A Selection of Hallmark Ornaments: Light, Motion & Sound
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Since the mid-1980s, Hallmark has been adding light, motion, and/or sound effects to certain ornaments. The company's innovative design and technical staff collaborate as they create this "magic" — blending art and leading-edge technology to bring the ornaments' stories to life. Many of these ornaments are battery operated, while others plug into strands of miniature tree lights.
Hallmark "Santa's Arrival" Christmas Ornament, 1984
The Keepsake Lighted Ornament Collection debuted in 1984 — this ornament is one of the first. The scene is softly lit as Santa looks in on a sleeping child before making his delivery.
Hallmark "Village Express" Christmas Ornament, 1986
Hallmark "Artists' Favorites: Arctic Dome" Christmas Ornament, 1991
Lights blink as players move across the field while quarterback Santa and his receiver spin to elude opponents in this football-themed "Arctic Dome" ornament. As a curious kid, Hallmark artist Ken Crow took apart his toys to see how they worked and made other toys out of the spare parts — setting the stage for his expertise in designing mechanical Christmas ornaments like this one.
Hallmark "LOONEY TUNES: Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote" Christmas Ornament, 1993
Hallmark "My First HOT WHEELS" Christmas Ornament, 1995
Hallmark "Star Wars: Darth Vader" Christmas Ornament, 1997
Hallmark "Up on the Housetop" Christmas Ornament, 2001
Many Hallmark ornaments reflect the tradition of placing small buildings under the Christmas tree to create tiny "villages." This ornament depicts a house — but transforms into a humorous scene with light, motion, and sound effects. Santa's reindeer pull him back and forth as they attempt to free him from the chimney. The racket wakes everyone up, lights come on, and family members appear to rush to the windows to the tune of "Up on the Housetop."
Hallmark "The Wizard of Oz: I'm Melting! Melting!" Christmas Ornament, 2004
Hallmark "Polar Coaster" Christmas Ornament, 2003
Hallmark "Noah's Ark" Christmas Ornament, 2004
Hallmark "Christmas Cookies!" Christmas Ornament, 2004
Hallmark's "Christmas Cookies!" ornament delights — not with movement and sound — but with light and scent. The ornament's oven lights glow, and a fragrance insert emits a sweet smell — warm cookies just out of the oven! This ornament evokes pleasant memories of holiday baking with family and friends.
Hallmark "Letters to Santa" Christmas Ornament, 2006
Hallmark "Swingin' Into Christmas" Christmas Ornament, 2008
Hallmark's light and sound effects transform this "Swingin' into Christmas" jukebox ornament into a tiny version of the real thing. This iconic 1940s-era brand jukebox plays four classic Christmas tunes in swing-era style — lights on the front are synchronized with each of the songs. The "Nellco" brand jukebox? This is a subtle reference to the Hallmark artist who designed the ornament — Nello Williams!
Hallmark "Galaga" Christmas Ornament, 2009
With its light and sound effects, Hallmark's "Galaga" captured the sights, sounds, and excitement of the popular 1980s arcade game from the golden age of video games. Nearly 30 years after Galaga's debut, this small ornament version delighted video arcade fans with a reminder of hours spent battling aliens in the darkest corners of the galaxy. It was designed by Orville Wilson — a Hallmark artist who loves playing video games.


