Department 56 Customer Service: Phone, Parts, Returns & Reviews

If you need a replacement bulb or adapter for a Department 56 Village, received a damaged collectible, want to return an online order, are searching for a retired piece, or need help identifying the correct accessory, start with Department 56 Consumer Services. Have the product name, item number, purchase information and photos ready when applicable.

Which Department 56 Support Route Should You Use?

• Missing Village flag, sign, bulb or adapter: Search Department 56 Replacement Parts or call 1-800-548-8696.
• Need information about a retired collectible: Search the official Department 56 Retired Products database.
• Want to know what an old collectible is worth: Department 56 does not provide current market valuations for retired products.
• Direct Department56.com return: Call 1-866-923-0001 to obtain return instructions and a return number.
• Direct order arrived defective: Call 1-866-923-0001.
• Giftware purchased from a retail store is defective: Department 56 directs customers to the retailer for an exchange or refund.
• Need repair service: Department 56 does not maintain an official repair-service network for collectibles.
• Need a local authorized retailer: Use the official store locator or call Consumer Services.
• Wholesale retailer or business account: Contact Enesco at 1-800-436-3726.
• Shelly’s Diner recall: Unplug an affected adapter and contact Enesco at 1-800-436-3726.

What to Have Ready Before Contacting Department 56

Gather:

• Product name
• Department 56 item or SKU number
• Village or collection name
• Approximate year of purchase
• Retailer or website where the item was purchased
• Department56.com order number when applicable
• Photos of the complete collectible
• Close-up photos of missing, broken or defective parts
• Description of the replacement part needed
• Return or prior customer-service reference information

For older collectibles, the item number can be particularly useful because Department 56 has produced and retired thousands of buildings, figurines and accessories.

Do not publish home addresses, payment information, complete online-order numbers or private customer-service correspondence in a public review.

Department 56 Replacement Parts

Department 56 currently stocks replacement parts for many current Village products.

Examples can include:

• Flags
• Banners
• Hanging signs
• Weather vanes
• Bulbs
• Light cords
• Product-specific power adapters
• Other small pieces originally packed separately with a Village building

Start with the official Replacement Parts section.

If the part is not shown online, call Consumer Services at 1-800-548-8696 and provide the product name and item number.

Replacement parts are generally sold for a charge plus applicable shipping and handling.

What Department 56 Replacement Parts Are Not Available?

Department 56’s current FAQ specifically says it does not stock replacement parts for:

• General giftware
• Snowbabies
• Possible Dreams products

Replacement-part availability for Village products also depends on the particular piece and age of the collectible.

A part for a discontinued or very old building may no longer be manufactured.

Department 56 Replacement Boxes

Department 56 does not provide replacement product boxes.

The company explains that the appropriate number of boxes are manufactured when each collectible is produced and that extra original boxes are not kept for later replacement.

If an original box is lost or damaged:

• Use a clean, sturdy replacement box.
• Add enough protective packing material to prevent movement.
• Keep small accessories separated and labeled.
• Avoid packing electrical cords in a way that puts pressure on delicate ceramic or porcelain parts.

Original packaging can be useful for protecting a collection during seasonal storage, so keep it whenever practical.

Using the Correct Department 56 Bulb

Department 56 warns that it is important to use the correct bulb for each lighted collectible.

Village products can use bulbs with different:

• Voltages
• Wattages
• Base sizes
• Cord and adapter arrangements

Do not install a bulb simply because it fits physically.

Search the replacement-parts system or contact Consumer Services with the item number before using a substitute bulb.

Using the wrong electrical component could damage the collectible or create a safety problem.

Department 56 Light Cords and Power Adapters

Department 56 sells both standard and product-specific lighting components.

Some older Village buildings use a conventional switched light cord, while other pieces use:

• Special adapters
• Low-voltage power supplies
• Battery packs
• Animated-product electrical systems
• Display Anywhere lighting

Match the replacement component to the exact product.

If the original adapter is missing, do not substitute an unverified power supply based only on plug size.

Does Department 56 Repair Collectibles?

Department 56 currently says it does not maintain a list of repair services for damaged collectibles.

