Austin has a plethora of fun arts and crafts markets, especially this time of year! Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind clothes, artisanal jewelry, or Texas crafts, you’re almost certain to find what you’re looking for at one of these markets. Prepare to find the ideal gift for your children, nanny or babysitter, grandma, and all your family members just in time for the holiday season. These are our recommendations for the best holiday craft markets in Austin!
Here’s a list of the best fairs, bazaars, and markets in Austin to help you with your holiday shopping.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Blue Genie Art Bazaar takes place for over a month, giving shoppers plenty of time to get gifts for everyone on their list. Blue Genie features items from more than 200 local artists, from paintings and prints to jewelry and sculptures. Best of all, admission is free. Featuring over 80 artists and artisans, and running for 22 consecutive days, this year’s Art Bazaar will offer holiday shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind gifts in time for Christmas.
When: December 3rd through December 24th
Open at 10:00 am Daily
• Sunday through Thursday 10 am to 10 pm
• Friday through Saturday 10 am to Midnight
• Sunday, December 24th 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Monarch Events Center, 6406 North IH–35, Suite 3100
$$$: Free
Weihnachtsmarkt in Austin
Invite your friends and join with GTHS members for our annual Weihnachtsmarkt at the German Free School, 507 East Tenth Street, in Austin. We will be selling a large selection of handcrafted wooden items imported from the Erzgebirge region of Germany – pyramids, nutcrackers, smokers, etc. – and blown-glass ornaments, embroidered linens, and much, much more, not to mention baked goods.
The German-Texan Annual Christmas Market is more of a festival than an art fair. Handcrafted items from Germany are available, as are traditional German music, Glühwein (hot spiced wine), apple cider, and German bakery items. Enjoy live performances of traditional German Christmas music and songs throughout the day and a special visit by Sankt Nikolaus. All sales on December 6 are tax-free! Extra Market Days will be Dec. 9, 10 & 11 from noon to 4 pm. and sales tax will be charged on these days.
When: Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: German Free School, 507 East Tenth Street
$$$: Free
Lone Star Holiday Market
Visit this Bee Cave market for one-of-a-kind gifts, live music, wineries, and breweries! This market, which is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, has all of the Holiday fun for everyone.
When: Nov. 27-Dec 18, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Hill Country Galleria, 12901 Hill Country Blvd. Ste D1-115
Bee Cave Tx, 78738
$$$: Free
Holiday Mini Market
The annual Mini Market will feature 15 vendors each day to maintain social distance between booths in the hotel’s large ballroom. Choose from a fantastic selection of locally curated gifts. Mini Market was founded by two moms who desired more diverse brands when shopping for themselves and their children. They set out to highlight brands across the country, making it easier for conscious shoppers to shop small.
When: Dec 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: South Congress Hotel
$$$: Free
Budafest
Parade, Santa Claus, booths, entertainment, children’s rides, and more. Parage at 9 am; tree lighting at 6 pm. Parking is plentiful in the lot behind the park pavilion, just follow the signs and pay a small fee to Project Graduation. For more information call (512) 295-1559.
When: Dec. 3-5
Where: Greenbelt and City Park, Buda, Tx
$$$: Free
Gruene Christmas Market Days
Each month, Gruene Market Days are held just north of New Braunfels. The market takes on a holiday theme during the month of December. With over 100 artisans, you’ll find a plethora of one-of-a-kind gifts ranging from handcrafted items to Texas foods. Cowboy Kringle will be riding into town as it lights up for the holidays. The Gruene Town Lighting will set the tone for an unforgettable holiday season.
When: Dec. 7-8
Where: Gruene Historic District
$$$: Free
St. Thomas Moore Christmas Bazaar
The show features a wide variety of arts and crafts by local artists. A silent auction is also featured. Bazaar proceeds are donated to Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center. For more information or if you are interested in participating as a vendor, call (512)218-4587.
When: December 6th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, December 7th from 8:30 am – 2:00 PM
Where: St. Thomas Moore Parish Activity Center
$$$: Free
Wheatsville Arts Festival
The Wheatsville Arts Festival includes 75 artists and craftsmen with original work on display. Pick up a one-of-a-kind gift, or enjoy the live music and incredible food at this holiday event destination. Great fun and entertainment for the whole family!
When: December 6-7, 10am-5:30pm
Where: Adams Park, 300 W. 30th Street
$$$: Free
Yule Fest Arts & Crafts Fair
This eclectic holiday event includes artwork, jewelry, knitwear, pottery, and more. There will also be a Silent Auction, Bake Sale, and Concessions.
When: December 6, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
December 7, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: City of Seguin – Coliseum, 950 S Austin St, Seguin, TX
$$$: FREE
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
The annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will once again be at the Austin Convention Center. It remains the same truly Austin honky-tonk bar shopping experience that has made the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions – just a bigger venue. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been supporting arts and culture for 45 years, and while they will not be hosting an in-person event this year, they will be hosting a virtual art show in a different format.
When: Dec. 12-24, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Where: Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 2, 500 E. César Chávez St. Enter on Trinity near 2nd Street. 512-447-1605
$$$: $3 weekdays before 7 p.m., $6 evenings and weekends
Laguna Gloria Holiday Art Festival
More than 60 regional artists set up booths around the grounds in front of the historic 1916 Driscoll Villa and sell ceramics, wood, paintings, fiber, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and glass, including the Driscoll Villa Christmas Ornament. Food, music, and refreshments.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 12-13th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Austin Museum of Art-Laguna Gloria, 3806 W. 35th St.
$$$: $7
Cherrywood Art Fair
This totally groovy, totally cool holiday art event gathers some of the best local artisans, jewelry- and handbag-makers, ceramists, and artists. All-day live music, children’s activities, food, and nonstop fun. Free.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 13, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 14;
Where: Maplewood Elementary School, 3808 Maplewood Ave. (at East 38th Street)
$$$: Free
Downtown Holiday Stroll
There will be free activities for the entire family throughout downtown, including holiday shopping experiences, holiday window, and light displays, pop-up shops, photo ops, and, of course, the signature 45-foot downtown holiday tree. Buy local and explore downtown with our Holiday Passport, a wallet guide stuffed with deals, special offers, and activities for the entire month of December, making it fun and easy to support the local shops and restaurants while remaining safe.