Christopher Radko is a Polish glass ornament company built on a single, now-famous story – a shattered Christmas tree that led its founder to recreate his family’s lost heirlooms and eventually build one of the most recognized names in collectible ornaments. Here’s the story behind the brand – how each piece is made, display and care tips, and what to look for when starting or growing a Radko collection.
The Story Behind Christopher Radko
Many years ago, Christopher and his family were startled awake in the middle of the night by a terrible sound -— their Christmas tree had toppled over, shattering more than 1,000 vintage, hand-blown glass ornaments collected over generations. Devastated, Christopher searched for replacements, but quickly discovered nothing he found matched the quality and meticulous attention to detail that characterized his family’s cherished ornaments.
Determined to recapture those traditions, Radko enlisted a Polish glassblower and began recreating his family’s lost heirlooms — eventually moving on to design his own. Over thirty years later, the skilled artisans at Christopher Radko continue to handcraft every ornament using the same Renaissance-era methods and artistry used to create the family’s first heirlooms.
How Christopher Radko Ornaments Are Made
Each piece begins with a hand-sculpted mold, is hand-blown into shape by a skilled glass artisan, and is finished with meticulous hand-painted detail — a process rooted in centuries-old European glassblowing traditions. No two pieces are ever entirely identical, since each is shaped and painted by hand rather than mass-produced.
Display Tips for Christopher Radko Ornaments
Add ornaments by theme or color keeping your tree cohesive, or use them as individual statement pieces among simpler ornaments to let them stand out. Be sure to use sturdy branches or ornament hooks – the glass is delicate, and a secure hang point helps prevent chipping. Also, keep statement pieces at eye level, where their intricate details and hand-painted artistry can be seen and appreciated, rather than tucked near the top or back of the tree.
Caring for and Storing Christopher Radko Ornaments
Because each piece is hand-blown glass, gentle handling is important. Dust lightly with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid cleaning agents that could strip hand-painted details. Between seasons, store each ornament individually in a padded, compartmentalized box — see our full guide, How to Store Christmas Ornaments and Collectibles, for more on protecting glass pieces from Omaha’s temperature and humidity swings.
Few holiday collectibles carry a story as personal as Christopher Radko’s — and that history is part of what makes each piece feel like more than just an ornament. Whether you’re drawn to a single statement ornament or ready to start building a collection of your own, visit the Christmas Shop at Mulhalls in Omaha to see the full selection in person, alongside our other Christmas collectibles like Department 56 Villages and Byers’ Choice.
