Midtown Houston Mistletoe Market debuts on November 5-6

As she shopped at some outdoor markets in New York City over the Christmas holidays in 2011, a light bulb went off in Midtown Management District’s operation manager Cynthia Alvarado’s mind.

The crisp weather, combined with wide range of unique gifts and the holiday music, created an atmosphere that Santa would be proud of.

“It was so festive and exciting, and I asked myself, ‘Why can’t we do this here?’ ” said Alvarado.

Today, that dream has become a reality with Midtown Houston Mistletoe Market, which debuts November 5-6 at Bagby Park, 415 Gray St. The market will include fine arts and crafts by well-known artisans, delicious small batch prepared food for sale and holiday entertainment.

“I’m so excited because this has been a dream of mine for five years,” Alvarado said. “I feel like this has been a missing piece for the city, to be able to experience an outdoor urban holiday market  – to be able to get out for the holiday market. My goal is to make it a destination event  for the Houston area.”

With Mistletoe Market, the Midtown Houston has taken the concept of Midtown Art in the Park to new level, Alvarado said.

“We’ve opened it up more to include fine crafts and wearable items, which were never allowed at Art in the Park,” she said. “Mistletoe Market is more casual, but you’ll see fine products for sale at a good price point. That way, you can do all your Christmas shopping there.”

So far, Midtown Mistletoe Market has signed up 25 vendors, and the list is growing.

Houston artist Lauren Luna said the holiday market provides another opportunity to show her oil and canvas artwork in the Midtown area.

“I’ve been doing Art in the Park for the past five years, and it’s grown exponentially,” she said. “I hope that the Midtown art scene continues to grow and that I can definitely be involved with it.”

Midtown Mistletoe Market begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, and at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6. The free event is open to the public.

“We want people to come out and join us this first year,” Alvarado said. “Help us grow this free holiday inspired market into something really special for the season.”

Midtown Houston is a State of Texas designated Cultural Arts and Entertainment District. Midtown Mistletoe Market is underwritten by the Midtown Management District. The Market is coordinated by the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment Committee of the Midtown Management District.

For more information, visit https://midtownhouston.com/event/mistletoe-market and on Facebook.