There's nothing like the Christmas season in Austin, Texas. From food to fun, there’s something for even the biggest Grinch to enjoy. When you’re ready to start playing Santa Claus to all the folks that made your Nice List this year, let this curated list of markets and shops make your shopping a breeze this December!

Markets and Pop Up Shops:

My favorite way to manage all my holiday shopping is by checking out local markets and pop-up shops. As a lover of all things local, these are my must attend shopping events each year.

Blue Genie
6100 Airport Boulevard

Since 2001, Blue Genie Art Bazaar has been THE go to holiday shopping destination that Austinites in the know flock to annually. Starting November 18 through December 24 from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, you can shop all things local in one convenient spot. Everything from housewares, to food, to jewelry and clothes can be found at Blue Genie.

German-Texan Annual Christmas Market
507 E 10th Street

Mark your calendar for Saturday December 3 for the annual German-Texan Christmas Market, going on from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Get there early, grab a cup of German Glühwein; hot spiced wine; and stroll around all the vendors located around the historic German Free School Association Building. This event is free to members of the German-Texan Heritage Society and $5 for non-members.

Lone Star Holiday Farmers Market
12700 Hill Country Boulevard

If you like a farmers market, you’re going to absolutely love the Lone Star Holiday Farmers Market. Happening every Sunday from November 27 through December 18 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, you can shop local, unique gifts and find something for everyone on your list! There’s also live music from local artists as well as some of Austin’s favorite wineries and breweries represented during this shopping experience. No tickets are needed and the parking is free!

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
900 Barton Springs Road

Since 1976, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been Austin’s favorite event for shopping, food, music, and fun during the holiday season! This event is held annually at the Palmer Events Center. This year’s celebration will be December 17 through 23 from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm. General admission is $12, but you can scoop up a Season Pass for $47 so you won’t miss a moment of all the Christmas good times. If you can’t make it home for the holidays, you can always check out the Armadillo Christmas Playlists on Spotify, so you’re only a few taps away from Texas Christmas vibes. 

City Wide Vintage Sale
900 Barton Springs Road

If your holiday shopping includes some cool vintage finds for the folks on your list, look no further than the City Wide Vintage Sale. This shopping event takes place at the Palmer Events Center on December 10 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm & December 11 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Since 1977 the City Wide Vintage Sale has been a monthly shopping experience, with special Christmas items during the month of December. Adult tickets are $12 and children under 12 get free admission.

Soco Makers Market
1511 South Congress Avenue

Every Friday through Sunday, head down to South Congress for the Soco Makers Market. This local-centric shopping experience offers everything from food to jewelry and everything in between. If you can’t make it to the market, there’s online shopping for each vendor on the Soco Makers Market website.

Clothes & Jewelry:

The halls won’t be the only thing all decked out this holiday season after you shop at these local Austin fashion faves!

Triple Z Threadz
1708 South Congress Avenue

Austin has a certain style to it and no one captures that better than Triple Z Threadz. You’ve definitely seen their cool and unique embroidered pearl snaps all over your Instagram feed, but they have SO much more! Everything from jewelry to social justice wear to a mystery bag containing a vintage Playboy magazine can be found in their store on South Congress as well as on their website.

Revival Vintage
5201 North Lamar Boulevard

Since opening its first brick and mortar in 2013, Revival Vintage has been an Austin style destination for home and self. There you’ll find unique vintage furniture, eclectic knick knacks, cool retro clothes, and anything else upscale vintage you could want. They have everything you’ll need for the folks on your Nice List this holiday season! While you’re there, grab up a few things for yourself. You’ve earned it.

League of Rebels
411 W. 2nd Street

We all have that one friend who has impeccable style and who helps us find the perfect thing to wear for a special occasion. When it's time to find the perfect gift for that friend (or yourself!), look no further than League of Rebels. This shop offers bespoke menswear that is tailor made to fit the wearer like a glove.

