Locally hammered jewelry featuring matte metals. Artisan-made flasks wrapped in leather. Hand-poured soy candles that smell like the "Seaside." These are just a few of the unique, handcrafted gifts that local artisans offer up at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. More than 160 Austin-area vendors will take over the Palmer Events Center from December 14th to the 24th, and shoppers are invited to come check out what they're selling between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day.

From the functional and wearable works of art to the offbeat conversation pieces, this collection of gifts boasts something for everyone on your list—which is probably why more than 40,000 shoppers come to the bazaar each year. In addition to shopping, you can also enjoy live music provided by locals and award-winning artists alike, ice-cold brews and cocktails, and authentic Austin bites at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Grab your ticket for $8.

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Fifteen nights. Forty displays. Two million twinkling lights. These stats sum up the Austin Trail of Lights, a dazzling display of holiday cheer that dates back to 1965. Back then, it was known as the Yule Fest, and it was a much smaller event. But in the 50-plus years since it debuted, the Austin Trail of Lights has become a yuletide tradition of epic proportions.

From December 9th to the 23rd, the Trail takes over Austin's iconic Zilker Park. It brings tunnels lined with glowing lights, massive holiday trees decked out to the nines, and more than 40 different displays that showcase everything from childhood books (see Winnie the Pooh Corner) to tiny train sets. With four bars, live music, and more than 20 food trucks, it's virtually impossible to get bored at the Austin Trail of Lights. Admission is free on select dates and $3 on others. Click here to buy tickets.

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Van's Banh Mi stands out in a crowd of unique Austin eateries for a few reasons. For one thing, it dishes out classic Vietnamese sandwiches, not your standard American fare. For another, its chef flame-grills all meats to order so that they're hot and fresh when they land in your sandwich. The kitchen team also bakes its baguettes in-house each morning to make sure that the banh mi is extra fresh.

Come to Van's Banh Mi to try the Vietnamese sandwiches, stuffed with your choice of flame-grilled beef, chicken, or pork and all of the traditional fixings. Van's also offers rice bowls with shrimp, beef, chicken, or pork and eggrolls on the side. So when you're craving something different than your typical sandwich for lunch, check out Van's Banh Mi.

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