Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Visitors browse a curated market of nearly 200 artists showcasing fine art, handmade gifts, and stocking stuffers. Daily live bands perform on an intimate stage, providing a musical backdrop for shopping and dancing. Attendees can also grab food, visit a dedicated coffee stand, or order drinks from full bars and the Hello Trouble Hall honky tonk.
What to Expect
Austin's winter arts fest featuring nearly 200 artists and live music.
Event Details
Duration
Ten days; a general admission ticket is valid for any one day.
Ages
All ages (Children 12 and under are FREE)
Neighborhood
South Austin
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Food & Drink
Food and well-stocked bars are available at the Bazaar.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Art lovers and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive, artsy, laid-back
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Dec. 12: 11am-9:30pm (special VIP hour at 10am); Dec. 13-17: 11am-8pm; Dec. 18-20: 11am-9:30pm; Dec. 21: 11am-8pm.
- Parking: $10 per vehicle in the Palmer Events Center garage; other parking options are also listed.
- Accessibility: The venue does not provide wheelchairs or scooters, but visitors may bring their own, and accessible parking is located near garage elevators.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed; service animals are welcome.
Tips & Advice
- Bring reusable shopping bags and comfortable shoes, since you'll be strolling the aisles, shopping and maybe dancing to the live bands on the stage.
- If you bought tickets ahead, skip the box office and go straight to the entrance door, where wristbands for same-day re-entry are handed out.
- Bring a card for tickets, food and drinks, because the box office and concessions are cashless, though most artists take cash and there's an ATM.
- Use the circle drive at the front door for rideshare and pedicab drop-offs, especially if you're bringing a stroller or using a wheelchair.
- Buy only through the official website or the lobby box office, because tickets from third-party sites or sold outside the venue may be fake.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening day, Saturday, December 12, starts with a special VIP hour.
- The Annual String-Off takes place on Monday, December 21.
- New hours for 2026 vary by day.
- Holiday Inn – Town Lake offers a special room rate for Bazaar attendees.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bazaar good for kids?
Yes. The music is kept at kid-friendly levels and the aisles are wide enough for strollers. There's a quiet nursing space on the north side of the building, and children 12 and under get in free.
What is there to eat and drink?
Food stands serve gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly options plus grab-and-go snacks. A coffee stand makes hot coffee and espresso to order. Full bars serve beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, including the Hello Trouble Hall honky tonk.
How does admission work?
A general admission ticket is good for any one day and isn't tied to a date or time. You get a wristband at the door, and same-day re-entry is allowed with it.
Can I pay with cash?
The box office and concessions are cashless, but most artists take cash. There's an ATM onsite.
What should I leave at home?
Leave pets, chairs, outside alcohol and skateboards at home. Service animals are welcome.
More Christmas Events Near Austin
More Christmas Events near 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.