Reminders and Helpful Hints for Palmer Center:
ENTRY: No guests will be admitted into the lobby prior to the event start time. There will be no exceptions.
TICKETS: You may either display the e-ticket on your mobile device or print all e-ticket pages and bring them with you to the event for scanning. ***You can find the link to your tickets in your purchase confirmation email.*** Your $25 ticket is good for entry on any one day. To attend multiple days, purchase multiple tickets.
STROLLERS and PUSH CARTS: Please remember that strollers and push carts are NOT allowed in Palmer Events Center. You may check strollers, push carts, and packages at coat check for $4 per item.
PARKING: Free parking is available at Barton Creek Mall with complimentary shuttle service to and from Palmer Events Center (recommended). Limited paid parking is available on site at Palmer Events Center. Additional parking is available at the Texas One Center Garage located at 505 Barton Springs Road during the following hours:
Thursday, Nov. 17, after 5 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 18, after 5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 19, all day
Sunday, Nov. 20, all day
Texas One Center is not responsible for damage incurred to a vehicle while parked on the Texas One Center property.
Parking in the neighborhood surrounding Palmer Events Center is prohibited.
PARKING FOR SUNDAY PATRONS: If you park on site, please enter the Palmer Events Center parking garage from Barton Springs Road in order to avoid traffic congestion. The Austin Opera is in production Sunday afternoon at The Long Center, and this will ensure patrons of both events have safe and easy access to parking.
COMPLIMENTARY BARTON CREEK MALL SHUTTLE HOURS: The first shuttle leaves from Barton Creek Mall 30 minutes before the market opens, and the last shuttle leaves Palmer Events Center 30 minutes after the market closes. Shuttles run throughout the day.
Thursday, Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 18, 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 19, 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 20, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
General Event Information:
Electronic ticket(s) were delivered via email from info@jlaustin.org immediately after purchase. Please check your spam folder if you did not receive an email.
Market Day passes may be purchased online at any time or in-person at the Palmer Events Center box office during market hours. Market Day tickets are transferable to a different day but are only good for one day. If you want to shop during Market Days on more than one day, you need to purchase a ticket for each day you would like to shop.
If you have questions about how to access tickets, please email acatickets@jlaustin.org.
Auctions & Raffles:
SILENT AUCTION: Bid on a wide variety of silent auction packages, including jewelry, clothes, local gift cards, event tickets, getaways, experiences, and much more! The silent auction opens Sunday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. and closes Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3:15 p.m. Register and browse our silent auction packages.
Silent auction items can be picked up during auction item pick-up days in December. See below for more information.
RAFFLE: Purchase raffle tickets now for our A Christmas Affair 2022 raffle items, including a brand new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited from Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships. Raffle ticket sales end on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3:15 p.m., and the winners will be drawn on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets now.
You do not need to be present to win. If winners are not present, they may pick up their items during raffle item pick-up days in December. See below for more information.
DECORATIONS: All Night of the Nutcracker decorations are available for purchase online and in-person at the resale booth next to the main tree.
Purchases are presale only. All decorations must be picked up during decorations pick-up days in December. See below for more information.
Special Events:
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6:30–9:30 p.m. | You’re Invited: The Party (Opening Night Reception)
Shopping is available for the entirety of the event.
Live Auction starts at 8:30 p.m. at the main tree. Register and browse our live auction packages.
Dinner and two alcoholic drinks are included with your ticket.
Cash bars are available for additional drink purchases.
Dress recommendation: Formal/Black Tie
Thursday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.| Passport to the Nutcracker
Shopping is available for the entirety of the event. Ticket holders are granted market access during general admission market hours on Thursday and are welcome to shop at the market after the event ends. Re-entry is permitted.
Brunch and non-alcoholic beverages are provided.
VIP tables include table-service mimosas and are available only to guests who pre-purchased the VIP package. VIP guests should look for the signage directing them to their exclusive event entrance.
Cash bars are available for additional drink purchases.
Dress recommendation: Jetsetter Chic
Thursday, Nov. 17, 7–10 p.m. | Shake Your Sugarplum
Shopping is available for the first hour of the event. The market closes at 8 p.m. Ticket holders are granted market access during general admission market hours on Thursday and are welcome to shop during general admission market hours before the event starts. Re-entry is permitted.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages are provided.
