Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, a live music festival and holiday shopping event taking place Dec. 16–24, will include more than 160 vendors and 28 bands at the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road.



Executive Director Bruce Willenzik co-founded the event in 1976 while working at Armadillo World Headquarters. He continued the tradition after the iconic Austin business closed.



Willenzik said the show separates itself from other Austin seasonal art events because of its emphasis on prosperity for all the participating artists. The result is a family of artists who seek to consistently improve upon their work each year they participate, he said.



This year's show has the smallest artist turnover in four years, Willenzik said, meaning many of the favorites from last year will return to sell items such as jewelry, photography, home furnishings, leather goods, books, ceramics and apparel.



The event has been extended from eight to nine days this year after running for 13 days in 2012.



11 a.m.–11 p.m. daily. Free (children age 12 and younger), $7 (adults). 512-477-1605. www.armadillobazaar.com



OTHER EVENTS:



DEC. 17—The community is invited to a Senior Adults Chanukah Party, a Jewish holiday event that includes music, dreidel playing, menorah candle lighting, door prizes and a kosher luncheon. Reservations are required to attend and may be made by calling the Jewish Community Association of Austin. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Free. Dell Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Lane. 512-735-8000. www.shalomaustin.org



DEC. 18—The inaugural fundraiser hosted by Dub Academy, a nonprofit DJ and music production school in East Austin, seeks to raise money to help host free classes for 500 teens in the upcoming year. Students and instructors will provide entertainment during the event, which includes a silent auction and other activities at the children's museum. Tickets are available here. 6–11 p.m. $25 (show, cocktails and silent auction), $200 (VIP valet, dinner and cocktails). The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. www.dubacademy.com



DEC. 18Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the progressive rock band known for its holiday performances, visits Austin as part of its 2014 winter tour. 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $57. Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River St. 512-471-7744. www.trans-siberian.com/tour