Austin Holiday Markets to Shop This Season
November 7, 2025
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At the Heywood, we “support local” year-round by spotlighting Austin artists throughout our hotel and partnering with lots of small businesses, but the holiday season always feels like an even more important time to patronize locally-owned businesses, artists and makers.
Giving a thoughtful holiday gift that’s handmade, independently designed, and has a story behind it is a more meaningful way to express your feelings — and demonstrate your excellent taste! Luckily, our city offers plenty of opportunities to buy local, handcrafted goods for everyone on your list. If you’re ready to kick off your holiday shopping, we recommend visiting these holiday markets in Austin.
Austin Studio Tour
Austin’s largest celebration of arts and crafts takes place each year in November. In 2025, the Austin Studio Tour spans two weekends: November 8 to 9 and 15 to 16. More than 700 artists are featured, across 300 locations citywide. Venues range from major galleries to shops, art complexes, pop-up tents, and the artists’ own studios, many of which are in their homes. The event is self-guided and completely free. This is a great opportunity to purchase works directly from their makers, often at a better price than at a gallery or retail shop.
Check out the tour website for more information and a map of locations. Be sure to visit Heywood artists Carly Weaver (stop #103), Yasmin Youssef (#58), Patio (#237), Landry McMeans (#21), GRZ Monsters (#45), Heather Sundquist Hall (#8), Brian David Johnson (#49), and Anna Ganina (#70). We also recommend the numerous group shows that feature several artists and artisans, and often have a market-like feel. Favorites include Canopy Studios at 916 Springdale Rd., Bolm Studios at 5305 Bolm Rd., Something Cool Studios at 1717 E. Cesar Chavez St., and ART HUB ATX at 2801 S. I-35 Frontage Rd.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a longtime fixture of the holiday season. Open to the public for four weeks each year, the art market gives the community a chance to shop a variety of handcrafted goods from more than 200 local and regional artists. From ceramics and toys to food and decor, there’s something for everyone at Blue Genie. Knock out all of your holiday shopping at once or pace yourself by making a few trips. Blue Genie opens its doors November 14 and runs through December 24. Admission to the market is free.
Oh What Fun! Holiday Market
The Oh What Fun! Holiday Market is Austin’s newest holiday pop-up. The immersive holiday experience takes place at Republic Square Park every weekend from November 20-December 24th. The event is free to attend and includes a curated retail market, festive cocktail bar, and live music.
The Market at ZACH
A holiday staple from ZACH Theatre, The Market at ZACH returns this season with multiple festive editions on November 22 and 29, and December 13 and 20 — and special Kids’ Market on December 6. Free and open to all, the market runs select dates with rotating makers, concessions, and holiday cheer.
Future Front Fall Market
The Future Front is a local non-profit organization known for its bi-annual creative markets, community-focused events and workshops, and the Future Front Festival.
The fall 2025 production of The Front Market will be at the Moody Amphitheater’s Waterloo Park on November 22 and 23. The free outdoor market is the perfect place to knock out some holiday shopping and support over 150 independent craftspeople, creatives, and small business owners from across Texas.
UMLAUF After Dark Holiday Market
Head to the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden on December 2 from 5-8pm for a special evening event. The UMLAUF After Dark Holiday Market includes holiday shopping from local vendors, specialty cocktails, and culinary bites among a sculpture-studded garden. General admission tickets are $12.
Bee Cave Holiday Market
For those willing to venture a bit outside central Austin, the Bee Cave Holiday Market at Hill Country Galleria is a three-weekend pop-up running through December 5-20. Expect a rotating lineup of local artisans offering unique handmade gifts — plus family-friendly touches like ice skating, Santa visits, and holiday activities.
Holiday Reuse Art Market
For unique, sustainably-made goods, head to Holiday Reuse Art Market December 6-7 from 11am-4pm. Hosted by Austin Creative Reuse — a nonprofit that sells gently-used, donated creative materials — this free holiday market features handmade goods from over 50 local vendors. From crocheted wearables to upcycled accessories and eclectic art, every good at this market is made with at least 50% recycled or reused materials.
HoliGAY Market
Get festive and feel the joy at this queer-centered pop-up by The Little Gay Shop. Happening Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 11am–5pm at Distribution Hall — just a few blocks from the Heywood Hotel — this market features over 100 local LGBTQ+ artists, makers, and small businesses, plus food, music, drag, and crafts.
German-Texan Christmas Market
For a festive, themed holiday market, add the German-Texan Christmas Market to your calendar. The German-Texan Heritage Society turns its grounds into a traditional German market for the holidays. Shop from a range of authentic German Christmas decorations imported from the Erzgebirge, an East-German region that is internationally known for its holiday customs. The market will also have hot spiced wine and family-friendly activities. The event takes place December 6 from 10am-5pm. Tickets for non-members are $8 when purchased online in advance, and $10 at the door.
Holiday Hootenanny
If you’re looking for a music festival with a side of shopping, the second annual Holiday Hootenanny takes place on December 13 at Radio East.
The current music lineup includes Shannon and the Clams, tUnE-yArDs, Rubblebucket, and Improvement Movement. While vendors haven’t been announced yet, the festival promises a vendor market, karaoke, and holiday activities. Tickets start at $46 for general admission.
Vibe Artisan Market
VIBE Artisan Markets hosts the Holiday Vibe Market in Austin on Saturday, December 13 and 14 at Distribution Hall. This mostly-indoor event brings together 100+ artisans, creatives, and makers with handmade goods, art, live music, and a coffee bar — a great spot to find unique gifts in a mellow, festive atmosphere.
Hyde Park Holiday Market
The first-ever Hyde Park Holiday Market takes place December 13 from 11am-4pm at The Baker School, a renovated schoolhouse turned creative space. Expect to find local art, vintage finds, and handmade goods at this indoor-outdoor celebration hosted by The Press Room Austin.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Another seasonal staple in Austin, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is celebrating its 50th year. The holiday-themed event combines fine art, gifts, live music, food and more under one roof for 12 days of family-friendly fun. Taking place December 13 to 21 at Palmer Events Center, the festivities include a daily lineup of live music from artists like Gina Chavez, Shinyribs, THEBROSFRESH, and West Texas Exiles, as well as local food and two bars. Admission is $12 per adult for a single day ticket (free for children age 12) or $50 for a season ticket, but Heywood Hotels guests can enjoy free admission with purchase of the Austin Winter Bundle package!