The Junior League of Tampa's Holiday Gift Market returns for its 24th year

The Junior League of Tampa's Holiday Gift Market returns to the Florida State Fairgrounds on Thursday, November 12, for its 24th year and four days of shopping in the Expo and Entertainment Halls. It is the League's largest fundraiser, and the League says 100% of the net proceeds go to its community projects.

The League says the market draws 16,000 to 20,000 people each year. Over 200 merchants from the Tampa Bay region and beyond will sell apparel, candles, home goods, artwork, gourmet food, cookware, jewelry, outdoor furniture, pet apparel and holiday decor.

A shopping weekend built by volunteers

The market is planned and run by League volunteers, led by a committee of more than 40 women. The organization itself goes back further: 22 women formed The Junior League of Tampa on April 2, 1926, which makes the League 100 years old this year.

That volunteer labor shows up on the floor. Volunteers in lanyards staff the halls and run a complimentary bag check, and there is a gift wrapping station where donations are welcome. The League also sets aside a Mothers' Nook, a quiet space to nurse or change a baby, and a Fan Cave for anyone who would rather watch the game while the rest of the group shops.

What is on the schedule

The market opens with Preview Night on Thursday, which needs its own ticket. The VIP Preview Party runs from 6 to 10 PM at $100 and includes a gift bag, live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, handcrafted cocktails and a Bargain Bracelet, which earns 10% off purchases of $25 or more at merchant booths. General admission to Preview Night runs from 7 to 10 PM at $30.

From there the market is open Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM. On Friday, performers from The Straz Center's production of The Nutcracker will be there for a photo opportunity, according to the League.

Families have two ticketed events to plan around. Santa Snaps, photos with Santa by Rob Coggin Productions, run Saturday from 10:30 AM to 2:15 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. The Sugarplum Fairy Tea Party, sponsored by The Little Princess Spa of Tampa, is $45 per child, with a separate ticket required for each day. Neither includes general admission.

Where the money goes

The League says its projects serve more than 30,000 women, children and families in Hillsborough County each year. They include Rooted in Reading, which supports childhood literacy by stocking Giving Libraries across the county, and Love Bundles, which gives backpacks of essentials to children entering the foster care system in Hillsborough County. The League lists the rest on its community projects page.

If you go

The market is at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa. Early Bird general admission is $10 online until November 12, and general admission is $12 after that. Both are good for one day of entry, Friday through Sunday, and children five and under are free. Ticket sales are cashless, though some merchants take cash. There are no pass-outs or re-entry.

Parking is separate and goes to the Fairgrounds: $10 per car in advance or $12 at the gate. Fairground concessions and food trucks will sell food and drinks. Animals are not allowed, apart from trained service animals.