Epic Christmas Village II

Epic Christmas Village II display features Department 56 Original Snow Village, Christmas in the City and Dickens Village buildings and animated accessories. The train is the Lionel Polar Express. The Subway train is the O scale Lionel NYC Transit Authority R30 Subway. The Subway was added after the original Epic Christmas Village. • Epic Christmas Village The video was shot on three different cameras: Sony HDR-AX2000, Canon 5D Mark II and Iphone 4S.

[@rosemarycarlyle5918]

I come here every year to view Epic Christmas Village from the first video to the last. It's become a Christmas tradition! I've even recommended watching these videos to friends and family. You should be on one of those Christmas programs showcasing this fantastic World you've created.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Rosemary. That really means a lot to me. Merry Christmas!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

It's really wonderful that three generations of your family share the Christmas Village tradition. Your thoughts are heart-warming and inspiring. Thank you for sharing them.

[@lcchoate]

Thank you so much for sharing. I've been collecting pieces for 18 years - since my Daughter's first Christmas and imagine I'll have to hand it over to her someday when she has a family herself. For now, it's a favorite time for me and my Dad to spend together every holiday setting up the train, and all of the village pieces. It takes us days - as it does most collectors - but it truly brings me joy year after year! Thank you again!!

[@missangelcherie27]

WooooooooooooooooooooooooW. I would LOVE to see this in person. Incredible display

[@rootlestootles1462]

Oh my goodness!! Our humble layout taking shape this October has a long way to go....this is truly magical to old and young. I’m stunned by the subway train just amazing. Thank you for sharing the magic 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Toni! I started with 1 house that I picked because it reminded me of the house I grew up in. After that I slowly added pieces that reminded me of special times, family trips or significant events. Before I realized it my village had grown to Epic proportions. Stick to pieces that stir memories and your village will be awesome.

[@harrisnina6448]

star attraction has to be subway station w/ red train and its opening doors! WOW! and of course, every city has to have its chinatown. so original! and your photography is clear and eye appealing. no clutter, surprises and 'adventure' throughout! you must've rec'd some type of award for this display, no?

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you. Happy to hear you are starting a village of your own. I found almost all of the houses, people, vehicles, accessories and animated features on Ebay. Most of the fine details, such as sand, rocks, snow and small decorations were found at local crafts stores. Some things, like the subway station I made by hand. Good luck with your village.

[@shellbell9268]

I cant' tell you how many times I've watched this video. You're village is spectacular!!! If anyone needs to be cheered up, just watch this!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

The music is the emotion. Without it, there is no nostalgia.

[@steve2713]

Wow, my wife just got a dept 56 accessory piece in the mail today and I picked up my smart phone and ran smack dab into your double masterpiece of video work and village setup! And you take it down every year and put it back up every season in a new design! Bless You!

[@beckibrown5936]

I love this!!!! I just started collecting last year. This is the gold stand of Christmas Villages!

[@christmasvillager8489]

Epic! 2018 season is almost here! I am spending all morning getting ideas for this years village.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

I look forward to seeing your Village video.

[@lemaxvillage486]

please look at my channel lots of ideas, time laps.

[@trainspottersforlife9182]

This is my favorite layout ever

[@TheBigCrabCake]

It really did take a long time but I enjoyed it. Plus it's always nice to hear that other people enjoy the Epic Christmas Village as well. Thanks.

[@junewhightsel3973]

I still love your Christmas Villages every year. My husband and I already started on a new Christmas Village since we move. Thank You so much and have a Merry Christmas

[@Greensery]

WOW! The amount of detail and work put into this. The village is living :)

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you. It's hard to do justice to the Department 56 pieces. They have such incredible detail. I'm glad to hear that you and your family are fellow Christmas Villagers. I'd love to see your Christmas Village on KZbin. Some of the smaller villages are my favorite. Merry Christmas!

[@carlosdelcampojr.3443]

What a beautiful display!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@lizwarren4ca714]

Just lovely! I cried when I saw the dedication at the end. If the creator has passed away, the world has lost a beautiful soul. Only someone hopeful could create this magical display!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you so much Liz! The dedication was for my Mother who passed away that year. Happy to say that I'm still alive and well and currently working on Epic Christmas Village VI which I expect to post this November. Your thoughtful comment means a lot.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you. A realistic but nostalgic feel was what I was going for this year. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you. The automated system at the beginning of Epic Christmas Village II is the Department 56 "VILLAGE ANIMATED TRACK". It was only produced between 1996 and 1999, but you can usually find one used on EBAY.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

That's great! You'll be surprised at just how fast a Christmas village turns into a family tradition.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Stacey. The moving school bus, cars and people are moving on the Department 56 VILLAGE ANIMATED TRACK. The track comes with pegs that you attach to the bottom of whatever you want to move. Department 56 stopped making the track awhile ago but you can still find them occasionally on Ebay.

