Austin Welcomes the Holiday Spirit with A Christmas Affair

By Desiree Marque

Reporting Texas

Holiday shoppers at A Christmas Affair. (Photo by Desiree Marquez.)

The holiday season is here, and one of Austin’s favorite traditions, A Christmas Affair, has returned to the Palmer Events Center. Hosted by the Junior League of Austin, this five-day holiday market is a mix of festive shopping and giving back to the community.

With over 200 vendors, shoppers can find everything from handcrafted gifts to delicious holiday treats. For many Austinites, it’s a tradition to come with family and friends, shop for one-of-a-kind finds, and enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The event is expected to welcome more than 25,000 visitors this year.

Now in its 49th year, the event continues to be a cornerstone of the holiday season, offering a space for Austinites to shop while supporting the local community. 

But there’s more to A Christmas Affair than just shopping and delicious food. Proceeds from the event support Junior League programs like Coats for Kids, Food in Tummies, and Kids in Cool Shoes, as well as over 30 local nonprofits that help low-income families.

According to Junior League of Austin financial reports from 2023, the organization donated $250,642 to these causes and expects to match or exceed that amount this year.

“I keep coming back to this event because of the people, that’s what makes it special to me,” said Yasmin Kerkez, owner of Miss Rose Sister Boot.

This year, they included new surprises for attendees, including container garden and candle-making classes, along with kid stations for them to enjoy the market while adults enjoy the shopping. This market has also added a virtual marketplace while adding convenience to support the cause from home.

Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or a way to make a difference, A Christmas Affair offers something special for everyone. For more details, visit www.jlaustin.org/