Creating Holiday Magic and Continuing a Legacy
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2026–2027 Mistletoe Market Steering Committee, from left to right: Lacante Martin, Contessa Blaylock, Delaynie Keeney, Racheal Cuellar, Caitlin Semple, Shar-day Roberts, Jordan High, Madison Reel, Sacoyle Baker, and Adrianne Bell photo by shane darby
The Junior League of Texarkana’s 39th Annual Mistletoe Market
There is something special about Mistletoe Market that signals the arrival of the holiday season in Texarkana. It may be seeing familiar faces, finding the perfect Christmas gift, gathering with friends, or simply walking through the doors and feeling the excitement of the season.
Whatever brings you back each year, the Junior League of Texarkana, Inc. is pleased to welcome the community to the 39th Annual Mistletoe Market, November 19th–22nd, 2026, at the Texarkana Convention Center.
This year’s theme, “Holiday Magic,” celebrates the joy of the season while continuing a tradition that has brought our community together for generations.
Following a successful first year at the Texarkana Convention Center, JLT is excited to return for a second year at the venue. Shoppers will find many of the familiar vendors and donors they have come to know and love, along with new partners and exciting experiences.
While Mistletoe Market is a favorite destination for holiday shopping, it is much more than a shopping event. As the Junior League of Texarkana’s primary fundraiser, the Market helps make the League’s community work possible throughout the year.
A Legacy of Service
The 2026–2027 League year is especially meaningful for the Junior League of Texarkana. Having spent the last year celebrating 100 years of service, JLT is entering its next chapter with the same commitment to making a difference in the lives of women and children throughout Texarkana and the surrounding areas.
“What an honor it is to serve as the 101st president of the Junior League of Texarkana,” said Jade Harris, this year’s JLT president. “Since joining the League in 2018, I have witnessed profound efforts in the Texarkana community.”
The Junior League’s mission is “to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.” That vision is reflected in the work JLT members do throughout the year. The League is dedicated to meeting the needs of children in Texarkana and the surrounding areas through community partnerships, volunteer service, and signature projects.
Two of JLT’s signature initiatives, Shoes for the Soul/Clothes for a Cause and Teacher Take Wing, allow the League to address specific needs within the community. Through these initiatives, JLT will contribute more than $17,000, dedicate nearly 250 volunteer hours, and clothe more than 120 children during the 2026–2027 League year.
Shoes for the Soul/Clothes for a Cause gives children the opportunity to personally select new shoes and clothing, helping meet an immediate need while also providing a sense of confidence, dignity, and pride.
“Truly, this is one of the most impactful events that JLT gets the pleasure of hosting,” Jade said. “There is no greater feeling than watching a little kid’s face light up when they find the perfect pair of shoes, pick out a new Minecraft t-shirt, or choose the sparkly dress with the tulle skirt. It may seem like a simple shopping trip, but for these children, being able to make their own choices and leave with something brand new can be a really meaningful experience. It is a reminder that they are seen, valued, and deserving of the same excitement and joy that comes with getting something new.”
For League members, those moments are what make the time, effort, and planning behind Shoes for the Soul/Clothes for a Cause so incredibly worthwhile.
Teacher Take Wing supports local educators by providing resources for innovative classroom projects that can make a lasting impact on students.
“This past year we got the opportunity to award teachers from Redwater ISD, PGISD, Arkansas ISD, St. James Day School, Texas High, and Liberty-Eylau,” Jade said. “It is our goal to help enrich the lives of children by ensuring that they have the opportunities, services, and protection essential for their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth and will advocate and promote that end.”
Grant applications are still open and close November 16th, 2026. Teachers can apply at www.jltexarkana.org/projects/teacher-take-wing.
JLT also recognizes that making a meaningful impact in the community begins with investing in the women who serve it. This year, the League will invest $11,000 in volunteer training, equipping members to serve the community effectively while developing the next generation of leaders.
“This impact is made possible by the dedicated volunteers in our organization and the legacy of the women who have developed this organization for 100 years,” Jade said. “That legacy is one JLT members are proud to carry forward.”
More Than Shopping
Mistletoe Market is JLT’s primary fundraiser, but its impact extends far beyond the four days of the event. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship made, and experience enjoyed at the Market helps support the League’s ability to continue its community projects and serve local children.
