2026 Reveal: Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament – Merry Skaters
Merry Skaters
2026 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament
The 2026 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament, Merry Skaters, marks the 46th year of a Kansas City holiday tradition. Designed by Hallmark artist Sheyda Best, this year’s laser-cut ornament was made in Kansas City from the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Tree.
The round, bauble-shaped design features two penguins skating together on a snowy base surrounded by snowflakes. One wears a red-and-white trapper hat and green scarf, while the other sports a green and red knit hat topped with a white pom-pom and a red scarf. Proceeds from ornament sales benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund.
The 2026 ornament also celebrates the Hallmark Christmas Experience at Crown Center, which takes place on weekends from November 27 through December 20, 2026.
Purchasing Information
Merry Skaters goes on sale Friday, November 27, 2026, at Crown Center Customer Service on Level 2 of the Crown Center Shops. Ornaments are $19.95 each, plus tax, with a limit of two per customer while supplies last.
Can’t make it to Crown Center? Place an order by calling Customer Service at 816-274-8444 or completing the 2026 pre-order form. Pre-orders are for shipping only, not pickup.
Shipping within the continental United States is $9.95 per order of up to $100. Payment is by credit card only. Orders cannot be shipped to P.O. boxes or outside the continental United States. All sales are final.
NOTE: Since 1981 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornaments have been sold to help in raising money for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund. From 1981 through 1986, the designs of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree commemorative ornaments came from the Hallmark ornament line and were revised in limited editions with the Mayor’s Christmas Tree inscription. Since 1987, each ornament has been an original, designed by Hallmark artists and creative staff and made from the wood of the previous year’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree. Proceeds from the purchase of these commemorative ornaments benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, a Kansas City charity since 1908, that benefits thousands of Kansas City’s less fortunate each year.
Ornaments from prior years – A limited supply of ornaments from prior years are still available for purchase including, 2003 (Nostalgic Sled), 2006 (Nutcracker), 2007 (Christmas Bell), 2008 (Christmas Candle), 2009 (Gingerbread House), 2010 (Hallmark Centennial Celebration), 2011 (Holiday Mittens), 2012 (Snow Globe), 2013 (Christmas Tree), 2014 (Carousel Horse), 2015 (Woodland Joy), 2016 (Festive Fox), 2017 (Skate Away), 2018 (All Aboard), 2019 (Here Comes Christmas), 2020 (Heart of Kansas City), 2021 (Festive Friends), 2022 (Celebrating 50 Years), (2023 (Holiday Wreath), 2024 (O Christmas Tree), 2025 (Sweet Snowman).
Download a list of ornaments through the years.
2026 Reveal: Game On! Hallmark Brings a Legendary Xbox Console to the Christmas Tree!
XBOX HALO Special Edition Console
For Xbox fans, 2004 was a year to remember. Halo 2 had arrived, multiplayer battles were keeping friends glued to their televisions, and Microsoft’s translucent green Halo Special Edition Xbox was turning heads. More than 20 years later, that unforgettable console is making a comeback, only this time, in miniature!
Just in time for Xbox’s 25th anniversary on November 15, Hallmark is recreating the legendary console with its new Xbox Halo Special Edition Console Keepsake Ornament. From the distinctive translucent green casing and “Halo Special Edition” lettering to the matching wired controller resting on top, Hallmark has captured the details that made the original a favorite among Xbox fans and collectors.
But the real magic begins when you press the power button! The ornament lights up, the unmistakable Xbox startup sound fills the air, and the legendary “Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix” from Halo 2 kicks in. Suddenly, it’s 2004 again. You’re battling the Covenant, challenging friends to multiplayer matches, and promising yourself just one more game!
Available exclusively on Amazon, this little green console brings a memorable chapter of gaming history back to life. And this Christmas, you won’t have to look under the tree to find an Xbox. There might just be one hanging on it!
