AUSTIN (KXAN) – For most people, it’s crunch time to get those presents wrapped and placed under the tree. But for others, it’s really crunch time to purchase that special gift. 

And that’s why the crew at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar expects to see many people on Christmas Eve.

 “Oh we’re going to see lot s of folks from the community we’re also going to see folks from the surrounding community but they’re not going to be hurrying,” said manager Cris Arnold.  “This is a place to come in and enjoy yourself, No body is rushing around in this place we’re having fun, listening t the music dancing in the aisles.”

The bazaar is in its 37th season and has become an iconic Austin event because of its live music and art.  Arnold said it’s become this way because of the family history of the Armadillo World Headquarters which became the Bazaar.

“Especially on Christmas Eve, because now what we have is we have old members of the Armadillo Headquarters that met, married and had children and now working for us scattered across the country as well we all get together on Christmas Eve it turns into the premier place to be on Christmas Eve for a Christmas Party,” said Arnold.

There are more than 160 artists and artisans displaying their art work.  It’s so popular there is even a waiting list for artists to show their work at the bazaar.

“I was born and raised here in Austin and I’ve come to the Armadillo Bazaar for years, and to actually be a part of it means a lot to me personally,” explained Stephanie Jones Rubiano, a mixed media Artist.

The bazaar started Dec. 12 and will end on Christmas Eve.

 

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Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

• 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• $5 weekdays before 7:00 p.m.
• $8 nights and weekends
• Palmer Events Center

The Blue Giant Art Bazaar is also a popular place to go and get unique Austin trinkets.

 

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Blue Genie Art Bazaar

• Open every day
• 10 a.m. – 10  p.m.
• The Marchesa Hall Theatre
  6226 Middle Fiskville Rd
  Austin, TX 78752
• Free
• Christmas Eve Last Day

 

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