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. Two experienced chess players are set up to play one of the world's oldest board games. Chess has a 1,500 year history and the 'Queen's Gambit' is the opening move. 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.