With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are getting our homes ready for the holidays. Maybe you were thinking of adding to your Hallmark ornament collection? Before you run out to the store and buy the first Hallmark power cord you see, make sure you read this blog post. We’ll help you figure out which cord is the right one for your needs, so you can get back to enjoying the holiday season.
Magic Cord Ornaments Vs Keepsake Cord Ornaments
The term Hallmark “Magical” ornament refers to the type of ornament, whereas “Keepsake” ornament is the name of a special category of Hallmark ornaments. we’ve got some more detail below for you.
What Are Hallmark Magic Ornaments?
Hallmark magic ornaments are a cherished part of many people’s Christmas traditions. Whether you’ve been collecting them for years, or you’re just getting started, there’s always room for one more special bauble on the tree or the mantel.
They are different from regular ornaments because they have magical properties…they can feature light, sound, or motion elements. Or they can feature a combination of any of these elements, depending on the ornament design.
What Is A Hallmark Keepsake Ornament?
Hallmark makes a variety of ornaments. Their Keepsake set of ornaments is very special. These are the types of ornaments that are often passed down from generation to generation. They can be very intricate, with a lot of detail and special features.
Keepsake Ornaments come in a wide variety, including “magic” ornaments, continuing series, such as the Hallmark Magic Cord Lighthouse Ornaments Series, licensed character ornaments, and storytellers, among others. There is a collectible new model each year, and they come in a red gift box labeled “Keepsake” along with the year that the ornament was released.
What Is A Hallmark Ornament Power Cord?
A Hallmark ornament power cord is a specialized extension cord that is used to power your Hallmark Ornament. The power cord plugs into an outlet and has a small adapter that plugs into the back of your ornament. Most importantly, the power cord provides a safe way to supply electricity to your ornament.
But before you can hang your new ornament, you need to make sure you have the right power cord. There are a few types of Hallmark cords available, and it can be confusing to figure out which one you need. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you choose the right Hallmark power cord for your needs.
Why Do I Need A Hallmark Ornament Cord?
If you’re a die-hard Hallmark ornament collector, then you probably already have a few of these cords on hand. But if you’re new to collecting or just getting started, you might be wondering why you need one. Here are a few reasons:
To Light Up Your Tree
Many of the ornaments that require the Hallmark power cord are “light and sound” ornaments, which means they have special lighting effects and play music. These types of ornaments really add some pizzazz to your tree!
To Create An Interactive Display
Some of the newer “interactive” ornaments can be connected to each other using the Hallmark power cord. This creates a truly unique and one-of-a-kind display that is sure to impress your holiday guests!
To Save Batteries
If your ornament has any battery-operated features, this cord can help preserve those batteries by providing an external power source.
How Do I Know Which Hallmark Ornament Power Cord I Need?
The answer to this question depends on the specific model of your Hallmark Ornament. Each power cord is designed to ensure that the ornaments released within a range of years can function properly.
What Is A Hallmark Legacy Cord?
If you’re an ornament collector, chances are you’re familiar with the Hallmark Legacy Cord. But if you’re new to the collecting game, you might be wondering what this cord is and what it does.
The Legacy Cord is used to power Hallmark Ornaments that were released from 1983 to 2009.
How Does The Hallmark Legacy Cord Work?
The Hallmark ornament legacy cord looks like an extension cord and has enough connectors to power 4 ornaments at once. It is connected to the electrical socket through a transformer. The consensus on Amazon is that this device is quite heavy, weighing almost a pound.
Because legacy cords can’t be linked together, each legacy cord that you would want to utilize will require a separate electrical socket.
How To Use The Hallmark Legacy Cord?
- Attach the legacy cord to the included transformer.
- Hang the legacy cord on your tree, shelf, or mantel.
- Connect your favorite Hallmark 1983-2009 magic ornaments to the legacy cord.
- Plug the transformer device into the electrical outlet.
What Is A Hallmark Keepsake Power Cord?
The Keepsake power cord is the cord created specifically to allow Hallmark Keepsake ornaments to function correctly.
- 82.75 inches long
- Powers up to 7 Hallmark Keepsake ornaments.
What Is A Hallmark Magic Cord?
The Hallmark magic cord is an electrical power supply used to make the light, sound, and movement features of the Hallmark magic cord ornaments come to life. This usually includes the Keepsake category of ornaments.
You have a choice of how to operate the ornaments.
- You can set each ornament to its “constant on” setting, or
- You can activate each ornament individually.
Connecting Two Hallmark Magic Cords
You can connect up to 3 Hallmark magic cords, but please note that each cord needs its transformer device to be plugged into a separate power outlet.
How Does The Hallmark Magic Cord Work?
This cord has a transformer plug at one end to connect to your electrical outlet. At intervals through the rest of the cord, it has 7 connections to plug your ornaments in. The 7th connection at the very end of the cord can be used to power your Hallmark tree topper if you wish.
If you only have one ornament, it will do what it’s designed to do. For example, the Santa and Polar Bear Holiday Lighthouse Ornament will show the beacon flashing in the lighthouse tower, while there are warm lights inside the home.
But when there is more than one ornament, the magic cord will act like an orchestra conductor. It will direct the ornaments to create a synchronized show of light, sound, and movement.
Up to 3 cords can be connected, but each cord must be connected to a different power outlet.
How To Use The Hallmark Magic Cord?
Each connection on the cord plugs into a cord on the bottom part of an ornament. Being on the bottom, the connection isn’t visible, so it won’t spoil the magical effect.
- Your tree will need to be near an unused and easily accessible electrical outlet.
- Plug the cord into your electrical outlet, but don’t turn it on yet. This ensures that the placement of the ornaments will be correct. Otherwise, you might place all 7 ornaments and then find that you can’t make the power plug reach the electrical outlet.
If You’re Using The Hallmark Magic Cord Tree Topper
- If you’re using a tree topper, it might be a good idea to run the cord through the tree first to ensure that you will be able to place the topper later.
- If you wish, you could tie a bright ribbon or piece of fabric to each connection that you’re going to use so you can find them easily.
- Plug your first ornament into the cord. If you have fewer than 7 ornaments, you’ll have more choices about where to place your ornament.
- If you want to put the ornament to the “constant on” setting, now would be the time.
- Nestle your ornament into a branch.
- Locate the next connection and attach another ornament, and repeat.
- Place your tree topper.
- Turn the power on.
- Use the remote control to see the tree topper in action.
If You’re Not Using The Hallmark Magic Cord Tree Topper
- Plug your first ornament into the cord. If you have fewer than 7 ornaments, you’ll have more choices about where to place your ornament.
- Put your ornament on the “constant on” setting if you wish.
- Find a branch to nestle your ornament into.
- Run your cord through your tree to where your next ornament will be and repeat.
- After you have placed all of your ornaments, run the remaining cord around the tree to conceal it.
- Turn the power on.
Motorized Vs Non-Motorized Ornaments
If any of your ornaments have a motor inside, keep in mind that those ornaments use more power than those without motors.
If motorized, an ornament will use all of the power generated by the cord to do its thing. While this sort of ornament is activated, the other ornaments will not be part of the show.
It might be a good idea to put the non-motorized ornaments on the “constant on” selection and activate the motorized ornaments as a special event.
How To Power Old Hallmark Ornaments
Well, the correct power cord for older Hallmark ornaments depends on how old your “old” Hallmark ornaments are. (It’s all relative!)
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has helped guide you to the right power cord for your Hallmark Ornament.
Happy holidays! 🙂