Commemorative Girls’ Night Out cup includes one signature frosé cocktail. Frosé is only available to guests who purchase a commemorative cup. The commemorative cup is available for pre-purchase online. A limited number of commemorative cups will be available for purchase during the event.
Attendees must be 21 or older.
Cash bars are available for additional drink purchases.
Dress recommendation: Colorful Cocktail Attire. Dress to impress!
Saturday, Nov. 19, 8:30–10 a.m. | The Waltz of the Flowers
Shopping is available for the entirety of the event. Ticket holders are granted market access during general admission market hours on Saturday and are welcome to shop at the market after the event ends. Re-entry is permitted.
One alcoholic, bubbly drink and a light snack to enjoy while shopping are provided.
Cash bars are available for additional drink purchases.
Dress recommendation: Fall Florals
If you have any questions, please reach out to acaparties@jlaustin.org.
Reminders and Helpful Hints for Children’s Events:
LOCATION: ALL children’s events, including photos with Santa and virtual holiday photos, will take place at The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center (CIC), located at 5330 Bluffstone Lane, Austin, TX 78759. Please enter the CIC through the main lobby doors.
ENTRY: No guests will be admitted into the lobby prior to the event start time. There will be no exceptions.
TICKETS: You may either display the e-ticket and add-ons on your mobile device or print all e-ticket and add-ons pages and bring them with you to the event for scanning. ***You can find the link to your tickets in your purchase confirmation email.*** Electronic ticket(s) were delivered via email from info@jlaustin.org immediately after purchase. Please check your spam folder if you did not receive an email. Children’s Events tickets do NOT include market access at Palmer Events Center. If you want to visit the market, you need to purchase a Market Day pass.
PARKING: Complimentary onsite parking is available for all guests.
IDENTIFICATION: Please bring a valid ID for 21-and-up verification.
Children’s Events:
Friday, Nov. 18, 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Waltz of the Snowflakes
There will be live entertainment in the ballroom from Mr. Will and a petting zoo by Carly’s Critter Camp outdoors.
Breakfast will be provided by Primizie Catering.
Festive crafts will be available throughout the event, including cookie decorating sponsored by Make It Sweet.
Participate in a fun, holiday scavenger hunt.
Purchasers of VIP table packages are welcome to join us at 9 a.m. for early access to photos.
Photo packages must be purchased separately. Please pre-purchase your photos with Santa and/or your virtual holiday photos prior to arriving.
Friday, Nov. 18, 5–7 p.m. | Nutcracker Dreams: DJ PJ Party
There will be live entertainment from Cedric Jones: iDJevents.
Dinner will be provided by Primizie Catering.
Festive crafts will be available throughout the event, including cookie decorating sponsored by Make It Sweet.
Participate in a fun, holiday scavenger hunt.
Purchasers of VIP table packages are welcome to join us at 4:30 p.m. for early access to photos.
Photo packages must be purchased separately. Please pre-purchase your photos with Santa and/or your virtual holiday photos prior to arriving.
Saturday, Nov. 19, 9:30–11:30 a.m. | March of the Toy Soldier
There will be live entertainment by Mr. Will.
Breakfast will be provided by Primizie Catering.
Festive crafts will be available throughout the event, including cookie decorating sponsored by Make It Sweet.
Participate in a fun, holiday scavenger hunt.
Purchasers of VIP table packages are welcome to join us at 9 a.m. for early access to photos.
Photo packages must be purchased separately. Please pre-purchase your photos with Santa and/or your virtual holiday photos prior to arriving.
Saturday, Nov. 19, 4–6 p.m. | Herr Drosselmeyer presents the Magical Show
There will be live entertainment by Mr. Will and Magician Rodney Rash.
Dinner will be provided by Primizie Catering.
Festive crafts will be available throughout the event, including cookie decorating sponsored by Make It Sweet.
Purchasers of VIP table packages are welcome to join us at 3:30 p.m. for early access to photos.
Photo packages must be purchased separately. Please pre-purchase your photos with Santa and/or your virtual holiday photos prior to arriving.