Shop the Xbox Halo Special Edition Console Keepsake Ornament on Amazon
1929 Travel Air Model R “Mystery Ship” Reimagined Piece
Retro 1929 Travel Air Model R “Mystery Ship”
The Sky is the Limit reimagined piece
What could make a 1929 Travel Air Model R “Mystery Ship” airplane even more beautiful and fast? A new propeller! That’s just what retired Keepsake Artist Lynn Norton has done, upgraded one of his 2017 Sky’s the Limit production airplane ornaments with a new, shiny, smaller propeller.
If you set your heading for Hooked on Ornaments next Friday, you just might find yourself piloting this beauty! Highest bidder in the silent auction gets the pilot seat in this amazing souped-up ride by the master engineer himself, Lynn Norton!
2026 Reveal: When Snowmen Discover Halloween…
Get ready to scare up some festive fun with the brand-new Halloween Snowmen Collection from The Work of Whimsy Studio! We all know the story of Halloween characters discovering the wonder of Christmas…but what happens when things go the other way around? It seems a couple of Tammy Haddix’s snowmen have wandered beyond their winter wonderland and stumbled upon something they never knew existed… Halloween!
They’ve left the snowflakes behind for spooky fun, traded their winter hats for witchy ones, and suddenly find themselves surrounded by costumes, tricks, treats, and all the excitement of Halloween. And these two seem to be discovering very different things to love about their newfound holiday.
Halloween Snowmen
One little snowman has already figured out trick-or-treating—or at least the treating part! With an oversized piece of candy corn in one hand and a star-tipped wand in the other, he may have even learned a trick of his own. Could that wand have something to do with his supersized treat? Judging by that mischievous little smile, he isn’t giving away any secrets!
Halloween Snowmen
His companion has made a discovery of his own. With his arms stretched wide, he proudly holds a shimmering strand of stars, as though he’s discovered that Halloween has a little sparkle of its own. While one has found the treats, the other has found the sparkle—and together, their first Halloween adventure begins to take shape.
There’s something wonderfully unexpected about Tammy bringing the nostalgic charm of her snowmen into the world of Halloween. These familiar wintertime characters suddenly have a whole new personality, with just enough magic to make you wonder why snowmen haven’t been celebrating Halloween all along.
Maybe that’s part of their charm. They make you look forward to that first crisp chill in the fall air—the kind that tells you Halloween is just around the corner and almost makes you wish winter would arrive a little early. They’re the kind of little characters you can picture unpacking each October, finding their place among your favorite Halloween decorations, and smiling when you see those familiar faces again year after year.
One found the treats. The other found the sparkle. Together, they found a holiday they never knew they were missing. Something tells us they won’t be waiting for Christmas anymore!
Available Beginning Monday, October 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM CT.
exclusively on the Work of Whimsy website
2026 Sneak Peek: Retro Black Owl by Joanne Wright Studio
Retro Halloween Owl
Retro Holiday Collection
Hand Painted Prototype
Something spook-tacular has taken flight at the Joanne Wright Studio and is ready to join the Retro Holiday Collection this fall…
Meet the Retro Halloween Owl Prototype! This wide-eyed little fellow is ready for a night of Halloween fun, dressed for the occasion with a bright purple bow and his jack-o’-lantern pumpkin pail in tow.
This little owl is a real hoot! Those big eyes, chubby little feet, adorable wings, and that sweet little tail are enough to make your head spin. Warm highlights accent his rich brown feathers and bring out all the wonderful little details that give him so much personality.
With all the charm of a Halloween decoration from years gone by, he feels like a little piece of Halloween nostalgia brought back to life. Sweet, playful, and just the right amount of spooky, Joanne has given this little owl the kind of whimsical personality that makes you want to welcome him into your nest and find him the perfect spot to perch—not just for Halloween, but all year long.
After all, whooo could possibly resist?
Available exclusively
on the Joanne Wright Studio website
beginning Friday, October 2 at 9:00 AM CT.
