Welcome, Merchants! Our event will take place this year from November 6-9, 2025 at the Abilene Convention Center. Throughout the weekend, thousands of guests attend our annual fundraising event. Becoming a merchant, you support the mission of the Junior League of Abilene as we make a difference in our community. 

MERCHANT FAQS

Have questions about participating in the 2025 Christmas Carousel Market? Check out our frequently asked questions.

WHEN AND WHERE IS CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL?
Christmas Carousel will take place November 6-9, 2025, at the Abilene Convention Center. Merchant Move-in begins Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

HOW DO I APPLY TO BE A MERCHANT AT CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL? 
In order to apply, you must have a Member Essentials account through the Junior League of Abilene. If you do not have an account, you can create one here. After logging in to your profile, you must complete the merchant application to be considered. If you need assistance, please contact the Merchant Chairs merchants@jrleagueabilene.com.

WHAT DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS ENTAIL?
Once you have submitted your application, you will be in a queue to have your application reviewed by the merchant team. Booth fees start at $700 and range in price depending on booth size.

HOW DO I INCREASE MY CHANCE OF ACCEPTANCE?

1. Complete the application in full. Incomplete applications delay consideration, as members of the committee will have to reach out to obtain missing information. Only complete applications (including booth & merchandise photos and food samples, if applicable) will be reviewed.

2. Be very detailed regarding the products you sell. Share why your products are popular. If you have had success at Christmas Carousel, or a market similar to ours, be specific about why our shoppers will love your products. You can also include any additional details you feel we need to know in the text box towards the bottom of the merchant application.

I HAVE SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION. NOW WHAT? WHEN WILL I HEAR FROM YOU? 
All applications are reviewed by a jury of Junior League volunteers.  The sooner you apply, the sooner you will get a response, so we recommend applying as early as possible.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM ON THE WAITLIST? 
If you are placed on the waitlist, there is still a chance that you could be offered a booth as occasionally spaces become available. We will reach out to you should your status change.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL EVENTS? 
There are special events during Christmas Carousel which include Preview Party and other events to be announced.

The Preview Party will be held in the evening on Thursday, November 6, 2025. The Preview Party is a ticketed event where shoppers are eager to see the Market for the first time in a smaller setting with light bites and cocktails.

WHERE DO THE PROCEEDS OF THE MARKET GO? 
Your contribution directly supports the Junior League sponsored projects: CarePack for Kids, Homeless Youth Project, Feeding Bright Futures, Suds Buds, as well as countless other local non-profit agencies and outreach programs served through our PAVE project.

Booth Information

• Booths are 10’ x 10’. Premium booth space is limited. Reserve your space soon!
• Booth locations are limited. We try to accommodate every merchant’s requested booth size and location but are not always able to do so. Please apply early.
• We do have an additional booth sharing fee of $150 and both parties must apply, even if they are sharing a booth.

Merchant Hours

For More Information

We look forward to receiving your application. Please feel free to contact the Merchant Chairmen at merchants@jrleagueabilene.com if you have any additional questions.

Katelyn Biesecker & Tori Mordente, 2025 Merchant Co-Chairmen