Charm School Vintage
1111 E. 11th Street #150

Charm School Vintage is exactly what it sounds like: A vintage wonderland full of clothes, crystals, jewelry, and apothecary products. It’s that and SO much more! Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, they also host workshops on everything from plant magic to crystal workings. Scoop up something for the fashionistas on your list, and maybe a few new holiday outfits for yourself too!

Kendra Scott
1701 South Congress Avenue

Nothing says Austin quite like Kendra Scott jewelry. Her designs are the perfect amount of eye-catching sparkle and minimal elegance. If you think beautiful jewelry is out of your budget this holiday season, this shop has price points that will make Santa chuckle with delight. You can even customize the jewelry at their Color Bar or choose from any of their many engravable items that will take your gifting from pretty to personalized.

Luxe Apothetique
201 W. 2nd Street

Since 1999, Luxe Apothetique has been Austin’s one stop shop for all things to help a gal live her best life. From salon services & products to clothing & gifts, this shop will make you feel like a confident queen. Trust me when I tell you this is more than a store, this is a whole shopping experience. You’ll be able to find something for almost everyone, even some witty stocking-stuffers to take a bit off of Santa’s plate.

Beehive Boutique
3300 Bee Caves Road #400

We all know the saying “You can’t buy happiness”. Whoever said that NEVER shopped at Beehive Boutique. When you walk in the door, you’ll feel like you’re walking into a “Good Vibes Only” immersive experience that’s full of fun patterns and unique styles. The clothes are beautiful and priced well enough that you can style an entire outfit for anyone on your Christmas list!

Music & Books:

It’s no secret that Austin is the Live Music Capital, but we’re also home to some amazing music & book stores. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the musician in your life or desperate to find a book your kids will enjoy, this part of our list is where your sleigh will be filled!

Book People
603 N. Lamar Boulevard

Since 1970, BookPeople has been keeping the bookworms of Austin entertained! Whether it's a brand new novel to dive into, a fun bookmark to keep your place held in style, some sassy socks to keep their toes warm, or anything else a lover of all things books could want, this is your one stop shop for the avid reader. Check out BookPeople’s social media for all the latest reading & storytelling events they host each month.

Waterloo Records
600 N. Lamar Boulevard

Waterloo Records has been selling the soundtrack of Austin since they opened their doors in 1982. When you walk into this store, you feel like you’ve stepped back to an Austin from a bygone era when things were smaller, slower, and weirder around the city. There are bins of vinyl records all around the store noted with section names like “Texas Music”. Pick up a new turntable and a few vinyls for your favorite music fan from Waterloo Records while you’re filling your sleigh this Christmas!

Austin Books & Comics
5002 N. Lamar Boulevard

There’s a reason the Austin Chronicle refers to Austin Books & Comics as “The Library of Alexandria of Comics”. This shop is the city’s one stop shop for all things comic book fandom. Since 1977, they’ve been buying & selling comics & collectibles at great prices with some of the most helpful staff you’ll ever find at a bookstore! Stop by on Tuesday through Saturday to resell items like collectibles, vinyl figures, vintage role playing games, and comics. If you’re not sure which fandom is the preferred ones for the folks on your Christmas list, Austin Books & Comics offers gift cards that can be used at any of the Center of Austin Fandom Stores.  See their website for more details and participating stores. 

Strait Music Company
2428 W. Ben White Boulevard

Dan Strait, a piano technician & salesman, first opened Strait Music Company in 1963. What was initially a Piano & Organ store has pivoted over the years to include orchestral instruments, guitars, sound equipment, and music lessons. Since that metamorphosis, Strait Music Company has become the go to place for musicians of all kinds. With 6 decades in business, this is truly a family institution, with Strait Music now owned & managed by Dan Strait’s grandson, Clint.

Reverie Books
5330 Manchaca Road Suite D

One trip to Reverie Books and you’ll understand why it was named Best Tiny Bookshop by the Austin Chronicle in the Summer of 2022. This social justice themed bookstore opened in September of 2020. The books range from LQBTQ and feminist topics to independent presses. You’ll not only find books on all kinds of topics, but also cards and rad gifts. Make sure you check out this beautiful shop while you’re out looking for the perfect gifts for the bibliophiles on your list.