The JLT awarded Pleasant Grove teacher Sarah Miller with a Teacher Take Wing grant. submitted photo
For JLT, Mistletoe Market is an opportunity to bring the community together for a memorable holiday experience while also creating meaningful change.
“We are committed to working with agencies and partners to empower women and children to know that they are worthy and valued in Texarkana,” Jade said.
JLT members Erica Bowers, Elodia Witterstaetter, Emily McMillian, Celina Acosta, and Kamilah Wrightner volunteer for the Shoes for the Soul program. submitted photo
That work would not be possible without the continued support of the community.
“We deeply appreciate the support of our partners, donors, and volunteers,” she continued. “Whether you are currently serving, considering membership, or looking to make a financial contribution, I invite you to learn more about the JLT and our century of empowering women to transform the Texarkana community.”
JLT board members, from left to right: Whitney Akins, Emily Ransom, Jordan High, Queenie Miller, Jade Harris, Katelyn Wooten, Victoria Herman, Racheal Cuellar, Melodie White, and Alondria Hamilton. submitted photo
Let the Holiday Magic Begin
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Mistletoe Market attracts thousands of shoppers, families, and community leaders each season. Sponsorship provides meaningful visibility for your business while supporting the League’s mission.
This year’s Mistletoe Market offers four days of shopping, celebrations, and holiday experiences.
Thursday, November 19th | VIP Night
The holiday magic begins Thursday evening with a casino-themed VIP event from 7 to 11 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of casino-themed entertainment while getting an exclusive first look at Mistletoe Market before the weekend officially begins. VIP guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a one-night-only auction featuring special items and experiences available exclusively during the event.
The evening will also feature the Mistletoe Market Destination Drawing, giving one lucky winner the opportunity to choose from three incredible vacation experiences. Tickets are $50 each, with only 200 tickets available. The winner will choose from the following getaways:
• Bryce Canyon Family Adventure Under the Stars
A family adventure for four featuring a three-night sky dome stay, guided horseback riding, a Bryce Canyon stargazing experience, resort activities, and more.
• Tuscany Together: Family Adventure in Italy for Four
Enjoy a five-night stay in a private 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment, along with a Cortona food tour and private e-bike tour.
• The Aloha Collection: Your Island, Your Adventure
Enjoy a six-night Outrigger Resorts stay for two, with the opportunity to choose from Hawaiian islands and customize your own island getaway.
(Airfare is not included in the vacation packages.) With only 200 tickets available, the Destination Drawing is sure to be a highlight of this year’s Market.
Racheal Cuellar and Jordan High are the 2026 Mistletoe Market co-chairs. photo by shane darby
Friday, November 20th | Mistletoe & Mimosas
The fun continues Friday morning with Mistletoe & Mimosas from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Gather your friends, enjoy a festive morning, and get an early look at the Market while shopping with some of the area’s favorite vendors.
General shopping will continue Friday from noon to 7 p.m., with the much-anticipated arrival of Santa at 5 p.m.!
Saturday, November 21st | Market Day
Saturday offers a full day of holiday shopping, with general shopping from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Whether you are searching for Christmas gifts, something special for yourself, or a unique find you cannot get anywhere else, Mistletoe Market offers plenty to discover.
Sunday, November 22nd | One Last Chance to Shop
The Market wraps up Sunday with general shopping from noon to 5 p.m. It is the final opportunity to visit your favorite vendors, find those last Christmas gifts, and enjoy the festive atmosphere before Mistletoe Market comes to a close for another year.
A Tradition Worth Continuing
For some, Mistletoe Market is an annual tradition. For others, 2026 may be their first opportunity to experience it.
Whether you come for the shopping, Mistletoe & Mimosas, the VIP casino night, or the chance to win a dream vacation, JLT hopes you leave with more than a shopping bag. They hope you leave with memories, a little more Christmas spirit, and the feeling that you were part of something meaningful.
“Moving forward after a century of service in Texarkana, I look forward with pride and anticipation to the impact we can make together,” Jade said. “I am honored to represent this organization and be part of the change in this community I call home.”
For nearly four decades, Mistletoe Market has brought people together during the holiday season. This year, as always, the Junior League of Texarkana invites the community to experience that tradition while helping to carry its mission of service into the future.
Come shop, celebrate, and make memories while experiencing a little holiday magic and supporting the Junior League of Texarkana’s continued impact in our community. The members of JLT look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you.
Click HERE to get your tickets for the 39th Annual Mistletoe Market!
