Frequently Asked Questions

Purchasing Tickets

How will I receive my ticket?

After you checkout, you will receive an email from info@jlaustin.org with a link to your electronic ticket(s). Simply print the ticket(s) or present the ticket on your phone as you enter the event.  

Do you offer a discount (senior, military, group, etc)?  

No, we do not offer discounts to our events as A Christmas Affair is a fundraiser hosted by The Junior League of Austin. The Junior League of Austin uses the funds raised at A Christmas Affair to provide essential funding and volunteer hours to programs such as Coats for Kids, FIT (Food In Tummies) and KICS (Kids in Cool Shoes) and over 30 local community non-profits. A receipt will be emailed to you following your purchase for any eligible tax deductions. 

Is market entry included in a party or children’s event ticket?

Yes, tickets purchased for parties at Palmer Events Center include same-day access to the market. Market entrance is not included with the purchase of a photo with Santa package or Children’s Event ticket. If you purchase a ticket for a party, you will receive a wristband upon entry that will admit you to the market and the event. 

Is parking included in any of the tickets?

Parties at Palmer Events Center do not include parking to the event. Parking at Palmer Events Center is extremely limited and controlled by the City of Austin. We recommend that guests carpool or rideshare. Complimentary parking and shuttle service is available at Barton Creek Square Mall. Shuttle times vary so please refer to the schedule below. Parking information, including shuttle times, can be reviewed here. Parking is prohibited in the neighborhoods surrounding Palmer Events Center.    Learn more about Parking & Transportation.

Complimentary Barton Creek Shuttle Hours:

Thursday, Nov. 16: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. 

Friday, Nov. 17: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. 

Saturday, Nov. 18: 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m. 

Sunday, Nov. 19: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.   

Don’t want to walk or ride the shuttle? Start your A Christmas Affair experience in style with a premium parking spot reserved just for you in the Palmer Events Center garage and receive complimentary bag check for up to two bags! Keep your eye on the prize and be the highest bidder by clicking here.

Parking is complimentary for all Children’s Events and Santa Photos, which take place at The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center, 5330 Bluffstone Lane, Austin, TX 78759.

Do children need their own market day ticket?

Children under the age of 5 are free to enter the market. For Children’s Events at The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center, all children over the age of 6 months will require a ticket. Children 6 months and younger do not require a Children’s Event ticket but will not have a separate seat. Note that due to space and capacity limitations at Palmer Events Center, strollers are not permitted in Palmer Events Center. 

Do I need to print my ticket?

While you may print your ticket, we can also scan your ticket(s) directly from your mobile device at the event! 

Can I purchase multiple tickets at once? 

Yes! If you purchase multiple tickets, they will be delivered in one email with a single link for you to download to your device or to print.   

Event Information

When will the doors open to A Christmas Affair? 

A Christmas Affair opens with its annual Preview Party on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m. The market will open to the public on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 12 p.m. Each morning the doors to Palmer Events Center will open at the first event start time, regardless of weather conditions. We do offer coat check for $3/item. Learn more about coat and bag check here. 

Are strollers, wagons, or carts allowed at Palmer Events Center A Christmas Affair?

Due to space and capacity limitations at Palmer Events Center, strollers, rolling bags and carts are not permitted at A Christmas Affair. Strollers ARE allowed at The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center for Children’s Events. 

Is there somewhere we can store shopping bags and other items?

Yes! You may check your coat, shopping bags and other items with coat check.  In addition, this year we are happy to introduce a new service to ease your shopping experience: Comet Concierge! Please check here for more information on our services offered to our guests. 

Do you allow re-entry into A Christmas Affair?

Same day re-entry is permitted. Upon exiting, you will receive a hand stamp allowing you to re-enter during market hours that day. If you would like to return to market another day, you will need to purchase another market day ticket. 

I’m a Junior League of Austin Sustainer. How do I check in?

We will have a designated check in spot in the Palmer Events Center lobby for JLA Sustainer check-in. Sustainers will receive a hand stamp, which will allow them all-day market access. 

Food & Beverage

Will there be meals available during Market hours?

Light bites can be purchased during Market Day hours from the bar outside on the west side at Palmer Events Center. Food is included in the price of all party tickets (except for Sip and Shop), as well as all Children’s Events at The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center. Please refer to the individual party details for a brief description of the menu. 

Drink Tickets

Drink tickets will be available for purchase on site at The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center. Drink tickets for all private parties at Palmer Events Center are included in the cost of the ticket. The number of drink tickets provided will be specified in the individual event details on the website. Drink tickets at Palmer Events Center do not have to be redeemed during the party, but must be redeemed on the day of the party. You can also buy a beverage from any bar at Palmer Events Center.