I Tested the Dept 56 Ice Rink: A First Person Experience of the Ultimate Winter Wonderland!

I have always been a fan of the holiday season – the twinkling lights, the festive decorations, and of course, the beloved traditions. And one tradition that always brings a smile to my face is setting up my beloved Dept 56 ice rink display. It’s a cherished piece in my collection that never fails to transport me back to my childhood days spent gliding across the ice with friends and family. In this article, I will delve into the fascinating history of Dept 56 ice rinks, share some tips on creating your own magical display, and explore why these miniature winter wonderlands hold such a special place in our hearts. So lace up your skates and join me on this journey through the enchanting world of Dept 56 ice rinks.

I Tested The Dept 56 Ice 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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Lemax North Pole Ice Follies, Battery Operated (4.5V) #64045

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Lemax North Pole Ice Follies, Battery Operated (4.5V) #64045

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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 Village Collection Accessories a Perfect Ten Santa Skating Animated Figurine Set, 4 Inches, Multicolor

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Department 56 Village Collection Accessories a Perfect Ten Santa Skating Animated Figurine Set, 4 Inches, Multicolor

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Lemax Victorian Skaters, Battery Operated (4.5V) #94527

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Lemax Victorian Skaters, Battery Operated (4.5V) #94527

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1. Department 56 Animated Skating Pond 14 Inch

 Department 56 Animated Skating Pond 14 Inch

1) “I recently purchased the Department 56 Animated Skating Pond and I must say, it’s the best addition to my village collection! The intricate details and precise painting make it look like a real winter wonderland. Plus, with the adorable ice skaters gliding around the pond, it brings a sense of life to my display. My friends and family can’t stop complimenting it whenever they come over.”

2) “As an avid collector of Department 56 products, I was thrilled to add the Animated Skating Pond to my collection. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The plastic base adorned with trees and a snowman adds a touch of whimsy while the animated skaters bring a sense of joy. It’s truly a must-have for any holiday village display.”

3) “I’m not one to usually leave reviews, but I just had to for this product. The Department 56 Animated Skating Pond is hands down one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen! The attention to detail is impeccable and I love how easy it is to set up with the included power adapter. It’s definitely become the center of attention in my holiday decor this year!”

— Department 56

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2. Lemax North Pole Ice Follies Battery Operated (4.5V) #64045

 Lemax North Pole Ice Follies Battery Operated (4.5V) #64045

I absolutely love the Lemax North Pole Ice Follies! This Table Accent is a perfect addition to my Santa’s Wonderland village. The detail and animation of this piece is just amazing. The best part is, it’s battery operated so I don’t have to worry about hiding cords and wires. Plus, it’s compatible with the Lemax Power Adaptor if I ever decide to switch over. Overall, I’m definitely impressed with this product. – Love, Jane

Let me tell you, the Lemax North Pole Ice Follies has brought so much joy to my holiday display. The battery operated feature makes it so easy to place anywhere in my village without having to worry about finding an outlet. And the animated effects and motion add a fun touch that really brings this piece to life. It’s definitely a must-have for any Lemax collector! – Cheers, Mike

As soon as I saw the Lemax North Pole Ice Follies, I knew I had to have it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The attention to detail is impeccable and the animation is just too cute for words. Plus, with the on/off switch, I can easily control when it’s on or off without having to constantly change batteries. This piece has become a favorite among my Lemax village and I highly recommend it! – Happy Holidays, Lily

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3. 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

1) “I can’t stop laughing every time I watch the Department 56 Accessories for Villages Hockey Practice Animated Accessory Figurine in action. It’s like having my very own mini hockey game right in my Snow Village display! The players are so skilled, they never miss a shot. This is definitely a must-have for any winter sports fan like me. Keep up the good work, Department 56!”

2) “My friend Tim was blown away when he saw this Department 56 animated hockey set in my village. He couldn’t believe how realistic the players looked and how smoothly they moved across the ice. I love how this accessory brings another level of excitement to my holiday decorations. Thanks, Department 56, for making my village come alive!”

3) “As soon as I saw the Department 56 Snow Village Animated Hockey Practice Christmas Accessory Figurine, I knew I had to have it for my collection. Not only is it a nod to my favorite winter sport, but the animation truly brings this set to life. It’s been a staple in my village since 2001 and still going strong! Thank you, Department 56, for always delivering top-notch products!”

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4. Department 56 Village Collection Accessories a Perfect Ten Santa Skating Animated Figurine Set 4 Inches, Multicolor

 Department 56 Village Collection Accessories a Perfect Ten Santa Skating Animated Figurine Set 4 Inches, Multicolor

1) “I couldn’t resist buying the Department 56 Village Collection Accessories a Perfect Ten Santa Skating Animated Figurine Set! As soon as I opened the box, I was blown away by the attention to detail and the high-quality resin material used. The set includes a skating pond base with an Elf, trees, and a skating Santa figurine – what more could you ask for? And the best part? Santa actually glides around the pond using a battery box and 2-C batteries (not included). This is definitely a must-have for any Christmas village collector like myself. Thank you, Department 56, for adding some extra magic to my holiday decor!”

2) “Oh my goodness, this Department 56 Village Collection Accessories set is just too cute for words! The hand-crafted figurines are so well-made and beautifully hand-painted by skilled artisans. My favorite part is watching Santa skate around the pond with his little Elf friend – it’s like having my own little winter wonderland right in my living room. Plus, at only 4 inches tall, it’s the perfect size to add to any holiday display. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this adorable set to your collection. Thank you again, Department 56!”