The company notes that some collectors have found assistance through:

• Local collectible restorers
• Hobby shops
• Model-train repair specialists
• Model-airplane hobby specialists

For a valuable or sentimental retired piece, consider the effect that repairs may have on appearance and collectible value before authorizing restoration.

For simple minor repairs, Department 56’s FAQ recommends a gel-formula cyanoacrylate adhesive, commonly sold as Super Glue gel, after old adhesive has been removed.

Use extra caution around electrical components, animated pieces and valuable retired collectibles.

Cleaning Department 56 Village Pieces

Department 56 recommends gentle dry cleaning for its Village collectibles.

Suitable methods include:

• A soft brush
• A feather duster
• A hair dryer on a low, cool setting
• Canned air used carefully for surface dust

Department 56 specifically advises against using:

• Liquid cleaning sprays
• Water
• Soapy-water solutions

on Village buildings and accessories because moisture can damage the finish.

For serious flood or water damage, Department 56 recommends professional restoration assistance.

Cleaning Snowbabies

Snowbabies have a porous surface that requires special care.

Department 56 recommends:

• A soft feather duster
• Cool, low airflow from a hair dryer
• Careful use of canned air

Do not submerge a Snowbaby in water or wash it with a soapy solution.

The porous material can trap residue and become more difficult to clean later.

How to Store Department 56 Collectibles

Department 56 recommends storing Village pieces at a comfortable temperature of approximately 50°F to 80°F and avoiding extreme heat or cold.

For seasonal storage:

• Keep original packaging when possible.
• Use sturdy outer storage containers.
• Protect boxes from moisture.
• Avoid very hot attics.
• Keep electrical cords and animated pieces away from excessive heat.
• Store small accessories so they cannot shift into buildings and cause breakage.

Heat can negatively affect electrical components, cords, trees, bushes and animated mechanisms.

Department 56 Retired Products

Department 56 retires selected designs as new products are introduced.

A retired product is discontinued from production, although unsold inventory may remain available from retailers for a period of time.

Department 56 maintains a dedicated historical database at:

retiredproducts.department56.com

The database can help collectors find information including:

• Product name
• Item number
• Collection
• Original suggested retail price
• Introduction date
• Retirement date
• Product description

This is particularly useful when identifying inherited or secondhand pieces.

Does Department 56 Tell You What a Retired Piece Is Worth?

No. Department 56 states that, as the manufacturer, it does not determine current market values for retired or discontinued collectibles.

Current resale value can vary substantially based on:

• Condition
• Original box
• Completeness
• Working lights or animation
• Scarcity
• Collector demand
• Recent actual sale prices

For current resale research, compare recent completed sales from established collectible marketplaces rather than relying only on an asking price.

Department 56 Direct Online Return Policy

Department 56 currently provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for most qualifying direct online purchases.

For an ordinary return:

1. Call 1-866-923-0001.
2. Obtain a return number.
3. Wait for Department 56 to email the return instructions.
4. Return the unused product in its original packaging to the address provided.
5. Use a trackable shipping method.

Most new, unopened items can currently be returned within 30 days of delivery.

Individual products may be excluded from the guarantee, so check the product listing before ordering.

Who Pays Department 56 Return Shipping?

For an ordinary change-of-mind return, the customer is responsible for return shipping.

Original shipping and handling charges are generally not refundable.

Exceptions can apply when the return results from:

• A defective product
• An inaccurate product description
• An incorrect item shipped by Department 56

Contact 1-866-923-0001 before returning those items because Department 56 may compensate qualifying return-shipping costs.

How Long Does a Department 56 Refund Take?

Department 56 states that returned-item credits are generally applied to the original purchasing payment method.

After the fulfiller receives and processes a return, Department 56 sends an email.

The company says:

• Returned items may be credited within approximately 5-10 days after the return is accepted.
• A credit card should generally be credited within 10 business days after the return-processing email.
• The refund can take one or two billing cycles to appear on the statement depending on the financial institution.

Keep the return tracking number until the refund appears.

Defective Department56.com Order

Department 56 defines a defective item as one that is inoperable but does not show apparent shipping damage.

