The Lake Charles experience that makes 6,000 children and shoppers very merry year after year is right around the corner. The Junior League of Lake Charles with Navarre Auto Group kicks off its Annual Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Three-Day Market at the Lake Charles Civic Center  Friday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. (Pay the upcharge to get in ahead of the crowd at 9 a.m.)

A Southwest Louisiana tradition since 1993, this event gives shoppers a go at marking through their holiday gift list for gifts, delicious goodies and decor.

“If I had to theme the great shopping experience we’ve planned for this year, I think I would have to call it, Bringing the Christmas Cheer,” said Kristan Solari, JLLC spokesperson.

Think decor, clothing, toys and stocking stuffers that delight.

General admission presale tickets are $12 and $15 at the door for Friday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission provides entry into the market for shopping. Children eight and under get in free.

Solari said 30 new vendors have been added to the market for 2022, and this year more emphasis than ever has been placed on the children’s sessions.

Cookies with Santa was a traditional favorite Mistletoe & Moss event in year’s past. That event has been amped up, way up. The new direction deserved a new name, and more opportunities for children to participate. Santa’s Shop will have more sessions this year and every single one will be jam packed, according to Solari.

Children can write letters to Santa and have pictures taken with not only Santa but also Mrs. Claus. The Children’s Museum and Niche staff will bring joy with special fun and crafts.

Santa’s Workshop is Saturday, Nov. 19 at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

The price has stayed the same.

In fact, the combination ticket for adult and child is $45, and that’s a savings. An additional adult ticket is $25. An additional child ticket is $25. Children two and under may attend for free.

Premier shopping is the grand opening shopping event that allows shoppers to enter ahead of general admission visitors. Buy a $25 ticket and get in at 9 a.m. – two hours ahead of general admission – on Friday.

Sip & Shop will be Friday evening, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sip & Shop includes entertainment from Street Side Jazz Band, sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres from 31 vendors, including Cousins Lebanese Restaurant  and two complimentary cocktails.

“We don’t have many tickets left,” Solari said. “If you are interested in that event, you should certainly call right away.”

SWLA  loves Pirate’s Pantry and Marshes to Mansions, but you can now add other Junior League  cookbooks to your shelf. The tradition of best regional recipes makes for a unique and beloved  addition under the tree. Be sure to look for the Junior League of Lake Charles Cookbook Booth.

The JLLC also invites Mistletoe & Moss guests to take part in a community project. The JLLC  Community Outreach committee will have a Snack Sack assembly booth. Market shoppers are  invited to “Pack a Snack Sack” for a small donation to help fund this and other programs. These  food bags will be distributed to Ralph Wilson Elementary for children to have over Christmas  break. Be sure to pack a sack and help feed food insecure children this holiday season. Mistletoe  and Moss attendees will also be able to cast one ballot per admission ticket for their favorite  presentation for the Taking Education and Children Higher (TEACH) award, a new grant this  year that will award $5,000 to one individual educator. The applicant whose presentation  receives the most votes will be awarded the TEACH Grant.

Founded in 1933, the Junior League of Lake Charles is committed to promoting voluntarism,  developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and  leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League of Lake Charles is a volunteer organization  for women interested in making an impact in their community. The League’s legacy projects  include Arts Fest, The Children’s Museum, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), The  Literacy Council, Family and Youth Counseling Agency, The Imperial Calcasieu Museum, The  Lake Charles Symphony, and Calcasieu Community Clinic.

To get tickets right away, go to JLLC.NET. Disclaimer: Should the JLLC be forced to cancel an event or originally scheduled entertainment,  refunds will not be issued.  The ticket price will be considered a donation to the mission of the  JLLC.