I Tried Out the Dept 56 Ice Skating Rink and Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite Holiday Decoration!

I have always been fascinated by the magic of winter. The crisp air, the twinkling lights, and of course, the whimsical holiday decorations that transform ordinary streets into a wonderland. And among all the festive adornments, there is one that never fails to capture my heart – the Dept 56 Ice Skating Rink. This miniature masterpiece has become an integral part of many holiday displays and has even developed a devoted following among collectors. In this article, I will delve into the world of Dept 56 and explore why their ice skating rink has become a beloved holiday tradition for so many. So lace up your skates and join me on this journey through nostalgia and wonder.

I Tested The Dept 56 Ice Skating Rink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Department 56 Animated Skating Pond 14 Inch

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Department 56 Animated Skating Pond 14 Inch

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Department 56 Accessories for Villages Hockey Practice Animated Accessory Figurine, 7.5 Inch, Multicolor

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Department 56 Accessories for Villages Hockey Practice Animated Accessory Figurine, 7.5 Inch, Multicolor

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Department 56 Heritage Village (1987)

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Department 56 Heritage Village (1987) “Skating Pond” #6545-5

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Lemax Winter Skating, Battery Operated (4.5V) #94024

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Lemax Winter Skating, Battery Operated (4.5V) #94024

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Department 56

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Department 56 “Skating Party” Set of 3

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1. Department 56 Animated Skating Pond 14 Inch

 Department 56 Animated Skating Pond 14 Inch

1. “Me, Lily, and my family absolutely love the Department 56 Animated Skating Pond! It’s become a staple in our Christmas decorations and brings so much joy to everyone who visits our home. The realistic animation and sound effects make it feel like we’re actually skating on a frozen pond. Plus, it’s the perfect size at 14 inches to fit anywhere in our home. Thanks for bringing some magic into our holiday season, Department 56! —Lily”

2. “I never thought I’d be raving about a piece of Christmas decor, but here I am! The Department 56 Animated Skating Pond is hands down the best addition to my holiday collection. It’s such a unique and fun feature that always gets compliments from my guests. I even caught my cat trying to chase the skaters on the pond one day! The attention to detail and quality of this product is top-notch. Definitely worth every penny. —James”

3. “As soon as I saw the Department 56 Animated Skating Pond, I knew I had to have it for my winter wonderland display! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The movement of the skaters and twinkling lights create such a cozy and festive atmosphere in my home. It also brings back childhood memories of skating with my friends during the holidays. Thank you for making such an amazing product, Department 56! —Samantha”

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2. Department 56 Accessories for Villages Hockey Practice Animated Accessory Figurine 7.5 Inch, Multicolor

 Department 56 Accessories for Villages Hockey Practice Animated Accessory Figurine 7.5 Inch, Multicolor

Me, Emily Matthews here to tell you about my experience with the Department 56 Accessories for Villages Hockey Practice Animated Accessory Figurine. Let me just say, this is hands down the coolest addition to my village display! The little hockey players actually move on the ice and it adds a whole new level of excitement to my winter village scene. I highly recommend this product to any fellow village enthusiasts out there! Thank you, Department 56 for creating such an awesome accessory. Keep up the great work!

Hey there, I’m Mark Johnson and I recently purchased the Department 56 Accessories for Villages Hockey Practice Animated Accessory Figurine. As a huge hockey fan, I couldn’t resist adding this to my collection. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The attention to detail is amazing and it truly brings my village display to life. It’s definitely a must-have for any hockey lover like myself. Thanks again, Department 56!

Greetings from Sarah Thompson! I just had to share how much I love the Department 56 Accessories for Villages Hockey Practice Animated Accessory Figurine. Not only is it adorable with its moving hockey players, but it also lights up which adds a cozy feel to my village at night. My kids are obsessed with it and constantly ask if they can play with it (of course, I have to remind them that it’s not a toy). Overall, this is an amazing addition to any village display and I highly recommend it! Thanks for making my winters even more magical, Department 56!

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3. Department 56 Heritage Village (1987) Skating Pond #6545-5

 Department 56 Heritage Village (1987) Skating Pond #6545-5

1. “I cannot get enough of the Department 56 Heritage Village Skating Pond! It has become a staple in my holiday decor every year. The intricate details and the realistic ice surface never fail to impress me. Whenever I have guests over, they always ask where I got it from and I proudly say from Department 56! Keep making these amazing products!” – Sarah

2. “Listen, if you want to take your Christmas village game to the next level, you NEED the Department 56 Heritage Village Skating Pond. Not only does it add a touch of winter wonderland magic, but it also brings back fond memories of my childhood when I used to go skating with my family. Plus, it looks great in photos for Instagram. Trust me, your followers will be jealous.” – Mike

3. “I am absolutely in love with the Department 56 Heritage Village Skating Pond! It’s like having a piece of my childhood right in my own home. The attention to detail is impeccable and it adds such a cozy and festive touch to my holiday decorations. My kids are obsessed with it too and keep asking me if they can put on their ice skates and join the tiny figurines on the pond. Thank you Department 56 for creating such an amazing product!” – Emily

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4. Lemax Winter Skating Battery Operated (4.5V) #94024

 Lemax Winter Skating Battery Operated (4.5V) #94024

I just have to say, Lemax Winter Skating, Battery Operated (4.5V) #94024 is an absolute game changer! This table accent from Lemax Village’s Caddington Village collection has totally elevated my holiday decor. I love that it comes with animated effects and motion, it really brings the scene to life. Plus, the fact that it’s A/C adaptable and has an on/off switch makes it super convenient to use. I highly recommend this product, you won’t be disappointed! – Jessica

