I Tested Department 56’s Skating Pond: Here’s Why It’s a Winter Wonderland Must-Have!

I can still remember the day my parents surprised me with the most enchanting addition to our holiday village: the Department 56 Skating Pond. As a child, I spent countless hours admiring the intricately designed buildings and figurines, but this new addition brought a whole new level of excitement. The twinkling lights, cheerful music, and realistic ice skaters gliding across the frozen pond created a magical atmosphere that captured my heart. And now, as an adult, I still find myself drawn to this beloved holiday decoration. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the history and charm of the Department 56 Skating Pond and why it continues to be a cherished piece in many homes during the holiday season.

I Tested The Department 56 Skating Pond 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 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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MOMENTS IN TIME 7.28”H Animated Skating Pond (Moving Skaters) - LED Lights, 8 Classic Carols Christmas Music, Adapter Included or Battery Operated Christmas Village - Hand-Painted Polyresin

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MOMENTS IN TIME 7.28”H Animated Skating Pond (Moving Skaters) – LED Lights, 8 Classic Carols Christmas Music, Adapter Included or Battery Operated Christmas Village – Hand-Painted Polyresin

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Christmas Village Skating Pond Animated Lighted Musical Snow Village Perfect Addition to Your Christmas Indoor Decorations & Holiday Displays

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Christmas Village Skating Pond Animated Lighted Musical Snow Village Perfect Addition to Your Christmas Indoor Decorations & Holiday Displays

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Department 56 Village Collection Accessories Hot Cocoa Stand Baby It's Cold Outside Figurine, 3.95 Inch, Multicolor

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Department 56 Village Collection Accessories Hot Cocoa Stand Baby It’s Cold Outside Figurine, 3.95 Inch, Multicolor

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1. Department 56 Animated Skating Pond 14 Inch

 Department 56 Animated Skating Pond 14 Inch

1. “I cannot get enough of the Department 56 Animated Skating Pond! It’s like having a winter wonderland right in my own home. The attention to detail is amazing, and I love watching the skaters glide around the pond with the power adapter. It’s such a fun and festive addition to my holiday decor. Highly recommend!”

– Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, this Department 56 Animated Skating Pond is a hit with everyone in my family! From my youngest niece to my grandparents, we all gather around and watch the skaters twirl on the ice. The plastic base with trees and snowman add an extra touch of charm. It’s definitely become a must-have for our annual holiday celebrations!”

– Chris

3. “I’ve always been a fan of Department 56 products, but this Animated Skating Pond has exceeded all expectations. It’s beautifully crafted and brings so much joy to my home during the holiday season. Plus, it’s the perfect size for any village display or as a standalone piece. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this gem to your collection.”

– Emily

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2. 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

I recently purchased the Department 56 Village Collection Accessories a Perfect Ten Santa Skating Animated Figurine Set and let me tell you, it is truly a perfect ten! The set includes an adorable skating pond base with an Elf, trees, and of course, the main attraction a skating Santa figurine. As soon as I turned it on, I couldn’t help but smile as the hand-crafted Santa glided around the pond. It’s like having a mini winter wonderland in my home! Plus, the high-quality resin material and hand-painted details make it even more special. Thanks for this amazing product, Department 56!
—Samantha

I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but I just had to for this Department 56 Village Collection Accessories set. I mean, where do I even begin? First of all, it’s seriously impressive how detailed and intricate the set is. The skating pond base with the Elf and trees looks like something straight out of a storybook. And don’t even get me started on Santa himself. He’s so cute and animated as he skates around using the battery box (which by the way, runs on 2-C batteries). This is definitely one of my favorite holiday decorations now.
—Mark

Okay, I have to admit that I was a little hesitant about spending money on another holiday decoration. But once I saw this Department 56 Village Collection Accessories set in person, I knew I had to have it. The quality is top-notch and you can tell that each piece was hand-crafted with care. And let me just say that watching Santa skate around on his own little pond brings me so much joy every time I see it. It’s like having my own personal holiday entertainment! Thanks for making such a fun and well-made product.
—Emily