Announcement: Dragon Ball Z ornament moved to 2027
Super Saiyan
Dragon Ball Z
Due to licensor issues, the Super Saiyan (2499QXI1233) Dragon Ball Z ornament has been moved to the 2027 line.
2026 Reveal: Celebrate Your Local Club with a Custom Art Print by Joanne Wright Studio
Custom Local Club Sketch Print
Retro Character Group
Celebrate the friendships, memories, and traditions that bring ornament collectors together with a custom art print from Joanne Wright Studio.
Reproduced from Joanne’s original watercolor, the festive scene features Santa, Mrs. Claus, a cheerful elf, and a playful reindeer gathered around the Christmas tree. Joanne handwrites your club’s name on the artwork and personally signs each print, making each one a personalized keepsake for your ornament club.
Whether you’re celebrating a club anniversary, special event, or milestone, recognizing members, or simply commemorating the friendships and traditions that have grown through ornament collecting, this print is a wonderful way to mark the occasion.
Printed in full color on high-quality cardstock, the print is perfect for displaying at club gatherings, adding to your holiday décor, or enjoying at home alongside your ornament collection.
How to Order
When placing your order, enter the exact name of your ornament collector club in the Notes section. Please double-check the spelling, as the name you provide will be handwritten by Joanne on your custom print.
If you’d like the artwork without a club name, simply enter “leave blank” in the Notes section.
Available at Joanne Wright Studio
This print is a reproduction of the original artwork, printed on sturdy card stock.
2026 Reveal: Jan’s Hallmark St. Louis Signing Event Exclusive
Louis & Oreo
Signing Event Exclusive
A special St. Louis ornament is coming to Jan’s Hallmark St. Louis Signing—and collectors won’t want to miss this one!
Designed by retired Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Artists Tammy Haddix and Anita Marra Rogers, this special ball ornament features Louis the snowman with Anita Marra Roger’s granddog, Oreo. Louis sports a baseball cap and holds a baseball in one hand, while a St. Louis cardinal is perched in the other, giving the design a fun nod to the city and its baseball tradition.
With its playful mix of snowman charm, a beloved pup and St. Louis spirit, this ornament is sure to appeal to Hallmark collectors, baseball fans, dog lovers, and fans of the Snow Buddies and Puppy Love series alike.
This Limited Edition ornament will be given to all attendees at the Jan’s Hallmark St. Louis Dinner with the Artists, making it a special memento of the September 25–26, 2026 event featuring Tammy Haddix and Anita Marra Rogers.
There’s still time to reserve your spot! Call (314) 414-5252 to register.
Announcement: Jan’s Hallmark St. Louis Signing, Dinner & Auction (UPDATED)
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to correct an error the price of Additional Signatures.
Join Jan’s Hallmark – Shrewsbury in celebrating their 1st Anniversary with retired Keepsake Artists Anita Marra Rogers and Tammy Haddix!
Anita Marra Rogers
Tammy Haddix
Jan’s Hallmark – Shrewsbury
Mackenzie Pointe Plaza
7247 Watson Road (Old Route 66)
St. Louis, MO
(314)414-5252
Note: Search “Mackenzie Pointe Plaza” in your Map app for directions.
Festivities include:
DINNER WITH THE ARTISTS (Friday, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
- Registration: $50.00 + tax (includes meal). Call (314)414-5252 to register.
- Location: Next to Jan’s Hallmark
- St. Louis Style Buffet Menu:
- The Pasta House Co. Special Salad
- Golden Toasted Ravioli
- Pasta Con Brocoli
- Baked Mostaccioli
- Gooey Butter Cake Bites
- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
- Premium Fitz’s Rootbeer
- Iced Tea
- Artist Presentations
- Artist Q&A
- Special Guest: Nicki, owner of HookedonHallmark.com
- Silent Auctions
- Giveaways
ARTIST SIGNING (Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 pm – 4:00 p.m.)
- Location: Jan’s Hallmark
- Artists will only sign ornaments they created or contributed to.
- All ornaments (by the signing artists) purchased at the signing can be signed for FREE.
