The Chi Omega Christmas Market is back for its 49th year, moving to the 11th floor of the Dallas World Trade Center from Nov. 19 through Nov. 22 with more than 250 merchants and a fashion-world name in tow. Organizers say the four-day event will welcome more than 10,000 shoppers browsing seasonal gifts, jewelry, home decor, fashion, gourmet treats, entertaining essentials, linens and original art, alongside appearances from Santa and other special guests.
According to CultureMap Dallas, this year's preview party on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. features Elyce Arons, who helped build Kate Spade into a globally recognized fashion brand and later co-founded Frances Valentine with Kate and Andy Spade in 2016, where she now serves as co-founder and CEO. Preview party guests can purchase and have signed Arons's memoir, “We Might Just Make It After All,” during select hours, and market patrons who donate at least $1,000 receive an enhanced experience with Arons in an exclusive patron lounge.
Shopping Hours Stretch Across Four Days
First Call Shopping kicks off early on Friday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to DFW501c. General admission then runs Friday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is held at Dallas Market Center's World Trade Center, 2050 N. Stemmons Freeway, a switch from last year's venue.
The 48th annual market ran at Dallas Market Hall from Sept. 24 to 27, 2025, featuring 245 merchants and drawing thousands of shoppers, the same CultureMap report notes. That 2025 edition was chaired by Karen Hunt, Debbie Lang and Nancy Woodall, and proceeds supported nine North Texas nonprofits.
Decades of Giving Back to North Texas
The market traces its roots to 1978, when it was established by Dallas-area Chi Omega alumnae and held at the Dallas Convention Center. That inaugural market raised $13,150, according to the Chi Omega Christmas Market's own account, and the organization now says its cumulative giving totals $12 million. The market has donated $12 million overall to organizations supporting arts, civic engagement, education, health and human welfare.
Last year alone, the market donated $582,200 to nine nonprofit organizations and six collegiate scholarships, according to North Texas Giving Day. For 2026, proceeds will again benefit nine North Texas nonprofits and collegiate scholarships. Papercity lists this year's beneficiaries as Dallas Children's Advocacy Center, Dallas Theater Center, Equest, Family Gateway, Juliette Fowler Communities, Make-A-Wish North Texas, Readers 2 Leaders, The Senior Source and Vickery Trading Company.
What Shoppers Can Expect This Year
This year's market features more than 250 merchants from across the country. Whether shoppers are chasing holiday gifts, a glimpse of Arons at the preview party, or simply a return of the market's decades-long charitable tradition, the four-day run at the World Trade Center gives Dallas another chance to kick off the season for a good cause.