[@reempire888]

Thank you so much for this video! I didn't have a warm childhood when i was a kid and this video and music had literally put a smile on my face, my heart and joyful tears. I love this video and music so much i must have watched this video a dozen times! Thank you so much, Santa Claus!

[@bonescollector5367]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful Christmas village with us! I enjoy repeated views. ❤

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thanks. The garage with the snow thrower guy is one of my favorites.

[@rosemarycarlyle5918]

With everything that's happened this year I'm looking forward to Christmas in July preview.

[@myksweet]

What an awesome job! That is one of the best displays I've seen and a rare occasion where buildings from various Villages were used in the same display seamlessly and very successfully. To top it off, a charming video. Kudos!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Myksweet. I'm always looking for things that will fit into the village. I love finding things that don't ordinarily appear in Christmas Villages and then blending them in. I appreciate your comment. Thank again.

[@angbuzz]

The best village ever. Trying to get mine together but many things you have like the skiers on hill you can't get. Absolutely beautiful

[@TheBigCrabCake]

+angbuzz Thanks. Your right about the skiing hill. It's very hard to find and usually requires repairs if you can find it. Good Luck!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Tim. I also find that hiding the wires can be incredibly difficult and time consuming. Whenever possible I try to drill holes directly under the buildings and run the wires straight down, otherwise I cut a narrow "V" shaped channel in the styrofoam surface, push the wire into the channel and fill in with snow. Sometimes however there is just no good way to hide the wire except to cover them with white batting. Good luck with your village this year. I'm sure it will be fantastic.

[@kristinrobertson8980]

this is one of the most legitimate looking Christmas Villages I have ever seen absolutely great work and detail

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Kristin.

[@kristinrobertson8980]

Your welcome it really is the the best village I have ever seen on KZbin thank you for posting this video !

[@PolishRoots]

Watching this video was total eye candy :>) Thank You so much for sharing all your time & efforts. Your wondrous love for the Christmas Season shows.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you RB. Much appreciated. I hope you check back this Christmas to see Epic Christmas Village IV. It is going to be twice as epic!

[@jeffdeleon6238]

At the 7 min mark the yellow and red trolleys that are going up and down..it's really nice..thanks for the help and advice as well!! Really beautiful

[@TheBigCrabCake]

+Jeff Deleon That is the DEPARTMENT 56 "VILLAGE ANIMATED GONDOLA". There is usually 1 on Ebay most of the time. It is one of the few Ski Slope type Dept 56 pieces that is relatively durable. This is a great piece for any Christmas layout and is popular with kids and adults alike.

[@cynthiasmith4022]

This is amazingly beautiful. Christmas brings out the child in me. I thank you. There’s so much going on with our youth. Losing there morals and the child in them forever leaves them. I so wish a lot would change in that way for this generation. I just wished my kids would enjoy Christmas for the reason s I do.

[@mchenryfam94]

Watching this always puts me in such a good mood! Can't wait for Epic Christmas Village IV!!

[@petelinster7093]

I can't believe YT muted your lovely video. How crazy. It is still a delight to view.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you for acknowledging my tribute to LKH. I imagine that almost everyone who views Epic Christmas Village II has their own LKH. Let's just say that LKH was someone whose loss was felt profoundly, but whose memory will never die. I'll leave it to the individual viewer to "Fill in the blank" with their own "LKH".

[@kevinandmichelle1005]

Fantastic detail, an excellent job , we started building our first one this year and already spent a fortune, and still buying more ready for next year we have a lot to learn but looking at yours and others gives so much inspiration , happy new year

[@TJay-fm9tk]

Brilliant Idea about the homemade track ! You ought to get a patent ! Thanks for writing back. Merry Christmas and can't wait to see your new Village.

[@kimcardin5138]

Just put my first village together, came across yours, made me smile! Love the music as well. Hope you keep the village up all year as I am. I love it, great job.

[@4644116]

By chance my husband & I just found your village display. I've always searched by Dept 56 - I'm so glad my husband searched "2012 village" and found yours. It's absolutely amazing!!! The best village display I've ever seen. It makes my 20 snow village buildings seem tiny! Your camera work was great...nice and slow so you can appreciate each piece. Thanks so much for posting it - I can't wait to show my family (all of which are dept 56 nuts, like me) Merry Christmas & may God bless. -Jill

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Sunny. It's true about the Times Tower. Department 56 has a "fix" on their website. Click on the Collecting tab then choose Village Collecting, then Display Ideas, then Times Tower. It's just a download of some glue on numbers. I seems ridiculous but it actually looks pretty good. I never notice the fix after I change it each year. The Times Tower is a great addition and a real focal point.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Ladybug. The feeling is mutual. I drew inspiration from your Dept 56 Original Snow Village 2009 when I was developing the lake/stream area of Epic Christmas Village II. Looking forward to your 2012 Christmas Village.

