Old World Christmas: Crafting Holiday Magic, One Glass Ornament at a Time
Since 1979, Old World Christmas has specialized in hand-crafted blown-glass ornaments, figurines, night lights, tree toppers, puzzles, and holiday décor. Headquartered in Spokane, Washington, the brand is known for breathing new life into the tradition of mouth-blown, hand-painted ornaments.
Behind every Old World Christmas ornament is a blend of glass artistry and nostalgic design. The company uses age-old techniques—glass blown into molds, interior silvering, hand-painting and glitter detailing—to produce items with a classic, heirloom feel. Their product lineup now includes over 1,400 unique designs, from traditional motifs to whimsical shapes and licensed ornament collections.
In a world of mass production, Old World Christmas stands as a bridge between art, memory, and celebration.
TL;DR
- Old World Christmas offers hand-crafted, mouth-blown glass ornaments, night lights, figurines, and holiday décor; their designs are created using traditional techniques that date back to the 1800s.
- The brand has more than 1,400 designs and often releases licensed collections (e.g. MLB, candy brands) to expand its appeal.
- Customers frequently commend the ornament quality, packaging, customer service, and ability to personalize.
- For lovers of holiday tradition, collectors, and gift-givers, Old World Christmas offers both sentiment and craftsmanship.
Heritage, Craftsmanship & Innovation
Founding Story & Evolution
Old World Christmas was founded by Tim and Beth Merck in 1979. Their vision was to reintroduce figurative blown-glass ornaments to the U.S., with a focus on craftsmanship and design. Over time, the brand has maintained its roots in glass art while expanding product lines and distribution.
In 2014, the brand was acquired by Gladstone Investment Corporation, which provided capital to scale manufacturing and expand licensing. Today, Old World Christmas continues to innovate with licensed ornament collections (e.g. in partnership with MLB, candy brands, Norman Rockwell) to broaden relevance.
The Ornament-Making Process: Art in Every Step
Old World Christmas honors a traditional method:
- Mouth-blown glass: molten glass blown into custom molds carved for each design.
- Silvering & interior finishing: a silver solution is introduced inside to give reflective brilliance.
- Hand painting & glittering: artisans meticulously apply colors, shading, and glitter details.
- Capping & finishing: stems are trimmed, caps added, and final touch-ups applied.
Each piece is packaged securely in a keepsake box designed for storage, helping preserve beauty year after year.
The intentional artistry elevates these ornaments beyond seasonal décor—to objects of memory.
Product Range & Licensed Collections
Old World Christmas doesn’t limit itself to simple balls or stars. Their offerings include:
- Figurative Ornament Collection: animals, food items, mini scenes, hobbies, personalized themes.
- Night Lights & Vintage-Style Lamp Covers: blending decorative art with utility.
- Tree Toppers, Puzzles, Holiday Décor: branching into complementary festive offerings.
- Licensed/Branded Lines: recent partnerships include collections for Major League Baseball teams, candy brands (Mars, M&M’s, etc.), Norman Rockwell, Morton Salt, etc.
These licensed lines help merge nostalgic brand recognition with ornamental tradition—great for collectors or themed décor.
Customer Reviews & Voices
What Enthusiastic Customers Say
- On Trustpilot, reviews are overwhelmingly positive: customers praise quality, detail, safe packaging, and responsive customer service.
- A buyer wrote: “I just love Old World! You guys have the best selection… Every year, I add a few more pieces to my collection.”
- Another: “The ornaments and Santa lamps are always packed to perfection. I’ve never had anything break.”
- On the brand’s own “Customer Testimonials” page, one review says: “These ornaments have amazing colors, sparkle and shine and look so much prettier in person.”
These voices reinforce that many customers feel they receive value, beauty, and reliability.
Considerations from Reviewers
Most reviews are favorable; critiques are rare or mild. Some observations:
- Some customers ask for more personalization or options (e.g. adding names).
- Because the brand is craft-centric, occasional limited editions or sold-out designs cause disappointment for collectors wanting specific pieces.
- The brand is not BBB accredited, which some consumers view skeptically—even if that doesn’t imply poor quality.
But overall, critical voices are modest compared to the volume of praise.
Bottom Line
Old World Christmas merges art, tradition, and holiday spirit in every ornament. Their dedication to hand-crafted quality, rich design variety, and customer engagement has earned them a respected place in the world of holiday décor. When you hang one of their glass creations, you’re not just decorating a tree—you’re preserving a piece of heritage.
Every ornament from Old World Christmas is a tiny masterpiece—light up your holidays with beauty, memory, and warmth in every shimmering glass glow.
FAQs
Q: How long has Old World Christmas been in operation?
A: Since 1979.
Q: How many designs do they currently offer?
A: Over 1,400 unique ornament designs in active collections.
Q: Are the ornaments truly hand-blown and hand-painted?
A: Yes. Each ornament is mouth-blown into special molds, silvered inside, then hand-painted and glittered.
Q: Do they ship internationally?
A: Yes, they are a U.S. distributor but serve international markets.
Q: What precautions do buyers take for fragile glass items?
A: Their ornaments ship in protective keepsake boxes. Many customers note the packaging is “packed to perfection.”
Q: Is Old World Christmas a trusted brand?
A: Many customers consistently report positive experiences with quality, delivery, and service. Trustpilot reviews are strong. However, they are not BBB accredited.
