Shop at Austin's top holiday markets

Apple cider, nutcrackers and glühwein (for the uninitiated, that’s hot spiced wine) entice Austinites at the German-Texan Christmas Market, an annual tradition organized by the German-Texan Heritage Society. Pretend you’re strolling along the cobbled streets of Munich as you listen to German Christmas music and peruse handcrafted wares. 

The folks behind the Paper + Craft Pantry are hosting a holiday version of their Fine Goods Market, showcasing some of Austin's best vintage and homemade vendors. Meet local creatives and designers like Flower & Vine (paper goods), Haley Wynn Designs (monogrammed items), Kristen Saksa Juen (ceramics) and the Filthy Fix Soap Co. (bath essentials), all while enjoying local treats, live music and complimentary cocktails from Deep Eddy vodka.

Head to Space 24 Twenty for an all-day holiday pop-up market, featuring artisans like Claire Sommers Buck, Clove + Couple, Fortune Goods, The Keep Vintage, Isabel Glatthorn Ceramics, Slavonk & Hortus Terraria and more. You won't even have to worry about making your gifts look pretty—there will be complimentary gift wrapping with each purchase, plus seasonal drink specials, hair styling, dog meet-and-greets (and adoption!) with Lucky Lab Rescue and Adoption, and complimentary Topo Chico. Happy shopping!

For two Sundays in December, Black Lagoon: Art + Yoga will host its annual holiday market, with each day featuring 10 artisans and their handmade wares. Shop for loved ones—or, let's be honest, yourself—at the airy space, which will host makers such as The Wonderful Adventure, Vida Green Consulting, Claire Sommers Buck, Moonfinder Jewelry, Vibe, Slow North and more. The art gallery will also be open, displaying works by Anissa Bryant's Art, Audrey Jahanian, Richard Casteel, David Lujan and others. Need to clear your mind before shopping? Attend the 10am restorative yoga class to center yourself. 

Located directly behind the Thinkery (at the corner of Aldrich and McBee Streets), the Origin Designer Market is a one-day pop-up featuring some of the best makers in Texas. Shop from over 40 designers, including Eliana Bernard (handmade porcelain), Emma and April (clothing and accessories), Slow North (candles), Sweet Thyme Design (vintage flatware and greeting cards) and more. Bonus: Be one of the first 50 shoppers and you'll get a sweet swag bag to take home. 

What started in 2002 has evolved into one of Austin's most beloved nonprofit art fairs, drawing 8,000 visitors over two days to enjoy shopping, live music and food trucks. Photography, 3-D art, textiles, clothing, jewelry and fine art are all represented at the fair this year: Find globally inspired jewelry from Claire Sommers Buck, porcelain dinnerware from Spako Clay and tinctures from White Deer Apothecary. And if presents for the kiddos are on your mind, outfitters like Emma and April will be there with trendy accessories and adorable clothing for both babies and children.

A mainstay in the Austin holiday market scene, Blue Genie Art Bazaar is back for its 17th year. Peruse folk art, jewelry, photography, ceramics and much more from 200 local and regional artists who populate the bazaar with gifts that range from kitschy to classy to whimsical. Pick up a neon sign from Noble Gas Industries, colorful textile purses from ANNEMARIE and soaps enriched with activated charcoal from Black Hatchet. Stop by at least once on Mondays, when 10 percent of the bazaar's profits go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

It's easy to mistake the Armadillo Chistmas Bazaar for one giant party. For 11 days, the Palmer Events Center hosts two bars, food vendors and a stage for live music. But you're really here for the goods made by more than 160 talented artists, including nearly two dozen newcomers this year like Dan Grissom with his psychedelic screenprints. Shop for delicate necklaces from Limbo Jewelry, body scrubs from Fleegal Farms and local honey from Bee Friendly Austin.