Artist Insights: Mythical Mermaids (New Series)
Hallmark: If you’re a fan of Kris Gaughran’s Fairy Messengers series, then do we have a treat for you. Did you know Kris has been working on an all new series? That’s right! Her first in series Mermaid Keepsake Ornament will be released in 2023 and we can’t wait!


Kristina: “I have been a fan of mermaids, and all things fantasy, for as long as I can remember,” Kris says. “Since I work on the Fairy Messengers, I wanted to explore some other friends that could also live in their world but give them a look all their own.”
Hallmark: Each of the mermaids in her series will be based on real sea life. “I’m excited to explore the diversity that could be found in their world,” she continues. “Much like I do in my fairy world series. Each mermaid will be a unique take on a real fish and the type of mermaid that might have that tail.”
Kristina: “I’m hoping that this first one will get the fans curious as to how the series will progress. I wanted to take a different approach to these mermaids, something a bit more unique and playful in their styling. I really think it will appeal to people of all ages.”
Hallmark: In designing this series, Kris was surprised at how true to her initial sketch the design stayed.
Kristina: “It was a bit unusual for how I work to be honest,” she continued. “I had so many options to choose from, with so many unique and colorful fish out there. I just love the sweetness of her pose and side glance. Most of all, I’m thrilled about finally being able to create a series like this. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to design a mermaid ornament. Being able to bring this series to life really makes the little girl in me quite excited!”
Hallmark: Keep your eyes open for this fun and fanciful new series. And if you need anything else to get you excited about this new series, Kris let it slip that the first 5 ornaments in this series have already been sketched! That’s right…FIVE more are already in their final planning stages.
Mythical Mermaids
First in a new series.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Kris Gaughran about her first in series Mermaid Keepsake” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, November 28, 2022. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3291599657746702/
Reveal: 2022 World Series Keepsake Ornament
The Astros have won their second World Series in six seasons! Remember the home runs, the leaping catches, and all the heroics of Houston’s 2022 World Series championship! This commemorative ornament is the perfect way to celebrate the thrilling victory as the Astros won the Fall Classic. But don’t wait long—supplies are limited.
PREORDER NOW
Available at participating Hallmark Gold Crown Stores and on Hallmark.com
Artist Insights: Retro Designs
Hallmark: Are you loving the retro design of Joanne Wright’s recent ornaments as much as we are? They’ve become really sought-after, and we thought it would be fun to find out what inspired Joanne to create them.


Joanne: “I love the retro/vintage look, especially in Christmas ornaments and decor, not only for the fun style, but also for the colors and materials. I enjoy combing the antique stores for them, and I’ve always wanted to create this look and style in an ornament. In 2020, my wish came true! I created the Nostalgic Santa ornament and, thankfully, the fans and collectors loved him as much as I did. While most of the figurines in the ’50s and ’60s were made of either plastic or porcelain, I chose to create my Santa in porcelain to give him a special look and value. That Nostalgic Santa led to the Vintage Snowman in 2021 and now the Retro Reindeer for this year.”
Hallmark: You can also find Joanne’s newest design, Jolly Santa, at our Trim the Tree Event this year. Remember, you can shop early on December 2, when you bring your Early Shopping Pass in store. Joanne is excited for you to see this version of her special Santa.
Joanne: “Being asked to bring back my 2020 Nostalgic Santa for the Trim the Tree Event this year—this time as a new Jolly Santa—was really special to me. I thought it was important to use the bottlebrush attachment again, so this time Santa has that attachment as a wreath, and I love how it turned out.”
Hallmark: Joanne is grateful for the positive feedback she’s received from you.
Joanne: “I must give a shout-out to all our friends and fans out there who have done an amazing job displaying them. Nothing inspires me more!”
Joanne’s Retro Designs
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Joanne Wright and her Jolly Santa and Retro Reindeer ornaments!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, October 27, 2022. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3265497543690247/
2023 Reveal: Member Exclusives
The five Member Exclusive offerings for 2023 have been revealed.
Reveal: 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament
The 2022 Mayor’s Tree Ornament, 42nd in the series, was cut from the 2021 Mayor’s Christmas Tree. This year’s ornament, “Celebrating 50 Years,” was designed by Hallmark Artist Shedya Best. The laser-cut design features the Mayor’s Christmas Tree in green with some of Crown Center’s iconic holiday decorations in gold, silver and white. This ornament celebrates the 50th year that the Mayor’s Christmas Tree will stand in Crown Center Square.
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 25, 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 early December may now be placed by completing 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament Order Form.
NOTE: A limited supply of ornaments are available from 2003 (Snow 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), Festive Friends (2021).
2022 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.
This Exclusive VIP Holiday Gift is full of seasonal items just for you.
Includes:
- Pine Branch Mug
- Wreath Tea Towel
- The Uncorked Stemless Wine Glass
- Good Cheer Tote Bag
- Top Hat Snowman Keepsake Ornament
- Cardinal Salt and Pepper Shaker
* Gift with a purchase of $75 or more (after deductions). Valued at more than $75.
Valid: 11/4/22 – 11/13/22 (for Platinum Crown Rewards members – local Invite only),
11/14/22 – 12/24/22 (Stores have option to open up to all customers during event, based on available inventory. (for sale $24.99 USA)
Additionally, individuals spending $125 or more will also receive a Christmas Tree Stacked Mug Set (regularly $24.99), Individuals spending $200 or more will also receive a Comfort and Joy Blanket ($29.99 value). While supplies last.
Holiday VIP Gift – A promotional offer directed at Platinum Crown Rewards customers.
2023 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 2023.