[@jcf4733]

me too. 1969. I have been collecting a few items over the last year or two. not much . I just found this sight. AWESOME!!!!!!!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

+John Fields Thanks John. Enjoy your collection. They have a habit of growing very quickly.

[@hamburgerdan1963]

COMPLIMENTS DELUXE!!! FINE JOB!! from someone who has been creating villages for over 17 years

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Always great to hear from a fellow Christmas Villager. Thanks for the nice compliment.

[@ladybugz2750]

A wonderful and inspiring Christmas village - Thank you!

[@hamburgerdan1963]

I really like building them. It has grown so much that it not only consumes my entire living room wall to wall and from the floor to the ceiling it is now also in two other rooms. I think I need a building just to put my villages out. I change them every year and love to have the folks from church come every christmas to see it and sometimes even a scavenger hunt game finding things in the villages.

[@petelinster7093]

I love coming back to this particular video. Maybe it was the first one of yours I viewed first. But it has a special feeling in my heart and helps me get the village juices going even though it is almost 90 outside and fall is about here.

[@mrmoe967]

Incredible scene! I started collecting a few years ago, and dreamed of displaying my Christmas in the City pieces. Thanks for the ideas!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

mrpooh167 Thank you Mrpooh. I hope you will post a video of your display this year. I'm sure it will be great!

[@myladeets]

WOW. Didn't think Christmas villages went this far. Mind blown.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

If you think that went far, just wait until you see Epic Christmas Village IV when it comes out in a few weeks! Subscribe to my channel so you won't miss it.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thanks for the compliment. The track in the beginning of Epic Christmas Village II is the Department 56 "VILLAGE ANIMATED TRACK". It was produced between 1996 and 1999. You can usually find a used one on EBAY.

[@timchandler7429]

This is truly the greatest village i have ever seen!! I'm quite a fanatic about this stuff myself i have quite a bit of trouble with hiding the wires as well as you have.

[@reempire888]

Whenever Christmas is near, I come to see your amazing video, every year! Makes me happy and forget about my unhappy times during my childhood.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

I'm so glad to hear that this video series gives you the happiness you deserve. Wonderful people like you make it all worth while. I hope you have a Happy Holiday Season!

[@reempire888]

Happy thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@mirkoflorijan6379]

B bi

[@mirkoflorijan6379]

Z

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Bismarc. Some of my favorite buildings are the ones we started our village with years ago, I'm sure your Snow Village will quickly become a Christmas tradition. The blue train at the beginning of Epic Christmas Village is the Lionel Polar Express. The red Subway train is the O scale Lionel NYC Transit Authority R30 Subway. These fit really well with the Department 56 villages.

[@badhabit8701]

Love the village! You have done another fantastic job. Happy Holidays.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you. It's wonderful to hear that it resonates with you.

[@isabelespinal7668]

I Don't Get Tire Watching ur Videos.... I Watch Over and Over..... Thanks....!!!! You are A Genius....God Bless u....!!!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

You are too kind! Thank you sooooo much!

[@goldengordon9288]

I have two words for you. Pure Epicness.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you GG!

[@bsharp61]

awsome job!!!...first one I've seen with a subway and Drive-in...very inspiring for all village hobbiest!!!!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thanks Oldmiss. This year I'm adding a Department 56 "Mickey's Diner" because it reminds me of my favorite Aunt. I've modified it so now the sign reads "Tippy's Dining Car", because my Aunt Tippy is awesome!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you for sharing your viewing experience. There was a lot of nostalgia in the making of Epic Christmas Village II. I'm really happy that it came across and that I could share that feeling. Mostly I'm grateful that you would share your thoughts. Thank you. Most of the elevation changes are just varying layers of styrofoam insulation with the higher levels being further back of course. It's already white so all that is needed is to rough up any sharp edges and sprinkle a little snow.

[@supermanly7024]

This is the one video that gives me the Christmas Feeling

[@MaryinFlorida2]

WOW! Where's the "LOVE" button on this? Spectacular village!!! Great video too!

[@dinessa99]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

That's awesome! You should really consider posting a video. I think a lot of people can relate the experience of a constantly growing Christmas Village. The scavenger hunt idea is genius.

[@Gibsonblvd]

Great Job!!!!! This is one of the best I've seen. I love the subway train.Great camera angles show the great detail and time you took. It has given me a couple aspirations for my Christmas village.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

The surface of the mountains is a thin sheet of plywood covered with styrofoam insulation. The face of the mountains is the same styrofoam painted brown. There is one mountain used as a divider that is just a 2 inch thick piece of styrofoam standing on edge and painted brown.

[@hdb80]

Just amazing, love what you've done!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

+hdb80 Merry Christmas!

[@thefatal]

Awesome shooting, awesome village and greatest dedication.