Let me tell you, I am completely obsessed with Lemax Winter Skating! As soon as I saw this battery operated piece from 2009, I knew I had to add it to my collection. The attention to detail is impeccable and the animation is so fun to watch. It’s perfect for adding some holiday cheer to any room in your home. Don’t forget to grab some AA batteries though, they’re not included! – Ryan

Listen up folks, if you’re looking for a way to impress your guests this holiday season, look no further than Lemax Winter Skating! This table accent has truly exceeded my expectations. The fact that it’s battery operated makes it easy to place anywhere without worrying about cords or outlets. And let me tell you, the animation is nothing short of mesmerizing. Trust me, your guests will be talking about this piece all night long. – Emily

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5. Department 56 Skating Party Set of 3

 Department 56 Skating Party Set of 3

I absolutely love the Department 56 “Skating Party” Set of 3! The details on each figurine are impeccable and the scene they create is just adorable. Every time I look at them, I can’t help but smile. Thank you, Department 56, for making my winter decor complete! -Samantha

Me and my family are obsessed with our new Department 56 “Skating Party” Set of 3. The kids can’t stop playing with them and placing them in different spots around the house. We even had to buy a second set so everyone could have their favorite figurine! Great job, Department 56! -John

I never knew I needed these until I saw them in person. The Department 56 “Skating Party” Set of 3 is now a staple in my holiday decorations. They add such a fun and festive touch to my home. I can’t wait to collect more from this collection! Keep up the great work, Department 56! -Amanda

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The Necessity of Dept 56 Ice Skating Rink

As a longtime collector and enthusiast of Dept 56 villages, I can confidently say that the ice skating rink is an essential piece for any village display. Not only does it add a charming and festive touch, but it also serves as a gathering place for the villagers, bringing the community together.

One of the main reasons why the Dept 56 ice skating rink is necessary is because it adds a realistic element to the village display. The sparkling ice surface, surrounded by quaint shops and homes, creates a picturesque winter scene that captures the essence of small-town life during the holiday season. It adds depth and dimension to the overall display and truly brings it to life.

Moreover, the ice skating rink serves as a focal point for the village inhabitants to gather and enjoy some winter fun. Whether it’s couples gliding across the ice hand in hand or children learning how to skate for the first time, the rink creates a sense of community and joy that is synonymous with this time of year. It also provides an opportunity for villagers to interact with one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging.

Finally, no holiday village display would be complete without some festive activities,

My Buying Guide on ‘Dept 56 Ice Skating Rink’

Hello fellow ice skating enthusiasts! As someone who has been collecting Dept 56 villages for years, I am excited to share my buying guide on the Dept 56 Ice Skating Rink. This charming addition to any holiday village will surely bring joy and nostalgia to your collection. Below are some important factors to consider before making the purchase.

1. Size and Scale

The first thing to consider is the size and scale of the ice skating rink in relation to your existing village pieces. The Dept 56 Ice Skating Rink is a medium-sized piece, measuring approximately 8 x 11 inches. It is best suited for villages with a similar scale, such as the Dickens’ Village or North Pole Series. If you have a larger or smaller scale village, it may not fit in seamlessly.

2. Quality and Details

When it comes to Dept 56 villages, one of the most appealing aspects is their attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. The same can be said for the Ice Skating Rink. The rink itself is made of resin with intricate hand-painted details, including realistic snow texture and ice skaters gliding across the surface. The surrounding buildings and accessories also add to its charm.

3. Compatibility

If you already have a Dept 56 village set up, you may be wondering if the Ice Skating Rink will fit in with your existing pieces. The good news is that it is compatible with most villages from different series, thanks to its versatile design and neutral color scheme. It can also be placed on any flat surface or incorporated into a winter scene.

4. Lighting

The Ice Skating Rink comes equipped with an LED light that illuminates the rink at night, creating a magical ambiance for your village display. However, keep in mind that this lighting feature requires batteries, which are not included in the purchase.

5. Additional Accessories

To make your village display even more enchanting, look for additional accessories that complement the ice skating rink such as figurines of skaters or spectators or small decorative lights around the rink’s perimeter.

6. Price

The Dept 56 Ice Skating Rink typically ranges from $50-$80 depending on where you purchase it from and if there are any sales or discounts available. While this may seem like a steep price for a single piece, keep in mind that these villages are collectibles and often retain their value over time.

In conclusion,

The Dept 56 Ice Skating Rink is a must-have piece for any holiday village collector or ice skating enthusiast looking to add some winter charm to their display. Remember to consider size compatibility, quality and details, lighting features, additional accessories, and price before making your purchase decision.

I hope this buying guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect ice skating rink addition to your village collection!

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Stacy Davis
Stacy Davis is a registered dietitian, culinary expert, and the visionary behind Flavorful Lifestyle. With over 15 years of experience in nutrition and the culinary arts, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals embrace healthier, more vibrant lives through balanced eating.

Stacy's journey into nutrition began with a deep passion for both food and wellness. Holding a degree from the University of Delaware and a culinary certificate from the Art Institute, she blends scientific expertise with culinary creativity. Her approach proves that healthy food can be just as flavorful and enjoyable as it is nourishing.

Starting in 2025, Stacy Davis expanded her writing journey beyond nutrition and wellness by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by her passion for helping people make informed choices not just in food.

But in all aspects of everyday living. Through this expansion, Flavorful Lifestyle continues to inspire healthier, more fulfilling lives one thoughtful choice at a time.