For a defective direct online purchase, call:

1-866-923-0001

Keep:

• The product
• Original packaging
• Order information
• Photos when helpful

until customer service explains the next step.

Department 56 Item Damaged During Shipping

If a direct order arrives with obvious shipping damage, Department 56 advises refusing delivery when practical.

If damage is discovered after accepting the package:

• Keep the shipping carton.
• Keep all packing materials.
• Keep the paperwork.
• Photograph the box and damaged product.
• Contact the fulfiller immediately using the order information.

Department 56 warns that discarding packaging before a carrier claim is investigated can make it more difficult to receive credit.

Department 56 Products Purchased From Another Retailer

If a Department 56 collectible was purchased from another retailer, that retailer generally controls the transaction return or exchange.

Department 56’s FAQ specifically tells consumers who receive defective giftware to contact the retail store where it was purchased immediately for an exchange or refund.

For a retailer purchase:

• Keep the receipt.
• Keep the original box.
• Document defects or shipping damage.
• Check the retailer’s return deadline.

Do not assume the Department56.com 30-day direct-purchase return policy applies to a purchase made elsewhere.

Department 56 Order Shipping

Department 56 currently says in-stock online orders typically ship within approximately 2-3 business days after the order is placed.

Department 56 does not currently ship ordinary orders to P.O. boxes, so use a physical delivery address.

Shipping charges depend on:

• Order subtotal
• Destination
• Standard or expedited service

Replacement-parts-only orders can currently be shipped to Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia for a flat international shipping charge stated on the current Shipping Information page.

Shipping rates can change, so verify the amount shown at checkout.

Changing a Department 56 Online Order

If a recent direct order needs to be changed, Department 56’s current return and order policy directs customers to:

1-866-923-0001

Contact the company promptly.

Once an order has entered fulfillment or shipped, an ordinary return may be required instead of an order modification.

If Department 56 cancels an order after payment has already been processed, its policy says it will issue a credit to the payment method used.

Department 56 Credit Card Authorization Holds

A pending charge immediately after placing an order may be a temporary card authorization rather than a completed charge.

Department 56 explains that:

• Banks temporarily reserve funds during authorization.
• The hold may remain even if a transaction is ultimately not accepted.
• The issuing bank controls how quickly an authorization is released.
• A billing-address mismatch is a common reason a transaction fails.

Do not repeatedly click the Place Order button if checkout appears slow because multiple attempts can result in multiple temporary authorizations.

If a pending authorization remains longer than expected, contact the card issuer.

Department 56 Product Recall: Shelly’s Diner Power Adapter

The recall applies to certain Department 56 Collectible Shelly’s Diner units purchased after July 1, 2012.

Check the date code stamped on the bottom of the Shelly’s Diner unit.

Affected date codes are:

• 03 12 JP01
• 05 12 JP01

Adapters sold with Shelly’s Diner units purchased before July 1, 2012 are not included.

Other lighted Department 56 products, including other Original Snow Village pieces, are not included in this specific recall.

What to Do With an Affected Shelly’s Diner Adapter

If your Shelly’s Diner has an affected adapter:

1. Unplug the adapter immediately.
2. Do not continue powering the building with the recalled adapter.
3. The diner itself can remain on display without the adapter.
4. Return the adapter to an authorized Department 56 retailer for a free replacement, or follow current Enesco recall instructions.

Consumers can also elect to return the complete Shelly’s Diner unit, including the diner and adapter, to an authorized retailer for a full refund under the recall remedy.

For recall assistance, call:

1-800-436-3726

Current Enesco customer-service hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. CT.

Department 56 Consumer Service vs. Enesco Customer Service

Department 56 is an Enesco LLC brand.

For ordinary Department 56 collector and consumer questions, use:

Department 56 Consumer Services: 1-800-548-8696

Enesco’s customer-service line is primarily useful for:

• Wholesale retailer accounts
• Department 56 retail-business inquiries
• The Shelly’s Diner recall
• Other Enesco-specific matters

Enesco Customer Service: 1-800-436-3726

Do not start with Enesco wholesale customer service for an ordinary missing Village flag or consumer replacement-part question unless Department 56 directs you there.

