24 November 2023
15 mins Read
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
Christmas is set to come alive in all its glory at the Customs House Forecourt in Sydney with 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.
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.
The holidays are getting closer, which means it’s time for some Christmas shopping!
For one magical evening in the town of Glen Innes, Christmas In The Highlands will turn the streets into a festive market to remember. Stalls will take over Grey Street in front of the historic Town Hall, selling wonderfully unique holiday gifts.
Attendees can look forward to entertainment, food and the official ‘Turning On The Christmas Lights’ event. There will also be a competition for the best-decorated tree, so get the tinsel ready!
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.
Wander market stalls under the twinkling lights of the Martin Place Christmas Tree. (Image: Destination NSW)
Held from 10 am – 4 pm in Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter, the Ultimate Christmas Market is one of the biggest festive events of the year.
There will be more than 150 stalls selling everything from photography and arts and crafts, to fashion, homewares and plants, plus plenty of amazing global food.
Over 160 vendors will fill the Mingara Recreation Club on the Central Coast in early December for the Central Coast Christmas Fair.
Along with market stalls, the free event will host live music and entertainment, inflatable games, food from around the world, Santa and even the Grinch! The markets will run from 9am – 2pm.
Santa will be making an appearance, sunglasses and all. (Image: Hart Events)
Head to the Hawkesbury region this month for the classic Xmas Stocking Filler markets at the Hawkesbury Showground.
Running from 9am – 2pm, the event will host over 70 stalls all dedicated to the perfect Christmas gift. There will also be hot food and desserts to snack on.
Nothing says Aussie Christmas like markets by the sea in the middle of summer. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in Mona Vale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches at the Pittwater Christmas Market by Cambridge Markets.
Held at Winnererremy Bay on the foreshore of Pittwater, attendees can meet and mingle with local stallholders, do some Christmas shopping, eat good food and enjoy live music. The Pittwater Christmas Market will run from 10am – 4pm.
Nothing screams Christmas more than getting your own gingerbread house.
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.
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 – 4pm.
CRFT* WRK celebrates contemporary, locally made crafts.
The Big Design Market is back, returning to the Royal Exhibition Building in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton. The market is all about independent design, making it the perfect place for this year’s Christmas shopping.
This year, there will be more than 200 exhibitors offering their designer homewares, hand-made ceramics, limited-edition art prints, Australian-made fashion, jewellery, stationery and more.
Crowds of people go Christmas shopping at The Big Design Market. (Image: Amelia Stanwix)
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 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.
The markets are set in the lovely Heide Museum of Modern Art sculpture park.
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 4pm – 7.30 pm.
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.
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 pm to 9 pm.
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.
BrisStyle Twilight Market is set to take over King George Square. (Image: Rachel Kimberley)
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.
Make sure you make your list and check it twice! (Image: Goodwill Projects)
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 4pm – 8pm.
The Eumundi Markets will be Christmas-themed this December. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
You know you’re in good hands when the event is hosted by The Market Folk, a clever and creative Brisbane Design Market collective. The Fish Lane Christmas Markets will take over Town Square in the stunning South Brisbane.
Running from 9 am – 1 pm, these markets are a great option for families with young ones as it starts and finishes early. This doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the festivities though. Hope and Grey Street will shut down to feature a variety of independent markets and designers selling all your Christmas gift needs.
Find gorgeous handmade wares, perfect for a loved one this Christmas.
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.
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.
Wander through over 300 stalls at Salamanca Market. (Image: City of Hobart and Alastair Bett)
The ever-popular Tasmanian Made Markets are hosting the Tasmanian Made Christmas Festival over two days this December to celebrate the festive season.
Held at Shed 1 on Princes Wharf, this family-friendly event is all about getting your Christmas shopping wrapped up (mind the pun) and supporting local artisans. The festival will run from 9 am – 4 pm, with free entry for all ages.
The Tasmanian Made Christmas Festival will be held at Princes Wharf. (Image: Alastair Bett)
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 – 8pm, this isn’t one to miss.
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 10am – 2pm.
Fremantle Arts Centre’s annual Bazaar Christmas Makers Market is the place to be when December rolls around. Bazaar celebrates all things handmade, quality and local, showcasing the work of over 50 makers.
Wander WA-designed and inspired stalls, touting crafts, jewellery, toys, prints and more. There will also be a variety of food vendors and a bar, plus a fun and festive Christmas photo booth so you can capture the memory.
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.
Find unique wares that’ll make the perfect gift. (Image: Sophie Hirt Photography)
Broome loves Christmas so much, that they host a party just for its arrival, featuring Christmas markets and Carols by Candlelight 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.
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.
The Twilight Christmas Markets are held at the Goldfields Arts Centre. (Image: Mellen Burns)
For a traditional German-style Christmas market, look no further than Hahndorf, one of our Top 50 Aussie 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.
Pick up gorgeous Christmas wares at Christkindlmarkt.
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.
Ebenezer Place is one of Adelaide’s most charming laneways. (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 2.30 pm, take a dip in the sea or visit one of the classic pubs along the beachfront.
Explore the Glenelg Foreshore after doing your Christmas shopping. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Alice Springs in the heart of the NT will be bustling with festive fun come the 2023 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.
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.
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