Press Release: Hallmark Brings Christmas Joy Early With Keepsake Ornament Debut, Oct. 8-16
The second Keepsake Ornament event this year debuts 150 new ornaments for Hallmark’s 2022 collection to kickstart the holiday season
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (October 3, 2022) – The wait is over, and the holiday season has officially arrived with Hallmark’s annual Keepsake Ornament Debut, Oct. 8-16. With the premiere of 150 new artist-crafted ornaments, Keepsake Ornament Debut releases more ornaments for the 2022 Keepsake Ornament Collection and gives shoppers the opportunity to start sharing more merry this holiday season.
“Families gather each year to decorate their Christmas trees, pulling out ornaments and reminiscing over the memories they hold,” said Nicole Reid, vice president of ornaments, gifts, and specialty retail at Hallmark. “Ornaments have really come to represent the unique interests of each family, making this cherished tradition even more special by adding a new memory – and ornament – each year.”
Available starting Oct. 8, the entire Keepsake Ornament line includes over 450 ornaments and offers something for everyone. From beloved characters such as Disney, Nintendo, and Star Wars, to ornaments that capture the passions and personalities of loved ones, everyone in the family can give and receive an ornament that’s unique to them.
New ornaments releasing at Keepsake Ornament Debut include the following:
The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Walt Disney World, 50th Anniversary Musical Ornament With Light – Commemorate The World’s Most Magical Celebration with this stunning Christmas tree ornament. The Walt Disney World design features Cinderella’s Castle with an iridescent finish and shiny metallic gold accents in honor of the theme park’s 50th anniversary. Press the button to see a beautiful light show with fireworks as music from “When You Wish Upon a Star” plays.
Chillin’ with Friends, Friends Ornament – Grab a spot on the couch to admire this Christmas tree ornament. Fans of “Friends” will love to relive two hilarious scenes from the popular sitcom with this fun decoration featuring a throwback TV set design with a Central Perk latte cup perched on top. Press the button to light the television screen and play audio clips from the show that coordinate with the alternating lenticular images.
Holiday Barbie™, 8th in the series Ornament – Carry on the tradition of fabulous holiday fashions with this Barbie Christmas tree ornament featuring the timeless style icon dressed in her festive finery. Inspired by the 2022 Holiday Barbie Doll, this dazzling ornament is a must-have for collectors of all ages.
Zack Morris, Saved by the Bell Ornament – Charming schemer Zack Morris and his best friends made memories to last a lifetime during their high school years at Bayside. Relive the TV classic “Saved by the Bell” with this fun Christmas tree ornament that plays some of Zack’s iconic lines from the show.
I’ll See You Again, Star Wars™: The Mandalorian™ Ornament – Following “The Way” of the Mandalorian code, Din Djarin seldom removes his helmet while in view of others. In a poignant display of vulnerability, the bounty hunter reveals his face for an emotional farewell as the foundling Grogu prepares to leave with Luke Skywalker to continue his Jedi training. This Christmas tree ornament captures that tender scene from the Disney+ original series “Star Wars: The Mandalorian.”
Warmest Holiday Wishes, Musical Ornament – Even Santa needs a break from the holiday hustle and bustle. He has joined his reindeer and snowman pals for a relaxing dip in the hot tub … which may have been a bad idea for the snowman. This fun Christmas tree ornament plays a clip of “Hot Hot Hot” performed by Buster Poindexter and His Banshees of Blue. Click here to watch a behind-the-scenes video to see how Hallmark Keepsake Artist, Gregor Benedetti, created the ornament.
Sandal the Sandman, 1st in the series Ornament – Enjoy a white sand Christmas with Sandal the Sandman. The first in a new series, this cute Christmas tree ornament features Sandal and his sea turtle friend as they decorate a palm tree with seaweed garland, seashell ornaments and a starfish topper. Join in the fun each year as Sandal celebrates the holidays in his own unique, tropical way.
Pull-String Elephant, Premium Ornament – Inspired by classic jumping jack toys, this wooden pull-string Christmas tree ornament combines timeless charm and modern trends for your holiday decor. Ornate patterns add festive detail to the delightful design that features Santa riding an elephant. Give the string a gentle tug to see the mighty animal move its legs.
Hallmark’s Keepsake Ornament Collection is available to shop at Hallmark Gold Crown stores nationwide and online beginning Oct. 8 as part of Keepsake Ornament Debut. Keepsake Ornament Club members can enjoy early in-store shopping beginning Oct. 7.
Everyone who makes a Keepsake purchase during Keepsake Ornament Debut, Oct. 8-16, can receive exclusive gifts, like a free Keepsake Tote while supplies last. Shoppers who make a $100 Keepsake purchase can receive a free Snowtop Lodge Special Edition Ornament valid while supplies last at participating Hallmark Stores.
For more information about Keepsake Ornament Debut visit Hallmark.com/OrnamentDebut, or to locate a Hallmark Gold Crown store, visit www.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.
The World’s Most Magical Celebration
Walt Disney World
50th Anniversary
Chillin’ with Friends
F•R•I•E•N•D•S
Holiday Barbie™ Ornament
8th in the series.
Zack Morris
Saved by the Bell
I’ll See You Again
Star Wars™: The Mandalorian™
Warmest Holiday Wishes
Sandal the Sandman
1st in the series.
Pull-String Elephant
2023 Sneak Peek: Halloween
Bubble, bubble, here comes trouble! Disney’s Sanderson Sisters are back, so we thought it was the perfect time for these ornaments to make their design debut. This isn’t a bunch of hocus pocus either—all three sisters will be ready to put a spell on you in 2023!






















