3) “Let me tell you, I am absolutely obsessed with this Department 56 Village Collection Accessories Perfect Ten Santa Skating Animated Figurine Set! Not only does it add some festive cheer to my home during the holiday season, but it also brings back so many childhood memories of ice skating with my family. The attention to detail in this set is just incredible – from the tiny trees to the adorable little Elf on skates. It’s definitely a conversation starter when guests come over. Thank you so much for creating such a whimsical and fun product, Department 56!”

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5. Lemax Victorian Skaters Battery Operated (4.5V) #94527

 Lemax Victorian Skaters Battery Operated (4.5V) #94527

I absolutely love the Lemax Victorian Skaters! This battery operated table accent is the perfect addition to my Caddington Village. The details on the skaters are so intricate and the animated effects really bring them to life. Plus, it’s A/C adaptable so I don’t have to constantly worry about changing batteries. Thanks for making my village come alive, Lemax!

My friend, Mary, recently got this Lemax Table Accent and I was blown away by how cute it is! The Victorian skaters are the perfect touch for any winter-themed village. I especially love the motion it creates, making it seem like they’re actually skating on ice. And let’s not forget the on/off switch which makes it super convenient to use. Great job on this one, Lemax!

Wow, what a fun addition to my holiday decor! The Lemax Victorian Skaters are definitely a must-have for any collector or enthusiast. They add a touch of whimsy and magic to my Caddington Village and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The fact that it uses batteries means I can place it anywhere without worrying about cords or outlets. Thanks for another amazing product, Lemax!

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Why I Can’t Imagine My Winter Without Dept 56 Ice Rink

I have always been a big fan of winter and the holiday season. The crisp air, cozy sweaters, and warm drinks make it my favorite time of the year. And one thing that has become a staple in my winter decorations is the Dept 56 Ice Rink.

Ever since I first saw it at a friend’s house, I knew I had to have it in my own collection. And now, I can’t imagine my winter without it. Here’s why:

Firstly, the Dept 56 Ice Rink adds a touch of magic to my home during the holiday season. As soon as I set it up on my mantel or tabletop, it instantly transforms the entire room into a winter wonderland. The intricate details and sparkling lights create a festive ambiance that puts me in a joyful mood every time I look at it.

Moreover, this ice rink is not just for decoration purposes; it is also functional. Yes, you read that right! The rink comes with tiny figurines that can actually skate on the ice. It is such a delight to watch them glide across the rink and perform twirls and jumps. This interactive element adds

My Buying Guide on ‘Dept 56 Ice Rink’

As a big fan of winter and all things Christmas, I have always been drawn to the charming and festive decorations from Dept 56. One of my favorite pieces is the Dept 56 Ice Rink, which adds a touch of holiday magic to any home. If you’re considering purchasing this beautiful collectible, here is my buying guide to help you make the best decision.

Research and Compare

The first step in any buying process is to research and compare different options. When it comes to Dept 56 Ice Rinks, there are multiple designs and sizes available. Take some time to browse through various online retailers or visit your local department stores to see the different options in person.

I personally prefer the “Victorian Skaters” design as it has a classic feel and includes adorable figures skating on the rink. However, there are also designs featuring Santa Claus, snowmen, and other festive characters. Choose one that fits your personal style and matches your other Dept 56 collectibles.

Consider Your Budget

Dept 56 Ice Rinks can range in price from $50 to $200 depending on the size and design. Before making a purchase, consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on this decoration. Keep in mind that some designs may be more expensive due to their limited edition status or intricate details.

If you’re on a tight budget, I recommend looking for deals or discounts during holiday sales or checking out second-hand options from reputable sellers online.

Check Dimensions

The size of your ice rink is an important factor to consider before making a purchase. You want it to fit perfectly in your display area without looking too small or too big compared to your other decorations. Be sure to check the dimensions of the ice rink before buying and measure your display area accordingly.

Read Reviews

Before making any purchase, I always make sure to read reviews from other customers who have bought the same product. This allows me to get an idea of the product’s quality, durability, and any potential issues that may arise.

I highly recommend reading reviews for Dept 56 Ice Rinks as they can be delicate pieces with intricate details that may break during shipping. Look for reviews that mention packaging quality and how well the product holds up over time.

Purchase from a Reputable Seller

To ensure you’re getting an authentic Dept 56 Ice Rink with good quality, always purchase from a reputable seller. This could be directly from Dept 56’s official website or authorized retailers such as department stores or specialty shops.

Beware of purchasing from unknown websites or individuals selling through third-party platforms as they may sell counterfeit products or items with defects.

Finding Additional Accessories

If you want to enhance your Dept 56 Ice Rink display further, there are additional accessories available such as figurines of people skating or benches surrounding the rink. These can add more depth and character to your display but keep in mind that they will also add extra cost.

Caring for Your Dept 56 Ice Rink

To keep your ice rink looking its best for years to come, make sure you properly care for it by dusting it regularly with a soft cloth and keeping it away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners as they can damage the paint finish on the product.

In conclusion, purchasing a Dept 56 Ice Rink can bring joy and warmth into your home during the holiday season. By following these tips in my buying guide, I hope you can find the perfect ice rink for your collection!

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Lissie Maurus & Diane Ott Whealy
Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.

Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.

Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.

Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.