For half a century, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been more than a market — it’s been a movement.
“The Armadillo was born from Austin’s creative rebellion: artists, musicians and dreamers who wanted to do things differently,” said Anne Johnson, producer and general manager. “Fifty years later, that spirit is still the backbone of what we do.”
What began as a simple wish by Lucinda Williams for her artist friends to have a warm place to sell their work on a cold December day has evolved into one of Austin’s most beloved traditions. Bruce Willenzik, then kitchen manager at the iconic Armadillo World Headquarters, seized the idea and launched the first show in 1976. That inaugural event captured the eclectic magic of Austin’s creative class, and the energy never faded.
Over the decades, the Bazaar has moved from its original home to six different venues, including Cherry Creek Plaza, the Austin Music Hall and now the Palmer Events Center.
Each space brought its own character. Johnson recalls that the Palmer location, where the event has thrived since 2010, finally “felt like home.” The warm glow of individually lit booths and the rhythm of live music make the venue feel “like a collection of little Christmas box shops,” she said.
But the heart of the Bazaar has always been its people, generations of artists and fans who’ve turned the annual event into a family tradition.
Johnson herself is what she calls an “Armadillo baby,” having grown up watching her parents help run the show. Now she leads it.
“It’s a family and a community,” she said. “You can bring your grandmother or your kids… It’s something everyone can connect to.”
For artists, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar can be a transformative experience.
“For new artists, getting into Armadillo can be career-changing. For seasoned ones, it’s a homecoming,” Johnson said.
The show’s curated roster is highly selective; each artist undergoes interviews, studio tours, and reference checks. Once accepted, they’re mentored in booth design, lighting, and presentation. That investment pays off as many artists credit the Bazaar with launching their careers.
Photographer Greg Davis, for instance, was discovered at the show by a National Geographic representative, who signed him as a contributing photographer. Another veteran, woodblock artist Darryl Howard, now exhibits work collected by patrons nationwide, many of whom travel to Austin each December to see her latest creations.
As Austin has grown and changed, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has remained a steadfast symbol of authenticity.
“Austin has changed so much, but what people still crave is authenticity, and that’s what the Armadillo delivers every December,” Johnson said. The mix of fine art, handmade craftsmanship, and live music has created what she calls “the perfect Austin synergy — refined but real, sophisticated but still a little weird.”
Even with other art markets and holiday fairs joining the scene, the Armadillo maintains its distinction through personal connection. Unlike shows where artists need not be present, this one is all about meeting the maker.
“If you want to know the story behind a piece, meet the artist and know that your purchase directly supports them, this is where you go,” Johnson explained.
This year’s 50th anniversary show will honor that enduring legacy with a special exhibition featuring original armadillo-themed works from more than fifty participating artists. Visitors can vote for their favorites in a People’s Choice competition, a playful celebration of creativity that perfectly captures the Bazaar’s community spirit.
For Johnson, the reward comes each winter when the empty hall transforms into a twinkling wonderland of art, sound, and connection.
“I get to see this cinder block building turn into something beautiful,” she said. “When the lights come on and the booths are filled, it’s pure magic.”
The Bazaar will run from December 13 through December 21, 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.daily.
"Austin has changed so much, but what people still crave is authenticity, and that’s what the Armadillo delivers every December"