Shopping with Purpose: How to experience

Shopping with Purpose

Shopping for a cause makes you a star at The Junior League of Tampa’s 19th annual Holiday Gift Market (HGM). The unique shopping experience, presented by Publix, serves as the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year and brings over 200 vendors and artisans from across the Tampa Bay region to the Florida State Fairgrounds. This year’s Tampa Tinseltown-themed market runs from Nov. 10-13 and features a record number of merchants, making this the largest HGM ever!

WHEN:

by Kiki Schmitz Phelps, Sandspur Editor

Thursday, Nov. 10: Preview Night (special event ticket required):

• 6-10 p.m. Preview Party VIP Ticket Admission • 7-10 p.m. Preview Night General Ticket Admission

Friday, Nov. 11: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: General Admission Saturday, Nov. 12: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: General Admission Sunday, Nov. 13: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: General Admission

WHERE:

Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall & Entertainment Hall 4800 U.S. Highway 301 N., Tampa, FL 33610

COST:

General Admission Tickets: $10 online at HolidayGiftMarket.org and at the door Tickets are valid Friday to Sunday. One day entry only. Group discounts for 10 or more GA tickets available online only; admission is free for children ages 5 and under.

The 2022 Market includes several featured events and perks, including: Preview Night + VIP Preview Party

Nov. 10 from 7-10 p.m. is Preview Night, an opportunity for eager attendees to get first dibs on all the best that Holiday Gift Market has to offer. In addition to shopping, Preview Night hosts live music, interactive photo ops and a silent auction. Food and drink are available for purchase, and tickets are $25 for general admission. For shoppers looking to step up their experience, VIP tickets are also available. Doors open an hour early at 6 p.m. for VIP Preview Party ticket holders. VIP guests enjoy additional perks, including a champagne wall, private lounge space and a selection of hors d’oeuvres, hand-crafted cocktails and a special VIP gift. VIP tickets are $75. Preview Night and VIP Preview Party tickets are on sale now.

Bargain Bracelet

PARKING:

$8 per car Cash, credit or debit accepted; paid to the Florida State Fairgrounds and not related to the Junior League of Tampa.

TICKETS & MORE DETAILS:

Available at HolidayGiftMarket.org The Junior League of Tampa commits 100% of the Holiday Gift Market’s net proceeds to funding League efforts in the areas of education and child welfare. New this year, shoppers can purchase an HGM Bargain Bracelet. This pass earns shoppers 10% off all Market purchases. Bracelets are valid for one day only and cost $18 in advance online and $20 at the door. General admission is not included. Bargain Bracelets are on sale now.

Santa Snaps

Santa Claus will stop by the Holiday Gift Market for a photo-op and meet and greet. Santa will make his appearance Sunday, Nov. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and are priced per group. Cost includes one photo, and additional photos may be purchased on site. General Admission not included. Santa Snaps tickets are on sale now.

“When you shop at Holiday Gift Market, or attend a Market special event, you are not just supporting a small business, you are also reinvesting in the community through projects, advocacy efforts and grant programs,” says League member Lauren Rice. “The Holiday Gift Market is the reason the League is able to fund projects like the Diaper Bank and Love Bundles.”