50 Seasons!
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1976 : 1st Annual
In 1976, Armadillo World Headquarters was in deep financial trouble and getting deeper. An offhand comment by Lucinda Williams inspired Bruce Willenzik to dream up the idea of a Christmas market at The Armadillo.
Leea Mechling stepped up at the last minute, navigating through the chaos to bring the event to life and ultimately save the Armadillo from financial collapse that winter. Originally scheduled for just two days, the market was such a success that additional days were added the following week.
The staff and vendors loved it so much that we began calling it an annual event—after only one year! That first show featured space for 50 artist booths. Hans Flentge of Imagination Leather was the very first artist to sign up.
1977-1980 : The Next Four Seasons
The early years had a low-key, offbeat, homegrown feel—perfectly in tune with the spirit of Austin at the time. There was nothing else like it: holiday shopping in a scruffy, cavernous concert hall, filled with music, cold beer, and the warm aroma of fresh-baked cookies.
Notable artists included Fred Tate Jewelry, Bill Bailey Jewelry, Sean & Helen Ashdown, and Robert Day Beadworks. Jim Franklin had a booth creating airbrushed portraits—and designed a poster of armadillos pulling Santa in a sleigh on the moon.
We had an open stage, welcoming musicians of all calibers to drop in, find a slot, and perform. Marcia Ball was a regular. In 1980, Maria Muldaur volunteered as artist sales help in exchange for goods. Some now-iconic bands were born from impromptu jam sessions on the Armadillo Bazaar stage. The Christmas Bazaar was not able to cure all of AWHQ’ss financial woes, but it kept the place alive year after year. Attendance grew by 50% a year. By the 3rd year we had a waiting list. By the 5th year, crowds were at capacity almost all day, every day. 27,000 people came that year in that small space. The result of five years of the Christmas Bazaar at AWHQ made it possible to pay off the Chapter 11 bankruptcy just a week before the concert hall lease the up.
The Armadillo World Headquarters closed December 31st, 1980.
1981-1983 : The Show Must Go On!
A series of fortuitous events led us to being able to procure an old grocery store in South Austin. Hiring the Armadillo World Headquarters production crew as our staff, we were able to transform that empty Tom Thumb into a respectable re-creation of the energy of Armadillo World Headquarters for Christmas. We started paying bands that year and booking in advance.
Miracles happened which allowed us to keep that location for three years.
Our future day shift manager Cris Arnold made his first appearance selling moccasins for Bald Mountain. Bart and Cynthia Kelley joined the staff in 1981. Anne Kelley (Johnson) was born in 82. Notable artists added to the show were Rebekah Papparella, Gypsy Wings Travelbags, Terri Koithan, Crysalis Hammocks, Suzanne Chustz and Lance Heddan, and Wolf Sittler.
1984-1986 : Austin Opera House
We had to find a new venue. Henry Gonzalez facilitated a meeting with Tim O’Connor to talk to Bruce about moving the show to the Austin Opera House. The room was a lot smaller than Cherry Creek Plaza. That little ballroom was so small that it always seemed crowded, even when there was only a few people there. When it was busy, that place was jammed.
Daryl Howard had the first Armadillo show of her career.
In 1985, a competing show with big backers tried to take the identity from the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar and have their own Dillo Christmas downtown. Resulting conflict and chaos upset Bruce enough to set him on a course of bringing the Armadillo philosophy and values to the rest of Austin through a long career in community service.
1987-1989 : The shopping treat of the season
We now have a strong reputation as the all fun – no stress holiday shopping event of the year and a family tradition they never miss. The show continues to grow in both customer satisfaction and artistic quality, with musical performances afternoons and evenings. We remain open 12 hours a day throughout our 14-, 15-, and 16-day show runs.
Cynthia Kelley led our flyer distribution efforts with the enthusiastic assistance of five-year-old Anne (Johnson). A notable artists added to the show, Wayne Rossi, DS Ironworks.
In 1989, when Gary P. Nunn was iced in and unable to attend, Don Walser—the legendary yodeling cowboy—graciously stepped in for his debut performance on our stage.
We proudly uphold the tradition of opening and closing each day with our anthem, “London Homesick Blues” (I wanna go home to the Armadillo), celebrating the heart and soul of our show. Our first annual String Off takes place, a fun knot throwing competition that lives on to this day.
1990-1992 : Totally Bazaar.
