40th annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

It's a celebration fit for Austin. A yearly event that people from around the world will experience over 10 days, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.

"It is a quintessential Austin tradition that started 40 years ago at the Armadillo World Headquarters." Nicole Siro, of Hook 'em marketing, said, "and started with basically getting the artists out of the rain and inside with music playing and turned into this giant phenomenon."

Over 25,000 people, 160 artists and 30 musicians will make their way to the Palmer Events Center to be a part of the festivities.

Artists like Daryl Thomas, who is one of only a handful of western practicing Japanese woodblock print artists in the world.

"I've done this for 35 years and Christmas is not Christmas, the holidays are not the holidays without the Armadillo for me," Thomas said.

Thomas, who's big break came almost three decades ago at the Bazaar, said the event can be a launching pad for up-and-coming artists.

"You have an opportunity to put your work in front of over 25,000 people immediately," Thomas said.

Although the 40 year celebration will end on Christmas Eve, there is no end in sight for this Austin original.

"This city truly does have arts running deep in its roots and we want to be able to carry that on for all future generations to enjoy too," Shiro said.

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will be open from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. every day until Christmas Eve.