typical price range for Department 56 is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Retirement status: Pieces that are officially 'retired' from production typically see an immediate increase in secondary market demand.
• Condition of the 'Snow': On older Snow Village pieces, the white glitter or paint can yellow over time; pristine, bright white finishes command a premium.
• Completeness: For sets like the Neapolitan Nativity or the Heritage Village, having all original accessory figurines and landscape elements significantly impacts the total valuation.
• Rarity and Series: Limited edition releases and early 1980s models generally hold higher value than mass-produced accessories from the mid-2000s.

Tips for Buying Department 56

• Always verify the presence of the original box and molded Styrofoam packaging, as these are essential for safe storage and maintaining the item's resale value.
• Inspect the delicate porcelain protrusions, such as chimney tops and fence posts, for professional repairs or small chips that may not be immediately visible.
• Check the functionality of the internal lighting components and ensure the power cord is the original white or black cord specific to that production era.
• Research the retirement date of specific pieces, as items that had shorter production runs like the early Snow Village houses often command higher prices.

Items in This Collection

• Christmas Village Post Office
• Department 56 Fezziwig's Warehouse
• Department 56 Haunted Barn
• Department 56 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Shop
• Department 56 Lynton Point Tower
• Department 56 The Holiday House
• Department 56 Central Park Carriage
• Department 56 Sleigh and Eight Tiny Reindeer
• Department 56 Scrooge & Marley Counting House
• Department 56 City Subway Entrance
• Department 56 Trimming the North Pole
• Department 56 Dickens' Carolers
• Department 56 Gumdrop Shop
• Department 56 Dudden Cross Church
• Department 56 Haunted Hearse
• Department 56 Tree Lot Accessory
• Department 56 Snowbabies Ornament
• Department 56 Snow Village House
• Department 56 Christmas Village Accessories
• Department 56 St. Luke's Church