In 1990, we refreshed our logo with new graphics designed by Annette Morris. Despite facing heavy rains and ice storms that burst water pipes across the city, we remained a warm and welcoming refuge for our visitors.
We discontinued our afternoon performances in 1991, but the year brought new momentum. A feature in the Austin American-Statesman helped drive record Monday crowds, a testament to the growing buzz around the show.
By 1993, we expanded into the building’s large ballroom, allowing space for 84 booths—including four set right on the stage. That same year, Annie Harding joined the team as our evening box office person.
ADAPT of Texas, the disability rights organization, began an annual fundraiser at the show. Known for its "Wheelchair Santas," ADAPT members or Santa Clones, collected donations, spread holiday cheer, and raised awareness for disability rights during the event.
Notable artists added to the show:Beth McElhaney, Personal Adornments, Tom Thomas Leathers, Pat Landreth and Suzanne Montano, Bungled Jungle.
1993-1994 : Even More Bazaar!
Our final years at the Austin Opera House—now known as The Terrace—were filled with energy, creativity, and tradition. The show continued to captivate audiences with breathtaking art displays and live local music every night.
Many of our artists returned year after year, each time bringing fresh, inspiring works that kept the show evolving and exciting.
In 1993, we began a cherished Christmas Eve tradition featuring music by The Texana Dames, who performed together every closing night for 19 consecutive years. That same year, Jimmy LaFave gave his first solo performance on our stage giving him a 15-year legacy with us.
Our final years at the Austin Opera House—now known as The Terrace—were filled with energy, creativity, and tradition. The show continued to captivate audiences with breathtaking art displays and live local music every night.
Many of our artists returne year after year, each time bringing fresh, inspiring works that kept the show evolving and exciting.
In 1993, we began a cherished Christmas Eve tradition featuring music by The Texana Dames, who performed together every closing night for 19 consecutive years. That same year, Jimmy LaFave gave his first solo performance on our stage giving him a 15-year legacy with us.
Notable artists added to the show: Arthur Schoenig, Darlene & Jeff Dawald
1995-1997 : Austin Music Hall
We moved to the Austin Music Hall in 1995, and we felt right at home. We celebrated 20 incredible years! Austin’s one-stop bop-and-shop continues to be the go-to destination for unique, hard-to-find, and wildly creative gifts—plus live local music every night. We had a full bar featuring the friendliest bartenders in town and mouthwatering food by Luke Bibby. Our bar was always hopping; our artists and customers were happy. Our new young manager on duty Charlie Jones (later part of C3 Presents) was keenly interested in learning about festivals. Ray Wylie Hubbard was first booked and subsequently played annually for 22 years. Notable artists added to the roster: Alexa Walker, Gail Kincaid Jewelry, Greg Delaney and Kent Samuelson, Light Crafters. At our new location, we transformed the bar into a cozy winter wonderland and made room for 80 artist booths—bringing together art, music, food, and holiday spirit all under one roof.
1998-2000 : 25 Seasons!
It’s the Bazaar’s familial spirit, the strumming of a guitar and the winding booths with visual delights around every corner. Long strands of colored lights, and soft light in the artist booths. We celebrated our 25th anniversary, welcomed new artists to the show, Jay Long and Russell Strawn Smith, Scattered Jewelry.
Our music stage featured a Fathers and Sons music spot for Djanjo and Jerry Jeff Walker and Champ and Warren Hood. Other notable performances by Reckless Kelly, Ponty Bone and the Squeezetones and Will Sexton.
2001-2003 : Live Music and Art Keep Austin Cool
Jimmy LaFave said the Bazaar is one of those institutions that reminds us why we love Austin. We added more music on the weekends, with Toni Price, The Derailers, The Resentments and Carolyn Wonderland gracing our stage. The Blazing Bows, Mary Hattersley’s young violin students made their first of many annual performances. A notable artists added this period were Mychal Mitchell, Iona Handcrafted Books. Artists returned annually, so there was little turnover. Our customers delighted in finding and collecting new works by their favorite artists.
2004-2006 : 30 Seasons!
The last years at the Austin Music Hall were a haven for people searching for a different kind of holiday shopping experience. Artists displaying their works in a range from the sophisticated to the funky in every price range from 15 cents to $15,000. From stocking stuffers to investment quality works. We celebrated 30 seasons. Notable artists added were Mitch & Ame Alamag, Rokoko, Michelle Heath and Todd Van Duren. Cyril Neville got the Austin Musician of the Year award on our stage after coming from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. We started an annual tradition of inviting ALL City of Austin Employees to come for free one day of the show.