[@1goldenshell]

So beautiful

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thanks M C!

[@boogiemcwoogie]

so calming & joyful to watch! amazing job!!! totally saving this to watch again during the holidays

[@TheBigCrabCake]

+Boogie Photos Thanks BP. I hope your Holidays are the best ever.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

S-Scale is a nice option for anyone mixing Department 56 Snow Village and Dickens Village in the same Christmas display. O gauge takes up a lot of table space and really needs to be part of a large display. Nice job on your Village. Hope to see a 2013 edition.

[@Cue881]

Really excellent job on the video and the music. Gets you right in the spirit, even though its July! Time to start working on this years project already! Thanks for keeping Christmas alive!

[@ryankoehler79]

Reminds me of my grandfather. Thanks for sharing

[@TheBigCrabCake]

He must have been very special. I hope you have a wonderful Holiday!

[@jodym1203]

Love the subway. I have seen a lot of animated Christmas villages, but never one with a subway.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Erica. The Subway was fun to build and remains one of my favorite parts of the Village.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Debra. It's wonderful comments like yours that motivate me to begin planning the next Epic Christmas Village. Your comment really means a lot.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you so much for your comment. You've given me added motivation as I begin this year's Christmas Village. I don't have a blog and I'm not sure that I have a particular system. My Christmas Village changes every year and each new design just sort of happens. You should consider making a video of your Christmas Village this year, Personally, I think some of the smaller Villages are the most interesting.

[@queenswake]

I really like the subway. I bet kids really like seeing that "hidden" part. For your next video, I'd like to see some wider shots of the actual setup to get a better idea of how you have this all layed out. great job.

[@Thoracias]

We are looking for ideas to build our first village and this is simply amazing! We have been collecting pieces but now it's time to get some scenery built. I am in awe of your creation!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you. I have found so many ideas from other Christmas Village videos. There's a lot of talent out there. I think it's great that people share their villages with others. I hope to see your village this Christmas. I'm sure it will be great.

[@Dutchmoniquepol]

Very very well done video. Love all the movement in your village.

[@mitchburke1071]

This is the best thing I've ever seen.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Tina. I edited with Adobe Premiere Pro and used a layer mask for the area of the drive-in movie screen and added the home movie video as a second layer. I like to take the Christmas Village down each year and start fresh in the Fall. I think that coming up with a new design each year is half the fun. I already have some new things in mind for next year.

[@marlyevans789]

What a buzz! It's amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Marly. I must say the same for your "Christmas at Little Gam". It's brilliant!

[@oldmiss1000]

Absolutely beautiful! Like you, all my pieces have a meaning to me.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

It's fantastic that you have been keeping the Christmas Village tradition for over 17 years. Thanks for your comment.

[@jolde7]

Fantastic!! Received my first piece for Christmas as a beginning. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

That's great Jeff! From that 1 piece will grow your Village. Can't wait to see your future Village in a video.

[@essy111]

So much work and effort put into this *Happy Xmas 2013 *

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Merry Christmas Threapleton!

[@1991ACS]

Your display is absolutely beautiful! WOW! Thanks for sharing it. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

[@stevebergeron2167]

Amazing... great detail and warmth. I really enjoyed watching this video.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you Ben. That's very nice to hear and much appreciated.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

The Department 56 "Santa's Sleigh" was produced from 2000 to 2007. You can usually find a used one on EBAY.

[@10blair01]

I live in the UK aswell and i've found afew places that do great village displays!!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

The red train is made by Lionel. It's called the NYC Transit Authority R30 Subway Set. They also make a similar train in green called the R27.

[@camivetteg]

You blew my mind at the subway!

[@TheBigCrabCake]

The Red subway train remains my favorite every years.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Yes, both trains are O gauge. I think it is the best fit for the Snow Village in particular. Some people prefer HO gauge to go with the smaller Dickens Village. If you like trains,Epic Christmas Village III has 6 trains and I believe that number will increase for the next Epic Christmas Village later this year.

[@carlos.vmartinez3855]

HOW WONDERFUL SO BEYOND BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE I ENJOYED ALL THE VIDEO TEARS CAME ROLLING 😌OF JOY AND REMEMBERING ALL MY KIDS WHEN THERE WERE SMALL AND SO ON ..I WAS SO AMAZE .IVE BEEN COLLECTING LIL HOUSES IN THRIFT STORES THESE YEAR IM ALSO MAKING A LIL VILLAGE .THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING A BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL VIDEO.

[@TheBigCrabCake]

Thank you so much Susana! I would love to see a video of your village this year. Good luck!

[@steve2713]

Thanks! Such a nice thoughtful reply! I watched your masterpiece video on mute the other day because I didn't want to distract the people around me. I watched and listened to the first few moments a few minutes ago and now I am anticipating quite a treat! Thanks again!