2023 Artist Insights:Season’s Treatings
There’s no Keepsake Ornament series sweeter than Season’s Treatings and this year marks its 15th anniversary! To celebrate the occasion, the 15th ornament in the series, a train with Santa as its engineer, is joined by a Special Edition ornament, a train depot where Mrs. Claus awaits.
Sharon Visker
Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker found her inspiration in a tabletop piece she created back in 2021. “I had worked on Deck the Gingerbread House, and I really liked it and wanted to do more gingerbread. So this year, I did the Gingerbread Village (available now) with sound, light and motion. And I decided to do the Season’s Treatings with gingerbread as well.”
In fact, if you look at the Season’s Treatings train, you’ll see a miniature version of it, with slightly different coloring, on the Gingerbread Village train track! And I also put a ‘15’ emblem on the caboose to celebrate the series anniversary.”
As for the train depot Special Edition ornament, Sharon gives credit for the idea to Art Director Charles Young. “Charles suggested we add something to the series this year for the anniversary. And he said, ‘Why don’t you do something that goes with a train—what about a depot?’ So, I did a quick sketch to get the idea on track.” (Good one, Sharon.)
She continues, “I tried to coordinate the size so if the train did pull up to the depot, they’re kind of in scale. The train depot is a little smaller but they’re similar. I couldn’t do it spot on or the depot would have gotten too big. Then, when it came to some finishing touches, I gave a nod to candy canes with the checkered roof and added gumballs to the top. I really wanted the two pieces to stay Christmas-y with coordinated colors.
I also used actual decorating tips for the icing on the roof, and I specifically asked that it not be fixed to look perfect. I wanted it to look real, like any person might have done it. It’s kind of rough and I like that it looks more authentic. I prefer something real over something perfect.”
And you might be wondering where Mrs. Claus is waiting to go. Sharon says, “Mrs. Claus has packed her suitcase and is waiting for Santa to pick her up so they can go—where else—to Gingerbread Village!”
You can pick up the Season’s Treatings Special Edition ornament beginning December 1 (for KOC members only), at our ’Tis the Season event. The series ornament (Santa in the train) is available now. And if you’re wondering what’s ahead for the series, well, Sharon says for now she’s sworn to secrecy—so you’ll just have to wonder s’more.
Seasons Treatings
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Sharon Visker about her Season’s Treatings, both 15th in the series (available now) and Special Edition (available Dec 1) ornaments!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, November 01, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3523521124554553/
2024 Sneak Peek: New York Comic Con (Pop Culture)
In conjunction with New York Comic Con, Hallmark provided a sneak peek of some of the pop culture ornaments that will be released in 2024.
Star Wars™
Grogu™ in Hovering Pram
Star Wars: The Mandalorian™
Qui-Gon Jinn™
Star Wars™: The Phantom Menace™
25th Anniversary
28th in the Star Wars™ series.
Darth Maul™ and Sith Probe Droid™
Star Wars™: The Phantom Menace™
25th Anniversary
STAR TREK
Doctor Who
Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas
Captain Christopher Pike
STAR TREK™: Strange New Worlds
The Cyberman
Doctor Who
Oogie Boogie
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Power Rangers®
Marvel
Batman™
Green Ranger®
Hasbro®
Power Rangers®
Wolverine
MARVEL
Batman™ in his Batmobile™
1989 BATMAN™
35th Anniversary
Harry Potter™
MINECRAFT
Jurassic Park™
Ron and Hermione
Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets Collection
Storytellers
Piglin
MINECRAFT
Jurassic Park Gate
JURASSIC PARK
2023 Holiday VIP Gift
Participating Hallmark retailers will once again kick off their Holiday season by inviting Platinum Crown Rewards customers to an exclusive holiday event. If you are a Platinum Crown Rewards member, keep an eye on your mailbox for an invitation to this years Holiday VIP event. Accompanying this invitation will be your coupon for the free with purchase* VIP event gift.
Holiday Open House & VIP Event, November 10-19, 2023
Festive Snowman
Limited Edition
You make things merry
You’re all about sharing holiday spirit this time of year. So, we’d like to add some joy to your world with this exclusive VIP gift. You’ll find fun ways to cozy up, deck the halls and enjoy every merry moment of the season. No one deserves it more.
Your holiday VIP Gift Includes:
- Santa Stemless Wine Glass
- Trees and Red Truck Socks
- Wrapped Present Salt & Pepper Shakers
- Postcard Trinket Tray
- Red Truck Tote Bag
- Festive Snowman Keepsake Ornament
* Gift with a purchase of $75 or more (after deductions). Valued at more than $75.
Valid: 11/10/23 – 11/19/23. Lirit one FREE Holiday VIP Gift while supplies last. Valid only at Hallmark Gold Crown store listed. Not valid on gift card purchases, postage stamps Keepsake Ornament Cub membership or past purchases. See store for any additional exclusions. Purchase of $75.00 or more, after deduction of any other it-store offer(s), is required to receive offer. Designs may vary. Quantities limited.
