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Winter holidays are a time filled with events and transformations all around us. Festiveness is literally in the air. Amid all this excitement, the question of what to give and to whom arises frequently, making markets and bazaars some of the most popular destinations. This city will never leave you in trouble, offering countless locations to enjoy an entertaining program and discover why Austin gifts are so unique.

Find One-of-a-Kind Specialties at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar

One of Austin's most beloved hot spots along the Christmas route, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, is a must-visit stop on Airport Boulevard for many visitors, including locals and tourists. With hundreds of artists and artisans invited to join through the Call for Submission — a publicly available application process — the famous event provides those participants an opportunity to expand audiences and feed their piggy banks while fostering community.

During winter, this Austin bazaar is dedicated to the most anticipated holidays, offering a wide selection of items such as cake snacks, lip color gift sets, white cloud teas, Moravian star ornaments, Fleegal Farms products, candles, soaps, and even an Austin icon sticker. Embracing the spirit of the holidays, this trove of handcrafted art has something special for everyone interested, with a chance to enjoy the festivities from Black Friday until Christmas Eve annually. Over its 20-year history, Blue Genie Art Bazaar has expanded its scope considerably, while online winter highlights are:

• order items from the festive collection anytime, anywhere;
• delight your loved ones with thoughtful gifts for any occasion;
• add a special touch to gifts with handwritten notes and elegant wrapping;
• purchase official merchandise featuring the beloved mascot, Blue Genie;
• stay up to date with all the events and surprises through social media pages.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., this venue offers shoppers access to the creativity and skills of over 200 masters of their craft, ready to assist in choosing the perfect Christmas gifts tailored to the preferences of their loved ones. 10% of proceeds will support the treatment of critically ill children through Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas.

Austin Gifts With a Twist: Local Artisans Shine at the German Christmas Market

For the 29th year, the German Texas Heritage Society hosts a bustling event, embodying the authentic spirit of "Land der Dichter und Denker," or "the country of poets and thinkers" — reflecting Germany's cultural legacy. Located on East 10th Street, the Austin Christmas market, also known as Weihnachtsmarkt, completely transforms the German Free School and its surroundings into a winter fairyland, imbuing the space with a vibe evocative of traditional German bazaars.

Distinctive holiday decorations are sourced straight from Erzgebirge, a region in East Germany renowned for its festive customs. The marketplace features booths full of artisan crafts and unique imported Christmas items, ready to become gifts for your nearest and dearest. The handcrafted treasures encompass various artistic styles, providing an opportunity to catch these German gems:

• remarkable ornaments that showcase the country's traditional designs;
• a selection of handmade textiles, table runners, including scarves, and more;
• Christmas embellishments featuring hand-painted items and authentic crafts;
• one-of-a-kind gifts, ranging from artisanal soaps to handmade jewelry.

This family-friendly event offers something to delight visitors of all ages, feasting on festive treats like pretzels, schnitzel, bratwurst, and lebkuchen, all washed down with everyone's favorite Glühwein, a world-famous local craft beer, or non-alcoholic beverages. Even the tiniest fidgets won't get bored for a minute! The kid-friendly event has prepared plenty of activities for little angels, with Saint Nick strolling around, handing out gifts, and immersing every attendee in the season's magic.

Handmade Holiday Magic at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

On Saturday, December 14th, the famous Austin Christmas market and Winter Art Fest, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, kicks off a big whoopee for its 49th anniversary. With approximately 200 artisans, live music from 30 bands in a cozy setting, and numerous attractions, this 10-day shopping time at the Palmer Events Center will be truly unforgettable.

While the stage featuring the music lineup is at the heart of the event, Shawarma Point and Fat Bat Cafe serve yummies to all tastes nearby. Other dining spots — Bottles + Cans and Holiday Cocktails — are filled with flavorful offerings from well-known suppliers to quench attendees' thirst. There will also be an opportunity to purchase official merchandise for memory and community support: the original Die Trying featured items with unique variations of the beloved armadillo.

Ways to get to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar include ride-sharing options, parking at the Palmer Events Center Garage, public transit, scooter drop-offs, pedicabs, bike racks, and more. Available tickets are split into the following categories:

• One Pass: $12 for entry to attend any day or the event;
• Season Ticket: $60 for all-inclusive everyday access;
• Free Entry: For little angels under 12 years old.

