Kiss your holiday shopping list goodbye at the Mistletoe Market

Locals can shop with a purpose at the 2nd annual Mistletoe Market, held at the Emerald Coast Conference Center Nov. 12-15.

The one-stop holiday shop is organized by the Junior League of the Emerald Coast, and all of the proceeds go toward projects that help women and children and improve the community. Last year's Mistletoe Market brought in enough revenue to completely fund the organization's main community service project, the Child Clothing project.

The Junior League began the Child Clothing project in 1979 with 36 children from Fort Walton Beach elementary schools. This year, the organization will clothe about 320 children from Okaloosa and Walton counties.

“These are kids who have probably never shopped for brand new clothes before,” Mistletoe Market Chair Tiffany Currid said. “They're the reason we raise the money.”

The Junior League takes in-need children to Target, where they get to pick out a new wardrobe with the help of a volunteer. After they finish shopping, the kids are treated to pizza and ice cream, as well as a variety of fun activities.

“It's an afternoon of fun for them,” Currid said. “Words can't describe the looks on their faces.”

To support Child Clothing and to finish all that holiday shopping in one stop, locals can patronize the Mistletoe Market from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 14 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 15. The cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children 6-12. A preview party will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 12 during which people can preview and purchase merchandise, enjoy dinner from Destin’s Carrabba's and live entertainment from saxophone player Jim Genest. The tickets are $35 and will qualify shoppers for a raffle and a free reusable shopping bag.

The Mistletoe Market will feature boutique merchandise, holiday and home decor, women's clothing and accessories, gourmet food and more. A variety of local performers will entertain shoppers each day of the market, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday.

“The Mistletoe Market is a shopping extravaganza,” Currid said. “It offers residents a place to shop, eat lunch and get into the Christmas spirit.”