With Christmas almost upon us, it’s time to stock up on festive wares and wonders. These are the best Christmas markets for just that.
The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. It’s a time of celebration, family, good food and of course, presents! And what better place to find them than at the Christmas markets?
From delicious puddings and Christmas cakes to trees, handmade wares and decorations, you’ll find something to make the festivities just that much more special. Here is our guide to the best Christmas markets to visit around the country this December.
NSW | Vic | Qld | Tas | WA | SA | NT | ACT
NSW
Martin Place Christmas Markets
Sydney
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Christmas Eve
Wander market stalls under the twinkling lights of the Martin Place Christmas Tree. (Image: City of Sydney/Chris Southwood)
Visit creators, makers, artists, producers and other small businesses as they offer up festive goods under the Martin Place Christmas tree at the aptly named Martin Place Christmas Markets.
Get into the Christmas spirit with hot food stalls, live music and even a visit from Santa. The markets will every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 23 December from 11 am – 8 pm.
Le Jolly Market
Sydney
13–22 December
Christmas is set to come alive in all its glory with Le Jolly Market.
Christmas is set to come alive in all its glory at the Customs House Forecourt in Sydney with Le Jolly Market. Be whisked away to somewhere North, where snow is falling and authentic wood-hut chalets line the streets, full of glorious gifts and wares.
Le Jolly Market is bringing you all this magic and more. Jazz music will fill the air as you peruse locally sourced artisan products, jewellery, toys, spirits, clothes, organic tea and more. There will also be food and drinks to enjoy as you stroll.
Berrima Schoolyard Christmas Markets
Southern Highlands
8 December
Pick up artisanal food and goodies for a cause. Plus, catch some live music!
The monthly Berrima Schoolyard Markets will turn its December event into a Christmas-themed extravaganza. Each market held at the school helps to fund cooking and gardening lessons for the students.
Over 50 stalls will be selling gifts, wreaths, gourmet foods, homewares and clothing. Guests can also look forward to a Christmas raffle, kids’ entertainment and a classic Aussie sausage sizzle.
The EQ Christmas Market
Moore Park
21 December
Held from 8am–4pm in Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter, The EQ Christmas Market is one of the biggest festive events of the year. There will be more than 150 stalls selling everything from photography, art and crafts to fashion, homewares and plants, plus plenty of amazing global food.
Vic
CRFT* WRK
Melbourne
7 December
CRFT* WRK celebrates contemporary, locally made crafts.
If you’re looking to gift a loved one something locally and lovingly made this year, CRFT* WRK is the place to go. Usually a monthly contemporary art fair held at Melbourne’s iconic Queen Victoria Market, CRFT* WRK will be dedicated to all things Christmas this December.
Browse stalls touting art, ceramics, jewellery, embroidery, ethical textiles, homewares, artisan perfume and even dog accessories for your furry friend. Head to the C and D shed between 9am and 4pm.
Mornington Racecourse Twilight Christmas Market
Mornington Peninsula
8 December
If Santa’s sleigh is running late, head to the Mornington Racecourse Twilight Christmas Market. Held on the second Sunday of every month, the market has a special Christmas-themed edition every December.
Found on the stunning Mornington Peninsula, this makers’ market showcases local handiwork and produce. Expect to find handmade, homemade and homegrown goods that will make for some excellent stocking fillers and thoughtful gifts.
Heide Christmas Market
Melbourne
14 December
The markets are set in the lovely Heide Museum of Modern Art sculpture park.
Heide Market is a collaboration between two well-loved Melbourne institutions, the Heide Museum of Modern Art and The Rose St. Artists’ Market. Like many monthly markets, its December slot is Christmas-themed.
Given the calibre of the two organisations, the selection of stalls is sure to be nothing short of amazing. Plus, it’s held in the sublime Heide Sculpture Garden, which will make for a delightful day out whether you bring anything home or not.
Warrambal Christmas Markets
Warrnambool
8, 15 and 22 December
Warnambool is a hotspot for unique stalls and the festive vibes of summer.
The Warrnambool Summer Markets will be hosting an exciting one-off event this year to kick off the December merriment: Fairy Street’s Twilight Christmas Event.
Taking place along the beachside town’s main road, this family-friendly event will be a hub of music, food and market stalls. The festivities will run from 9am to 1pm.
