When the first snow falls and the holiday season begins, every city becomes even more frantically busy than usual. From last minute Christmas shoppers to children romping in the snow, Christmas in the City captures the yuletide hustle and bustle of celebrating the holidays when you live and work downtown. The stockman carefully prepares to uncrate some of the new items that have just arrived at Thompson's. Time to spruce up the house for the Holiday guests. About Department 56: For 40 years, Department 56 has been creating holiday traditions passed down from generation to generation. The excitement of the holiday season comes home with intricately detailed villages from settings that inspire the imagination. Stroll through a small American town, enjoy a walk with Charles Dickens, or visit Santa in the North Pole. Our ornaments and figurines create even more opportunities to spread good wishes during the happiest time of the year.