2007-2009 : Austin Convention Center Years
When it became clear that our old venue wouldn’t be ready in time, we found ourselves in a last-minute scramble to secure a new location. The City stepped in with a lifesaving suggestion: the Convention Center. At first glance, the space felt cold and industrial—more like the deck of an aircraft carrier than a festive gathering spot. But with creativity and heart, we transformed it. Lights danced on the walls, decorations brought warmth to every corner, and artist booths glowed with color and energy, turning the stark hall into a vibrant, inviting celebration. Leea Mechling brings the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture (now AUSPOP) into the show. Notable artists joining us Greg Davis Photography, Heather Harris, Yoshi Aoki, Sonia Sadler, David Melancon, EXIT82ART and Craig Timmerman. Some of the music highlights were a tribute to Steven Bruton by Malfred Milligan, Ian McLagen and Kat Edmonson. Capital Metro sponsored our stage and moved a Dillo bus into our show, called the Dillo Plaza.
2010 : Palmer Events Center
Austin’s homegrown Armadillo Christmas Bazaar morphs into the future with a new venue, a new look, new leaders and new artists. We chose a quartet of new leaders who grew up in the show to become a part of the future of the show. Anne Kelley (Johnson) emerges as the leader of the pack. We laid out a floor plan with extra wide aisles and a view corridor to the music stage. Uncle Lucius, Hank & Shairdri, Cody Canada, The Trishas, Marcia Ball graced our music stage. New artists coming in were Harold Seifert, Jackie Haliburton, Kari Stringer and our new toy store Got Toys!
2011 : Armadillo on the ascent
The show attracts visitors from around the world, ranging from locals who make it their family Christmas tradition to tourists and collectors of fine art. It’s been a favorite for locals for generations.
The philosophy of community, enhancing spheres of prosperity and commitment to art and music are what makes the show the best of Austin’s “weird” and wonderful. Armadillo continues to be the place for an authentic Austin live music and art buying experience, where creativity originality and fun are celebrated in the true spirit of the holidays. Musical highlights included Carolyn Wonderland, Shelley King,
2012 : The quintessential Austin event
A 13-day art fair and music festival like no other, the show offered a place where prominent – and up-and-coming artisans displayed their work s in a fun, family friendly environment. New artists included Liz Potter and Kathy Hutchins. Music highlights were 2 young brothers that had to get permission from school to play the show, The Peterson Brothers, and a new Christmas Eve tradition with Bill Kirchen and the theatrical satirical Austin Lounge Lizards put on their oft-times spontaneously interactive show with audience participation. Terrell Powell creates our featured art.
2013 : A fun authentic Austin experience
Austin’s festival of holiday shopping, live music and fun was concentrated in eight days. It had our customers telling us it was way too short; they could only come one or two times during the run. Hot music, fine art and cold beer made the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar the place where Austin shops in the giving season. A fusion of an art fair and a music festival bound together with a vibrant community-driven vibe. It all adds up to a fun authentic Austin experience. Carlos Mosely, Will Richards, Mood Modern Lamps, and Geraldo de Souza, Everyday Bow Ties, were some of the new artists. Clay McClinton had his dad, Delbert, sit in on a few songs, The Carper Family and Alpha Rev were just some of the musical highlights. Albert & Gage, although played our stage many times, started a tradition of playing on the last day of the show.
2014 : A vibrant community driven vibe
Jay Long created this year’s featured artwork, capturing the heart of the show with his unique style. Among the new artists joining us were Chris McCarthy, Park Avenue Glass, and Anne Rutt. One thing that sets our show apart is the flexibility and community spirit—we welcome artist couples who share a booth while showcasing their own individual bodies of work, something rarely allowed at other art fairs. Notable duos include Vladimir and Daniela Ovtcharov, Nha Vuu and her husband Chris Wheeler, and Yoshi and Susie Aoki. We also support collective booths. Robert Day Beadworks shared his space with five other talented beaders, and jewelers Steve Kriechbaum, Gail Kincaid, and Nora McMullen teamed up to create a shared display of exquisite craftsmanship. This year, Anne Johnson stepped into the role of General Manager. On the music side, Dale Watson began a six-year tradition of headlining opening night playing and swinging the house. Additional standout performances came from Kelly Mickwee, Ruthie Foster, and MilkDrive, adding to the vibrant, soulful energy of the event.
2015 : 40th Season!
