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For nearly 50 years, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been Austin’s go-to winter arts fest, where holiday shopping, local art, and live music come together to create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. From December 14-23, 2024, at the Palmer Events Center on 900 Barton Springs Road, this beloved Austin tradition invites visitors of all ages to explore nearly 200 artists showcasing their unique creations, from fine art to handmade gifts. With 30 bands performing on the intimate Armadillo stage, guests can enjoy three unforgettable live performances each day, adding a vibrant soundtrack to your holiday shopping. Open daily from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, the Bazaar is the ideal destination for discovering Austin’s creativity while enjoying a laid-back, festive atmosphere filled with delicious food and well-stocked bars. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime visitor, don’t miss this iconic event that has been celebrating art, music, and counterculture since 1976. Tickets are $12 for a one-day pass and $60 for a 10-day pass—visit ArmadilloBazaar.com for more information, including ticket purchases, artist details, and the full music lineup. Join us in keeping this cherished tradition alive and be part of something that’s as much a part of Austin as the live music and art that defines our city!
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The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is more than a typical holiday market or a traditional art fair—it’s both! You’ll find a carefully curated showcase of nearly 200 local artists and makers, offering an eclectic mix of fine art, handmade jewelry, crafts, and holiday decor. With pieces ranging from fine art paintings to one-of-a-kind ornaments, every corner offers something to spark joy. Whether you’re in search of the perfect Austin gift or looking for unique additions to your home, this holiday shopping event is a perfect way to support local artisans, discover national, award winning artists and find truly special items.
No Austin event is complete without live music! At the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, live music takes center stage, transforming the holiday shopping experience into an unforgettable festival of sound and spirit. With three exceptional performances each day on the intimate Armadillo stage, you’ll be treated to an eclectic mix of Austin’s top talent across genres, from soulful blues to lively Americana and infectious funk. Past artists like Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, Shinyribs, Marcia Ball, and Rick Trevino have graced the stage, and this year promises an equally stellar lineup that will have you tapping your toes and dancing in the aisles. There’s no Austin event quite like it! As you browse nearly 200 curated booths filled with unique handmade gifts, the vibrant melodies create a lively atmosphere that embodies the heart of Austin’s creative culture, inviting you to relax, connect with artists, and immerse yourself in a truly festive holiday experience.
The roots of the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar trace back to the iconic Armadillo World Headquarters, a legendary venue that defined Austin’s counterculture movement in the 1970s. Founded in 1970, the Armadillo World Headquarters was a hub for musicians, artists, and creatives, where artists like Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris, and Elvis Costello found a stage to empower their careers. The venue was famous for its laid-back atmosphere and eclectic mix of music and art, making it a cultural cornerstone of Austin’s creative spirit.
The magic of the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar began in 1975 with a fortunate conversation between Bruce Willenzik, then the kitchen manager at the Armadillo, and Lucinda Williams, a moment that sparked an idea. Lucinda remarked that it was too bad her artist friends didn’t have a warm, dry place to sell their art during the holidays. That casual comment planted the seed for what would become the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, an event that embodies the spirit of Austin’s creativity and community.
Ever since the closing of the Armadillo World Headquarters, the Christmas Bazaar has moved through various iconic Austin venues over the years, from Cherry Creek Plaza to the Austin Opry House Ballroom (now renowned recording studio, Arlyn Studios), Austin Music Hall, and the Convention Center. Now hosted at the Palmer Events Center, the Bazaar continues its tradition of celebrating local talent and supporting artists, blending Austin’s rich musical history with a thriving arts scene.
Executive Producer Bruce Willenzik, along with producers Anne Johnson and Annie Harding, have nurtured the growth of the Bazaar while keeping its original ideals alive—providing a platform for artists to thrive and creating a festive space where art, music, and the holiday spirit come together. Their mission: To enhance the sphere of prosperity for the good of the community. Today, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar stands alongside Austin’s longest-running traditions, deeply connected to the city’s cultural fabric and beloved by generations.