Department 56 Retailer Help

Use Department 56’s official retailer locator to find stores carrying current products.

Retailers can be useful when:

• You want to see a Village piece before purchasing.
• A product is unavailable directly online.
• You need a standard light cord or other common accessory.
• You purchased a defective giftware item from that store.

Inventory varies by location.

Call the retailer before traveling if you need a specific collectible.

2026 Marks 50 Years of Department 56

Department 56 traces its Village history to 1976, when six hand-painted ceramic buildings were introduced as the Original Snow Village.

The Department 56 name came from Bachman’s, the Minneapolis-area retailer where the business began. Bachman’s used department numbers, and the gift-import division was Department 56.

The product line later expanded into numerous collectible Village series, figurines, holiday products and licensed collections.

Department 56 is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Current Department 56 Collections

Current Department 56 product families include:

• The Original Snow Village
• Dickens’ Village
• Christmas in the City
• North Pole Series
• Snow Village Halloween
• Snowbabies
• Possible Dreams
• Village accessories and lighting
• Licensed villages and figurines

Current licensed collections include properties associated with Disney, Harry Potter, Peanuts, The Grinch, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Nightmare Before Christmas and other entertainment and consumer brands.

Collections and licenses change over time, so use Department56.com for the current catalog.

Department 56 Reviews and Complaints

CustomerServiceNumbers.com currently shows no published Department 56 customer reviews and a 0 out of 5 rating based on zero reviews.

There is therefore not enough first-hand CustomerServiceNumbers.com feedback to identify a reliable customer-service or product-quality trend.

The previous version of this page stated that customer reviews often praised Department 56 craftsmanship, detail and product variety while complaints focused on customer service, availability and pricing. Those statements were not supported by any visible CSN reviews and should not be presented as findings from this site’s review section.

If you have contacted Department 56, useful first-hand review details include:

• The collection or product involved
• Whether the issue involved replacement parts, a direct order, a return or a retired product
• Which support number or contact route you used
• Whether the requested part was still available
• How long it took to receive assistance
• Whether the problem was resolved

Do not publish complete order numbers, payment information, home addresses, email addresses or private correspondence.

About Department 56

Department 56 is a collectible holiday and décor brand operated by Enesco LLC.

Its Village history began in 1976 with six hand-painted ceramic buildings that became the Original Snow Village.

The brand later expanded into:

• Lighted Village buildings
• Village figures and accessories
• Snowbabies
• Possible Dreams Santas
• Holiday ornaments
• Seasonal décor
• Licensed character collections

Department 56 Consumer Services currently operates from Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Related Collectibles and Holiday Shopping Customer Service Pages

• eBay customer service — useful for buyers and sellers of retired and secondhand collectibles
• Miles Kimball customer service — holiday décor, gifts and seasonal merchandise

Department 56 Customer Service FAQs

What is the Department 56 customer service phone number?

Call Department 56 Consumer Services at 1-800-548-8696, also written as 1-800-LIT-TOWN.

What are Department 56 customer service hours?

Department 56’s current Customer Service page lists telephone support Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.

What is the Department 56 customer service email?

Department 56 currently publishes customerservice@dept56.com.

Where is Department 56 customer service located?

The current Consumer Services mailing address is 7400 Flying Cloud Drive, Suite 100, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.

Is the old Plymouth, Minnesota Department 56 address still current?

Department 56’s current consumer website no longer lists 5050 Nathan Lane North in Plymouth as its Consumer Services mailing address. The current published address is in Eden Prairie.

What number do I call to return a Department56.com order?

Call 1-866-923-0001 to initiate a direct online return and obtain a return number.

What is Department 56’s return period?

Department 56 currently provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for most qualifying direct purchases. Most new, unopened items can be returned within 30 days of delivery, subject to the current policy and product-specific exclusions.

Does Department 56 pay return shipping?

Customers are generally responsible for shipping ordinary returns back. Department 56 may cover or compensate qualifying return shipping when the product is defective, inaccurately described or the wrong item was shipped.

Can I return a Department 56 collectible purchased at another store directly to Department 56?

