The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar turns 50 this year—and Austin wouldn't have it any other way. Since 1976, this winter arts fest has blended serious art buying with live music and festive vibes, carrying the spirit of the Armadillo World Headquarters forward for new generations. For 2025, the nine-day celebration returns to the Palmer Events Center with nearly 200 artists, daily concerts, good food, and that distinctly Austin mix of creativity and community.

Essential details (read first)

  • Dates and hours: December 13–21, 2025. Open daily 11:00 AM–9:30 PM.
  • Venue: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX.
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    Palmer Events Center

    $$
    900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
    Event hours for Armadillo Christmas Bazaar: Dec 13–21, 2025, 11:00 AM–9:30 PM daily
    Website
  • Tickets: $12 single-day; $50 season pass (best for 4+ hours or multi-day shoppers); kids 12 and under free. Official sales via Ticket Tailor on the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar site or on-site box office in the Palmer lobby.
  • Parking: Palmer Events Center Garage (four levels), $10 per vehicle (fee goes to City of Austin). EV charging, motorcycle spaces, and accessible parking near elevators on each level.
  • Ride-share: Dedicated front-circle drive for drop-off/pick-up right at the door—fastest option during peak hours.
  • Live music: Three shows daily at 1 PM, 4 PM, and 7 PM.
  • Food & drink: Modern Mediterranean fare plus a full bar inside the venue.
Pro Tip

The $50 season pass pays off quickly if you’re planning multiple visits or want the flexibility to come back for different music lineups and shopping windows.

Why this year matters
Fifty seasons is no small feat. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has grown from counterculture origins into a nationally recognized arts market—without losing the Austin DNA. It has rotated through iconic addresses—Cherry Creek Plaza, Austin Opry House (now Arlyn Studios), Austin Music Hall, the Convention Center—before finding a long-term home at the Palmer Events Center, all while staying true to its mission: "To enhance the sphere of prosperity for the good of the community." For broader context on how Armadillo fits into the city’s cultural fabric, it’s a great complement to other “old Austin” institutions spotlighted in our guide to where Austin still feels like Austin.

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To enhance the sphere of prosperity for the good of the community.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar Mission

What you'll find (and what to look for)

  • Nearly 200 artists and award-winning makers: fine art and collectible pieces, handmade jewelry, one-off accessories, holiday décor, statement artwork, and budget-friendly stocking stuffers. If you love the hunt for unusual gifts, pair your visit with a stop at Austin Creative Reuse for thrifty, eco-forward stocking stuffers.
  • Serious art buyers: Think gallery-caliber paintings, sculpture, and mixed media—plus mid-range originals and smalls that make terrific gifts.
  • New collectors: An approachable curation with clear pricing makes it easy to start a collection without feeling out of your depth.
Pro Tip

Do a fast first lap just to spot “must haves,” then circle back to buy—inventory is often one-of-a-kind and can disappear between sets.

Live music that makes it Armadillo

  • Daily showtimes: 1 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM on the intimate Armadillo stage.
  • 2025 highlights include: Gina Chavez, Jackie Venson, Shinyribs, THEBROSFRESH, Gary P. Nunn, Carolyn Wonderland, Shelley King, CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Midnight Snack, Seth James, The Damn Torpedoes, Tomar and the FCs, The Point, Como Las Movies, Madam Radar, and Pianorama. Genres range from soulful blues and Americana to funk-forward party sets. Austin’s live music lineage—from Armadillo World Headquarters to Austin City Limits–era stages—is baked into the Bazaar’s booking philosophy.
  • Insider note: The 7 PM show is the buzziest and the busiest. If you're shopping seriously, plan purchases before 6:30 PM and enjoy the concert after.
Pro Tip

Think of the 7 PM set as your reward: lock in art buys before 6:30 PM, then settle near the stage so you’re not juggling purchases in the crowd.

