About

Austin’s Winter Arts Fest

Since 1976, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been Austin’s go-to winter arts fest, where holiday shopping, local art, and live music come together to create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. From December 13-21, 2025, at the Palmer Events Center on 900 Barton Springs Road, this beloved Austin tradition invites visitors of all ages to explore nearly 200 artists offering their unique creations, from fine art to handmade gifts. With 27 bands performing on the intimate Armadillo stage, guests can enjoy three unforgettable live performances each day, adding a toe-tapping soundtrack to your holiday shopping. Open daily from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, the Bazaar is the ideal destination for discovering Austin’s creativity while enjoying a laid-back, festive atmosphere filled with delicious food and well-stocked bars. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime visitor, don’t miss this iconic event that has been celebrating art, music, and counterculture since 1976. Join us in keeping this cherished tradition alive and be part of something that’s as much a part of Austin as the live music and art that defines our city!

A Part of Austin’s Cultural Legacy

The roots of the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar trace back to the iconic Armadillo World Headquarters, a legendary venue that defined Austin’s counterculture movement in the 1970s. Founded in 1970, the Armadillo World Headquarters was a hub for musicians, artists, and creatives, where artists like Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris, and Elvis Costello found a stage to empower their careers. The venue was famous for its laid-back atmosphere and eclectic mix of music and art, making it a cultural cornerstone of Austin’s creative spirit.

The magic of the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar began in 1975 with a fortunate conversation between Bruce Willenzik, then the kitchen manager at the Armadillo, and Lucinda Williams, a moment that sparked an idea. Lucinda remarked that it was too bad her artist friends didn’t have a warm, dry place to sell their art during the holidays. That casual comment planted the seed for what would become the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, an event that embodies the spirit of Austin’s creativity and community.

Ever since the closing of the Armadillo World Headquarters, the Christmas Bazaar has moved through various iconic Austin venues over the years, from Cherry Creek Plaza to the Austin Opry House Ballroom (now renowned recording studio, Arlyn Studios), Austin Music Hall, and the Convention Center. Now hosted at the Palmer Events Center, the Bazaar continues its tradition of celebrating local talent and supporting artists, blending Austin’s rich musical history with a thriving arts scene.

Executive Producer Bruce Willenzik, along with producers Anne Johnson and Annie Harding, have nurtured the growth of the Bazaar while keeping its original ideals alive—providing a platform for artists to thrive and creating a festive space where art, music, and the holiday spirit come together. Their mission: To enhance the sphere of prosperity for the good of the community. Today, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar stands alongside Austin’s longest-running traditions, deeply connected to the city’s cultural fabric and beloved by generations.

December 13 – 21, 2025
11am – 9:30pm daily

Palmer Events Center 
900 Barton Springs Road, Austin TX

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Palmer Events Center 
900 Barton Springs Road, Austin TX

Ride Share
We encourage all ride-sharing options! Take advantage of the circle driveway, reserved expressly for drop-offs and pick-ups directly at the front door.

Parking at Palmer Events Center Garage
Park just a few feet from the entrance in the Palmer Events Center’s four-story garage. Amenities include alternative fuel charging stations, parking for mobility-impaired visitors on each level near elevators, and motorcycle parking.

• Fee: $10 per vehicle (all fees go directly to the City of Austin)

• For parking inquiries: Call 512-404-4260 or email accdparkinginfo@austintexas.gov

• Use the Barton Springs or Riverside entrance

Public Transit
Ride a Capital Metro bus! Plan your trip here.

Bike & Scooters

• Bike racks are available right at our entrance

• A convenient B-Cycle station is nearby

• Scooters can be dropped off at the entrance

Pedicabs
Pedicabs are welcome and can drop you off right at the entrance.

Buy Tickets

How much are tickets?
General admission is $12. To keep admission prices low, ticket totals include tax, credit card processing, and booking fees (+ fees = $14 total).

Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available online or at our cashless box office during the event. Please note: the box office and concessions do not accept cash, but most artists do. An ATM is onsite.

Are there discounts?
We do not offer discounts at this time. However, children 12 and under are always FREE!

Are tickets refundable?
No, all tickets are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, we encourage you to gift your QR code ticket to a friend, family member, co-worker, or even a stranger!

Do you have Season Tickets?
Season tickets are available on our ticket page only until the show opens on December 12, 2025. Get yours early!

How do I use my ticket?
Tickets can be scanned on your device or printed at home. If you cannot locate your ticket, our staff can look up your order by name and email—no QR required.

How does admission work?
A general admission ticket is valid for any one day of the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar (not date- or time-specific). Same-day re-entry is allowed with a wristband.

What if I pre-purchased my ticket?
Skip the box office! Go straight to the entrance door where wristbands will be distributed. Ins-and-outs are encouraged with a wristband.

