A Holiday Tradition

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This year’s Mistletoe Market is bigger and brighter than ever
By Erica Smith, JLT President

2025–2026 Mistletoe Market Steering Committee
BACK ROW: Jordan High, Mariah Shearin, Erica Smith, Christa Murray, and Racheal Cuellar
MIDDLE ROW: Caroline Beebe, Caitlin Semple, Morgan Morris, and Kirklan Capps
FRONT ROW: Madison Colbert, Jennifer Bryan, Maria Woods, and Kayla Kennedy
NOT PICTURED: Brianna Baird and Whitney Wiltshire
Photo by shane darby.

The members of the Junior League of Texarkana invite you to kick off the holiday season with a weekend full of sparkle, tradition, and community spirit at the 38th Annual Mistletoe Market! This well-known holiday tradition is not just an opportunity to shop for unique gifts; it’s also a chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. This year’s cherished holiday shopping event, “A Holiday Tradition,” will be held November 21st–23rd, 2025, at the beautiful Texarkana Convention Center—our brand-new home for this event. This exciting move allows us over 12,000 square feet of elegant ballroom space, making room for 80+ local and regional vendors and nonprofit organizations. You’ll find everything from festive decor to unique handmade treasures, all of which will make your Christmas shopping joyful and stress-free. And that’s not all—our 5,600–square-foot outdoor patio will be brimming with cheer as children enjoy special events designed just for them.



unior League Board of Directors 
Back Row: Madeline Robbins, Victoria Herman, Audra Ellis, Madeline Haak
Middle Row: Courtney Davis, Katelyn Jordan, Crystal Russell
Front Row:  Treva West, Erica Smith, Melodie White
Not pictured: Jade Harris
submitted photo.

Rooted In Service

Since 1926, the Junior League of Texarkana (JLT) has worked tirelessly to serve our community with love by fostering voluntarism, empowering women, and enhancing the quality of life in the community through action and leadership. JLT plays a vital role in developing programs that support education, health, and the arts in Texarkana. We proudly run several impactful community projects:

Open Hearts Food Pantry: Addressing food insecurities, JLT provides volunteers to the Harvest Regional Food Bank and East Texas Food Bank to ensure no children or families go hungry in our community.

Membership volunteers at Open Hearts Food Pantry. submitted photo.

Packs for a Purpose: JLT aims to create dignity and stability for children entering foster care by providing new infant/toddler car seats, backpacks, school supplies, essential items, and comfort items—replacing trash bags with hope and care.

Membership volunteers at Packs for a Purpose. submitted photo.

Shoes for the Soul & Clothes for a Cause: Twice a year, JLT members become “personal shopping assistants” for children in need, making sure that they feel confident in the new shoes and clothing they have chosen, purchased with JLT funds.

Membership volunteers at Shoes for the Soul. submitted photo.

Teacher Take Wing: Through this initiative, the JLT awards educational grants to innovative teachers in the community, enabling them to bring their creative classroom projects to life. Each year, JLT members review applications from local educators to support the next generation of learners.

Over the past five years, through these initiatives and the Community Assistance Fund, JLT has donated more than $175,000, dedicated more than 12,000 volunteer hours, and clothed over 400 children. This impact is made possible by the dedication of JLT’s trained volunteers and the generous financial support of community sponsors. The ongoing inequities faced by women and children in the four states region highlight the need for committed and trained volunteer leaders.  JLT will invest over $6,000 this fiscal year in training its volunteers so that we are able to serve the community effectively and develop future leaders. In partnership with other community agencies, the JLT strives to empower women and children, regardless of their circumstances.

More Than Shopping

The Mistletoe Market is JLT’s primary fundraiser and is a beloved Texarkana tradition. This year marks its 38th year of existence. It’s more than a shopping event; it’s a celebration that launches the holiday season while generating essential funds for community action projects. The 2025 Mistletoe Market committee has worked diligently to craft an unforgettable holiday experience, honoring JLT’s storied history while incorporating fresh and varied elements as we move into the event’s new venue, the Texarkana Convention Center.

Where Community Meets Holiday Cheer

Start with the private shopping experience with your besties at the Mistletoe and Mimosas Brunch on Friday, November 21st, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For just $60, indulge in mimosas and a hearty brunch, catered by the Hilton Garden Inn, all while enjoying the smooth sounds of live jazz music from the sensational Chris Miller Trio. 

Following brunch, the market will open for general shopping hours, from noon to 7 p.m. One lucky ticket holder will win a fabulous Louis Vuitton handbag, generously sponsored by Dr. Randy Ellis & Dr. Alexandrea Oliver of Ellis Dentistry. It could be yours! Don’t miss out: secure your tickets today. They are only $20 each or three for $50. Purchase now at jltexarkana.org, or simply scan the QR code below.

The fun continues on Saturday, November 22nd, with the much-anticipated arrival of Santa; the reindeers are scheduled to deliver him at 9 a.m. sharp, at the entrance of the market. Children can enjoy a warm breakfast with Santa, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and take a stroll through our Trail of Trees before giving Santa their list of Christmas wishes. Each ticket for the children’s events costs $30 and includes breakfast, storytime, and a photograph with Jolly St. Nick. Tickets for the children’s events are limited, so be sure to purchase early before they sell out! Without an event ticket, shoppers can purchase photographs with Santa for $10 each.

General shopping hours on Saturday are from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those hours will be filled with the sounds of live entertainment, including dance groups and cheer squad performances. Fan-favorite vendors and new sellers alike will be present to meet all the needs on your shopping lists. 

When you’re ready, make your way to the food concession stand, and pick up a cup (or bag) of fresh-roasted coffee from Humble Troll Coffee. 

The excitement continues with a silent auction and a thrilling destination drawing. One lucky winner will receive airfare for two people to facilitate one of the following exciting experiences:

  • A three-night stay at the Snow King Resort & Grand View Lodge on the snowy slopes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with daily breakfast and $1,000 lift tickets

  • A three-night stay at the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel in New York and a shopping spree with a $1,000 Saks Fifth Avenue gift card

  • A three-night stay at River Terrace INN in Napa, California, plus a wine tasting for two and a three-hour gourmet lunch aboard the Jessup Cellars and Krupp Brothers Winery train ride

The destination benefit drawing tickets are $50 each with only 200 tickets available. Get yours today!

General shopping hours continue on Sunday, November 23rd, from 12 to 5 p.m. In addition to shopping, enjoy live entertainment, or sit and relax with a Christmas movie on the big screen.

Don’t miss out on this festive opportunity to shop, celebrate, and create lasting memories with family and friends at the 2025 Mistletoe Market. General admission tickets are $10. Purchase event tickets at jltexarkana.org or by scanning the QR code below. 

This holiday season, step into the joy of giving, the wonder of tradition, and the spirit of community at the Texarkana Convention Center. With expanded space, exciting new features, and all the festive fun you’ve come to love, this year’s Mistletoe Market is set to be the biggest and brightest yet. Join us November 21st–23rd, and make this holiday tradition part of your family’s story—while helping us bring hope and joy to children and families across Texarkana.