Antone’s Record Shop
2928 Guadalupe Street #101

After opening his namesake nightclub in downtown Austin in 1975, Clifford Antone decided to open a record shop in 1987. Today, Antone’s Record Shop and Antone’s Nightclub are hubs for all things music in Austin. Located north of the University of Texas campus, this shop is the premiere place in town to get vinyl LPs, 45s, and 78s. It’s also quite a party there, since Antone’s Record Shop frequently hosts events that showcase local Texas musicians. Just like any good record store, they also have an excellent selection of posters, stickers, and branded merchandise so you’ll be the coolest kid around wherever you go.

Breakaway Records
211 W. North Loop Boulevard

Since 2007, Breakaway Records has been one of the best places in Austin to shop all things music. They have vinyls, 8 tracks, cassette tapes, and equipment to play all those classic formats. Need to raise the volume on your favorite tunes at home? Breakaway Records has an ample selection of receivers and speakers. All of the musicians on your shopping list will flip when they open a present from here!

Local Gifts:

When you need something for folks that are all about Austin, look no further than this curated section full of some of our favorite local gift shops.

Prima Dora
1912 South Congress Avenue

Even before I moved to Austin, Prima Dora has always been one of my favorite gift shops in town. There’s something about the giant red tulip on the sign that just draws you into this place. Over 70% of the great gifts in this store come from local, Austin artists and makers. At Prima Dora you can find cool shirts, quirky stickers, snarky homegoods, and even books about Austin’s history. For more information about this iconic gift shop, check out our listing of Prima Dora.  

Toy Joy
403 W. 2nd Street & 4631 Airport Boulevard

When you’re looking to load toys and games into your sleigh, look no further than Santa’s favorite spot since 1987, Toy Joy. Don’t let the name fool you though, they are SO much more than just toys. Inside their walls you’ll find games, arts & crafts kits, model kits, books, and so much more. Nextdoor to each location is their sister store, Yummy Joy, where you can find a unique array of classic candies as well as some unusual flavors to entertain your palate. 

Uncommon Objects
1602 Fort View Road

What do you get when you take 24 visionary antique sellers in 1991 and put them under one roof? You get the cult shopping obsession that is Uncommon Objects. While you can find some pretty amazing gifts in this shop, it’s also fun to browse around the displays while you find the most quirky, yet perfect gift for each person on your nice list.

East Austin Succulents
801 Tillery Street

When it comes to the plant parents or the plant curious on your list, head over to East Austin Succulents. For the plant savvy person, this is a wonderland of cactus, succulents, and all the beautiful pots for them. If you’re gifting to someone who is an aspiring plant whisperer like myself, East Austin Succulents has online and in person workshops to help begin the journey. They also have some of the best and brightest staff in town when it comes to all things greenthumb. East Austin Succulents is one of our favorite shopping spots in East Austin!

Little Gay Shop
828 Airport Boulevard

Everything in Little Gay Shop is made by queer artists and makers. They have LQBTQIA themed gift wrapping items, holiday cards, and presents all in one spot. Santa would absolutely LOVE it there! You can find books, buttons, and shirts for everyone that believes love is love all year, especially during the holiday season.

Slow North
2700 W. Anderson Lane #410

While you're out holiday shopping and you’re feeling a little frazzled, let the soothing vibes and excellent gifts from Slow North calm the Christmas chaos. Opening in 2015, their handmade candles can now be found in some of the best spas around the country. Slow North focuses on small-batch, botanical goods with transparent ingredients for optimal whole living. Their goods range from daily use to luxury items that highlight local artists. They even host candle making and ceramics workshops in the back of the shop.

