Illustration of a christmas market scene (A Christmas Affair)
Christmas Markets

A Christmas Affair

Guests can explore a large holiday marketplace featuring a curated selection of over 200 merchants as well as the Texas Makers District. Visitors can shop for unique gifts under twinkling lights, check out Santa’s Corner, and grab meals, snacks, or drinks from interior concession stands and outdoor food trucks. Proceeds from the shopping market support The Junior League of Austin's local community programs.

What to Expect

The Junior League of Austin’s signature holiday market and fundraiser.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

South Austin

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

The Junior League of Austin

Food & Drink

The Market has two new concession stands serving snacks, meals, and drinks, as well as bars inside and food trucks outside on the West Canopy.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Holiday shoppers and families

Vibe

Festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Location

Palmer Events Center
900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
Austin, TX
78704

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $25 per guest, ticket required. – Get tickets
  • Parking: Parking is not included with the ticket; complimentary offsite parking and shuttle service are available from Barton Creek Mall. Parking for events Nov. 13-15 at the Community Impact Center is complimentary.
  • Accessibility: Palmer Events Center is ADA accessible, featuring accessible entrances, restrooms, and pathways throughout the venue.
  • Pets: Pets can get their own Santa photos at the Community Impact Center during the Nov. 13–15 events.

Tips & Advice

  • Park free at Barton Creek Mall and take the shuttle, because garage spaces at Palmer are limited and parking in the surrounding neighborhoods isn't allowed.
  • Leave strollers, wagons and rolling bags at home or in the car, because none of them are allowed inside Palmer Events Center during the Market.
  • Book the Friday morning Sip and Shop on Nov. 20 if you want first pick of the shopping before the rest of the crowd.
  • Get a hand stamp whenever you step out, since same-day re-entry is allowed but coming back another day takes a new Market Day ticket.
  • Drop your coat and bags at the main lobby entrance and pick them up at the exit near Santa's Corner on your way out.

Special Events & Promotions

  • New this year: Sip and Shop adds a Friday morning session on Nov. 20, so early risers get two chances at first pick of the shopping.
  • The holiday mahjong tournament moves to the Community Impact Center on Friday, Nov. 13, and includes a Market Day general admission ticket.
  • Children's Parties and Santa Photos for Kids and Pets run Nov. 13–15 at the Community Impact Center, with separate tickets.
  • New this year: the Texas Makers District puts eight merchants along the exterior Market hallway.
  • New this year: two concession stands inside the Market, so you can eat without leaving the shopping floor.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a stroller or wagon to the Market?

No. Strollers, rolling bags, wagons and carts aren't allowed at Palmer Events Center because of capacity and fire code limits. Strollers are allowed at the Children's Events at the Community Impact Center.

Where can I leave my coat and shopping bags?

Paid coat and bag check is at the main lobby entrance. Pick-up has moved to the exit near Santa's Corner and the Texas Makers District.

Where can I get food?

Concession stands in the Market hall serve snacks, meals and drinks, including two new stands this year. Food trucks park outside on the West Canopy, and bars are on site.

Does a party ticket get me into the Market?

Yes. Party tickets at Palmer Events Center include same-day Market access with a wristband. Children's Event and Santa photo tickets don't include Market entry.

Is there a place to nurse or take a quiet break?

Palmer Events Center has two mothering rooms next to the North Lobby elevator, and the Community Impact Center has one too. The Children's Events have a sensory room with low lighting, reduced noise and calming tools, with parents supervising.

Tags

holiday marketfamily friendlySanta visitsartisanal productsfestive foodholiday shoppingcommunity celebrationinteractive displaysNew Years Eveseasonal activities

More Christmas Events Near Austin

More Christmas Events near Austin

Open the map around Austin →

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 17, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team