Debbie Lang, Nancy Woodall and Karen Hunt will chair Chi Omega Christmas Market again this year.
Chi Omega Christmas Market volunteers admit last year was a gamble. After construction chaos at Fair Park interrupted their plans to continue hosting the popular shopping event and charity fundraiser there, they slipped into an open space at Dallas Market Hall and booked a new date in late September. Frankly, they had little choice.
The Chi O alums set up booth spaces for merchants from around Texas and across the country, and they crossed their fingers hoping shoppers would find them. Their numbers had finally begun to rise after the pandemic interruption, and they needed buy-in from market loyalists who prefer placing unique, heartfelt gifts under their tree.
Their wager paid off.
Chi Omega Christmas Market 2024 featured more merchants than ever before in the event’s 48-year history, and $556,000 was distributed to 13 nonprofits. Co-chairmen Nancy Woodall, Karen Hunt and Debbie Lang have stepped up to chair the market again this year and — faced with strong demand from merchants who appreciate the buying power of Dallas shoppers — have added more booth rows to make this show even bigger.
“Chi Omega Christmas Market is a juried show, meaning each merchant must apply and be accepted by our discriminating committee,” says Woodall. “We work very hard to curate a wonderful mix of merchants that bring a boutique shopping experience, and shoppers will not walk away empty-handed. Our 245 merchants will showcase a wide variety of products — including home décor, game day, jewelry, toys, beauty, food and clothing for all.”
“Shoppers and merchants alike were pleased with our move last year, and we expect a big turnout,” says Hunt. “We have free parking at Dallas Market Hall, and inside our shoppers will experience natural light, wide aisles and a festive atmosphere.”
Funds from the event will be distributed to a new round of local nonprofits, including Beacon Hill, Broadway Dallas, Community Partners of Dallas, Connecting Point of Park Cities, Make-A-Wish North Texas, New Friends New Life, Sleep in Heavenly Peace TX-Dallas/Fort Worth, SPCA of Texas and The Magdalen House. A portion of proceeds will also support collegiate scholarships for Dallas-area high school graduates who are members of Chi Omega.
“Our beneficiaries will be in attendance, sharing details about the great work they do within the Dallas community,” says Woodall. “You won’t want to miss this wonderful Dallas shopping tradition.”
The market will be held Thursday, Sept. 25 to Saturday, Sept. 27, and they’ve brought back the Preview Party Wednesday night for those who enjoy having a first look at all the merchandise. “Deck the Halls” will feature holiday carols and performances from the Broadway Dallas high school ensemble, plus specialty cocktails and nibbles.
If you get tired of shopping (is that even possible?!?), you may drop your purchases off at package check and mosey on over to WFAA corner, where Santa’s Helpers will be holding their first toy collection event of the season on Thursday. Also on Thursday, pull out your phone and take a selfie with Santa, who’ll be strolling through the market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturday, Santa will be in his chair posing for pics, while the SPCA of North Texas hosts an adoption event.
Tickets may be purchased online here.
Dallas Market Hall is at 2200 Stemmons Freeway.
