The holiday season often conjures images of snow-covered cottages and quaint rural villages. However, for a specific group of enthusiasts, the true spirit of Christmas is found in the hustle and bustle of a thriving metropolis. Since its debut in 1987, the Department 56 Christmas in the City series has offered collectors a sophisticated alternative to traditional holiday decor. By focusing on the grand architecture and vibrant energy of iconic American cities like New York, Chicago, and Minneapolis, this series has carved out a unique niche in the world of miniature village collecting.

The Architectural DNA of the Christmas in the City Series

Unlike the whimsical, rounded edges of the Original Snow Village or the historical charm of Dickens' Village, Christmas in the City is rooted in architectural realism. The series captures the late 19th-century to mid-20th-century urban aesthetic with remarkable precision.

The buildings are primarily crafted from hand-painted porcelain, a material that allows for sharper lines and more intricate details compared to the ceramic used in other lines. This choice of material is crucial for replicating the textures of limestone, brick, and granite common in urban environments. The color palette typically leans toward muted tones—golds, grays, and deep reds—interspersed with the brilliant glow of lighted shop windows. This realism is what attracts collectors who appreciate the elegance of a brownstone-lined street or the majesty of a high-rise office building.

Distinguishing Features of Urban Architecture

When observing a Christmas in the City piece, several hallmarks stand out:

  • Verticality: Many buildings are multi-story structures that emphasize the height of a city skyline.
  • Functional Detail: Features such as fire escapes, rooftop water towers, and detailed storefront displays are standard.
  • Civic Pride: The inclusion of public landmarks like subway entrances, city halls, and grand cathedrals gives the collection a sense of community infrastructure.

A Historical Retrospective: The Series Launch and Evolution

The journey of Christmas in the City began in 1987 with a set of three modest yet evocative lighted houses. These original pieces—the Bakery, the Toy Shop and Pet Store, and the Tower Restaurant—set the tone for what would become an expansive collection.

In those early years, the pieces were relatively simple, but they immediately resonated with collectors who lived in or loved the big city. As the series matured in the 1990s, Department 56 began to push the boundaries of what miniature porcelain could achieve. We saw the introduction of more complex multi-piece sets and buildings with internal lighting that simulated multiple floors of activity.

By the early 2000s, the series had expanded to include specific cultural and historical themes. This era brought us the "Chinatown" sub-series and collaborations with iconic real-world brands, bridging the gap between a generic "city" and a recognizable urban landscape.

Iconic Landmarks: The Masterpieces of the Collection

To understand the enduring popularity of this series, one must look at the "grail" pieces—buildings that are highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance or sheer beauty.

The Woolworth Building

A true titan of the series, the Woolworth Building replica stands as a testament to early 20th-century skyscraper design. In the miniature version, the gothic-inspired ornamentation is reproduced with surprising fidelity. When lit, the windows on the upper floors suggest a bustling hive of business, while the street-level entrance invites the imagination to enter its grand lobby.

Radio City Music Hall

Released as a special edition in 2002, this piece captures the Art Deco splendor of one of New York City's most famous venues. The neon-style lighting on the marquee is a technical highlight, casting a warm, celebratory glow that acts as a centerpiece for any metropolitan display.

The Times Tower

The year 2000 was marked by the release of the Times Tower, celebrating the millennium. This building is unique for its multi-functional design, representing the heart of New York’s New Year's Eve festivities. It remains a favorite for those who want to add a sense of "event" and "news" to their village.

The Russian Tea Room

A brilliant example of cultural architecture, the Russian Tea Room building features the iconic golden domes and deep red accents of the actual Manhattan landmark. It provides a luxurious contrast to the more utilitarian office buildings and residential brownstones in the series.

The Technical Art of Light and Porcelain

A significant part of the experience of owning a Department 56 building is the lighting. These are not merely figurines; they are "lit buildings" designed to transform a room when the sun goes down.

Lighting Mechanisms

For decades, the standard was the 6-watt, 120-volt bulb on a white cord with a rotary switch. However, collectors have observed an evolution in how light is distributed within the buildings. Older pieces often have a single central glow, while newer designs use interior masking to ensure that light appears to come from specific rooms or windows, enhancing the realism.

The Texture of Hand-Painting

Each piece is hand-painted, meaning no two buildings are identical. In our observations of pieces like the "University Club" (introduced in 1998), the subtle variations in the "stone" finish provide a weathered, realistic look that purely machine-painted items lack. The matte finish of the porcelain prevents the buildings from looking like toys, elevating them to the status of fine collectibles.

Building Your Miniature Metropolis: A Collector’s Strategy

Creating a Christmas in the City display is an exercise in urban planning. Unlike a rural village where pieces can be scattered among "trees" and "snow drifts," a city display thrives on density and verticality.

