A booth at the Holiday Gift Market. Photo courtesy of Liv Dennis.
More than 200 merchants converge on Florida State Fairgrounds Nov. 6–9 to offer a variety of holiday-themed shopping options and celebrate community, creativity, and giving back to those in need.
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By Liv Dennis
TAMPA, Fla. — The shimmer of holiday décor and the buzz of eager shoppers will fill the Florida State Fairgrounds Nov. 6–9 as The Junior League of Tampa hosts its 22nd annual Holiday Gift Market.
The event, Tampa’s largest holiday shopping tradition, features more than 200 merchants offering jewelry, clothing, home goods, children’s items, and gourmet treats. All proceeds support programs serving more than 30,000 women, children, and families in Hillsborough County each year.
“The Holiday Gift Market is the largest holiday shopping event in Hillsborough County. It’s 100% operated by Junior League of Tampa volunteers. We have over 200 different merchants, many of them local to Tampa Bay, and there is something for everyone,” said Anna Tosone, one of the co-chairs.
A booth at the Holiday Gift Market. Photo courtesy of Liv Dennis.
“This event started on a much smaller scale, but due to strong community support, we have grown it to what it is now. Each year, the Holiday Gift Market Committee brainstorms new ideas and builds on our traditions to make it the best market yet. It’s constantly evolving and growing,” Tosone said.
Volunteers spend months planning, coordinating vendors, ticketing, organizing décor, and choosing special events. This year’s market includes candle-making, floral workshops, bracelet-making sessions with Little Words Project, Build a Teddy, Santa photos, and beer tasting.
“All of the money raised for this event goes back to the Junior League and our community programs that we do every single year,” said Lauren Lendorio, a co-chair and longtime volunteer.
A raffle set up the Holiday Gift Market. Photo courtesy of Liv Dennis.
“I was actually told by a friend about Junior League, and then I saw what everyone’s missions were and how we just give back to the community, and just really loved that sense of helping people. It just brings me joy. And then just meeting all of the wonderful women that are part of the league too,” Lendorio said.
For social media coordinator Dara Abraham, promoting the market online is key. “We’ve increasingly shifted to where our shoppers already are, social media … Over the last few years, we’ve built strategic collaborations with local influencers, and this year marks our first official social advertising campaign.”
That digital effort not only informs shoppers but also showcases the excitement and nostalgia that surrounds the event.
“Holiday Gift Market carries a special nostalgia. Families and friend groups return every year, and social [engagement] gives us a front-row seat to that excitement. In a city that doesn’t get snow, HGM brings that sense of holiday magic we all crave,” Abraham said.
For artisans like Susan Andree, co-owner of Wood Flower Boutique, the market is both a chance to grow their business and give back.
“We were just two friends who liked to craft, and it just kind of blew up. One of the important things for us is that the Junior League gives back to the community, and that’s probably the number one thing we like and want to support,” Andree said.
Shoppers also embrace the opportunity to support local businesses. Nicole Kemp, a Tampa native who has attended for more than a decade, said, “We come every year, my mom, my sister, and I, and just shop and hang out together. It brings vendors outside of our community inside our community together, and it gives small businesses a chance to grow as well. I am Tampa-born and raised, so I want to support small businesses that are from Tampa. I think it’s important to shop small.”
Even newcomers feel the festive pull. First-time visitor Meghan Blevins, from Pennsylvania, said, “It’s a little overwhelming but in a good way. It just really brings you into the season. I’m very excited. This gets me started for Christmas. ”From handcrafted gifts to holiday workshops, the market is more than just shopping — it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and giving back. The 2025 Holiday Gift Market runs Nov. 6–9 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Be part of a Tampa tradition. Tickets and pre-purchase parking online at Eventbrite.