Twilight Christmas Market
Ballarat
20 December
This year, Ballarat Markets is holding a special Twilight Christmas Market, running from 4pm – 8pm on Zoo Drive in the Botanical Gardens. Last year, the event saw over 150 vendors in attendance and expect even more this year, so have your wrapping paper at the ready!
Once you’ve wandered the stalls, explore the rest of Ballarat’s stunning Botanical Gardens. Sit by Lake Wendouree, visit the Tramway Museum and let the kids run wild at the adventure playground.
Qld
Jingle All The Bay
Sandgate
7 December
Just north of Brisbane in the suburb of Sandgate, Jingle All The Bay is an awesome option for families. Much loved by locals, this Christmas market is all about community vibes and family time.
Local musicians and dancers will keep everyone entertained, while nearby streets give way to plenty of market stalls and food stands. Kids will love the rides, activities and epic street parade, which falls right at dusk. Plus, the big man himself may be making an appearance! Jingle All The Bay will run from 3.30pm to 9pm.
BrisStyle Twilight Market
Brisbane
6 & 20 December
BrisStyle Twilight Market is set to take over King George Square. (Image: Rachel Kimberley)
BrisStyle Twilight Market is a recurring event in Brisbane’s King George Square, with locally handmade goods that are as delightful as they are sustainable. This December, the much-loved market will turn into a Christmas extravaganza under the twinkling lights of the Brisbane City Christmas Tree.
Peruse the incredible work of over 60 local artisans, selling everything from ceramics to embroidery and all-natural skincare. There will also be plenty of food trucks and live music.
HOTA Christmas Twilight Market
Gold Coast
21 December
Make sure you make your list and check it twice! (Image: Goodwill Projects)
Head to HOTA on the Gold Coast this December for its iconic Christmas Twilight Market. Browse and buy artisanal handmade gifts, devour gourmet eats and treats, spot roving performers, snap a selfie with an elfie and enjoy joyous live music.
There will also be plenty of kids’ activities, Chrissie decorations and a visit from Santa himself, all under festive festoon lights. The market will run from 4pm–9pm; entry is free.
Eumundi Christmas Night Market
Sunshine Coast
6 December
The Eumundi Markets will be Christmas-themed this December. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, you’ll find the charming town of Eumundi, which hosts a cosy Christmas Night Market to commemorate the festive season.
Gather with the community to support local businesses and artists as they tout an array of gifts, handmade treasures and unique finds. There will also be live entertainment, street food, face-painting and rock climbing for kids, plus a visit from Santa. The Eumundi Christmas Night Market will run from 5pm–9pm.
The Pier Markets
Cairns
15 December
Beat the heat and head to The Pier Shopping Centre in Cairns for the monthly Pier Markets. These indoor markets are a great place to scout for unique Christmas gifts from an eclectic range of stalls.
There’s something for the whole family, including clothing, plants, jewellery and art. The Pier Markets will run from 9am – 2pm.
Tas
Salamanca Market
Hobart
Every Saturday excluding Christmas Day
Wander through over 300 stalls at Salamanca Market. (Image: City of Hobart and Alastair Bett)
Over 300 stalls make up the Salamanca Market in Hobart. And what better way to spend Christmas Eve than trawling through them with family and friends, finding quirky gifts for loved ones? Think books, candles, spirits, tools, art, jewellery, plants, fashion and flowers.
Alongside countless unique wares, attendees can also enjoy buskers and food stalls showcasing some of Tasmania’s best locally grown food. The market spans the full length of Hobart’s historic Salamanca Place, running from 8.30am to 3pm.
The Artisan’s Hand Christmas Market
Cygnet
6 December
Wander the rooms of the beautifully historic Balfour House in Cygnet for The Artisan’s Hand Christmas Market this December. Meet the creatives behind each handmade gift you purchase, from ceramics and woodwork to textiles and art prints.
You can even purchase a delicious, home-baked Christmas pudding that will have the whole family asking for seconds. Running from 3pm – 7pm, this isn’t one to miss.
Christmas Market CMM
Ulverstone
6 December
Just over an hour’s drive from Launceston, the beachside town of Ulverstone will play host to the Christmas Market CMM (Change Maker Markets) at the local rowing club this year.