Ten Thousand Villages
4803 Burnet Road

From maker to market, Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit store with handcrafted goods from around the globe. They have beautiful clothing and jewelry, inspired homegoods, elevated kitchenware, and so much more. There’s even an outdoor section that will turn any outside space into a mini vacation. While you’re there, make sure you scope out the Fierce Creature towel from their Jurassic World x Accompany collection. It will be a favorite of any little dinosaur lovers on your list. 

Sports & Outdoors

Here in Austin, it seems like everyone does something fun outdoors. From camping to skateboarding to University of Texas gear, this section is for all the thrill seekers and sports fans on your Christmas list.

YETI Flagship Store
220 South Congress Avenue

If you’ve got a few outdoorsy types to shop for this year, you have to go to one of Austin’s outdoors meccas, the YETI Flagship Store on South Congress. Their tumblers are crowd pleasing presents and come in a range of sizes, colors, and drink styles. Their coolers are so durable that they boast the coolers could survive a bear attack. Let's hope a round of extreme camping doesn’t come with one of those showstopping gifts! Check out our listing on the YETI Flagship Store and get ready to shop for the gear for your next adventure?

The Loop Running Supply Co
115 Sandra Muraida Way Suite 105B

When you want the very best for the runner in your life, stop off at The Loop Running Supply Company. They have a curated selection of shoes that are running classics as well as harder to find rare varieties of footwear. The Loop isn’t just for the running enthusiasts, it’s also a great spot for people who are looking to get into it. Since opening in 2017, this spot has not only sold some amazing running gear, but they’ve also focused on building a community of runners while educating the newcomers to the sport. Their staff is super helpful, patient, and knowledgeable so you’re ensured the best and safest fit in your shoes.   

Apparition Skateboards
1906 Guadalupe Street Unit 2

Anything skateboarding you could look for can be found at Apparition Skateboards. They have skateboards and gear, of course, but your skateboarder’s look won’t be complete without some of their hats, shoes, and clothing. Whether you’ve been skating for years, are brand new to it, or are making a comeback to this mode of transportation, the staff there is helpful, skilled in their field, and skaters themselves. 

The Verde Store
10414 McKalla Place

With all the insanity that is the World Cup this year, your local soccer club needs love too! What better way to treat your favorite soccer fan this holiday season than with a gift from The Verde Store. This is fan central for all things Austin FC. From jerseys, to scarves, to YETI items made especially for Austin FC fans.

The University Co-Op
2246 Guadalupe Street

We all have a Longhorns super fan in our life. Whether they went to the University of Texas or not, Longhorns fans love wearing their team colors 24/7. When it’s time to buy for them, head over to campus and shop at University Co-Op on The Drag. Since 1896, this shop has been meeting the needs of UT students with everything from textbooks to Bevo emblazoned hoodies. While you might want to skip the textbooks while you’re working through your Christmas list, you’ll find a plethora of shirts, hats, beverageware, and even gifts for babies and pets for all your favorite Longhorns this Christmas.

Outdoor Voices
1204 S. Congress Avenue

It seems like almost every Austinite has an outdoor hobby. Whether it’s hiking, climbing, paddleboard, or tennis, Outdoor Voices is one spot you have to check out while holiday shopping this year. With their selection of clothing, shoes, and gear you’ll be able to scoop up great gifts. Outdoor Voices even offer some of the coziest loungewear around, perfect for lounging inside this winter while they plan all their outdoor activities when the weather is more delightful outside.

Whole Earth Provision Company
1014 N. Lamar Boulevard

No matter where you go in Texas, folks know the best place to shop for outdoor gear and clothes is Whole Earth Provision Company. Since starting out as a storefront and catalog business in 1970, this shop has everything travelers and outdoorsy types love. Whether it's a new set of luggage, camping games for the kids, or a new book to read while lounging in a hammock, the outdoor enthusiasts on your list will flip when they open a gift from Whole Earth Provision Company.

Local Snacks & Treats:

One of the things that goes hand in hand with the Winter Holidays is food, and LOTS of it! When it’s time to feed folks at a holiday party or you want to send a taste of Austin to your friends & family this year, this list includes some of our favorite places for all things snacks and treats this holiday season.

