Create a Family Tradition with Christmas Villages

Christmas villages are made up of small-scale buildings of different types that are arranged and displayed during the holiday season. It is a long standing tradition in America that originated with the Pennsylvania Dutch during colonial times. They began as nativity scenes called "putz" and became more elaborate as time went on. The evolution of the tradition is a fascinating one. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Christmas villages, I have included links below to websites that discuss the history of the Christmas village tradition in much more depth.

Modern day village buildings are usually made of ceramic, porcelain or resin and are elaborately painted and detailed. Most are lighted with at least a bulb inside while others have animated elements. They are available in many themes according to your taste. Themes include Disney, Thomas Kinkade, Charles Dickens, The Christmas Story, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer to name just a few.

To learn more about Christmas villages and find the best selection, please visit the Dept 56 Christmas Villages site!"

Department 56 Dickens Village Ebenezer Scrooge's House

The pieces in this collection depict the people and scenes from the classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens in 1843. You can find buildings representing Crachit's Corner, the Scrooge/Marley Counting House, along with many others. There are also numerous figurines available of the familiar characters in the story, such as Scrooge with the Ghosts of Christmas and Bob Crachit with Tiny Tim.

Click here to see a larger selection of Dickens Christmas Village Pieces

Department 56 Christmas Story Village Ralphies House

These buildings and people depict scenes from the classic holiday tale of Ralphie Parker and his family from the 1983 movie, A Christmas Story. The original movie was released in November of 1983 and has since become a cult classic. I think almost everyone has heard the statement "no, you'll shoot your eye out!" that poor Ralphie heard over and over again in response to his request for "an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range mode air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time."

Click here to see a larger selection of "A Christmas Story" Village Pieces

Disney ''Pluto's Pet Shop'' Miniature by Dept. 56

If you love Disney characters (and really, who doesn't right?), you can build an adorable Christmas village with scenes such as Minnie's Bakery and Pluto's Pet Shop, among many others. These beautiful pieces also make wonderful gifts if you are searching for something special for a Disney lover.

Click here to see a larger selection of Disney Christmas Village Pieces

Department 56 North Pole Hot Chocolate Tower

The North Pole is where Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and reindeer live, play, make toys and prepare for Christmas each year. These charming porcelain buildings and accessories are full of whimsy and bring the spirit and joy of Christmas to life in your home!

Click here to see a larger selection of North Pole Christmas Village Pieces

Christmas Greetings - Santa with Holly, Village Scene Giclee Print
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Department 56 New England Village Welcome To Wndham Country Inn

The New England Village series by Department 56 has captured the spirit of a historic small town in New England during the 1800's. If you enjoy the old fashioned look, the New England series may be just what you are looking for!

Click here to see a larger selection of New England Christmas Village Pieces

Santa's Favorite Team Art Print
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Department 56 Christmas In The City? Series Santa In The City

The Christmas in the City series by Department 56 has miniatures representing Christmas scenes in different cities across America. The images remind me of this stanza from one of my favorite classic Christmas carols Silver Bells, Silver Bells:

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style.
In the air there's
A feeling of Christmas.

Click here to see a larger selection of Christmas in the City Christmas Village Pieces

Merry Christmas to All
Art Print
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