An Austin family gets into the spirit as they celebrate the holidays on 37thStreet.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
Throngs of people visit the 37th Street Lights on a recent evening. Theneighborhood's popularity stays strong every year, in spite of the ebb and flowof willing tenants - and the subsequent inconsistency of the lights display. Afew dedicated participants, however, make all the difference and it remains afavorite Austin holiday tradition.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
A romantic moment in front of one of the more colorful houses on 37th Street.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
Luke Tinius and Ben Leo fix the wings on the big dragon at the "Dude Compound,"while the band Moneywell Spunt plays some classics on the front lawn beneaththem. The house near the corner of 37th and Guadalupe ushers in the visitorswith some giant foil sculptures that, in the words of one visitor who texted hisreview to CultureMap, "are the coolest on the block, fo sho."Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
A unique look at the Christmas lights on 37th Street.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
Apple cider and a zen-like chillax vibe greeted visitors at one home on thecorner of 35th and Home, which also featured a peaceful and beautifully litcourtyard.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
"The baby Jesus has been turned into Baby Bling!" exclaimed one 12-year-old girlas she pointed joyously at the appropriately weird Austin-like interpretation ofthe manger scene - which shared the lawn with a giant inflated snowman and aJungle Gym-style structure adorned with a bicycle and a disco ball. You reallyhave to see it to understand it ...Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
A bit of Thai luck adorns the fence on the corner of 35th and Home Street, justone of the dozens of festive details that can only be enjoyed if you get out ofthat car and stroll through the displays.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III- A bit of Thai luck adorns the fence on the corner of 35th and Home Street, justone of the dozens of festive details that can only be enjoyed if you get out ofthat car and stroll through the displays.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
At Christmastime, it's all about the elves - unless you talk to these guys, ahandful of trolls on 37th Street who have decided to speak out about inequalityand discrimination against their under-the-bridge culture during the holidayseason.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III- At Christmastime, it's all about the elves - unless you talk to these guys, ahandful of trolls on 37th Street who have decided to speak out about inequalityand discrimination against their under-the-bridge culture during the holidayseason.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
Looking through the fence from the corner of 37th and Home, a brightly litlittle corner of 35th Street continues the neighborhood tradition of holidaycheer. While 37th Street is the heart of the operation, the rest of theneighborhood gets into the spirit, too.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
Michael Vasquez hangs out near the apple cider in the 37th Street neighborhood,partying with his friends as visitors come and go. He's lived in theneighborhood for five years and wishes that 37th Street, in particular, weren'tso heavily rental - only because actual owners would be more committed to thelights display each year. As it is, renters sometimes participate and sometimesdon't. "I remember coming to it on the first Christmas they did it and I wasreally amazed at how it was set up."Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
This would make a nice Christmas card. Friends pose for the camera in front of alights display on 37th Street.Photo by Charlie L. Harper III
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Keep On Giving
These 10 holiday markets in Austin make gift shopping way easier
Nov 18, 2024 | 9:01 am
Photo courtesy of Austin Creative Reuse
Artist Calder Kamin participating in the Austin Creative Reuse holiday market, for reducing waste in gift-giving.
Sure, it's the thought that counts, but sometimes holiday shopping leaves Austinites with a bit more thinking than they're ready to do. Thankfully, this city is full of artists and people who really love small businesses, so it's also about to be full of holiday markets. In fact, a few have already gotten holiday sales underway.
Whether you're shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, a coworker gift swap, or any other occasion, these markets do a great job curating goods that will appeal to a wide range of people. Read the dates carefully — some of these options cater more to shoppers who plan ahead.
