St. Martin’s 35th Joy of Giving Market

One of Houston’s largest and most popular holiday shopping events, the St Martin’s Episcopal Church Joy of Giving Market, returns for its 35th year, Oct. 14-16. Visitors will experience a shopping wonderland featuring thousands of items from over 80 vendors offering jewelry, fashion wear, home décor, unique accessories, bespoke art and crafts, wine, and gourmet foods.

The Market kicks off with a Premier Shopping Party, Tues., Oct. 14, 4-8 p.m. The $25 ticket includes hors d’oeuvres and first access to the market merchandise. Admission for the following two days is free. Wednesday hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

In addition to shopping, the Joy of Giving includes a silent auction including dinners, event tickets, travel, and gift items. Another popular feature is the Episcopal Church Women Pantry which offers gourmet take-out meals from Café St. Martin’s, the church’s in-house kitchen, including appetizers, frozen entrees, side dishes and desserts like the addictive, sweet “tasty trash”.  

With their purchases shoppers are also supporting worthy causes. Thanks to the generosity of its shoppers, sponsors and merchants, the Market has raised millions of dollars over the years for St. Martin’s outreach grants to local and international charitable agencies. Last year’s event benefitted 35 different organizations providing food, shelter, clothing and services to countless persons in need.