Like many Tassie markets, this one is all about supporting local. Get your Christmas shopping done before the rush by the stunning River Leven. Enjoy a bite to eat as you stroll stalls of gorgeous gifts, open from 5pm – 7.30pm.
WA
Perth Hills Artisan Market
Perth Hills
14–15 December
Find unique wares that’ll make the perfect gift. (Image: Sophie Hirt Photography)
The excitement of Christmas has inspired the Perth Hills Artisan Market to dedicate two whole days to a Christmas-themed celebration. The Perth Hills are about an hour’s drive from the city centre.
Explore a range of stalls selling wine, gin, gourmet food, pottery, woodwork, clothing and more. Plus, there’s the Mini Phams, a section dedicated solely to youth vendors – a great option for young ones. The markets will be open from 9.30am – 3pm both days.
Broome Christmas Party
Broome
8 December
Broome loves Christmas so much, that they host a party just for its arrival, featuring Christmas Party Carols and Lantern Parade too. This free event is the best way to get the whole family excited for the festive season.
Soak up the lovely community atmosphere as you wander stalls making your lists and checking them twice. Say hello to Santa before settling down as the sun sets for carols by candlelight. And enjoy delicious food and live music, all in the name of Christmas.
Twilight Christmas Markets
Kalgoorlie
7 December
The Twilight Christmas Markets are held at the Goldfields Arts Centre. (Image: Mellen Burns)
The Twilight Christmas Markets are set to overtake the Goldfields Art Centre in Kalgoorlie this Chrissie. Market stalls with unique goodies and delicious food trucks will keep you and your wallet occupied for a good while.
After you’ve done some Christmas shopping, there’s a whole range of exciting pop-ups to choose from. Sip a cocktail from the outside bar. Take a photo with Santa. Dance the night away at the silent disco. Or settle in for a free movie screening of How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
SA
Christkindlmarkt
Hahndorf
13–15 December
Pick up gorgeous Christmas wares at Christkindlmarkt.
For a traditional German-style Christmas market, look no further than Hahndorf, one of our favourite festive towns. It was settled by German refugees in 1838 and to this day holds its European heritage.
It’s no surprise then that Christkindlmarkt draws on its European traditions. Alongside the markets, attendees can enjoy mulled wine, carols by candlelight, roasted chestnuts, caramel apples and more. The free event will run from 3pm – 10pm each day.
Ebenezer Night Markets
Adelaide
7 & 21 December
Ebenezer Place is one of Adelaide’s most charming laneways. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
The aptly named Ebenezer Night Markets are held in Ebenezer Place, one of Adelaide’s most charming laneways near Rundle Street in the CBD.
With the aid of outdoor lighting, casual dining areas and smooth tunes, the Ebenezer Night Markets create the perfect relaxed vibe for some last-minute Christmas shopping. Purchase from some of Adelaide’s most creative artisans and foodies for a gift to remember.
Glenelg Sunset Markets
Glenelg
8 December
Explore the Glenelg Foreshore after doing your Christmas shopping. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Spend a gorgeous summer’s day buying thoughtful gifts for family and friends by the sea at the Glenelg Sunset Markets. With over 100 stalls, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The market stalls will be accompanied by live music and food, plus your furry friends are invited too. When the event wraps up at 8pm, take a dip in the sea or visit one of the classic pubs along the beachfront.
NT
Christmas Carnival
Alice Springs
6 December
Alice Springs in the heart of the NT will be bustling with festive fun come the 2024 Christmas Carnival. It’s an exciting event for the small town, with the whole community coming together to celebrate.
The night will come alive with buskers and performers to entertain across three stages. Enjoy the tunes as you wander a variety of market stalls and watch the lighting of the Christmas tree on the Chamber Lawns. Running from 5pm – 9pm.
ACT
Canberra Christmas Market
Canberra
14–15 December
You’ll find everything you need to tick off all the items on your list at the Canberra Christmas Market, held in the Exhibition Centre in Budawang.
Attendees can expect festive food, special gifts, stocking fillers and loads more. Many stallholders are local, with locally sourced and handcrafted products. The markets will be open from 10am – 3pm both days.
This article was originally written by Taylah Darnell with updates by Lottie Walsh.
The post The best Christmas markets to visit this holiday season appeared first on Australian Traveller.
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