The Glassblowing Shop

At The Glassblowing Shops, glassblowing isn’t just a craft—it’s a family tradition. This family-owned and operated business is led by John and Kathy Warner, their sons Scott Warner and Chris Kennedy, and great-grandson Austin Cox. Their passion for hand-blown glass goes back to 1942, when Kathy’s father, John Cudequest, sparked it all. He was one of the first to bring live glassblowing demonstrations to the public in the late 1940s—a true pioneer in the art of flamework glass.

In 1973, John and Kathy brought that vision to Santa Claus, Indiana, opening a small glassblowing shop rooted in creativity and craftsmanship. What began as one shop has now grown into five unique locations, where visitors can still experience the magic of glassblowing up close. They also ran The Crystal Palace at Opryland U.S.A. for 14 years, sharing their artistry with thousands.

Today, The Glassblowing Shops continue to wow guests with live, on-site glassblowing and beautifully crafted pieces made with heart, skill, and generations of expertise. Whether you're shopping for handmade glass art, watching a demo, or just curious about the process, you're part of a story that’s been glowing for over 80 years.