Additionally, individuals spending $125 or more will also receive a Holiday Trees Nesting Plates (regularly $24.99), Individuals spending $200 or more will also receive a Tis the Season Santa Throw Blanket ($29.99 value). While supplies last.
Holiday Trees Nesting Plates
Tis the Season Santa Throw Blanket
Holiday VIP Gift – A promotional offer directed at Platinum Crown Rewards customers.
2023 Reveal: Storied Moments Ornament Sets (UDATED)
On Friday, Walmart will host its last Collector Con event of 2023. The special event, which introduces collectors and toy lovers to new and exclusive launches, will feature over 40 new items.
During the event, you’ll be able to preorder three different Hallmark Christmas ornament sets including:
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
SPIDER-MAN
MARVEL
Chapter 13: The Jedi!
Star Wars: The Mandalorian™
The Christmas Ornament Sets will go on sale at 7:00 AM PST on Friday, October 13 in conjunction with Walmart Collector Con.
PREORDER
Available on Walmart.com
UPDATE (11.01.23) – Additionally, the three Christmas Tree Ornament sets will be available along with three other ornament sets at Walmart Supercenters and on Walmart.com.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
By Dr. Suess
A Charlie Brown Christmas
PEANUTS®
Disney Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Press Release: Hallmark Welcomes Holiday Wonder With 150 New Ornaments
Hallmark’s annual Keepsake Ornament Debut showcases creativity, craftsmanship and holiday cheer with over 150 new ornaments.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (October 10, 2023) – Hallmark’s annual Keepsake Ornament Debut showcases creativity, craftsmanship and holiday cheer with over 150 new ornaments. Shop the new ornaments and get the best bonus points of the season during Keepsake Debut Oct. 14-22. Keepsake Ornament Club members can get a head start on shopping in stores starting Oct. 13.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments inspire joy and help families commemorate what made their year special. Many Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments come to life through interactive elements of light, sound and motion to help usher in the holiday wonder and festive spirit of the season.
“Once a collection of glass balls and yarn figures, Keepsake Ornaments are now made in a variety of formats that capture the essence of the holiday spirit,” said Theresa McGeehan, senior merchant director. “At Hallmark, we love finding new ways to reimagine ornament design and offerings while still remaining true to the superior craftsmanship and high quality that ensures they will become cherished collectibles for years to come.”
From whimsical characters and classic designs to pop culture trends and iconic fan favorites, there are ornaments for everyone to adore in this year’s collection. Hallmark’s Keepsake Ornament Debut features more than 150 new and innovative ornament designs, including:
Playful Penguins, Musical Ornament With Light and Motion – Enjoy the sparkling delight of this trio of penguins as the ornament illuminates and carries the characters around an icy Ferris wheel, perfect for holiday decorations this season.
Guacin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Ornament With Sound – Enjoy an instrumental holiday jingle and an unusual character with this holiday ornament. A cute avocado and his playful dance companion make for a cheery combination that will be sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit and want to listen to Christmas tunes all winter long.
Pull-String Camel, Premium Ornament – Tie in festive detailing and timeless charm with this pull-string ornament inspired by the classic jumping jack toys. This beautiful ornament features ornate designs and Santa riding a camel. Pull the string to watch the camel move its mighty legs.
Cute as a Button, 1st in the series Ornament – Bring life to holiday decorations with this first-in-series ornament. The happy hamster character offers festivity to the season with his green and red scarf and love for crafting Christmas trees that are as tall as he is.
Every Color of Amazing, UNICEF Papercraft Ornament – Spread joy the entire season with this colorful UNICEF Christmas tree ornament. This ornament displays an intricate papercraft scene of children from around the world holding hands in front of a globe background. A portion of the proceeds of this purchase will support UNICEF’s work for children around the world where it is most needed.
Explore the 2023 Dream Book to see all 450+ new Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments released at the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Premiere and Debut.
For more information about Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments or to locate a Hallmark Gold Crown Store, visit Hallmark.com.
About Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments
In 1973, when Hallmark introduced six glass ball ornaments and 12 yarn figures as the first collection of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, a new tradition of Christmas decorating was started, and a new collectible industry was born.
When the first line was introduced, they were unique in design, year-dated and available only for a limited time — innovations in the world of ornaments. Since 1973, Hallmark has introduced more than 8,400 different Keepsakes Ornaments and more than 100 ornament series, annual releases of ornaments that share a specific theme.
Today’s Keepsake Ornaments reflect the way styles, materials, formats and technology have expanded since they first appeared in Hallmark stores. Once a collection of decorated glass balls and yarn figures, Keepsake Ornaments are now made in a wide array of wood, glass, metal, porcelain and handcrafted formats. Technology has also been incorporated into the world of Keepsake Ornaments through light, sound and motion. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the superior craftsmanship and high quality that ensures Keepsake Ornaments will become family heirlooms and cherished collectibles.