- Two ornaments (by a signing artist) brought from home, can be signed for FREE.
- Additional ornaments brought from home can be signed for $4.00 each.
- Door Prizes
- Refreshments
- Silent Auctions
Announcement: Jan’s Hallmark St. Louis Signing Auction List Revealed
EXCLUSIVE SILENT AUCTIONS
Rare Hallmark Artist Pieces Featured
Attendees of the September 25–26, 2026 Jan’s Hallmark Retired Artist Signing in St. Louis, Missouri, are invited to bid on a selection of one-of-a-kind pieces and special items.
These unique offerings go beyond traditional ornaments—Hallmark pre-production pieces are among the rarest collectibles, with many representing truly one-of-a-kind examples from the creative process. Don’t miss the opportunity to add a special piece of Hallmark history to your collection.
In-Person Bidding:
- Friday Dinner Auctions: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Bidding is open to ticketed attendees of the Dinner with the Artists
- Saturday Signing Auctions: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Bidding is open to the public.
Making Memories Bundle
Storytime Snuggles (2022)
Making Memories
15th in the series.
This auction features a Hand-Painted Prototype, Design Approval Sample (DAS) and Original Sketch of Storytime Snuggles, 15th in the Making Memories series from 2022. Factory card included. These original design pieces offer a collector a unique connection to the development of this beloved series.
Final Bid:
Work of Whimsy Halloween Display
This piece was crafted by retired Keepsake Ornament Artist, Tammy Haddix
The Candy Corn Crypt Mug
This auction is for “The Candy Corn Crypt Mug” a Work of Whimsy design by Tammy Haddix. The display piece depicts a little candy corn ghost popping up near a tombstone. The display is set a coffee mug.
Final Bid:
Snow Buddies (Narwhal)
Snow Buddies (2022)
This auction is for the Design Approval Sample (DAS) of the 25th in the Snow Buddies series from 2022 by Tammy Haddix. Factory tag included.
Final Bid:
Jolly Beer Belly Bundle
Jolly Beer Belly Bundle
This auction is for the Design Approval Sample (DAS) and Production ornament of the 2022 Jolly Beer Belly ornament by Tammy Haddix. Factory tag included.
Final Bid:
German Shorthaired Pointer (Puppy Love) Bundle
German Shorthaired Pointer Bundle (2022)
This auction features a Hand-Painted Prototype, Design Approval Sample (DAS) and Production ornament of German Shorthired Pointer, the 32nd in the Puppy Love series from 2022. Factory cards included. These original design pieces from retired Hallmark Artist by Anita Marra Rogers personal collection offer a collector a unique connection to the development of this tail-wagging series.
Final Bid:
Puppy Love (Poodle)
Puppy Love, Poodle (2024)
This auction is for the Design Approval Sample (DAS) of the 34th in the Puppy Love series from 2024 by Anita Marra Rogers. Factory tag included.
Final Bid:
Harry Potter Kickstarter Exclusive
Escape from Gringotts
Harry Potter
This auction is for a Mint in Box 2024 Hallmark Keepsake Harry Potter “Escape from Gringotts” tabletop by Jake Angell and Tim Bodendistel. This Limited Edition was available exclusively on Kickstarter.
Final Bid:
2018 Studio Edition
Sweet Treat Cart (2018)
This auction is for the Design Approval Sample of the 2018 Sweet Treat Cart ornament by the entire Keepsake Studio, including Anita Marra Rogers and Tammy Haddix. On the design Anita sculpted the Yule Log Cakes and Tammy sculpted the Plum Pudding under the Glass Cloche. Factory tag included.
Final Bid:
Toyland Treasures Bundle
Toyland Treasures Bundle (2005-2006)
This auction is for a 2005 Toyland Treasures ornament and a 2006 Toyland Treasures Tabletop. Both are Magic and sculpted by Tammy Haddix. The tabletop was a Limited Edition only available on Hallmark.com.
Final Bid: