The Junior League of Austin Blasts Off the Holiday Season with A Christmas Affair 2023
By Miranda Cazares
Reporting Texas TV
AUSTIN, Texas – The 48th annual A Christmas Affair holiday market from Nov. 16-19 brought the spirit of giving to the Austin community.
The four-day market is the Junior League of Austin’s (JLA) largest fundraiser benefiting three signature programs – Coats for Kids, Kids in Cool Shoes and Food in Tummies – and several nonprofit community partners. About 20,000 people from the community came to shop.
A Christmas Affair public relations chair Lia Truitt said the event drew more than 200 small and medium businesses from around the country. She said shoppers can find things they cannot find online.
The Junior League of Austin celebrated 48 years of A Christmas Affair with a four-day market event from Nov. 16-19, 2023. (Miranda Cazares/Reporting Texas TV)
The event raised more than $1 million to support Austin families.
“The ‘why’ is so important; why we do this is because more than 20 nonprofits in Austin depend on this money year after year to come in,” Truit said.
JLA president Haley Gardiner said they hand out more than 30,000 coats to children in need each year.
This year’s A Christmas Affair 2023 had a space theme with traditional Christmas decorations. Production and design chair Valerie Gallegos said the process took more than a year to make.
“Everything [decorations] is for sale at the end of the event. That way we still give back to the community,“ Gallegos said.
While shopping is the primary activity, some said the best part is spending time with their family. Michelle Earley took her son each year, to get into the holiday spirit.
“It’s a family tradition we come to every year,” Earley said. “It’s the kickoff of the holiday season.”
Brandy Oglesby took her friends to the market to support JLA’s philanthropic efforts.
“It means a lot, it is a great local fundraiser for Austin and for Junior League,” Oglesby said. “We enjoy shopping here, it’s a fun time with family and friends, it’s just a way to get into the festive spirit.”
JLA’s Coats for Kids Distribution runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 9 and seeks volunteers and donations. Every $20 buys a new coat.
The Junior League of Austin website has more information.