Look Out for Third Party Sellers!
We only sell tickets through our official website using Ticket Tailor. Beware of fake ticket listings on third-party websites. On-site tickets are sold only inside the lobby box office at the Palmer Events Center—never outside the venue.

What food is available?
Find delicious, healthy, modern mediterranean cuisine from Shawarma Point on site this season, along with a café featuring rotating options each day including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly choices. You’ll also find grab-and-go snacks!

What drinks are available?
We offer full bars with beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Enjoy the Hello Trouble Hall honky tonk, or grab a drink from our roaming bartender during peak hours.

Is coffee available?
Yes! A dedicated coffee stand will be serving made-to-order hot coffee, espresso, and other drinks to keep you energized while you shop.

Is the event good for kids?
Absolutely! With festive music (at kid friendly levels), colorful art, and plenty of room to explore, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a joyful holiday tradition for the whole family.

Can I bring a stroller?
Yes! Our aisles are wide and stroller-friendly—perfect for strolling, shopping, and even dancing.

Is there a quiet place for nursing?
Yes, we provide a comfortable, quiet space for nursing parents and babies. It is located on the north side of the building—just ask a friendly staff member for directions.

Do kids need tickets?
Children under 12 get in free.

Is there a drop-off area?
Yes! The circle drive at the front entrance is always open for drop-offs and pick-ups. This area is encouraged for guests with strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone needing easier access.

Our 2025 music lineup will be announced first to our newsletter subscribers.

The full schedule will go live here on our website starting October 21, 2025, when tickets officially go on sale.

Holiday Inn – Town Lake
Enjoy a special rate for Armadillo Christmas Bazaar attendees who book before November 24.
Click here for more info and to book your room.

The Line Austin
Save 15% on your stay when you use the promo code DILLO25.

What should I bring?

• Your Christmas list (and a few friends to help you check it twice!)

• Reusable shopping bags or totes

• Comfortable shoes for strolling, dancing, and shopping

• Festive spirit and holiday cheer

• Strollers

• A valid ID if you plan to enjoy cocktails at the bar

What should I not bring?

• No Pets (sorry, only service animals are welcome—dogs trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities)

• No Chairs

• No Outside alcohol

• No Skateboards

Accessibility Note
The facility does not provide wheelchairs or scooters, but there’s plenty of space for you to bring your own. Read more about Palmer’s accessibility features here. 

The Armadillo Store is packed with holiday favorites and collectible finds—music posters, t-shirts, hats, patches, ornaments, bags, pins, stickers, buttons, and more. Perfect for stocking stuffers, gifts, or adding to your own collection.

Can’t wait? Select merchandise is also available online!

Looking for a specific artist?

• Browse our Artists page for this year’s lineup

• Explore the Artist Archive to see past participants

• Still can’t find who you’re looking for? Email us at info@armadillobazaar.com and we’ll help you connect

What is the String-Off?
A playful, offbeat knot-throwing contest—part game, part performance, and all about keeping Austin weird.

When is it held?
TBD for this year, but traditionally it takes place on the last day of the show.

How do I enter?
Entry is free—just use an official regulation Cosmic Goose Juggling Farm string, provided by the festival. Want to get a head start? Practice now by picking up string at the Armadillo Store.

What can I win?
There will be prizes, announced at the event!

Sponsored by:
The Goose on Lime Creek

Who is Mr. String?
Bruce “Mr. String”  Cate was the founder of the Cosmic Goose Juggling Farm. For over 30 years, he enchanted Bazaar-goers with handmade juggling balls, unique “Mr. String kits,” simple toys, and his own whimsical cartoon adventures. His creative legacy continues every year through this quirky contest 

Thank you for your interest in the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. We keep applications open year-round, and we are always on the lookout for new, handmade work that reflects creativity and originality with an appeal to both fine art buyers and holiday shoppers. 

For the 2025 season, we are currently full. Applications are still welcome, but please note:
We will not be able to consider new applications for the 2025 show unless a last-minute opening arises in a specific medium (which is very rare).

The Armadillo production team will review and respond to all applications in March 2026.

Your best bet is to check back here in the spring for the most up-to-date information about the 2026 season and/or shoot us an email around March to follow-up on your application.

Emails for consideration without an application will not be considered.

We encourage interested artists to visit the 2025 festival in person to get a feel for the event and community. See you at the Armadillo! December 13–21, 2025 at the Palmer Events Center

CLICK TO APPLY

Are you booking musicians for 2025?
Our music lineup for the 2025 Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is fully booked.

How do you book musicians?
The Armadillo stage is mostly curated by invitation, led by our longtime talent booker, Nancy Coplin and the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar production team.