Each year, on the last Friday of November, Department 56 has announced the retired items that will no longer continue in production and the molds are destroyed. In the 1990s, this announcement was made with an advertisement in USA TODAY.  This announcement transitioned to an online list.  When registered to receive emails by the company, the list is emailed to all subscribers once the portal is opened. 

Over the years, the lists have encompassed Department 56 Villages, General Village Accessories, Snowbabies, Snowbunnies, Possible Dream Santas, licensed items, and other giftware products. Many years of these lists may be accessed here.  When the list is all inclusive it is referenced as such. When divided by category, it is noted below the year.