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!
2023 Reveal: Dream Box (UPDATED)
A little Christmas spirit sure goes a long way!
As we celebrate the 50th year of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, we can’t help but reminisce on all the magical moments that have brought us here–from dreaming up each ornament, to creating cherished memories around the tree.
Join us as we celebrate our legacy and look forward to all the merriment still in store. And, speaking of merry, the entire special gifts in this year’s Dream Box are sure to make your spirits bright!
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.
- Jolly Old St. Nick
- Santa’s Ornament Treasures
- Lil’ Beauty of Birds
- Exclusive gifts from the Keepsake Studio.
- Keepsake Ornaments 50th Anniversary Playing Cards
- Keepsake Ornaments 50th Anniversary Pin
- Your 2023 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.
KOC Benefits for 2023
Did you know? 2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of Keepsake Ornaments! Hallmark has extra-special plans in the works just for 2023 Keepsake Ornament Club members, so be sure to join or renew your membership starting November 2, 2022.
Here are some details about the 2023 Keepsake Ornament Club.
2023 Keepsake Ornament Club enrollment is open November 2, 2022- July 31, 2023, with benefits lasting through December 31, 2023.
Benefits include:
- Exclusive Coupons + Savings and Offers
– Up to $30 in coupons, with $5 off $10 coupon in every club mailing.
– More Crown Rewards Bonus Points than anyone else (U.S. only) - Exclusive Access
Shop ornament release events early, including limited quantities and event, offers - KOC Exclusive Dream Book
Receive the KOC Dream Book before it releases in store when you join by January 15, 2023. - Member-Exclusive Ornaments
Opportunities to purchase FIVE members-only ornament designs. - 2023 Dream Box
Our gift to you! Packed full of goodies from the Keepsake Studio, designed just for you. Dream Boxes are valued at $150 and begin shipping in April 2023! - Go Behind the Scenes
Get a look behind the curtain of the Keepsake Studio, with monthly email newsletters and quarterly For Keeps direct mailings filled with stories from our Keepsake artists about the inspiration behind their ornaments. - KOC members-only Facebook Group
Join the KOC members-only Facebook group, where you can interact with Keepsake artists and other members, too.
Remember: 2023 KOC Enrollment opens November 2, 2022, with benefits lasting through Dec. 31, 2023. We invite you to join the family in one of the following ways:
- Visit: https://www.hallmark.com/KOC
- Visit your local Hallmark Gold Crown store and complete your application in-store
- Call 1-800-HALLMARK (1-800-425-5627).
Save the Date!: 2023 Keepsake Ornament Club Launch Party (Facebook Live Event)
Hallmark will host a 2023 Keepsake Ornament Club (KOC) Launch Party (Facebook Live event) at 10:00 a.m. CDT on November 1, 2022. During the event, they will give an overview of the 2023 KOC, which will launch the following day, November 2, 2022.

Tom Best

Emma Leturgez-Smith

Nello Williams

Tracy Larsen
The host of the Facebook Live event will be Keepsake Editor Lindsay Evans, who will be joined by Keepsake artists Tom Best, Emma Leturgez-Smith, Nello Williams, and Tracy Larsen. Three lucky viewers will win a 2023 KOC membership during the live event, so be sure to tune in live for a chance to win!
Location: Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Facebook page
Date: Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Time: from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CDT
Artist Insights: Festive Octopus
Did you know Sharon Visker’s Festive Octopus ornament features sound and motion? Simply press the button on the ornament to hear a FUN version of “Jingle Bells” and see the Octopus drum along.


Hallmark: We love that this ornament spreads sea-son’s greetings
with Sharon’s colorful design featuring a crab and octopus that merrily drums along to a calypso version of “Jingle Bells.” And we wanted to hear more about it, so we sat down with Sharon Visker to learn more!
Of her inspiration, Sharon said, “I’ve been fortunate to travel to Tahiti over the past few years and spend a lot of time building sand sculptures of various creatures. It’s become a new hobby of mine, but I don’t get much practice with real beach sand living in Kansas! I have a new appreciation for the beauty of the ocean and beaches even though I’ve never lived close enough to enjoy them on a regular basis. When I started to paint this ornament, I wanted to go after an island/Caribbean color vibe, so I chose a brighter fun palette that reflects island life.”
Who thinks we need a group trip to Tahiti with Sharon? Purely for research purposes, of course!
Hallmark: Because this ornament has magic (sound and motion), we asked Sharon to share more about working with the editorial and engineering teams. She said, “the editorial/sound team came up with an awesome song that has that bongo drum beat with a carefree, fun Christmassy island feel. Then, our engineering team came up with the movement. Four legs of the octopus actually move! They drum to the beat of the song.” Check out a video of the ornament in action here. Scroll through all the pictures until you get to the video. Press the play button to see it in action!
When it came to the styling of the octopus, Sharon had a real-life experience to pull inspiration from! She said, “When I was in Tahiti, I saw a baby octopus up close…that was a pretty cool experience!” More reason for that group trip to Tahiti next time, right?
What do you think? Is this one on your list this year? We know so many of you have beach-themed trees and décor. We think this ornament would fit in perfectly! Pick it up at Ornament Debut in October online or in your local Hallmark Gold Crown store.
Festive Octopus
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Sharon Visker and her Festive Octopus ornament!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, September 21, 2022. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/permalink/3233922350181100
Announcement: Keepsake Artist Tom Best’s Retirement
The Best of times
Reminiscing on Tom Best’s 40-year Hallmark career

Tom Best
Senior Keepsake Artist
Hundreds of sketches, dozens of ornaments, and oh-so-many memories–that’s the legacy Tom Best will leave behind when he retires on December 28, the date of his 40th anniversary at Hallmark.
Although Tom began as a card illustrator in 1982, he decided to take his career from “two dimensions to three” and become a Keepsake artist in 2003. We’re so glad he made the switch–and Tom is too.
“Being a lifetime lover of toys and all things miniature, creating characters, scenes, and stories you can hold in your hand sounded perfect!”
Looking back, Tom says, It would be impossible to choose just one “best day of work ever!” moment. but he’s loved traveling for research and signing events. He’s been all over the country, including Alaska, and even got to pitch ornament ideas to the top designers of Hot Wheels.
“If my 10-year-old self could have dreamed of that, oh, boy–now that was a good day at work!”
And just like he can’t pick one favorite memory, Tom can’t pick just one ornament either, so a few of his favorites are pictured below! On the topic of ornaments, Tom assures us he is leaving all his projects in very capable hands: “Like time itself, Don Palmiter’s ‘Houses and Shops’ series will march on! Rodney and I have collaborated for a few years and have completed new ornaments through 2024.” Tom also says that he’s finished the 2023 and 2024 Beer Stein ornaments.
As he looks to retirement. Tom says he’s most grateful for all the friendships he’s formed and all the memories, too.
“Let me say how grateful I am to Hallmark and to all of you collectors and fans. You have my sincere thanks for all your warmth, kind words, and support. I am truly appreciative!”

Tom Best
Senior Keepsake Artist
“The Best of times.” For Keeps 21 Fall 2022: 4-5.







