Playful Penguins
Guacin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Pull-String Camel
Cute as a Button
1st in the series.
Every Color of Amazing
UNICEF
2023 Collection: Happy Holiday Parade
2023 Collection
Joanne’s Christmas Boutique
Happy Holiday Parade Collection
Gregor’s Trattoria
Happy Holiday Parade Collection
Anita’s Pet Shop
Happy Holiday Parade Collection
Happy Holiday Parade Tote Bag
Milk-Chocolate Caramel Snowmen
2024 Reveal: Dream Box
The delight is the details
From each twinkling light to every carefully hung ribbon, it’s the little things that often fill our hearts with Christmas joy.
No one understands that quite like you– which is why we’ve filled this year’s Dream Box with so “mini” merry details you’ll love!
We hope these gifts, and our 2024 Dream Book, inspire you to share your Christmas spirit and make magical memories as we continue the Countdown to Christmas!
Warm Wishes,
The Keepsake Ornament Club
The Keepsake Dream Box (a $150 value.) Shipped directly to your home starting in April, this year’s membership gift is full of Keepsakes magic.
You’ll receive:
- Three club-exclusive Keepsake Ornaments.
- Ollie’s Ornament Shoppe
- Ollie (miniature)
- Lia (miniature)
- Exclusive gifts from the Keepsake Studio.
- North Pole Miniature Ornaments Display Stand
- Snowy Miniature Tree Skirt
- Set of 25 Miniature Brass Ornament Hooks
- My Ornament Collection Notebook
- A Gnome for Christmas Bookmark
- Your 2024 Dream Book, along with a $5 coupon, Be sure to join by January 15, so you’ll receive your Dream Book before it’s available in stores.
Ollie’s Ornament Shoppe
Ollie
Lia
North Pole Miniature Ornaments Display Stand
and
Snowy Miniature Tree Skirt
My Ornament Collection Notebook
and
A Gnome for Christmas Bookmark
2024 Dream Box
2024 Reveal: Member Exclusives
The four Member Exclusive offerings for 2024 have been revealed.
Christmas Window 2024
(Rosie’s Donut Shop)
Christmas Windows
22nd in the series.
Rainbow Lorikeet
The Beauty of Birds
Vintage Greetings
1st in the series.
Furry Friends
Making Memories
Special Edition
2023 Reveal: Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament
2022 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament
The 2023 Mayor’s Tree Ornament, 43rd in the series, was cut from the 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Tree. This year’s ornament, “Holiday Wreath,” was designed by Hallmark Artist Ramon Olivera. Made in Kansas City, the laser-cut design features a wreath with red and green decoration. This ornament is a nod to the large oversized wreath above the entrance to the Crown Center Shops, as we celebrate the opening 50 years ago.
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 will go on sale, Friday, November 24, at Crown Center Customer Service, Level 2 of the Crown Center Shops. Ornaments are $16.95 plus tax. Limits apply.
Can’t make it to Crown Center? Orders that will be shipped by December 1, 2023 may now be placed by completing the 2023 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament Order Form.
FedEx shipping anywhere in the continental United States is $9.95 per order of up to $100.00.
NOTE: A limited supply of ornaments are available from prior years including: 2003 “Nostalgic Sled,” 2006 “Nutcracker,” 2007 “Christmas Bell,” 2008 “Christmas Candle”, 2009 “Gingerbread House,” 2010 “Centennial Ornament,” 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 Artist Insights: DOBBY™
What happens when Keepsake magic meets the Wizarding World™? A house-elf appears! But Dobby , the beloved protector and friend of Harry Potter™, was no ordinary house-elf…and this ornament is no ordinary Keepsake ornament.
Jake Angell
Featuring animatronic motion and quotes from the movies, this ornament truly brings Hogwarts™ favorite free elf to life.
“I started with a sketch from Tim Bodendistal, and then I got to work with the engineer,” says artist Jake Angell. “We wanted to get Dobby as large as we could, and I worked closely with the engineers to decide on a static starting pose that would show him best when not moving.”
From there, Jake says the Keepsake Studio editor and engineers worked to see what sound clips from the movie could be used. Then they worked their magic to animate the Dobby ornament.
“It’s always a balancing act to try and fit all the parts into the ornament to make it work,” Jake says. “But my family and I are big Harry Potter fans, so I really focused on hiding the necessary parts in a way that still told the story. It was so fun placing Dobby on a trunk that a Hogwarts student would be travelling with to school.”
While Jake loves immersing himself in the Wizarding World and working on ornaments, he says he always looks forward to seeing the finished product and sharing it with other fans.
“I can’t wait to see how my family reacts to my Dobby ornament moving and talking, and I really hope that everyone loves what we created for them,” he says.
Luckily for us all, no spells are needed to bring this house-elf ornament home. Get yours at Ornament Debut!
Dobby™
Harry Potter™
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Jake Angell about his Harry Potter™ Dobby™ The House-Elf ornament, that will be releasing at Ornament Debut!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, October 02, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3504749609765038/