Austin's most beloved holiday market turns 50. From December 13–21, 2025, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar celebrates its golden anniversary at the Palmer Events Center with nearly 200 artists, live music three times daily, and the come-as-you-are Austin vibe that has made it a must-do for generations.

Quick facts (so you can plan fast)

• Dates and hours: December 13–21, 2025; open daily 11:00 AM–9:30 PM
• Venue: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX
• Artists: Nearly 200 booths featuring fine art, jewelry, and crafts—preview the featured artists list before you go
• Live music: Daily sets at 1 PM, 4 PM, and 7 PM with artists like Gina Chavez, Jackie Venson, and Shinyribs—see the full 2025 music lineup
• Tickets: $12 single-day; $50 season pass; kids 12 and under are free—purchase in advance on the official tickets page
• Parking: $10 at the venue garage; ride-share friendly
• Food and drink: Full bar and food available on site
• Weather note: Austin December is mild—57°F today, warming to 70°F by the weekend—so plan layers and comfy shoes; for up-to-date forecasts, check weather.gov for Austin the day of your visit

Why locals love "the Dillo"
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar grew out of the Armadillo World Headquarters era and has evolved into a uniquely Austin mashup of gallery-level art market and daily music festival. You can browse original art, meet makers, catch a top-tier local set, and sip something festive without ever stepping outside—ideal for holiday gifting and evening hangs alike. The 50th anniversary means extra buzz, bigger crowds, and likely some celebratory touches and commemorative goodies—keep an eye on the official 50th-season updates for any special releases.

Insider timing strategies (how to beat crowds and catch the best sets)

• Best shopping windows: Weekdays from 11 AM–2 PM are the quietest. If weekends are your only option, go right at 11 AM or in the 8:30–9:30 PM last hour.
• Music-aware browsing: Aisles thin out slightly during the first 10 minutes of each set; use that window for quick hits at popular booths, then circle back post-set for longer conversations.
• Evening crowds: The 7 PM show is the busiest, especially on Friday and Saturday. If you want a good vantage point, stake out a spot 15–20 minutes early.
• Selection vs. deals: Early in the run (Dec 13–16) offers the widest selection for one-of-a-kind pieces. The final Sunday sometimes brings bundle pricing or small discounts at select booths—never guaranteed, but worth a polite ask.
• Two-visit strategy: If you care about both shopping and music, split your goals—one weekday afternoon for art-first focus, one evening later in the week for the 7 PM show and festive atmosphere.
• Micro-timing your lap:
  • 11:00–12:30: Fresh energy, best chance for quiet conversations with artists.
  • 1:00 set: Browse a favorite row while most eyes are on the stage.
  • 3:00–3:45: Good reset window before the 4 PM set.
  • 6:00–6:45: Dinnertime lines at the bar/food; use this to slip into a busy booth.
  • 8:30–9:30: Great last-look hour, especially for prints and smaller works.

Make the most of the music

• Daily rhythm: Sets at 1 PM, 4 PM, and 7 PM. Expect bigger crowds at 7 PM. Acts like Gina Chavez, Jackie Venson, and Shinyribs keep the tradition alive—check the daily lineup on the official site before you go.
• Sound sweet spot: If you want balanced audio while still keeping an eye on nearby booths, aim for the area just behind the mixing desk when available.
• Flex plan: If a set is on your must-see list, browse adjacent aisles 30 minutes prior; you'll be close to the stage when it starts without losing shopping time.

Shop like an art pro

• Pre-game your list: Jot down recipients, budget