Family-friendly by design

  • Kids 12 and under are free, and there's plenty of visual stimulation (and live music) to keep them entertained while you shop. The indoor setup makes it a dependable plan in December weather (expect mid-40s to mid-60s; today's baseline in Austin is around 65°F, cloudy). For another family-forward night out that pairs well with Bazaar season, see our Austin family holiday kickoff playbook.

Parking, transit, and timing strategy

  • When to arrive: For frictionless parking, target 10:45–11:15 AM or 3:15–3:45 PM turnover (between concerts). The 6:15–7 PM window is the most congested. If you’d rather skip driving altogether, Capital Metro’s CapMetro routes put you within an easy stroll of the venue.
  • Ride-share advantage: The Palmer circle drive deposits you at the front doors—ideal if you plan to carry art home or meet friends after work.
  • Accessibility: Accessible parking is located near elevators on each garage level; interior elevators drop you steps from the lobby and box office.
Heads Up

Expect the heaviest garage traffic around peak evening sets and right after the 7 PM headliner. Build in extra exit time or plan to use ride-share from the front circle drive.

How to shop the Armadillo like a local

  • Do a scout lap, then buy on the second pass. Inventory is limited and one-of-a-kind—if you love it, don't "think on it" too long.
  • Talk to the artists. Ask about commissions, alternate sizes, or framing options. Many makers can arrange a post-event pickup or local delivery for large pieces.
  • Payment prep: Most booths accept cards, but bring a backup payment method for speed or small-ticket items.
  • Protect the art: Carry a lightweight tote or padded sleeve; ask for a protective wrap if you're continuing to browse or heading to a concert.
  • Season pass math: Planning two or more visits—or a concert-first, shop-second strategy on multiple days? The $50 pass pays off quickly versus multiple $12 singles. You can sanity-check your spending and transit strategy alongside our Austin December 2025 mobility + money hacks.

Insider intelligence (premium local tips)

  • Crowd map:
    • Quietest hours: 11 AM–1 PM and 2–3:30 PM on weekdays.
    • Heaviest flows: Fridays 6:30–8:30 PM and Saturdays around the 7 PM set.
  • Best browsing windows by music slot:
    • 12:45–2:45 PM: After the first set begins through its end; aisles thin out.
    • 4:45–6:30 PM: Between the second and third sets—ideal for deliberate buying.
  • Garage game plan:
    • If you intend to load larger pieces, park near elevator banks; snap a photo of your level and elevator color. Use the lobby's covered zone for quick loading on your way out.
  • Food timing:
    • Eat before 6 PM or after 8:30 PM to avoid bar and café queues. Consider a late lunch, shop, then enjoy the 7 PM show with a drink in hand.
  • Artist discovery tactic:
    • Mix anchor names with aisles you don't recognize. The curation blends national award-winners with emerging Texas makers—half the fun is finding your new favorite. If you’re into discovering offbeat creative spaces, you might also love the immersive weirdness of The Eureka Room.
  • Authentication and fraud prevention:
    • Only buy tickets via the official Armadillo site (Ticket Tailor) or the on-site box office in the Palmer lobby—never from third-party resellers outside.
  • Weather-smart approach:
    • It's an indoor event with short outdoor transitions. Layer lightly; bring a compact umbrella just in case. December ranges ~46–66°F in Austin; you can always double-check conditions through the National Weather Service’s Austin office on austintexas.org before you head out.
  • Bring-the-kids plan:
    • Arrive for the 1 PM show; let them enjoy the music first, then shop during the 2–3:30 PM lull. Set a kid budget and let them pick a stocking stuffer from an emerging maker.
  • Exit strategy:
    • Lock purchases before 6:30 PM, then post up near the stage for the 7 PM set. If you're splitting the evening, ride-share out front beats fighting garage lines after the headliner.
Heads Up

Skip any third-party ticket offers or anyone selling passes outside the venue. Stick to the official Armadillo site (Ticket Tailor) or the Palmer box office to avoid scams.