ATX Small Business Passport
November 6 to December 31 — multiple locations
The only item on this list that isn't a physical market, this "passport" offers an itinerary of great places to buy gifts and follows up with incentives. When shoppers make a purchase at a participating business between the above dates — including Letterpress Play, The Little Gay Shop, and Parker + Scott, who organized the initiative — they'll get a stamp. After five stamps, they'll get special offers and discounts from participating businesses in the new year.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
November 15 to December 24 — 6100 Airport Blvd., Ste. C
This bazaar is one of Austin's most popular markets, and for good reason; it's a fun shopping experience, and the selection is diverse enough to cover many shoppers' entire lists. Arts and crafts, home goods, clothing and accessories, games, and more are on display now. Shoppers don't have to go in person or even browse at all thanks to a personal shopping service.
Punch Bowl Social's Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop
November 16 to December 24 — 11310 Domain Dr., Ste. 100 (The Domain location only)
As the name implies, this shop has a singular focus. Great for gag gifts, group commitments, or anyone with a fun sense of fashion, this market is inside a bowling alley and arcade, so folks who get bored of shopping have a strong incentive to get it done. Plus, the price range is pretty affordable: everything is $15-40.
The Junior League of Austin's A Christmas Affair 2024
November 20-24 — 900 Barton Springs Rd.
This huge market brings together more than 230 small and mid-sized businesses from across the country. It's also a longtime tradition, now in its 49th year. Purchases support the Junior League of Austin — a women's leadership organization — along with Kids In Cool Shoes (KICS), Coats for Kids (CFK), and Food In Tummies (FIT), plus more than 20 nonprofit partners. Shoppers must purchase tickets ($25) to enter.
German-Texan Christmas Market
November 30, December 4 & 7 — 507 E. 10th St.
One of the more niche markets, this one by the German-Texan Heritage Society goes for German authenticity, with decor and other goods imported from Erzgebirge. There will also be German Glühwein (hot spiced wine) and kids' activities and gifts from St. Nick. The first two dates listed above are for members only; the market on December 7 is the only one that's open to the public, although they'll need to purchase a ticket ($8) to enter.
Holiday Reuse Market
November 30, December 1, 7 & 8 — 2005 Wheless Lane in Austin
Environmentally conscious shoppers who object to holiday waste may find some relief via Austin Creative Reuse. The 5th annual Holiday Reuse Market offers "handmade goods, upcycled treasures, and vintage finds." More than 100 local artists are attending this year.
The Front Market
November 23-24 — 500 E. 12th St.
More than 175 vendors are gathering for this semi-annual market. The organization putting it together, Future Front Texas, centers women and LGBTQ+ creatives, so expect the goods on offer to reflect feminine and queer themes. There will be clothes, accessories, vintage goods, ceramics, glass, skincare, and lots more. The website breaks down the full lineup by day, in case shoppers are looking for something specific. Shoppers will need a ticket, but they're free.
The Market at Zach!
November 23 and December 14 — 202 S. Lamar Blvd.
Zach Theatre, a performing arts space in Austin, is trying something new with its inaugural Market at Zach, which will bring together "over a dozen curated artists and makers." Although this is a smaller selection than some others on the list, it'll be interesting to see what a prestigious arts organization decides is gift-worthy, and a bar, carolers, and a petting zoo add a little excitement.
Community First! Village of Lights
December 6 & 7 — parking and shuttle at 9100 Decker Lake Rd.
Community First! Village is a place for people to live while recovering from chronic homelessness, and its residents are always working on projects to connect and keep the community running. They'll be selling handmade goods alongside food vendors Crepe Crazy, Four Brothers, Stony’s Pizza, and ATX Fire. There will also be holiday movie screenings, s'mores, an electric mini-train, inflatable axe throwing, and more activities. Tickets are free, but donations are also accepted.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
December 14-23 — 900 Barton Springs Rd.
This iconic market is a holiday tradition in Austin, combining fine arts and live music for a shopping experience that's enriching even if you don't buy much. Shoppers should note that the selection is very arts-heavy, with lots of paintings, prints, sculptures, and other visual works. Still, there are some home goods, skincare, games, and other small offerings. Tickets ($12) are required to enter, and season passes ($60) cater to repeat visitors.
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