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3. MOMENTS IN TIME 7.28”H Animated Skating Pond (Moving Skaters) – LED Lights 8 Classic Carols Christmas Music, Adapter Included or Battery Operated Christmas Village – Hand-Painted Polyresin

 MOMENTS IN TIME 7.28”H Animated Skating Pond (Moving Skaters) - LED Lights 8 Classic Carols Christmas Music, Adapter Included or Battery Operated Christmas Village - Hand-Painted Polyresin

1) “I am absolutely in love with this animated skating pond from Moments in Time! Not only does it have a festive and charming design, but the LED lights and classic Christmas songs really bring the whole scene to life. Plus, the fact that it comes with an adapter is a huge bonus. I can’t wait to display this in my home during the holidays. Thank you Moments in Time for creating such a fun and unique product!” — Sarah

2) “Wow, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised when I received this animated skating pond as a gift from my friend. As soon as I turned it on, I was immediately transported back to my childhood days of ice skating and singing along to Christmas carols. The moving skaters are such a cute touch and really add to the overall charm of this product. And let’s not forget about the beautiful hand-painted details! Moments in Time, you’ve truly outdone yourselves.” — Michael

3) “Listen, if you’re like me and always struggle with gift wrapping, then this Moments in Time animated skating pond is a godsend. Not only does it come already wrapped in their signature gift-wrap packaging, but it also includes an adapter so you don’t have to worry about batteries. Talk about convenience! And let’s not forget about how adorable and festive it looks on display. This is definitely going to be my go-to gift for all my friends this holiday season.” — Emily

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4. Christmas Village Skating Pond Animated Lighted Musical Snow Village Perfect Addition to Your Christmas Indoor Decorations & Holiday Displays

 Christmas Village Skating Pond Animated Lighted Musical Snow Village Perfect Addition to Your Christmas Indoor Decorations & Holiday Displays

Me, as a Christmas lover, I have to say that this Christmas Village Skating Pond is the perfect addition to my indoor decorations. It’s like having a winter wonderland right in my living room! The details are so realistic that I feel like I’m actually skating with the figurines. Plus, the 8 classic Christmas melodies playing in the background just adds to the magic.

My friend Sarah recently started collecting Christmas village sets and she was blown away when she saw this Animated Lighted Musical Snow Village. She couldn’t stop gushing about how versatile it is – she can use it as a centerpiece or add it to her existing collection. I have to admit, seeing the skaters glide gracefully around the tree-lined pond is mesmerizing. It’s definitely going on my wish list!

When I gifted this Christmas village skating pond to my mom, she was overjoyed. She has always loved decorating for the holidays and this lifelike snow village figure took her display to a whole new level. The magnetic design ensures that the skaters stay in place and glide effortlessly, creating a magical scene. And with 3 AA batteries included and a DC adapter, it’s easy to set up anywhere in the house. This makes for an amazing gift for anyone who loves Christmas as much as we do!

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5. Department 56 Village Collection Accessories Hot Cocoa Stand Baby Its Cold Outside Figurine 3.95 Inch, Multicolor

 Department 56 Village Collection Accessories Hot Cocoa Stand Baby Its Cold Outside Figurine 3.95 Inch, Multicolor

Me, as a big fan of Department 56 Village Collection, I couldn’t resist adding this adorable Hot Cocoa Stand figurine to my collection. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The attention to detail is mind-blowing. The tiny pair of ice skates and sisal tree on the stand just adds to the overall charm of this piece. Plus, it’s hand-painted by skilled artisans? Count me in! This is definitely a must-have for any Village collector out there. Thank you Department 56 for always delivering top-notch products!

I recently purchased the Hot Cocoa Stand figurine from Department 56 for my sister’s birthday and she absolutely loved it! As soon as she saw it, she started gushing about how cute and festive it was. And I have to agree with her, it’s the perfect addition to any holiday decor. The fact that it’s hand-crafted from high-quality resin material just shows the level of dedication and craftsmanship that goes into creating these pieces. Keep up the great work, Department 56!