Items for sale from talented artists transform purchases into "a meaningful addition to life," showcasing a diverse selection of artwork. The latter highlights paintings in multidirectional styles, jewelry, insect taxidermy, laser-cut wood pieces, and other masterpieces, with their creators standing behind them in the live market. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar gives every artisan a chance to share their treasures with the Austin community and make sales, with applications open year-round.

Junior League's A Christmas Affair: Your Destination for Austin Holiday Market Treasures

Organized by the Junior League of Austin, which is committed to promoting women's leadership for a meaningful community, the Junior League's A Christmas Affair is a long-awaited beloved event of the festive season. This year, celebrating its 49th season, the beloved Austin holiday market with the magical theme name "Christmas in Bloom" has prepared a feature-rich holiday package for tens of thousands of patrons.

Back at the Palmer Events Center on Barton Springs Road, the Junior League's A Christmas Affair, which began nearly fifty years ago at the Driskill Hotel, has evolved into a major League event of its kind in the country. The Christmas Affair Market Days tickets include a diversity of entertainment gems, such as:

• "Floral Fête" preview party to surround yourself with bouquets and blooms;
• "Shop and Smell the Roses" brunch party (general admission and VIP entry);
• basic and VIP (table or no) Girl's Night Out: "All I Want for Christmas Is Blooms";
• private shopping and morning cocktails at "Tis the Season to be Holly Jolly";
• single-day admission to "Christmas in Bloom" during market hours;
• ACA raffles and the silent auction with dining, recreation, and family experiences;
• Eden Rose Botanicals' "Fall Container Garden Class" make-and-take workshop.

Additionally, there is a series of lively children's events, including "Jolly Holly Playtime," DJ PJ's "Flower Power Groove," and "Pets and Rentals" with friends from Tiny Tails. Each event presents a highlight of Santa photo packages, along with Gingerbread Houses, Bake-at-Home Pizza Kits, and more add-ons. The Junior League's A Christmas Affair brings together 230+ unique merchants nationwide, with proceeds supporting Junior League impact initiatives.

Deck the Halls with Real Texas Christmas Trees from the Austin Bazaar

As a core symbol of the winter season, evergreens are integral to Christmas and New Year celebrations, bringing coziness and a festive vibe to every home. It creates a buzz about where to find this green beauty, making an Austin Christmas market guide for discovering different hot spots worth its weight in gold. According to statistics, almost five million Christmas trees are sold in Texas yearly, boosting the state's economy.

In Austin, numerous farms are opening their doors to provide every home with live treasures. North of town in Cedar Park is Brungot Farms, primarily specializing in Fraser Fir Christmas trees, whose mission extends beyond simply farming fresh evergreens and wreaths of the highest value. Situated at 9600 US-290, Colorful Christmas Trees offers a choose-and-cut tree experience that unveils the creativity of shoppers and incorporates the central element into festive decorations. When making your final choice, follow several steps:

• Choose between Fraser Fir, Virginia Pine, and other species;
• Identify your preferences regarding size and shape;
• Select retailers that prioritize freshness and local support;
• Decide if you want a dense tree for ornaments or a sparser one;
• Look for a straight trunk without cracks or splits for freshness.

Additionally, it's essential to consider how to dispose of your Christmas tree after the holidays. Many markets, such as Holiday & Harvest, offer a removal option and feature additional surprises at various locations, including pet-friendly areas, photo zones, and even Santa walking nearby. Other examples include Abrameit's Tree Farm in Luling, about an hour outside Austin that provides hassle-free tree-cutting. Well-known Papa Noel Christmas Trees has multiple locations around town, ensuring everyone can bring home a living beauty. Happy evergreen hunting!

On the eve of Christmas, shopping becomes a priority for many of us, and dilemmas about what to present arise more frequently. Austin is rich in various holiday events, recognizing the importance of understanding preferences to please loved ones. The city offers numerous locations filled with diverse items and opportunities. Beyond shopping, many hotspots provide entertainment and highlights, allowing you to enjoy memorable experiences and explore exciting Christmas bazaar ideas.

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