In 1987, Department 56 introduced a village series that brought the magic of the holiday season to the heart of the city. Unlike the Dickensian charm of the Dickens' Village, Christmas in the City offered something different. It captured the hustle and elegance of urban life in the 1930s and 1940s, blending historic architecture with festive charm. The result was a line of hand-painted porcelain buildings and accessories that told a story of life during the holidays in a bustling, snow-covered city.
A Grand Entrance: The First Pieces
When Christmas in the City made its debut, it launched with a few key pieces that immediately set the tone for the series. One of the very first buildings was the Palace Theatre, designed with old-Hollywood flair and a marquee that glowed with nostalgia. This was followed closely by elegant storefronts like Dorothy’s Dress Shop, a building that evoked the charm of a well-dressed past with its display windows and vintage signage.
Another standout from the early days was the Cathedral Church of St. Mark, often just called “The Cathedral.” This towering piece remains one of the most sought-after retired buildings in the collection. With gothic-inspired details and stained-glass windows, it gave collectors a chance to anchor their city displays with spiritual and architectural gravitas.
Iconic Pieces That Define the Series
As the years went on, Department 56 added more pieces that expanded the world of Christmas in the City. Each new building brought a new story to the urban holiday landscape.
The Chrysler Building
This showstopper remains one of the most iconic pieces in the entire Department 56 universe. Modeled after the real Art Deco skyscraper in New York, the Chrysler Building stands tall among the rooftops of the village. Its silver spire, stylized hubcaps, and stepped crown reflect the optimism and innovation of the early 20th century. It is not just a decorative piece; it is a nod to American architectural history.
Hollydale’s Department Store
No holiday cityscape would be complete without a flagship department store. Hollydale’s brought warm lighting, decorated awnings, and old-world detail to the collection. It invites collectors to imagine holiday shoppers bustling through revolving doors, picking out gifts, and taking in elaborate window displays.
The Regal Ballroom
This piece brings elegance and movement to the series. The Regal Ballroom features couples dancing on the rooftop under twinkling lights. Its two-level design gives depth to village displays and hints at stories of winter galas, holiday parties, and champagne toasts in the heart of the city.
Christmas at Lakeside Park Pavilion
For those who want a touch of whimsy and motion, the Lakeside Park Pavilion features skaters gliding across a glass-roofed skating rink. It captures the outdoor spirit of city parks during winter and makes a lovely contrast to the structured architecture around it.
Why Collectors Love It
Collectors are drawn to Christmas in the City not only for its detailed craftsmanship but also for the emotional connection it brings. These pieces tell stories. A family picking up bagels at Baker Bros. Bagel Bakery, a couple sipping coffee outside Atwater’s Coffee House, or a holiday crowd spilling out of the Palace Theatre after a seasonal performance.
The buildings often reference real-life architectural styles, from brownstones and churches to towers and tenements. The materials, color palettes, and design decisions reflect a romanticized version of the past that feels both authentic and idealized.
The Lasting Legacy
More than three decades later, Christmas in the City remains one of Department 56’s most beloved village collections. Its pieces are perfect for collectors who love the energy and detail of the city but still want to experience the warmth and magic of the holidays.
Whether you’re building a city skyline on your mantel or just looking to add one special piece to your display, this series continues to offer a blend of nostalgia, elegance, and story that makes it a timeless classic.