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A wood shelf full of glazed ceramic objects, including drinking cups, bowls, and two small statues of birds.
Handmade for the holidays
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10 top holiday markets for local gifts

Bazaars and markets full of artisanal Austin cheer

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Handmade for the holidays
| Shutterstock

The winter shopping season can be a source of pure pleasure for some and abject pain for others. Regardless, both groups want to find meaningful gifts for the people in their lives, and a good way to do that (as well as have a more relaxing shopping experience) is to shop locally, preferably at places that make it a bit of a party.

To that end, we offer these local spots selling a cornucopia of Austin-made goods. In our experience, the crowds are smaller and nicer, the food and drink are better, and most have some quality live-music acts or other forms of entertainment in the mix.

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Holiday Market at Poppy

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The wares of more than a dozen local vendors will be displayed and available for sale, and the food and beverages from Prep to Your Door, Bearded Brothers Bars, Keel Vodka, Richards Rainwater, and more will be free. December 19, 4-7 p.m.; free.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

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One of Austin’s most beloved holiday bazaars, Blue Genie continues to take its be inspiration from its namesake and originator, Blue Genie Industries. The artists at the latter have designed and fabricated some of Austin’s most iconic public commercial art. Its annual art bazaar displays that same playful, inventive spirit and offers locally created paintings, photography, prints, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, accessories, glassworks, ceramics, and more. November 23-December 23, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; December 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free

Handmade Vintage & Holiday Market at the Brewtorium

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The market will feature more than 22 local makers, vintage curators, local artists, and crafters for full-on local holiday shopping. December 22, noon-6 p.m.; free.

Hill Country Galleria

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The shopping center has a Holiday Village on the lawn featuring custom gifts, ornaments, seasonal coffee and cocoa, mulled cider, toys, spices, and apothecary goods from vendors such as CiMi Shine, ATX Wood Crafts, and Grace & Charm. Thursdays through Sundays through December 24; hours vary; free.

Christmas Is Covered at Imagine Art

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Live music, tacos, s’mores and hot cocoa by the open fire, complete with Christmas carols, will complement the decked halls, filled with artists selling their wares. December 16, 6-9 p.m.; free.

Austin Flea at Fareground

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Austin Flea closes out its year at its Fourth Sundays Flea downtown. Alongside Fareground’s many dining spots will be handmade items and vintage wares, all from Austin vendors. December 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; free.

Eastside Pop-up Nights Holiday Market at Hotel Vegas

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Not a lot of details in the listing, but the proprietors promise wares for your gifting needs as well as drinking and dancing for folks ages 21 and up. December 19, 7 p.m.; enter through the Volstead—market is on the patio; free.

Winter Solstice Celebration and Holiday Market at Tillery Place

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Local makers, deejays, healers, mystics, and more throw down at this benefit for East Austin health initiatives. In addition to the offerings of many local vendors, there’s a whirlwind of services (such as body work and Tarot readings) available, food vendors, and free drinks from Hops and Grain brewing and Wunder-Pilz Kombucha. December 19, 4-8 p.m.; donations encouraged.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar at the Palmer Events Center

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The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been around longer than most, and it’s a regular pilgrimage for many residents. Part of its popularity is no doubt due the top-notch musical acts it has playing, starting at noon every day. December 13-23, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., December 24, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $10 admission, free for kids under the age of 12.

Austin Mini-Flea at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden

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The roving Austin Flea will have a happy hour market featuring all-local, handmade items and vintage wares, including one-of-a-kind gifts including jewelry, bath/body products, vintage items, original artwork, paper goods, textiles, and more. December 19, 4-8 p.m.; free.

Holiday Market at Poppy

The wares of more than a dozen local vendors will be displayed and available for sale, and the food and beverages from Prep to Your Door, Bearded Brothers Bars, Keel Vodka, Richards Rainwater, and more will be free. December 19, 4-7 p.m.; free.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

One of Austin’s most beloved holiday bazaars, Blue Genie continues to take its be inspiration from its namesake and originator, Blue Genie Industries. The artists at the latter have designed and fabricated some of Austin’s most iconic public commercial art. Its annual art bazaar displays that same playful, inventive spirit and offers locally created paintings, photography, prints, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, accessories, glassworks, ceramics, and more. November 23-December 23, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; December 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free

Handmade Vintage & Holiday Market at the Brewtorium

The market will feature more than 22 local makers, vintage curators, local artists, and crafters for full-on local holiday shopping. December 22, noon-6 p.m.; free.

Hill Country Galleria

The shopping center has a Holiday Village on the lawn featuring custom gifts, ornaments, seasonal coffee and cocoa, mulled cider, toys, spices, and apothecary goods from vendors such as CiMi Shine, ATX Wood Crafts, and Grace & Charm. Thursdays through Sundays through December 24; hours vary; free.

Christmas Is Covered at Imagine Art

Live music, tacos, s’mores and hot cocoa by the open fire, complete with Christmas carols, will complement the decked halls, filled with artists selling their wares. December 16, 6-9 p.m.; free.

Austin Flea at Fareground

Austin Flea closes out its year at its Fourth Sundays Flea downtown. Alongside Fareground’s many dining spots will be handmade items and vintage wares, all from Austin vendors. December 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; free.

Eastside Pop-up Nights Holiday Market at Hotel Vegas

Not a lot of details in the listing, but the proprietors promise wares for your gifting needs as well as drinking and dancing for folks ages 21 and up. December 19, 7 p.m.; enter through the Volstead—market is on the patio; free.

Winter Solstice Celebration and Holiday Market at Tillery Place

Local makers, deejays, healers, mystics, and more throw down at this benefit for East Austin health initiatives. In addition to the offerings of many local vendors, there’s a whirlwind of services (such as body work and Tarot readings) available, food vendors, and free drinks from Hops and Grain brewing and Wunder-Pilz Kombucha. December 19, 4-8 p.m.; donations encouraged.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar at the Palmer Events Center

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been around longer than most, and it’s a regular pilgrimage for many residents. Part of its popularity is no doubt due the top-notch musical acts it has playing, starting at noon every day. December 13-23, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., December 24, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $10 admission, free for kids under the age of 12.

Austin Mini-Flea at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden

The roving Austin Flea will have a happy hour market featuring all-local, handmade items and vintage wares, including one-of-a-kind gifts including jewelry, bath/body products, vintage items, original artwork, paper goods, textiles, and more. December 19, 4-8 p.m.; free.