We know what you're thinking. How can it possibly be that time of year already? Put on your Santa hat and find your good cheer, friends.
Holiday House, the annual four-day day shop-fest benefitting the Junior League of Little Rock, will kick off Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Statehouse Convention Center. Always a highlight of the shopping season, hundreds of speciality mechants from across the state and the country will offer a one-stop-shop for holiday treats.
Celebrating its 25th annivesary this year, the ladies of JLLR know a thing or two about how to shop this event like a boss. Here are six insider tips to know before you head downtown this weekend.
Beat the Crowds:
Shop at Preview Party on Wednesday night or Private Shopping on Thursday morning. The best time to shop on general shopping days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) is early. Ticket info here.
Best Parking:
The closest parking area is the deck at Second and Main streets. Consider parking at one of the other parking garages downtown. Park at Second Street and River Market Avenue, then take the River Rail to the Statehouse Convention Center for $2 round trip. The decks do take cards.
Package Check:
For $5, you can have your purchases held and then delivered curbside to your car by a Junior League member for only $3 more. Package Check is located on the south side of the room.
Plan Ahead:
Grab a map and merchant list to plan your route in advance. Maps can be found here. Large shopping bags are available for purchase at package check.
Raffle:
Pick up raffle tickets for your chance to win diamond earrings from Jones & Son Fine Jewelers, a Louis Vuitton bag, ELFA closet system from Container Store or a golf cart. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by Santa’s Snack Shop on Wednesday and Thursday and in the center of the room on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Raffle tickets are limited for each item. Winners will be drawn on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. You do not have to be present to win.
Santa’s Snack Shop:
No need to plan your shopping schedule around mealtime. Santa's Snack Shop provides healthy and filling snacks and meals to fuel you through power shopping. Santa's Snack Shop sells chicken salad wraps, turkey wraps, chips, cookies and non-alcoholic drinks. Santa's Snack Shop is located on the north side and has ample seating if you need to recharge. If you already purchased tickets, give your name at the Will Call tables for admission. You can also purchase tickets at the door with cash, check or credit card.
Holiday House is also offering Sunday shopping this year.
General shopping hours are:
• Thursday, Oct. 29, noon. – 9 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 31, 9:00 – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
A one-day ticket to Holiday House is $10 and a four-day pass is $25. Children age five and under get in for free.
If you already purchased tickets, give your name at the Will Call tables for admission. You can purchase tickets at the door with cash, check or credit card.
There are also a number of special events going on during the four-day shopping extravaganza.
Click here to view the complete schedule of special shopping events.