Sample day plans

  • Power shopper (Weekday): 11:00 AM arrival; scout lap; commit buys 12:30–1:30 PM during the first set; art wrap and café break; second pass 2–3 PM; wheels up by 3:30 PM.
  • Date night (Friday): 5:15 PM ride-share; bar + small plates; focused shopping 5:30–6:30 PM; stage-side for the 7 PM performance; last looks 8:15–9 PM; out via circle drive. If you want a similarly “only-in-Austin” date another night, check out our dog‑friendly South Congress holiday stroll.
  • Family afternoon (Weekend): 12:30 PM kid-friendly lunch on-site; 1 PM show; shop 2–3:30 PM while crowds thin; quick bar line after 4 PM set for parents' toast.

Why Armadillo remains a "Keep Austin Weird" classic
This isn't a generic holiday market. It's a curated arts fair and a live-music showcase in equal measure—supporting independent artists and celebrating Austin's musical lineage. The result: a scene that trades mass-market sameness for originality, community, and a half-century of continuity. If you’re chasing more “weird in the best way” experiences, our guide to the HOPE Outdoor Gallery re-opening is a perfect side quest.

5/ 5
What We Love
  • Half-century Austin tradition
  • Strong mix of art buying and live music
  • Family-friendly indoor setup
  • Central location with transit and ride-share access
Room to Improve
  • Garage can bottleneck at peak times
  • Evening crowds get dense near the stage
  • Limited nine-day run each season
The Verdict
5

A quintessential “only-in-Austin” holiday experience that functions as both a serious art market and a mini music festival—well worth planning a dedicated night (or two) around.

Food and drink

  • Expect modern Mediterranean options (fresh, lighter fare that travels well as you browse) plus a full bar. Pro tip: hydrate between sets and split your food run from your drink run to avoid carrying too much around the aisles. You can cross-reference nearby pre- or post-show dining with the official Visit Austin restaurant and bar listings if you want to keep the night going.
Note

Lines at the bar and café spike between 6–8 PM. Grabbing a late lunch or post-show snack can free up more of your prime-time window for art and music.

History in a nutshell

  • Born from the creative groundswell around the Armadillo World Headquarters, the Bazaar survived venue changes and decades of city growth while championing artists. Executive Producer Bruce Willenzik and producers Anne Johnson and Annie Harding have steered the mission: "to enhance the sphere of prosperity for the good of the community." For the deep-dive narrative, see our longform feature on Armadillo Christmas Bazaar at 50 and how it sits alongside other legacy venues.

Responsible planning and policies

  • Check the Palmer Events Center policies for any bag-size or prohibited-item updates before you go. If you're picking up a large piece, coordinate timing with the artist and use the covered lobby zone for quick load-outs. Travelers stacking the Bazaar with airport runs can pair this with our guide to navigating AUS through 2030 for smoother logistics.

Quick reference

  • Dates/hours: Dec 13–21, 11 AM–9:30 PM daily
  • Location: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd
  • Tickets: $12/day; $50 season; kids 12 and under free
  • Parking: $10 Palmer Garage; EV, accessible, motorcycle spaces
  • Music: 1 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM (lineup subject to change)

Plan the rest of your Austin day

  • Pair the Bazaar with smoke-ring perfection: Austin Barbecue guide (article_url:austin-bbq-nov-2025-001)
  • Sushi before the 7 PM set? Shokunin Austin insider guide (article_url:shokunin-austin-insider-nov-2025)
  • Track the hottest new bars near downtown: Austin Food & Drink openings + Michelin coverage (article_url:austin-food-drink-nov-2025-insider)
  • Make it a wellness Saturday: trails, cold plunges, and outdoor resets (article_url:austin-outdoor-wellness-saturday-nov-2025)
  • Turn it into a full holiday-circuit weekend with our Austin holiday lights on the patio guide.
  • Need kid- and pup-friendly options before or after? The Parent + Pup Patio Index maps out laid-back breweries and patios across town.

Primary sources and official info

The bottom line
For five decades, Armadillo has been where Austin's art scene meets its music soul. Come ready to browse deeply, listen intently, and leave with something one-of-a-kind—whether it's a new piece for your wall or a new band on your playlist.