The holiday show will go on – with COVID-19 in mind.

The Junior League of Jackson’s 40th annual Mistletoe Marketplace – with special events and vendors from across the country – says safety was a top priority in the planning of the 2020 event which runs November 4-7 on the Mississippi Fairgrounds in downtown Jackson.

One major change for this year is timed tickets. Admission – $15 for adults, $10 for seniors over 60 and $5 for children 6-12 – must be reserved in one of three daily time slots.

My City spoke with Mistletoe organizers about changes to this year’s event:

This year throws the event for a loop: how has COVID-19 affected the weekend?  
COVID-19 added challenging facets to the planning process. We approached the event with a safety-first attitude. Once Mississippi re-opened for business, we realized that, with strategic planning and preparation, we could continue our Mistletoe tradition, in its 40th anniversary year. This year, there is something for everyone: in-person, curbside and virtual options for shopping and special events. 

Specifically, how are you assuring shopper and vendor safety?  
Mississippi Baptist  Medical Center will be on site to perform thermal screening and temperature checks of volunteers, merchants and shoppers. Masks will be required, and we have reduced ticket allotments. In addition, we are using a COVID cleaning solution designed to provide 72-hour coverage, every 24 hours as an extra layer of protection. 

There has been some confusion regarding this year’s special events. Can you address this?
We do have an in-person option for shopping and special events. We would love for those who are comfortable joining us in person to come out and enjoy our delectable food, holiday spirits, spectacular special events, and our wonderful shopping opportunity. 

What does having the new Trade Mart and connected, newly-renovated coliseum offer to this year’s Mistletoe? 
This year, the coliseum serves as our Special Events Pavilion, thereby eliminating the need for tents for Mistletoe Marketplace. The connection of these two venues allows for a significantly larger capacity, providing adequate space for social distancing. Due to the reduction of ticket availability, we are keeping attendance under 15% of the maximum capacity. 

What are you most looking forward to for Mistletoe 2020?  
We are really looking forward to seeing our beloved shopping tradition come to fruition in the brand-new Mississippi Trade Mart. We are also anxious to see how the creative and innovative solutions developed for this unique year will shape Mistletoe Marketplace for years to come. Finally, we are so happy to provide this positive infusion into our community! 

Full details on individual events, including the opening gala, breakfasts, fashion shows, luncheon with Tim Tebow and shopping opportunities, can be found at mistletoemarketplace.com.

Note: Masks will be required while in the Mississippi Trade Mart or Mississippi Coliseum.  Failure to comply with wearing a mask will result in forfeiture of your ticket and removal from Mistletoe Marketplace.