Spokesman Coffee
440 E. St. Elmo Road A2

Coffee is essential for the holidays! It keeps you going when you’re up late wrapping presents and also makes a great gift. This holiday season, skip the big chain coffee places, and head over to Spokesman Coffee. Their single source coffee beans come straight from the farm, directly to their roasting facility on St. Elmo Road in South Austin. They roast their coffee in house twice weekly and offer delivery, so you’ll always be able to have fresh, delicious coffee for all your holiday parties. You can send a few bags of Spokesman Coffee out to your favorite folks this winter, but you can also get their cold brew by the gallon or 6 pack. They even offer gift cards. Instead of leaving cookies out for Santa this year, consider leaving him a cup of Spokesman Coffee along with one of their delicious locally made pastries and you’ll be at the top of his Nice List for years to come!

Con’ Olio
10000 Research Boulevard #130

The foodies in your life will absolutely LOVE a gift from Con’ Olio this year. Known for their collections of oils & vinegars, there’s so much more once you step inside. You can’t go wrong with one of their gift boxes filled with snacks, cocktail ingredients, or barbeque seasonings. Con’ Olio also offers in-person as well as virtual cooking classes on everything from making your own pasta to how to arrange the perfect charcuterie board. Whether the folks you’re shopping for are new to gourmet cooking or seasoned experts, they will thank you for years to come with all the delicious food they can create with gifts from Con’ Olio. Don’t worry if you’re not a foodie yourself. The staff at this shop are exceptionally knowledgeable about their products and very friendly.

Antonelli's Cheese Shop
4220 Duval Street

What are 5 words that will make any cheese lover jump for joy? The answer is “Cheese of the Month Subscription”. You read that right! Antonelli’s Cheese Shop in Austin offers not only a monthly subscription to delicious cheeses, but there’s also a Deluxe Cheese of the Month Subscription option. Each month the cheese heads in your life can get a box filled with 3-5 artisanal cheeses as well as snacks that compliment each month’s cheese selection like nuts, honey, or chocolate. In the store, you can also shop for an assortment of wines, breads, crackers, and meats to create the holiday charcuterie board of your dreams.

Tiny Pies
1100 S. Lamar Blvd Suite 1116

For pie lovers, the only thing better than their favorite treat is more of it. The best way to satisfy everyone’s dessert desires this holiday season is a gift from Tiny Pies on South Lamar. Their tiny treats have all the flavors of your favorite pies that fit in the palm of your hand. At that size, you should order up an array of both sweet and savory pies. Tiny Pies offers nationwide shipping of their 4 packs and 12 packs of pies, as well as their “Not So Tiny” pies. The flavors rotate daily to reflect the seasons and are made with locally sourced ingredients.

Delysia Chocolatier
2000 Windy Terrace #2c

Chocolate lovers know it’s more than just a tasty treat, great chocolate is an experience. Delysia Chocolatier is the hub of all things exceptionally chocolate in Austin. Their treats are crafted by award winning chocolatiers and are delicious as they are beautiful. Delysia Chocolatier uses sustainably sourced ingredients to create everything from truffles to drinking chocolates. You can even order up customized truffles with personalized decoration and ingredient profiles, perfect for gifting or holiday parties. The delicious fun keeps going every weekend at Delysia Chocolatier with chocolate tastings, perfect for date nights or outings with friends.

The Austin Winery
440 E. St Elmo Road A1

The gift of wine is truly the gift that keeps in giving. When it comes to finding the perfect bottle of wine for all your holiday parties and gifting, look no further than The Austin Winery, the city’s first full production urban winery & tasting room. Since opening in 2014, their team has been using only Texas fruits to create the unique flavor profiles in their wines. There are no wine snobs here! The team at The Austin Winery are self taught wine makers who are high energy and eager to explore creative ingredients to create their natural, low intervention wines.