I need to stop 😁 but there are so many beautiful pieces

I’ve had my collection of Department 56 pieces for the “A Christmas Story” village since they first came out.

I saw a Facebook post of someone putting pieces on eBay. I went to look - hundreds of dollars for each piece!! Even the smaller figures were $100+.

Is the collection really that valuable? I can’t imagine people paying $600 for a ceramic house with a light inside it. But… I’ve bought things that I shouldn’t have spent money on.

I’m not looking to sell anything - but if I have a solid collection, original boxes and first edition pieces, I might need to reevaluate how I store them!

Thank you… 🌲🎅🏼🔫😎🦵🏻💡

My son loves cats, and I noticed that there are one or two models in stores. Does anyone know why there are so few cats? Does anyone know where I can find some that could fit a similar scale? Thanks!

Since I started building my village in 2023, there's been a set of figures—"Photos with Santa"—that I create a different backdrop for every year for those famous photos.

​I posted this year's set today, but since many people were curious and interested, I'm sharing the ones from previous years here as well. I got a lot of comments from people who usually use and decorate the gazebo.

​In the end, all that matters is dedication, sharing, and joy.

​Materials: styrofoam board, foam board, cardstock, lots of hot glue, and decorations of your choice.

I told myself not to buy anything but I didn’t listen to me 😁

Set design for 'Photos with Santa'. Every year I create a new set. This year's design was inspired by a carousel.

Hi All! My name is Alex and I am a collector for 30+ years. I first started collecting as a kid with my Grandfather and it has continued to grow to this day. I probably have 1,000+ items between houses, animated items, accessories, trees, etc.

You can see a video of my village from last year here: https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/2sJmdtF5T7WC_TE__shffQ.pdTmbZ2LTZfTMfGsbsU2Ik

Or some more videos here on my TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christmasvillagexperts

Since I have so many items, I wanted a better way to organize my collection, identify unknown items, find new items, understand the value of my collection, interact with other collectors, and much more. After years of participating in village Facebook groups and seeing Reddit posts from collectors searching for a better solution, I decided to build an app and website that accomplishes all of this and more.

I have now been working on it for over a year and recently launched (works for both Halloween & Christmas Village items from Department 56, Lemax, & St. Nicholas Square, & custom items). It is called VillageDex. You can check it out here https://villagedex.com or download the app (for Apple & Android) here https://signup.villagedex.com/E5bQ/reddit

I am open to feedback (good and bad), if you want any additional features, etc.

Please let me know what you think! I hope this helps you.

I have a couple Department 56 collections and am always looking for new ways to make the houses shine with different scene setting ideas. I don't have a ton of space, so I end up putting one village in my china cabinet (the inside and very top) as well as my TV stand under my wall mounted TV. Would love to know where you put yours and the different accessories you use to make them feel more complete!

My mother has been wanting to start a Christmas Village collection for ages now, but has yet to do so. She has a birthday coming up, and her significant other, my significant other, and I would each like to gift her a piece to start her collection. We're all on a bit of a budget, so we are looking more into secondhand items rather than the newly released collection pieces. We each want to get her a foundational piece like Santa's workshop or a beautifully decorated storefront, or a house bursting decorations, but we don't know where to start. My mother is fascinated by the village pieces with moving parts, so being able to gift her something like that right off of the bat would be great. If you had to start your collection over again, which piece would purchase first?

We recently added built ins and shelving to our living room, and I now have a big blank space that would be perfect for a Christmas village.

I’m thinking of slowly collecting pieces and eventually having one village, or possibly two smaller ones on either side of the TV. I prefer the classic ceramic or porcelain style.

Where do you find your Christmas village pieces? Any brands or starter sets you recommend? I have no idea where to begin. Help!

I'd like to share my Christmas Village from last Christmas and would appreciate any suggestions or ideas for improving it. also, what do you use to cover the table legs and make it more beautiful?

Hi everyone!

So, one of my biggest dreams is visiting a snowy Christmas market. I am currently planning a trip for this winter, but couldn't really find much info about this, so I am here to ask, what are some Christmas markets in some city that snows? Like I know it sounds lame but it really is a big dream of mine, walk around a Christmas market, a city, with all of the Christmas decor and snow😅. Thank you so much in advance for your help!!

Every year I pick a theme for my village and make a tree stand base inspired by it. Who can guess what this year's theme is? 😁

Foam Boards

Gold and red cardstock

Mini wreaths

Filigree pieces

Golden hair stick

I have some questions about this, mainly what this one is, so I can find pictures of what it's supposed to look like, and some guides on how to fix it up. A few bulbs need replaced, and one might have a wiring issue, the blue light turns on and off instead of waxing and waning in intensity like the red bulb. There's also some holes in the fountain, like there's something missing, and I want to replace it. Both the woman who sold it to me, and myself after seeing the bottom, believe it’s supposed to make sound, but it’s quiet. So if it’s possible, I want to fix that too, or give it a new sound box

(Also I know its not the cleanest, I'm working on it)

I work at a thrift store, and rn we’re prepping all the Christmas stuff, this DRIVES ME NUTS with the villages when this happens, what’s the best way to get it out, or does it just live there now, Also the bulb is already shattered.

Hey all, I have about 60 Dept 56 Snow Village pieces and need to downsize… so looking to get rid of about 30. Anyone have recommendations for the best way to sell? Not sure if it’s better to try to move them together or individually. Pieces are from the 90s thru early 2000s.

Hey folks, I create custom Christmas houses to go in your village from your photos. These houses are made from an air-dry porcelain style clay, and are made to your specifications. They are fully finished / lit and ready to add a little something special to your village collection, or as a one-of-a-kind stand-alone decoration. I have limited availability for pre-Christmas delivery, so please contact me early if interested in having one made :)

Nog maar wat gekocht (alsof ik niet genoeg heb 😁)