For the last 40 years, the annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar offers shoppers a chance to support local artists, hear local music and take part in a longtime, authentic Austin tradition.Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

The event returns to the Palmer Events Center for 10 days this year, from December 15-24, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The show is one of Austin's longest-running art and music festivals with a vibrant community-driven vibe. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the unique array of handmade items from more than 160 artists while enjoying live local music and sips from a full bar.

Here is a peek at some of the artists you'll encounter at the event:
Krystal Craig, of Crave Artisan Chocolate, will sell homemade chocolate barks, truffles and dipped and molded chocolate items that are as beautiful as they are tasty. Special holiday items include chocolate peanut butter cups that happen to be vegan and gluten free, and almond caramel clusters, which are also gluten free.

Check out Robo Ruku, a fun lifestyle brand of cute and clever characters developed by artists Renee Rice and Josh DuBose. The playful characters adorn everything from prints, necklaces, cards, coloring books and stickers.

Lights Out Candles, carried by exclusive establishments like the Four Seasons Hotel Austin and Parts & Labour, will sell soy blend wax candles ranging from 2 to 13 ounces in metal and glass containers. The candles are individually hand poured and made with essential oil based fragrances. Seasonal favorites include spiceberry chai, vanilla mint or winter pine, sure to fill your home with the essence of fresh-cut Fraser fir trees.

Painter Robert Hurst will sell originals, prints and limited edition paintings of sports ranging from tennis to baseball; music icons - think Jack White to Bob Marley; and a series of cute critters, from bears to turtles.

Award-winning international photographer Greg Davis will sell matted prints of his engaging photos taken around the world. Ask to see his "Blanket Weaver" image, a simple photo taken in the highlands of Vietnam early on in Davis' career.

Natalie Tischler of Ornamental Things makes Austin-inspired jewelry with a freewheeling, vintage vibe.

To see a full list of exhibitors and a photo gallery of their work, visit ArmadilloBazaar.com

Armadillo offers art for your home, perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list in every price range, and anything you can imagine that will fit underneath your Christmas tree.

Producer Anne Johnson calls the event the "perfect holiday shopping event for visitors and tourists as well. It is one of the few ‘old Austin' traditions that has survived the influx of festivals and the cities' rapid growth - and remained strong. People really appreciate the culture and history," she says. "Plus everyone loves a good party. Our 40th milestone this year makes it even more exciting. We can't wait."

Tickets are $8 for a single-day pass, available at the door, or in advance online. For the best value, purchase a season pass, which allows for entry throughout the duration of the show. The event is free for children age 12 and under.