The Little Details That Grow a Village
Collectors often tell us, “You can never have too many trees!” And if we're being honest, we've never met a Village that couldn't use just a few more. Whether you're creating a bustling town square, a quiet country lane, or a snow-covered forest, trees have a way of adding depth, charm, and a touch of magic to every display. We happen to agree with our collectors—when it comes to Village landscaping, there may not be such a thing as too many trees!
Over the past 50 years, Department 56 has introduced thousands of trees to help collectors create Villages that are uniquely their own. From stately evergreens to flowering accents and woodland landscapes, there has always been a tree for every scene and style. The tradition began in 1978 with two of the earliest accessories created for The Original Snow Village: “Skating Rink and Duck Pond” and “Small Double Trees.” These first pieces helped set the stage for the richly detailed Village displays you continue to build today.
As we planned the 2026 Village Brochure, our Brand team looked for ways to make shopping and Village building easier for collectors. To help simplify the experience, we brought together many of the essential accessories that help bring a Village to life into one convenient destination: Department 56 Village Supply.
Whether you're searching for trees, bushes, topiaries, fences and gates, benches and chairs, ground covers, roads, bridges, signs, streetlights, forest animals, or other village-building essentials, you'll now find them all grouped together in one easy-to-shop section. Explore Department 56 Village Supply on pages 98–123 of the 2026 Village Brochure and discover everything you need to add the finishing touches to your display.
Ground cover is just as important as trees when building a vignette or full Village display. As you plan, consider the season—spring, summer, fall, or winter—and the story you want the scene to tell.
Department 56 has offered “Real Plastic Snow” since 1977! We have explored other options over the years but continue to return to this artificial snow because it works so well for edging streets, creating paths, lining sidewalks, and softening the hard edges of ceramic and porcelain bases.
Of course, if you live in a warmer climate, you may prefer a display without snow. Our ground covers include several mulch colors, Fallen Leaves, and green turf. And when it comes to streets, you can choose the look that fits your scene best, brick or cobblestone.
Looking for a dramatic option for a city display? The new “Gatsby Trees,” set of 3 (#6018409), are designed to stand out. These porcelain trees add height—up to 14 inches—to complement tall city buildings, and their chrome finish recalls the style of the 1930s.
The magic of Village building isn't found only in the buildings themselves, it's in the details that make each display uniquely yours. A carefully placed tree, a winding path, a park bench, or a flock of woodland creatures can transform a scene and tell a story all its own. For 50 years, collectors have inspired us with their creativity, and we look forward to seeing how you use Village Supply to bring your 2026 displays to life.
Please share photos of your display on the Department 56 Facebook page or email them to me. We always enjoy seeing what you create, and if there is something you think is missing, we would love to hear that as well. Our Creative Team always welcomes your comments and suggestions.
Happy Villaging!
Melinda Seegers
Ms. Lit Town