For defective giftware purchased from a retailer, Department 56 currently directs customers back to the retail store for an exchange or refund. The Department56.com return policy applies to direct purchases.

Does Department 56 sell replacement parts?

Yes. Department 56 sells many replacement parts for current Village products, including certain signs, flags, bulbs and special adapters.

Does Department 56 have replacement parts for Snowbabies?

No. Department 56’s current FAQ states that it does not stock replacement parts for Snowbabies, Possible Dreams or general giftware.

Can I buy a replacement Department 56 box?

No. Department 56 says it does not keep extra original product boxes.

Does Department 56 repair broken Village pieces?

Department 56 does not maintain an official list of repair services. Its FAQ notes that some collectors use local hobby, model-train or collectible-repair specialists.

How do I find information about a retired Department 56 piece?

Use the official retired-product database at retiredproducts.department56.com. It contains historical information for discontinued pieces.

Can Department 56 tell me how much my retired collectible is worth?

No. Department 56 states that it does not deal in current market values of retired or discontinued products.

How should I clean a Department 56 Village?

Use a soft brush, feather duster or gentle cool airflow. Department 56 advises against liquid spray, water or soapy-water solutions because they can damage the finish.

How should I clean Snowbabies?

Use a soft feather duster or gentle cool airflow. Do not submerge Snowbabies in water or soapy solution because of their porous surface.

How should Department 56 collectibles be stored?

Department 56 recommends a dry storage environment at approximately 50°F to 80°F and advises against hot attics and other extreme-temperature locations.

How quickly does Department 56 ship orders?

Department 56 currently says in-stock direct orders typically ship within approximately two to three business days after the order is placed.

Does Department 56 ship to P.O. boxes?

The current Shipping Information page says ordinary orders cannot be shipped to P.O. boxes and require a physical address.

Is there a Department 56 recall?

Yes. Department 56 continues to maintain an official safety recall for certain Shelly’s Diner power adapters that can overheat and pose a fire hazard.

How do I know whether my Shelly’s Diner adapter is recalled?

Check the date code stamped on the bottom of the Shelly’s Diner unit. The affected date codes listed by Department 56 are 03 12 JP01 and 05 12 JP01 for applicable products purchased after July 1, 2012.

What should I do with a recalled Shelly’s Diner adapter?

Unplug it immediately. Contact Enesco at 1-800-436-3726 or follow the current Department 56 recall instructions for replacement or refund options.

Who owns Department 56?

Department 56 is a brand of Enesco LLC.

When did Department 56 begin?

Department 56 introduced the Original Snow Village in 1976 with six hand-painted ceramic buildings. The brand is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.

How many Department 56 reviews are on CustomerServiceNumbers.com?

The Department 56 page currently has zero published reviews and displays an overall rating of 0 out of 5.

Why Trust CustomerServiceNumbers.com?

CustomerServiceNumbers.com has helped consumers locate customer-service information and share first-hand service experiences since 2004. CSN independently organizes contact information, replacement-part resources, return guidance, recall information and customer reviews.

CustomerServiceNumbers.com is not affiliated with Department 56, Enesco LLC, any Department 56 retailer or any collectible marketplace. Contact details, replacement-part availability, shipping charges, return policies and product collections can change, so verify important actions through current official Department 56 resources.

Share Your Department 56 Customer Service Experience

Have you contacted Department 56 about an Original Snow Village piece, Dickens’ Village, Christmas in the City, North Pole Series, Snowbaby, Possible Dreams Santa, replacement bulb, missing accessory, retired collectible, damaged order or return?

Leave a respectful first-hand review below describing the product, issue, support route used, approximate response time and whether Department 56 resolved the problem.

Privacy reminder: Posting a review on CustomerServiceNumbers.com does not contact Department 56, start a return, order a replacement part or register for a recall remedy. Do not post complete order numbers, payment information, home addresses, email addresses or private customer-service correspondence.

Independent Site Disclaimer: CustomerServiceNumbers.com is an independent consumer-information and review website. It is not affiliated with Department 56 or Enesco LLC, and those organizations do not provide customer service through this page.