The Troy University Alumni Association will host its annual Holiday Market from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday. Dec. 12 at the Alumni House.

Faith Ward, Troy University alumni director, said everyone is invited and encouraged to come.

“We have a full day of activities planned that will include shopping opportunities as well as a time of fellowship with friends and neighbors,” Ward said. “Vendors will be here with a wide variety of items and gifts. And, we’ll have the 2013 Troy University Christmas ornament for sale.”

The ornament is inscribed with Troy University Alabama’s International University and has the State of Alabama with Troy University identified with the letter T.

“Troy University is not just in Troy, Alabama; it’s around the world,” Ward said. “The 2013 ornaments are $20 and we also have ornaments for sale dating back to 1999 when Troy University began its Christmas ornament collection. Those ornaments begin at $5 and go up to $20 depending on the year. A complete sent of the ornaments costs less than buying them individually.”

The Troy University cookbook that celebrates 125 years of tastes and traditions will be available at the Holiday Market for $25. The cookbook is the third volume in a series.

Memberships in the Troy University Alumni Association will also be available.

“Memberships are $25 and a certificate of membership will be given,” Ward said. “These memberships make great gifts. Lifetime memberships are available for $500 and come with a gift basket.

“At 4 p.m., we’ll have the lighting of the Alumni House Christmas Tree followed by a reception with cookies and hot chocolate. You can purchase a light on the tree in memory or in honor of someone for $5. And his or her name will be called during the tree lighting ceremony.”

To purchase a light on the Alumni House Christmas Tree, call 670-3318 by noon on Thursday.

Dr. Doug Hawkins will be available to sign copies of his book, “Turning Points,” which is a history of Troy University and also includes a historical look at the City of Troy.

Door prizes will be awarded hourly during the Holiday Market.

“You don’t have to be present to win but you do have to register at the Alumni House,” Ward said. “We encourage everyone to join us for the Holiday Market on Thursday and all the activities surrounding it.”