League Of NH Craftsmen Names 'One Horse Open Sleigh' As 2026 Ornament

CONCORD, NH — The League of NH Craftsmen has announced its 2026 annual ornament, a cast pewter piece titled “One Horse Open Sleigh” created by Antrim metal artist Walker Boyle.

The ornament is the League’s 39th annual edition and will be sold exclusively at League of NH Craftsmen Fine Craft Galleries across New Hampshire and at the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair, scheduled for Aug. 1 to Aug. 9 at Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury.

According to the League, the design draws from “traditional carols and winter traditions” and is meant to recall “the ringing of sleigh bells and the muffled sound of hooves in the freshly fallen snow.” The ornament shows a couple seated in a sleigh, with the man wearing a top hat, as a horse moves forward under tree branches and ivy. The League said each cast pewter ornament is hand-finished, numbered, and inscribed by the artist, and comes gift-boxed.

Boyle has been a juried member since 2000 and said this is the second time he has produced the organization’s annual ornament. His earlier selection was 2017’s “Winter’s Waltz,” a pair of ice skates. Boyle’s inspiration comes from observation and love of nature, study of philosophy, reading of literature, and creative imagination. He is trained in fine art and mold making.

The annual ornament program has been part of the League for decades. According to the organization, juried members submit pieces for consideration, and managers of the League of NH Craftsmen Fine Craft Galleries review the designs and make the final selection.

The League said its mission is “to advance, cultivate and champion excellence in fine craft.” It said it pursues that mission through educational programming, leadership initiatives, marketplace strategies, and support services.

The 2026 ornament will be available at League galleries in Center Sandwich, Concord, Hooksett, Littleton, Meredith, and North Conway. The Hooksett gallery operates at the Interstate 93 northbound and southbound welcome centers. Information about gallery locations is available at nhcrafts.org/gallery-locations.