Shop These Five Austin Holiday Markets
November 21, 2019
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At the Heywood, we “support local” year round by spotlighting Austin makers 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.
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 22 and runs through December 24. Admission to the market is free.
Renegade Craft
Renegade Craft is a national makers’ market that stops in Austin twice a year. The upcoming fall market will be held at Fair Market, just a few blocks from the Heywood, on November 30 and December 1. The event falls on the weekend of Small Business Saturday, making it the perfect opportunity to shop local. Expect to find plenty of jewelry, home accessories, apothecary and more contemporary goods. The festivities are free and open to the public and will also include onsite food trucks, a DJ and interactive booths.
Cherrywood Art Fair
The Cherrywood Art Fair is one of our favorites and a great way to support a good cause — art in East Austin! Hosted at Maplewood Elementary by local nonprofit Chula League, the fair aligns with the organization’s mission to support artists and art education in East Austin. Proceeds from the two-day event will go toward Chula League’s Little Artist BIG ARTIST after-school arts program. The fair takes place December 7 and 8 and will offer attendees a chance to buy from more than 85 local artists, enjoy live music, and partake in family-friendly activities. Admission is free and open to the public.
Feliz
Going into its 7th year, Feliz is a popular event among Austin’s creative community. The thoughtfully-curated pop-up sale puts an emphasis on good design, and will feature the work of independent designers and makers like Miranda Bennett, ARO, Era Ceramics, Watchman Woodworks and many more. This year’s market takes place at Springdale Station, just a couple miles away from the Heywood Hotel in East Austin, on December 8 from 11am-6pm. Feliz is free to attend.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Another seasonal staple in Austin, the Armadillo Bazaar is going into its 44th year. The holiday-themed event combines fine art, gifts, music, food and more under one roof for 12 days of family-friendly fun. Taking place December 13 to 24 at Palmer Events Center, the festivities include a daily lineup of live music from artists like Dina Chavez and Dale Watson, as well as local food and two bars. Admission is $10 per adult (free for children age 12), but Heywood Hotels guests can enjoy free admission! Please inquire at the front desk.
Feature image courtesy of Feliz.