Elevation and Layering

To mimic the feel of a real city, use various heights. We recommend using foam risers or specialized display platforms to place larger "skyscrapers" like the Woolworth Building in the back, while placing smaller storefronts and subway entrances in the foreground. This creates a forced perspective that makes the display feel much larger than it is.

The Importance of Accessories

A city is more than its buildings; it is the movement between them. To bring a display to life, collectors should integrate:

  • Transportation: Yellow taxis, city buses, and fire trucks are essential. The "Hailing a Christmas Cab" figurine is a classic example of an accessory that tells a story.
  • Sidewalks and Streetlamps: Department 56 produces specialized "City Sidewalks" and "Chinatown Post Lamps" that define the walking paths for your figurines.
  • The Human Element: The figurines in this series are often dressed in elegant winter coats, carrying shopping bags or hailing cabs, reflecting the sophisticated lifestyle of urbanites.

Sub-Themes and Neighborhoods

One of the most rewarding ways to organize a collection is by neighborhood. You can create a "Financial District" with the "City Hall" and bank buildings, or a "Theater District" centered around Radio City Music Hall. The "Chinatown" sub-series, featuring pieces like the "Wonton Garden" and "Lunar Dragon Tea House," offers a distinct aesthetic shift with its vibrant reds and architectural flourishes.

Navigating the Secondary Market: Retired Pieces vs. New Releases

Department 56 follows a "retirement" model. Each year, new buildings are introduced, and others are retired from production. Once a piece is retired, the molds are often broken, and it is never produced again. This creates a vibrant secondary market.

Identifying Value

When searching for retired Christmas in the City buildings, several factors influence price and desirability:

  1. Original Packaging: A building with its original box and sleeve is significantly more valuable than one without. The box provides protection and historical context (including the SKU number).
  2. Condition: Check for "chips" or "crazing" (tiny cracks in the glaze). Porcelain is durable but brittle.
  3. Completeness: Many buildings come with separate signs, flags, or antennas. Ensure these small parts are present.
  4. Rarity: Pieces with short production runs, such as the "Fulton Fish House" (retired in 2014 after only a year), often command higher prices due to their scarcity.

New Releases to Watch

For those looking to buy new, the current catalog continues to innovate. Pieces like "American Girl Place" or "87 West 56th Street" show that Department 56 is still committed to capturing the modern urban experience while maintaining the classic porcelain feel. These new items often feature better cord management and more efficient lighting compared to their 1980s predecessors.

Maintenance and Care for Porcelain Buildings

To ensure your investment lasts for generations, proper care is essential.

  • Cleaning: Use a soft, dry paintbrush to dust the intricate crevices of the buildings. Avoid water or cleaning chemicals, as these can damage the hand-painted finish or seep into the porous porcelain.
  • Bulb Management: Always use the recommended wattage. Overheating can cause the porcelain to discolor over many years. Many modern collectors are switching to LED replacement bulbs, which run cooler and last longer.
  • Storage: The original Styrofoam "clamshell" is the safest place for a building. Store your collection in a climate-controlled environment; extreme temperature fluctuations in an attic or garage can cause the porcelain to crack over time.

Conclusion

Department 56 Christmas in the City buildings represent more than just holiday decorations; they are a celebration of urban history, architecture, and the unique magic of a metropolitan winter. Whether you are a seasoned collector looking for a retired "Fulton Fish House" or a newcomer captivated by the glow of a miniature "City Hall," this series offers a way to bring the elegance and excitement of the city into your home. The combination of hand-painted porcelain, realistic architectural details, and a sense of bustling life ensures that this collection will remain a hallmark of the holiday season for years to come.

FAQ

What was the first Christmas in the City building? The series launched in 1987 with three pieces: the Bakery (65129-1), the Toy Shop and Pet Store (65129-2), and the Tower Restaurant. These are often sold together as the "Original Three."

Are Christmas in the City buildings the same scale as Snow Village? No. Christmas in the City buildings are generally smaller in scale than the Original Snow Village. They are designed to look more realistic and "urban," whereas Snow Village pieces are larger and more whimsical. It is usually best to keep the series separate in a display to maintain a consistent perspective.

How can I tell if a building is retired? You can check the official Department 56 website or collector databases. Most pieces have a production run of 2 to 5 years. Once a piece is listed as "Retired," it will no longer be shipped to retailers from the manufacturer.

Can I use a multi-bulb light cord for these buildings? Yes, Department 56 sells 3-light and 6-light cords that are compatible with most Christmas in the City buildings. This is an excellent way to reduce the number of wall outlets needed for a large display.

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic in these villages? Porcelain (used in Christmas in the City) is fired at a higher temperature, resulting in a denser, harder material that can hold finer detail. Ceramic (often used in Snow Village) is more porous and typically results in a softer, more "puffy" appearance.