El Paso's longstanding holiday shopping tradition is back for its 53rd year, and this time it comes with a pajama party. The Junior League of El Paso's A Christmas Fair: Wish Upon a Starry Christmas runs November 6 through 8 at the El Paso Convention Center, bringing together shoppers and families for a three-day kickoff to the holiday season.
The fair has been El Paso's go-to holiday market since 1973, and as KTSM 9 News reports, the Junior League of El Paso was founded in 1933 as a volunteer organization dedicated to advancing women's leadership and community impact. The 2023 fair listing reports an average of 10,000 shoppers and over 200 merchants selling artisan goods, jewelry, and holiday decor, according to KRWG Public Media. The station notes that the fair celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 under the theme Home for the Holidays, which makes this year's event the 53rd annual edition of the market.
Doors Open Friday, With a Starlit Gala the Night Before
This year's fair kicks off Friday, November 6, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., runs Saturday, November 7, on the same schedule, and wraps Sunday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., per KTSM 9 News. The weekend technically begins the evening before, though, with the Silver Starlit Soirée preview gala set for November 5 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at St. Rogers Depot.
General admission tickets for the main fair cost $15 in advance or $16 at the door, KTSM 9 News reports, while discounted tickets for children ages 6 to 12, seniors, military personnel, and college students run $14 in advance or $15 at the door. Kids 5 and under get in free. Tickets and further details are available at achristmasfair.com.
Kids Get Their Own Pajama Party
Families with younger children have an extra reason to show up this year. The Twinkle Star Sleepover Kids' Party is scheduled for November 7 and 8, giving children a photo opportunity with Santa along with activities including storytime under the stars, per KTSM 9 News. Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas, while the grown-ups tagging along can enjoy mimosas.
Where the Money Actually Goes
Behind the vendor booths and gift-wrapped stalls, the fair functions as the Junior League of El Paso's primary fundraising engine. Booth fees and ticket sales generate direct funding for the organization's charity work, according to the fair's official site. Proceeds raised at the fair support the Junior League of El Paso's broader mission of strengthening the community, KTSM 9 News notes.
The organization was founded in 1933.
Community Programs
The group's work includes a Wellness Collaborative.
The Girls on the Run organization describes El Paso as a new affiliate council of the Junior League. The connection is one example of the community work supported by the fair: money spent on handmade ornaments and gift baskets ultimately cycles back into programs.
What to Know Before You Go
The fair takes over the Judson F. Williams Convention Center downtown.
