Reviewed by: Sarah Morgan Freeman
How to make the most of your Market Noel experience at The Finley Center in Hoover, Nov. 20-23
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Now that spooky season has said it’s last boo, there’s only one thing to do—ring in the holiday season!
To get in the spirit, make plans to attend the Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) Market Noel, November 20-23 at The Finley Center in Hoover.
Read on to discover over 100 vendors to shop, special events + how your ticket purchase helps those across the Greater Birmingham Area.
Market Noel event details
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 20-Saturday, Nov. 23
- General Admission Shopping Hours:
- Thursday, Nov. 21 | 10AM-8PM
- Friday, Nov. 22 | 10AM-6PM
- Saturday, Nov. 23 | 9AM-5PM
- Golden Hours (for senior citizens):
- Thursday, Nov. 21 | 1-3PM
- Friday, Nov. 22 | 11AM-1PM
- Sensory Hours (includes adjusted lighting, sensory bags + lower volume music):
- Friday, Nov. 22 | 9-11AM
- General Admission Shopping Hours:
- Cost: $15 (Includes admission to each Market Noel shopping day.)
- Tickets
Holiday shopping at Market Noel, Nov. 20-23
Now, my favorite part—the shopping!
Whether you’re seeking gifts for loved ones or something special for yourself (hey, we’re not judging!), you’ll get four glorious days to do it during Market Noel.
There will be over 100 local and nationwide vendors offering high quality items from home decor and holiday items to jewelry, toys and gourmet food.
Here are some vendors you can expect to see:
- A Spice Above
- Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers
- Buff City Soap
- Clayton & Crume
- Dear Prudence
- Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes
- Little Lullaby Children’s Boutique
- Loula’s
- Petal Bay Boutique
- And more!
Special events during Market Noel 2024
Market Noel doesn’t only offer shopping; it also features some exciting events.
Here’s a peek at each:
Preview Noel presented by Regions—Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 7-10PM
- What: Kick off Bham’s holiday season during this merry sneak peek into Market Noel. The evening will feature private shopping + fun activities including:
- Hor d’oeuvres from Tasty Town
- Dueling pianos
- A silent auction
- Santa’s Grab Bag
- Diamond Drop sponsored by Diamonds direct—valued at over $6000
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka “Build Your Own Seltzer” bar
- BONUS: The first 100 attendees will get a signature swag bag!
- Cost: $55 each (Includes a Market Noel general admission ticket to be able to return later in the week.)
- Tickets
JLB Hearts Birmingham—Thursday, Nov. 21, 5-8PM
- What: This event is is all about family, community, school pride + Birmingham. Don’t miss out on:
- Refreshments
- Gems of Gratitude giveaway honoring teachers + faculty sponsored by Avni Rupa Fine Jewelers
- Performances from local area high schools, churches + community organizations
- Cost: Free with $15 Market Noel general admission ticket
- Tickets
Milk and Cookies with Santa—Friday, Nov. 22, 3-6PM
- What: You and your family can enjoy general admission to shop and get a pic with Santa. There will also be milk + treats from CookieFix for kids + adult refreshments.
- Cost: $36 (Includes 2 adults + 2 children. More family members can be added for an additional $9 per kid + $15 per adult.)
- Tickets
Brunch with the Big Guy—Saturday, Nov. 23, 9-11AM
- What: Don’t miss this beloved Market Noel event, featuring:
- Brunch fromm the Pihakis Group
- Holiday activities for kids
- Magic reading of The Polar Express
- Magical Mimosas for parents
- A pic with Santa provided by Ashley Owens Photography
- Cost: Adults $28 | Kids $12
- Tickets
Behind Market Noel
With Market Noel’s huge list of 100+ vendors, special events and more, this annual fundraiser requires many helping hands. So, who’s the incredible group of go-getters making it happen each and every year? It’s the JLB!
Here are a few ways the organization stands out:
- It’s one of the largest volunteer organizations in Alabama with nearly 2,000 members, serving more than 40,000 volunteer hours annually.
- Its mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration + training.
- It provides over $1M in direct funding to the greater Birmingham community.
- 2022 marked the organization’s centennial anniversary, commemorating 100 years of service, leadership, partnerships + impact.
$226,000 raised during 2023 Market Noel
I know what you’re thinking… your $15 ticket purchase couldn’t make that big of an impact. But the truth is, it does!
In 2023 alone, Market Noel raised $226,000! I’ll give you a moment to catch your breath.
Proceeds from each year’s event go directly to the Birmingham community through multiple avenues including the JLB Scholarship Fund, Community Assistance Grants and 24 community projects.
So what can your Market Noel ticket do to help our community? Check this out:
- 1 general admission ticket can buy 90 meals through the Tarrant Mobile Food Pantry in partnership with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
- 5 general admission tickets provide all material needed for one day of enrichment for children and their families staying at Children’s of AL through the Family Fun Times program.
- 5 Preview Market Noel tickets connect Meals on Wheels with homebound seniors during the holidays through food + holiday cards.
“We are thrilled to host Market Noel again at The Finley Center this year and encourage everyone to shop the magic and support the community.
Market Noel provides a great opportunity to get in the holiday spirit, shop from top-notch vendors and get your presents early, all while benefiting the Junior League of Birmingham’s mission of improving the lives of those in the Birmingham community.”
Katie Cotney, JLB, Market Noel Chair
Celebrate the holidays with shopping, special events + giving back—grab your tickets now to Market Noel, November 20-23 in Hoover.
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