Kurt S. Adler is a name synonymous with festive cheer and timeless Christmas traditions. From humble beginnings as a Jewish refugee fleeing Nazi Germany to becoming a leader in the world of holiday décor, his story is as remarkable as the ornaments his company creates.
Kurt S. Adler in 2001. Image by Phil Adler [Forward.com]
A Journey from Refugee to Entrepreneur
Born in Würzburg, Germany, in 1921, Kurt S. Adler arrived in the United States at the age of 16, sent by his family to escape the growing dangers of Hitler’s regime. He settled in Manhattan with the help of relatives, learned English, and eventually reunited with his family just before the outbreak of World War II.
During the war, Adler served in the U.S. Army, gaining valuable experience in logistics. After the war, he began exporting American goods to post-war Europe before switching to importing handcrafted items from Europe to the U.S.
Redefining Holiday Décor
In the 1950s, Adler recognized a growing demand for quality Christmas decorations in America. He began importing angel figurines, glass ornaments from Czechoslovakia, and miniature lights from Italy. These European-made products brought a level of craftsmanship and charm that American households quickly embraced.
He also pioneered the licensing of popular characters for holiday merchandise, acquiring rights from Disney, Warner Bros., and other iconic brands. This approach helped bring recognizable, family-friendly magic to Christmas trees across the country.
A Family Tradition
Though Kurt Adler passed away in 2004, the company remains family-owned and operated by his children. Headquartered in New York with offices in Asia, Kurt S. Adler, Inc. offers over 20,000 SKUs of ornaments, nutcrackers, tree toppers, and more. Each year, roughly half the product line is retired and replaced, keeping the collections fresh while maintaining a sense of tradition.
Lasting Impact
Today, Kurt S. Adler products are found in homes, gift shops, and collectible collections around the world. Whether it’s a classic glass ornament or a licensed nutcracker, each piece reflects the company’s legacy of quality, creativity, and celebration.
References:
How a Jewish Refugee From Hitler’s Germany Became America’s Father Christmas – Forward