Sunday, Nov. 20, 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Sugar Plum Soiree
There will be live entertainment by Mr. Will and special guests from Ballet Austin.
Breakfast will be provided by Primizie Catering.
Festive crafts will be available throughout the event, including cookie decorating sponsored by Make It Sweet.
Purchasers of VIP table packages are welcome to join us at 9 a.m. for early access to photos.
Photo packages must be purchased separately. Please pre-purchase your photos with Santa and/or your virtual holiday photos prior to arriving.
Reminders and Helpful Hints for Holiday Photos:
LOCATION: ALL children’s events, including photos with Santa and virtual holiday photos, will take place at The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center, located at 5330 Bluffstone Lane, Austin, TX 78759. Please enter the CIC through the main lobby doors. For photos, you will enter the CIC through the main lobby doors and take the stairs or elevator upstairs.
TICKETS: You may either display the e-ticket and add-ons on your mobile device or print all e-ticket and add-ons pages and bring them with you to the event for scanning. ***You can find the link to your tickets in your purchase confirmation email.*** Electronic ticket(s) were delivered via email from info@jlaustin.org immediately after purchase. Please check your spam folder if you did not receive an email. Children’s Events tickets do NOT include market access at Palmer Events Center. If you want to visit the market, you need to purchase a Market Day pass.
PARKING: Complimentary onsite parking is available for all guests.
Photos with Santa:
Meet Santa in a cozy fireside scene of blues, greens, reds, and gold accents for a magical holiday photo op. Photos with Santa are available by appointment only for guests who are not attending a children’s party. If you purchased a non-party photo package, please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to check in. If you arrive late, we may not be able to accommodate a new appointment for you. Please refer to your receipt to confirm your time slot.
Non-Party Hours for Photos with Santa:
Friday, Nov. 18: 12–4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 19: 12–3 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 20: 12–2 p.m.
Are you having your photo with Santa taken during a children’s party? You will be given a time slot for your photo upon checking in for the event.
Virtual Holiday Photos:
Choose from one of five holiday backgrounds for your virtual holiday photo. Virtual holiday photos are available by appointment only for all guests, including those who are attending a children’s party. Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to check in. If you arrive late, we may not be able to accommodate a new appointment for you. Please refer to your receipt to confirm your time slot.
Non-Party Hours for Virtual Holiday Photos:
Friday, Nov. 18: 12–4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 19: 12–3 p.m.
Are you having your virtual holiday photo taken during a children’s party? Please refer to your receipt to confirm your time slot.
All photo packages are non-refundable and may be upgraded on site.
Where & When to Pick Up Auction, Raffle and Decorations:
Friday, Dec. 2, 12 – 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center
5330 Bluffstone Lane, Austin, TX 78759
Children’s Take Home Items:
Bring the magic of Night of the Nutcracker home with our festive children’s take-home items. Quantities are limited. Pre-purchase yours today!
Gingerbread House by Make it Sweet — Take home your own assembled gingerbread house, and decorate it with the land of sweets candy and icing at your convenience.
Mommy & Me Brushstrokes Pottery Kit (for one) — Take home a two-piece pottery kit with a 7-inch nutcracker and a snowflake ornament to decorate at your leisure. This kit includes everything you need: brushes, paint, glitter glaze, gloss sealer, a napkin, a plate for paint, and an instruction guide.
Mommy & Me Brushstrokes Pottery Kit (for two) — Take home a three-piece pottery kit with a 7-inch nutcracker, a snowflake ornament, and a candy cane ornament to decorate at your leisure. This kit includes everything you need: brushes, paint, glitter glaze, gloss sealer, a napkin, a plate for paint, and an instruction guide.
Children’s take home items may be picked up during A Christmas Affair at the Community Impact Center or Palmer Events Center from Friday, Nov. 18 – Sunday, Nov. 20.
Community Impact:
The Junior League of Austin uses the funds raised at A Christmas Affair to provide essential funding and volunteer hours to our signature programs—Coats for Kids, Food In Tummies (FIT), and Kids In Cool Shoes (KICS)—and to more than 20 local non-profit organizations. Thank you for making a difference in the Austin community.
