Thread: Any Dept 56 fans out there?

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Hello there, new to the site, but I've been browsing the forums from time to time...I notice that there is a big interest in the Lemax Spooky Town, but I was wondering if any out there are into collecting the Halloween Village from Dept 56? I received my first Dept 56 house a few years ago, but have gotten more into it around last year or so....Now, I'm hooked.

I've been going to a few Hallmark stores near me that have some of the houses in, and I've been buying more than I thought I would...I've got about 12 or so of the large sized "houses", and a scattering of accessories as well, and I find myself thinking about which house I would like to pick up next...

I have seen the Lemax line of houses, but I just can't get into them like I can Dept 56..not sure why to be honest as silly as it may sound. I actually get a kick out of going to a store (again, usually Hallmark), and finding a house or item that has been retired, or difficult to find..which I have actually been pretty lucky with this, such as finding the "Haunted Windmill" just last year.

Just wondering if there are any other Dept 56 fans out there...

Here is a quick pic of my collection so far...it is constantly growing though.

Its super easy to get hooked on D56. I loved it and still love it, but its just gotten soo expensive. There is really nothing they had this year that was worth 150 bucks. Especially something that has no movement or sounds. I have almost every D56 piece for the first 3 or 4years they made it Im only missing a few accessories. I found Lemax while looking for added people at a cheaper price.

Yup! huge dept56 Halloween fan..It is very addicting...lol!

You're off to a great start!

here are a few pics of my displays......

Terrific photos..Actually one of my favorite pieces is one of the new additions for this year. The Rickety Railroad Station has me very impressed. What surprised me was that it is not mentioned anywhere that this features sound. When started, there are two different lights that flicker on and off, and voices and sounds that last for a few minutes, and then repeat...all with ghostly laughter, train sounds, and a conductor calling for tickets...

They have some very cool looking pieces but I can't even bring myself to pay full price for the Lemax stuff! At twice the retail price I can't even think about starting a Dept 56 collection.

Yes, it is a very cool piece....I contemplated about it...but decided to hold off...I'm bursting with buildings and accessories right now...and frankly I don't think I have any more space...lol

I love both dept.56 and the Lemax Spookytown! Bought only Spookytown last year like Frankenstein's lab, The Pillager,Cursed Tomb, Blackbeard's Tatoos. This year got the Deadman's Tower and the Octo-Squeeze which has been recalled, but mine works LOL But I am getting suckered into Dept.56 Grimsly Manor, Rickety Haunted Station . To me much more awesome looking than Lemax! Lemax paint job this year doesn't look all that great!

I try to look for reasonable/sale deals with the Dept.56. I figure its great quality stuff that I'll get to enjoy for years to come. So its worth it to me. But Spookytown does make some quality items, it just seems to vary.

Rickety Railroad Haunted Station has a spooky sound track and lightening effect! Very intricate detail! I've heard the Phantom Station is a cool piece though. But I fell in love with the Dept.56 one.

Originally Posted by Howlatthemoon

I try to look for reasonable/sale deals with the Dept.56. I figure its great quality stuff that I'll get to enjoy for years to come. So its worth it to me. But Spookytown does make some quality items, it just seems to vary.

I also try to purchase my dept56 items on sale, I think I've only paid full price for 4 buildings...which isn't bad, since I do have a large collection..