The Front Market returns to Waterloo Park on Nov. 22-23.
Provided by Future Front
As we head into December, holiday markets are once again popping up on weekends with handmade goods, live entertainment and enough seasonal programming to keep Austinites busy through Christmas Eve. From large-scale outdoor fairs to small craft studios, Central Texas organizers are rolling out a wide range of events for families, shoppers and anyone who wants to spend a few hours browsing local handicrafts.
Here’s a look at this year’s offerings:
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Market at ZACH: Nov. 29, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20
An outdoor market featuring more than 20 rotating vendors, carolers and concessions. All dates are free and open to the public from 4 to 8 p.m. On Dec. 6, ZACH will host a Kids Market with young makers from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30Â p.m.Â
202 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-476-0541, zachtheater.org.
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Oh What Fun! Holiday Market: Nov. 20–Dec. 24, Thursday–Sunday
The Oh What Fun! Austin Holiday Market opens this Thursday at Republic Square Park.
Provided by Giant Noise
This free market features rotating local vendors, food trucks, live music and fitness programming. Retail stalls operate 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the bar stays open until 10 p.m.
422 Guadalupe St. 512-381-1147, republicsquare.org.
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Holiday Maker’s Studio: Nov. 21–Dec. 23
A drop-in craft studio where visitors can make gifts, ornaments and cards. Day passes (90 minutes) cost $12; group bundles for up to four people cost $40, with additional makers at $10 each. Re-entry is $5 when space allows. Pottery painting is offered separately, with prices starting at $10. The studio is open Monday–Saturday 1 to 6 p.m.; weekly discounts and pay-what-you-can hours vary.
121 Main St., Buda. 512-364-3630, inspiredminds.art/holiday-maker-studio.
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The Front Market (Future Front Texas): Nov. 22–23
The Front Market returns to Waterloo Park on Nov. 22-23.
Provided by Future Front
A large-scale outdoor market at Waterloo Park featuring more than 175 Texas-based artists and makers, along with DJs and workshops. The event is free with registration or optional donation and runs from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
1401 Trinity St. moodyamphitheater.com.
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Austin Flea Small Biz Saturday: Nov. 29
A Small Business Saturday pop-up at Pins Mechanical with vendors selling jewelry, candles, artwork and baked goods. The event is free, and the venue offers arcade games, duckpin bowling and other activities. The event runs from noon to 6Â p.m.
4323 S. Congress Ave. austinflea.net.
Koko’s Alpine Lodge & Christmas Market: Dec. 1–Jan. 3, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Koko’s converts its space into a seasonal lodge with local vendors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. The bar also hosts holiday movie nights on Tuesdays. The market is free to attend. Regular business hours continue through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
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3003 S. Lamar Blvd. Unit F. 105. 512-382-0353, kokosbavarian.com.
UMLAUF After Dark: Holiday Market: Dec. 2
This evening market features local makers, live harp music and a specialty cocktail. General admission is $12; members enter free according to membership level.
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605 Azie Morton Rd. 512-445-5582, umlaufsculpture.org.
Austin Flea at Jester King: Dec. 6
Pizzas are some of the stars of the Jester King Brewery food program.
STEPHEN SPILLMAN FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN
This one-day market coincides with the brewery’s 15th anniversary celebration and features vendors such as Fantastic Fuego, Little Bird Apparel and Aberdeen Grove Honey Remedies. The event is free to attend; on-site food and drink options are available.
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13187 Fitzhugh Rd. 512-900-1820, jesterkingbrewery.com.
Bee Cave Holiday Market: Dec. 6–21, Friday and Saturday
A three-weekend pop-up featuring a rotating set of Austin makers. Hours are Fridays 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 7Â p.m. Attendance is free. The surrounding plaza also hosts ice skating, visits with Santa and kids activities.
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12700 Hill Country Blvd. Suite T-100, Bee Cave. 512-263-0001, pennyvproductions.com.
Austin Holiday Market: Dec. 6-7
This indoor market features more than 130 makers, free DIY stations, photo walls and complimentary coffee or matcha. General admission starts at $8 for a one-day pass; tickets rise to $15 at the door when time slots are available. VIP passes start at $15 and include early entry and a separate check-in line.
900 Barton Springs Rd. tickets.marketsformakers.com.
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Beyond Art Market & Fair: Dec. 6–7
A two-day indoor/outdoor event showcasing artists with disabilities and spotlighting local Black artists. Vendor fees are free; the event is free to attend and runs from noon to 5 p.m. Street parking is available and the space is ADA accessible.
1152 San Bernard St. 512-454-9912, artsparktx.org/event/beyond-art-market-fair/.
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Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll: Dec. 6
The Downtown Austin Alliance’s annual free event includes musical performances, the Capitol tree lighting at 7 p.m., and more than 30 artisans selling food and gifts from 5 to 8 p.m. The evening also features photos with Santa, Christmas carolers and community performances.
Congress Avenue. 512-469-1766, downtownaustin.com/holidaystroll.
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Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Holiday Market: Dec. 11
The Omni Austin Hotel Downtown is hosting a holiday market on Dec. 11.Â
Provided by Omni Hotels
A one-evening indoor market with local vendors, complimentary light bites and drinks, and live entertainment. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Admission is free; optional registration on EventBrite is encouraged.
700 San Jacinto. 512-476-3700, omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-downtown.
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Armadillo Christmas Bazaar: Dec. 13–21
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is back in its traditional format this December.
Suzanne Cordeiro / Special to American-Statesman
Marking its 50th season, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar brings nearly 200 artists working across painting, ceramics, jewelry, photography, woodwork and other mediums to the Palmer Events Center. Live music runs throughout the event, with a lineup including Shinyribs, Ruthie Foster, Kelly Willis and Madam Radar. Seasonal drinks and food are available, and doors open daily during the nine-day run. Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased at the bazaar’s website. Kids age 12 and under get in for free.
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900 Barton Springs Rd. armadillobazaar.com.