The Junior League of Birmingham is moving its Market Noel shopping event back to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. The return to this larger shopping venue will feature more than 100 vendors, including several from Homewood.
Homewood’s J. Catma is one of the accessories vendors that will have their designs for sale at the luxury shopping event. Owned by sisters-in-law Reshma Kirpalani and Catherine Kirpalani, this will be J. Catma’s first year at Market Noel. Catherine Kirpalani said it was an easy decision to join Market Noel this year.
“I’m glad to be a sustainer of the Junior League of Birmingham. That’s how I know firsthand the incredible event Market Noel creates,” said Catherine Kirpalani.
Shoppers can expect to find items from the Far East and exotic locales, such as fine pashminas or a sari clutch bag. For those looking for items a little tastier, they need to visit another Homewood retailer at Market Noel — Jennifer’s Kitchen.
Jennifer Lee started making her pepper jellies out of her Homewood home, and she’s returning for her fifth year at Market Noel.
Lee said she loves meeting shoppers and hearing their stories of entertaining with her jellies, but it’s the impact Market Noel has on the greater Birmingham community that has her coming back year after year.
“The Junior League of Birmingham does so many wonderful things in our community that go unseen. I recall a story of a friend of mine, a JLB member, spending hours rocking babies at the hospital. Things like this and more deserve our support,” said Lee.
Proceeds from Market Noel benefit the Junior League of Birmingham’s 35 community projects, including The Exceptional Foundation. The foundation serves more than 600 special needs individuals, and their families, at its Oxmoor Road facility.
TEF now operates other branches in Fairhope and Auburn and is now expanding outside the state.
“The Junior League of Birmingham has partnered with us to expand our outreach to TEF locations in Charlotte, Memphis, Atlanta and Indianapolis,” said Tricia Kirk, executive director of The Exceptional Foundation. “Events such as Market Noel provide not only funding, but invaluable community awareness.”
Market Noel runs from Nov. 30 through Dec. 3.
The shopping begins November 30 at 7 p.m. at the Preview Noel party with hors d’oeuvres, signature swag bags, private shopping and a silent auction featuring big ticket items from Bromberg’s and Alabama Outdoors. Diamonds Direct will sponsor the popular Diamond Drop, where one winner will walk away with a diamond pendent valued at $5,000. While the ladies shop, the men are invited to a biergarten in the “Man Cave.” The biergarten will feature regional craft beers and hometown favorite, Good People Brewing Company. Those looking for something a little harder can enjoy a bourbon tasting provided by Dram restaurant.
Other highlights of the week include a girls’ night out with a beauty bar from Tonya Jones Salon and a chance to win a treatment package from Dr. Jason Jack of Plastic Surgery Specialists at Market Bliss on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A fashion show, “Rock the Runway – Couture for a Cause” will be hosted by Lilly Pulitzer and will take place Saturday.
General admission shopping takes places Dec. 1 through Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Visit marketnoel.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/MarketNoel, Instagram @jlbmarketnoel and on Twitter @JLBirmingham. Tickets are available at the door. All special event tickets include admission for shopping. Regions is the presenting sponsor of Market Noel.
– Submitted by Junior League of Birmingham.