This year, our featured artwork was created by Nemo, known for his distinctive freehand circle drawing style—perfectly capturing the spirit of the show.We celebrated our 40th birthday in style, throwing a party not just for ourselves but for other iconic Austin businesses also marking four decades. Joining the celebration were legends like Austin City Limits, County Line Barbecue, Antone’s, ThunderCloud Subs, Beto and the Fairlanes, and more.A wave of new talent joined the show, including Clifton Henri, Jason Brueck, Kate Harrold, April Murphy, Eric Lee, and Beach Glass Bingo—bringing fresh energy and diverse creativity to our artist lineup.With three bands performing each day, our musical programming was, as always, top-tier. Headliners like Jackie Venson, John Fullbright, Marcia Ball, and Asleep at the Wheel delivered unforgettable performances, offering our guests a rich and diverse mix of sounds throughout the event.
2016 : Art for you, Gifts for them, Music for Everyone
Our featured art this year came from talented mosaic artist Aly Winningham, whose intricate work set the tone for a show full of color and creativity. We welcomed a strong wave of new artists, including Lisa Morales, Michael Schweggman, Terra Cottage Ceramics, and Karen Van Horn-Morgan, all bringing fresh perspectives to the Armadillo family. Over the course of the 11-day event, our stage hosted an unforgettable mix of talent—from emerging stars like Los Coast, to beloved local legends like Jimmy LaFave, and even Grammy winners such as Marcia Ball. The intimate setting of the Armadillo stage made it possible to experience these Texas music all-stars up close, in a warm and festive holiday atmosphere surrounded by friends and family. In a rapidly growing city full of new festivals and fleeting trends, we’re proud to remain one of the few enduring “Old Austin” traditions—and we’re still going strong. Because let’s face it: everyone loves a good party.
2017 : Armadillo Love
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar continues to be the place to discover the art you love. With an unmatched mix of styles, mediums, and artists, you simply won’t find a more eclectic selection anywhere else. This year’s featured artwork was created by Robert Hurst, whose vibrant design captured the heart of the show. We also celebrated the season by showcasing love stories from artists and guests on our stage wall. Meanwhile, SUN Radio added a heartfelt touch by hosting a Message Tree, inviting visitors to write a note on a paper snowflake and hang it as part of a growing community display. We welcomed an exciting group of new artists this year, including beloved locals like Dan Grissom, Flip Solomon, and Rick Van Dyke, as well as talented makers from farther afield, such as Mick Whitcomb, Taylor Blaine, and Alan Potter. With 33 bands performing throughout the run, our stage was as lively as ever, featuring standout performances from Charlie Crockett, Redd Volkaert, and Emily Gimble. As Greg Davis says best: “You can’t really say you’re from Austin unless you’ve visited the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.”
2018 : 12 Days of Giving
12 Days of Giving was created as a way to give back to the Austin community by supporting local nonprofits. With 12 days to shop, the Armadillo Bazaar selected 12 local organizations, each receiving a portion of proceeds from their designated day. The featured art for the year was designed by Chris Smith of Smith Map Studio. We welcomed a variety of exciting new artists to the show, including Rebekah Vinyard, Nathan and Jennifer Falter of Springfield Pottery, Kevin Tong, and Amanda Bennett—each bringing their own creative voice to the Bazaar’s diverse mix. The 2018 music lineup featured 37 acts, including 10 musicians making their Armadillo debut. Highlights included the modern R&B soul of rising star Mélat, a long-awaited return from Gary P. Nunn, writer of London Homesick Blues, the high-energy funk and swagger of Shinyribs, and a show-stopping performance from fiddle prodigy Warren Hood, a second-generation Armadillo performer. At its core, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar remains the place to find heartfelt gifts in every price range, build your art collection year by year, meet artists in person, and even commission custom pieces.
2019 : A different kind of art show experience
From its humble beginnings in dive bars and music halls to today’s 40,000 square feet of pop-up galleries, artisan gift shops, two full bars, delicious local food, and an intimate stage with crystal-clear sound throughout the venue—the Armadillo magic continues to enchant both long-time fans and first-time visitors. With the lights down low, spirits high, and the music just right, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar transforms holiday shopping into a celebration. This year’s featured art came from mixed media artist Lisa Morales, whose vibrant work captured the season’s creative spirit. New artist Lauren Briere shared her excitement: “I’m so excited to be a part of such a long tradition of artists and creators... It’s so much more than a shopping excursion—more of an eventful experience.” Known for delivering unforgettable performances with high-quality sound, the Armadillo stage remains an intimate treasure. This year’s standout lineup included Kelsey Wilson and Sir Woman, Robert Ellis (a.k.a. The Texas Piano Man), and the legendary Ray Wylie Hubbard.
