The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar supports the effort to "Keep Austin Weird" one offbeat holiday gift at a time. This holiday market rounds up more than 160 artisans and craftspeople who offer items that range from chic and unique to eccentric and downright odd. For example, you'll find ceramics that depict a cartoonish version of the first moon landing. You'll encounter polos embellished with cats shooting lasers from their eyes. Then again, some artisans also offer beautifully crafted handbags, all-natural body scrubs, and original children's books.

So regardless of who you have on your holiday shopping list this year, you should have no problem finding a one-of-a-kind gift for them at the Armadillo Holiday Bazaar. With live music and libations flowing from two full bars, the bazaar infuses shopping sprees with some festive fun. Grab your tickets to the event, which will unfold from December 14th to the 24th at the Palmer Events Center, for $8 each.

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It's been more than half a century since the first Austin Trail of Lights debuted, and a lot has changed—for one thing, the name. The Austin Trail of Lights was called the Yule Fest when the Austin Parks and Recreation Department hosted the inaugural event in 1965. It began as a relatively small affair, but in the intervening years has exploded into the second-largest event in all of Austin.

It takes approximately two million lights to make this holiday celebration possible. They're woven throughout 40 distinct displays, from stunning tunnels crafted entirely out of twinkling lights to towering holiday trees topped with glowing stars. Each year brings newer, more contemporary displays and technology to the Austin Trail of Lights, so it's worth a visit even if you've been here before. Enjoy grub from 20-plus food trucks, live music by local artists, and gift shopping courtesy of Austin merchants. The Austin Trail of Lights debuts on December 9th and Runs through the 23rd. Depending on the date, admission is free or $3 per person—see the specific rates here.

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At Van's Banh Mi, Van Lam's Austin eatery, the tasty namesake Vietnamese sandwiches are just five bucks apiece. But don't let the price tag fool you—these are the real deal.

The kitchen team bakes its baguettes fresh, in-house each morning and flame-grills meat to order. So regardless of whether you order the beef, chicken, or pork banh mi, you can expect the components to be fresh. In addition to the banh mi, Van's also dishes out vermicelli rice bowls topped with shrimp, beef, pork, or chicken, plus optional eggrolls on the side.

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