Peace, Love & Mistletoe: 46th annual event delivers shopping, seasonal joy
Area residents are ushering the holiday season with style and sparkle with the 46th annual Mistletoe & Magic Holiday Shopping Event. Hosted by the Junior League of Tyler , the annual event is the organization's largest fundraiser. From now until Saturday, shoppers can browse through a selection of unique gifts, home decor, fashion and seasonal treats.
"We have brought in over 75 merchants from all around the country and it's a one-stop shop for your holiday shopping needs," said Paige Engel, chairman of the 2024 Mistletoe & Magic committee. "We have vendors in all categories, we have men and women's boutiques, food, children's toys, gifts... you name it we've got it all. There's really something for everyone here."
This year's event brought a groovy flair with its "Peace, Love & Mistletoe" theme, celebrating the holiday season with a retro twist.
"I thought it might feel really nostalgic to some of our community members and those that I really want to reach out to a lot of our sustaining members," Engel said. "But I just wanted to really do something that might feel nostalgic, that was really fun and fun-loving. It just was really something that resonated with me and I thought would be a really fun holiday kickoff."
The Junior League of Tyler opened the event with the Preview Party on Wednesday and followed up with the Merry & Mod Private Shopping Event on Thursday.
"People can expect lots of really groovy vibes, lots of shopping, lots of joy and a way to kick off the holiday spirit," Engel said.
As the League's largest fundraiser, Mistletoe & Magic directly supports the organization's mission of improving the community through volunteer service and charitable giving.
"It allows us to raise funds that are then reinvested back into the community through our own projects and in partnership with local nonprofit organizations," Engel said. "We operate on a three-year funding cycle: we raise the money, we allocate it, and then we grant it. All funds granted to nonprofit organizations come with the support of Junior League volunteers who help put that money to work in the community."
The Junior League of Tyler is a women's organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism, empowering women, and improving communities through effective leadership and trained volunteers. Focused on education and charitable efforts, the League has contributed over $7.5 million and hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours to the community. This year alone, the Junior League will provide more than 30,000 volunteer hours and $240,000 to support local projects and initiatives.
"The League always does a great job... they're on top of it all the time," said Leslie Bookman, a Whitehouse resident. "They've put a lot of work into it... and it's fun coming every year."
Bookman, who has attended Mistletoe & Magic for nearly 30 years as a tradition with her mom, added, "I love that it's gotten bigger and better and more spread out. And I love that, with the merchants, they don't just stick with the ones from Tyler. They have some from other areas as well."
Tyler Junior College student Hannah Hall came to the shopping event for the first time because her cousin is in the Junior League and wanted to check it out.
"It's really cute and festive... I like the theme," Hall said. "We haven't been here long but it's fun so far. I like a lot of the vendors."
This year's event also welcomes a fresh lineup of vendors, bringing new energy to the marketplace with a variety of innovative products and unique offerings, giving shoppers the chance to discover something new and exciting.
"This is our second year here and we've always felt very welcomed," said Jackie Neill of Moodz & Vibez, an Austin-based boutique owned by her two daughters. "It's very nice here."
Vendors like Laura's Cheesecake from Mount Pleasant are among the many local businesses offering their specialty treats at this year's Mistletoe & Magic. Known for their rich, creamy cheesecakes, the booth adds a flavorful stop for visitors looking to indulge in some holiday sweetness during their shopping.
"The former owner (Laura Bass) used to come here for years and loved it and they did really well," said current owner Suzanne Walker. "So, when we bought the business, we'd heard so much about it. And we've been wanting to come back for a couple of years. This is our first year back... and it seems everybody's been delighted to see us. It's been a joy to be here."
Chill-N-Reel, the innovative koozie that doubles as a fishing reel, brings a unique twist to Mistletoe & Magic this year.
"This is my first year here and I didn't really know what to expect but I'm having fun," said Chase Terrell, director of sales of Chill-N-Reel.
Featured on "Shark Tank," the Oklahoma-based company was founded by a fireman and is sure to attract outdoor enthusiasts and holiday shoppers looking for a one-of-a-kind gift.
"Last Christmas, we were the No. 1 selling fishing reel on Amazon in the month of November and December in the categories, so we've got a lot of chill anglers out there having fun with it," Terrell said. "People seemed to be intrigued by it here... everyone's been very kind and it's a fun place to be."
Weekend full of events
Beyond the wide selection of unique gifts, Mistletoe & Magic also offers an array of festive activities, live entertainment, and food, making it a full holiday experience for guests of all ages.
Other events include A Toast to Tyler! Brunch on Friday, inviting guests to experience a fascinating panel discussion hosted by Historic Tyler, where they can learn about the making of the book An Invitation to Preservation. The discussion will offer a unique opportunity to hear from the creators who brought Tyler's rich history to life, giving attendees an insider's look into the captivating past of local homes. Brunch bites and sips will be provided by Montez Brothers Catering, and the event is sponsored by flow. Yoga. Tickets are available for $75 general admission and $100 for seated tickets.
Later that evening, the Groovy Girl's Night Out event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy charcuterie boxes from Mom of Brie and wine provided by Rowdy Creek Ranch, all while grooving into the season with a stylish women's fashion show featuring The Potpourri House. The show starts at 6 p.m., and tickets for this fun-filled evening are priced at $35.
On Saturday, families can enjoy a delightful morning with Peace, Love & Pancakes with Santa, from 9 - 10 a.m. Enjoy a breakfast from Azalea Catering Company and a special visit from Santa, complete with a book reading. This is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with little ones. The event is sponsored by Mikah & Patrick Peltier, and tickets are available for $35.
Following the breakfast, Far-Out Fun for Little Ones will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. This come-and-go event is full of exciting activities for children, including professional photos with Santa by Elizabeth Thacker Photography, letter writing to Santa, and craft-making. The Children's Style Show at 10:15 a.m., sponsored by Haute Totz, will also highlight the latest in children's fashion. General Market tickets are required for entry, with children 6 and under free, while tickets for the event are $12 each.
Also on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can shop at the Tie Dye & Tinsel Pop-Up Market, featuring a selection of one-day-only vendors. Sponsored by Austin Bank, the market is a great place to find unique holiday gifts and local treasures. Tickets are complimentary with a Saturday General Market ticket.
All events are held at W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, 2000 W. Front St. in Tyler.