2021 : Armadillo Outside!
A new rendition of a holiday tradition outside on the grounds of the Palmer Events Center. In response to the global health crisis, we turned to our artists and asked, “What do you want to do?” Their answer was simple: “Let’s take it outside!” So that’s exactly what we did. Over the course of just three days, we experienced all the seasons—sunshine, wind, rain, even a touch of winter—but through it all, we had the best time celebrating art, music, and community with the City of Austin. This outdoor edition of the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar featured a beautifully curated selection of over 100 artist booths, including 30 first-time exhibitors, all showcasing their finest work. Set against the backdrop of the city skyline, the terrace provided the perfect setting for art lovers to connect with creativity in the open air. Live music brought even more magic to the experience, with two performances each day by an incredible lineup of talent:
Ruthie Foster, Shinyribs, Gina Chavez, Jackie Venson, Tomar and the FCs, and Carolyn Wonderland with Shelley King. It was a celebration unlike any other—and we had so much fun doing it.
2022 : A Homegrown Tradition in an Ever-Changing Austin
Beloved for its unique blend of fine art, distinctive gifts, and live music, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar remains a cherished tradition in a city that's constantly evolving. Year after year, it offers an authentic Austin experience—a celebration of creativity, originality, and fun in the true spirit of the holidays. It’s like stepping into hundreds of art studios and galleries, all under one roof. We proudly featured the most new artists we've ever had, making it our most diverse collection yet. Though the show was shorter—just seven days—we packed in unforgettable experiences. We introduced a fresh layout, placing the music stage in the center of the room so attendees could enjoy performances from all angles. A standout new addition was Hello Trouble Hall, the mobile honky tonk that created a lively social hub onsite.The featured art was created by Caya Crum, a talented second-generation artist and daughter of Armadillo alumni Betsy and Carl Crum of Crum Art—a beautiful nod to our roots and legacy. With three bands each day, we curated a musical lineup full of exclusive collaborations and one-of-a-kind sets that couldn’t be seen anywhere else. We also welcomed exciting new to our stage talent to the Armadillo stage, including Henri Herbert and Rosie Flores.
2023 : Rooted in Austin’s Creative Soul
Rooted in Austin’s Creative Soul The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is deeply rooted in Austin’s rich counterculture and artistic evolution, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the city’s distinctive blend of art, music, and tradition. More than just an event, it offers a connection to Austin’s past, present, and future—a living legacy of creativity. This season brought together an exceptional lineup of local, regional, and national touring artists, delighting art lovers with an inspiring and diverse collection of work. A highlight was the debut of the Armadillo Artway—an interactive art space featuring creative experiences for all ages, including a tintype photo studio by Paige Whitcomb, hands-on activities for kids, and other engaging moments that made the show even more memorable. We also expanded our music offerings with the introduction of Stageside, a fourth daily concert slot featuring intimate, hour-long performances from artists like Jack Barksdale and Scott Strickland. On the main stage, the energy stayed high with dynamic sets from Madam Radar, Beat Root Revival, Como Las Movies, and TheBrosFresh, keeping the crowd moving and the spirit alive.
2024 : A Cornerstone of Austin’s Holiday Season
For decades, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been a cornerstone of the holiday season in Austin—deeply rooted in the city’s rich history of counterculture and artistic evolution. It’s more than just shopping; it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the true spirit of Austin’s art, music, and community. This year’s featured artwork came from Lacy Vancourt – Die Trying, whose chainstitched masterpiece depicted the Armadillo Bazaar in whimsical style: a parade of little dillos making their way to the big event under a magical, star-filled sky—set against a dreamy landscape of neon cacti and twinkle-light tumbleweeds. We welcomed an exciting lineup of new artists, including Melinda Risk, Carlos Montenaro – Rewind, Mike Wardynski, and Abigail Crow, adding fresh perspectives to our ever-evolving creative family. On the music front, the lineup was truly stellar. We were thrilled to bring back Rick Treviño, while also welcoming first-time Armadillo performers Brennen Leigh and The Tiarras, who lit up the stage with unforgettable sets.
2025 : 50 Seasons!
Come celebrate with us!