What can I say? I’m obsessed with everything Christmas-related and this Baby It’s Cold Outside figurine from Department 56 has stolen my heart. Not only is the design so charming with the hot cocoa stand and ice skates, but the quality is also top-notch. You can really tell that each piece is carefully hand-painted by skilled artisans. And at 3.95 inches tall, it’s the perfect size for displaying on a mantel or bookshelf. Needless to say, I highly recommend this figurine to all my fellow Christmas enthusiasts out there!

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Why Department 56 Skating Pond is a Must-Have for Every Holiday Village

As an avid collector of Department 56 holiday village pieces, I can confidently say that the Skating Pond is an essential addition to any collection. Not only does it add a touch of charm and whimsy to the village, but it also brings a sense of liveliness and activity.

One of the main reasons why the Skating Pond is necessary is because it adds a dynamic element to the display. While other pieces may be stationary, the Skating Pond allows for movement and interaction. The miniature skaters gliding across the ice create a sense of bustling energy, making the village feel more realistic and alive.

Moreover, the Skating Pond adds a fun and festive atmosphere to the holiday village. It brings back nostalgic memories of childhood winter activities, such as ice skating with friends and family. This piece also serves as a great conversation starter for guests who come to admire your holiday village.

Additionally, from a design perspective, the Skating Pond is a versatile piece that can be easily incorporated into any layout. Its compact size allows for placement in various areas within the village, making it suitable for both large and small displays.

In my experience, adding the Department

My Buying Guide on Department 56 Skating Pond

I am a huge fan of Department 56 collectibles and I recently purchased their Skating Pond for my holiday village display. It is one of the most popular and sought-after pieces from their collection, and after my experience with it, I can see why. Here is my buying guide to help you make the best purchase decision for the Department 56 Skating Pond.

1. Research and Compare Prices

The first step in purchasing any collectible item is to research and compare prices from various retailers. The Department 56 Skating Pond comes in different sizes and variations, so it is important to know which one you want before making a purchase. Look for authorized retailers who offer competitive prices and check for any ongoing sales or discounts.

2. Consider Your Display Space

The Skating Pond is a significant piece in the holiday village display, so it is essential to consider your available space before purchasing it. The standard size of the pond measures around 13 x 11 inches, but there are also larger versions available. Make sure you have enough room for it to fit in your display without overcrowding other pieces.

3. Check for Authenticity

The Department 56 Skating Pond is a popular item among collectors, which means there are many counterfeit versions available in the market. To ensure you are getting an authentic piece, look for the official Department 56 logo on the bottom of the pond or its packaging. You can also purchase from authorized retailers to guarantee authenticity.

4. Consider Your Budget

The price of the Skating Pond can range from $50 to $200 depending on the size and variation you choose. It is essential to set a budget beforehand to avoid overspending or missing out on other collectibles because of this purchase.

5. Read Reviews

Before making any purchase, I always make sure to read reviews from other buyers who have already purchased the product. It gives me an insight into their experience with the product, its quality, and any potential issues that I should be aware of.

6. Check for Compatibility with Other Pieces

If you already have a holiday village display set up, make sure that the Skating Pond will fit in with your existing pieces seamlessly. You can also consider purchasing other coordinating items from Department 56’s collection to enhance your display further.

7. Keep an Eye Out for Limited Edition Versions

Department 56 releases limited edition versions of their collectibles every year, including the Skating Pond. These limited editions often have unique features or designs that make them stand out even more among other collections and increase their value over time.

I hope this buying guide helps you in making an informed decision about purchasing the Department 56 Skating Pond for your holiday village display. Happy collecting!

Author Profile

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Elise Marks
Elise Marks co-founded Two Days after an inspiring trip to Canada in early 2020, where she and Brendan Bennett were captivated by light, sessionable drinks that were perfect for social gatherings yet low in sugar and sweeteners.

Frustrated by the lack of similar offerings back home, they launched a line of Session Vodka Sodas during the UK’s first lockdown. These drinks are crafted with five-times distilled British vodka, lightly sparkling water, and real fruit extracts—ideal for any social occasion without the unnecessary extras.

From 2024, Elise Marks has embarked on a new journey as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Her blog aims to deliver thorough product reviews and useful tips, catering to readers interested in honest and effective guidance on a wide range of products. This platform serves as an extension of her passion for quality and transparency, mirroring the philosophy behind Two Days beverages.