Whether you’re ready or not, it’s time to start thinking about your 2024 holiday gift list. If you’re looking for something really special or even one-of-a-kind for your friends and family, look no further than these local, handmade shopping events and markets in Austin, running from Black Friday to Christmas Eve. Start planning your winter visit with these top Austin Christmas shopping events, to ensure your gifts are as unique as the people who receive them.
Courtesy of Future Front.
Top Handmade Holiday Shopping Markets & Events
11/15/24 - 12/24/24
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fixture of the Austin holiday season. Shoppers can browse thousands of original works ranging from serious art to fun and kitschy items. A great way to buy hassle-free holiday gifts and support local artists.
bluegenieartbazaar.com
11/17/24 - 12/23/24
Inspired Minds Holiday Bazaar
Inspired Minds
Just south of Austin, in Buda, Texas the Inspired Minds Art Center is hosting their annual holiday bazaar with floor-to-ceiling handmade fine art goods all made from local artists. Don't miss the annual gingerbread house competition where you can enter into one of the four categories, kids, teens, families, or adults, or be a spectator and help judge.
inspiredminds.art
11/20/24 - 11/24/24
A Christmas Affair
Palmer Event Center
The Junior League of Austin's A Christmas Affair: Night of the Nutcracker is a must attend market in 2023. With more than 200 retail merchants from across the country, the annual shopping extravaganza will include a silent auction and five days of shopping to support small businesses from around Texas and the country.
shop.jlaustin.org
11/23/24 -11/24/24
The Front Market
Waterloo Greenway
Future Front Texas (FFTX) is hosting a holiday edition of The Front Market, hosted entirely outdoors at Waterloo Greenway. Featuring over 400 vendors, The Front Market will showcase women and LGBTQ+ creatives, designers, makers and artists across Texas— making it easy to support their work (and grab gifts) all in one place.
thefrontmarket.com
11/30/24 - 12/1/24 & 12/7/24 - 12/8/24
Holiday Reuse Market
Austin Creative Reuse
Shop for sustainable gifts this holiday season at the Holiday Reuse Market. The market will be open for two weekends giving you plenty of time to stop by for unique finds from a variety of vendors focused on reusing materials and practicing sustainable production methods. Between handmade goods, upcycled treasures, vintage pieces and more you'll be sure to find something your loved ones will adore.
austincreativereuse.org
12/6/24 - 12/21/24 (Friday-Sunday)
Holiday Arts Market
Hill Country Galleria Central Plaza
The Lone Star Farmers Market has gone HOLIDAY! All your favorite farmers market vendors will be in the Central Plaza – with the addition of some new holiday-themed vendors. Visitors can shop local holiday gifts, arts and fare from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
hillcountrygalleria.com
Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Credit Annie Winsett.
12/7/24
German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market
German Free School of Austin
Browse the market for handmade, imported crafts, decorations, ornaments and more, listen to traditional German Christmas music and enjoy a cup of Glühwein with gingerbread cookies.
germantexans.org
12/14/24
'Tis The Season Craft Fair and Market
Hand Made at Nutty Brown
Browse over 30 one-of-a-kind vendors set in this artist community on the edge of the stunning Texas Hill Country. Find goods like pottery, jewelry, botanicals and more while you enjoy food and drinks.
artcraftlounge.com
12/14/24 – 12/23/24
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Palmer Events Center
For over 45 seasons, The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been a fine art shopping destination featuring national and local award-winning artists alongside live music, and a full bar in a festive, lively atmosphere. With a new rendition of an Austin tradition, the 2023 Armadillo Bazaar is back at the Palmer Events Center and extends the mission of Armadillo Christmas Bazaar to support arts and culture.
armadillobazaar.com
12/14/24 - 12/15/24
Flores Market Latin Fest ATX
Canopy
Flores Market focuses on bringing together women, Latin/BIPOC and local businesses and that's no different for their annual holiday market. Guests will enjoy free cocktails from Dripping Springs Vodka, live DJs and Mariachi, live demos, over 40+ local vendors and more.
floresmarketatx.com
12/14/24 - 12/15/24
Holiday Vibe Market
Distribution Hall
Get ready for a fun-filled day of shopping at the Holiday Vibe Market in East Austin. With over 200 artisans, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list and then some. The market is free to visit and will include a DJ, complimentary cocktails and guest chefs serving up delicious cuisine while you shop.
vibeartisanmarkets.com
Courtesy of Roam Homegrown.
Where Else to Shop
While Austin is a laid-back city, the day after Thanksgiving signals to even the most relaxed of us that it's time to start shopping for the holidays! Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, the city has a variety of excellent and locally-made shopping destinations to find your most unique and Austin-esque gifts for the season.
Learn about the city and get your local shopping started early at the Austin Visitor Center! Open Monday-Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m., stop by the Visitor Center's Gift Shop to load up on stocking-stuffers. Or, take your shopping online and check out our online store for gifts like plush toys, locally-made salsas and barbecue sauces, Austin-themed ornaments, tea towels and more.
If you're planning to celebrate the holidays away from your family, consider sending a care package full of unique Austin items from our local gift box companies. Send a Seasonal Gift Box from Roam Homegrown, featuring soy blend candles, aromatherapy spray, lip balm, bath salts and more. Or, send a taste of Austin with the Best of Austin Gift Box from The Artisan Gift Boxes, featuring yummy local snacks like honey toasted pecans, Thunderbird snack bars, local roasted coffee and more.
Keep it local on Small Business Saturday (and throughout the holiday season) by supporting local businesses in Austin. Send some holiday cheer to your friends and family with sustainable, Austin made cards and stationary from Letterpress PLAY. Shop in person for unique and upcycled gifts at the store located on South Congress Avenue or online. Looking for more local businesses with everything from local screen printed tees to hand-made botanical goods and more? Check out at these beloved Austin-based shops and brands.
Visit some of Austin's most iconic shopping destinations (in store and online) to pick up your favorite goodies including BookPeople, Waterloo Records and many, many more.
Now globally recognized as a day to give back to your favorite nonprofit or local business, take advantage of some of your Austin savings and deals, and donate the difference on Giving Tuesday. For all the dough you've saved while shopping around town, consider donating the difference to a local Austin nonprofit in need!
What's your favorite shopping experience in Austin? Share your favorite finds on Twitter or Instagram with #TrueAustin!
