There are some wonderful events right here down under. From markets that make the most of warm summer nights to those that recreate a European flavour, these are our picks for the best Christmas markets in Australia and New Zealand.
Wellington Polish Christmas Market, Wellington
Dom Polski, 257 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
Anyone seeking a European-style Christmas market in New Zealand should head to the Wellington Polish Christmas Market. Described by organisers as being part market, part music festival, part food fair and part street party, there’s plenty of entertainment as well as shopping.
facebook.com/WellingtonPolishChristmasMarket
Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Market, Sydney & Melbourne
Sydney: November 22-24
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
Melbourne: December 6-8
MCEC, 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
This one is specifically designed for the foodies. More than 150 producers will be showcasing the best in artisan food, wine and curated products for gifting and styling – perfect for sparking inspiration for both gifts and your Christmas Day feasts. Event highlights include cooking demonstrations from culinary experts Valerie Henbest, Steph de Sousa and Kirsten Tibballs.
The Great Christmas Market, Nelson
November 24
87 Atawhai Drive, The Wood, Nelson, New Zealand
Stock up on local handmade goodies at Nelson’s Great Christmas Market. This year the event is hosting more than 100 of the region’s finest boutique makers. Taking place in the picturesque surrounds of the Founders Heritage Park, it’s a wonderful way to spend a day and gear up for the festive month ahead.
thegreatnelsonmarket.wixsite.com/greatchristmasmarket
A Very Tasty Christmas, Auckland
November 30 – December 1
The Cloud, 89 Quay Street, Auckland
A Very Tasty Christmas is both the perfect place to shop for presents and to catch up with friends, family or colleagues for drinks and nibbles in the lead-up to Christmas. Here you can browse the gift market, eat and drink at the restaurants and bars, soak up the live music, play games with the kids and more.
Magic of Christmas Night Market, Palmerston North
December 3-4
The Magic of Christmas Night Market promises to be a relaxed and beautiful environment for you to prepare for Christmas Day. Held at Awapuni Racecourse and featuring more than 150 stallholders, live music, Christmas carols, food truck dining and more, it’s a great place to shop for gifts and chill out with friends.
David Le Design & Photography
Port Melbourne Artisan Christmas Market, Melbourne
December 7
Bay Street, Port Melbourne
Comprising around 150 unique artisan offerings from the local community, Port’s Artisan Christmas Market includes handmade gifts, art pieces, jewellery and more to shop for your Christmas gifts. There’s also a program of live music to keep you entertained while you browse.
www.3207port.com.au/blog/christmas2024
Hahndorf Christkindlmarkt, Hahndorf
December 13-15
Cnr Main Street & Auricht Road, Hahndorf, South Australia
Taking place in the German town of Hahndorf, 20 minutes out of Adelaide, Hahndorf Christkindlmarkt captures the magic of European Christmas markets. Celebrating its 10th birthday in 2024, this popular market is not to be missed this year for those in Adelaide and surrounds.
Jolly Market, Sydney
December 13-22
Belmore Park, Haymarket, Sydney
Jolly Market recreates the festive-filled markets of Europe with its wood hut chalets, Christmas lights, falling snow and even melted cheese stations. This year located next to Central Station, here you can shop, wine and dine in the middle of all the action in the heart of the Sydney CBD.
Cambridge Christmas Markets, Sydney
Various dates & locations
Cambridge Markets hosts Christmas events across Sydney. They cater to a range of audiences but they all feature high-quality food, fashion, homewares, art, crafts, produce, toys, plants and more. This year’s events are in Cronulla, Rhodes, Parramatta, Double Bay, Randwick, Ryde, Burwood, Green Square and Wentworth Point.
BrisStyle Christmas Markets, Brisbane
Various dates and locations
This year BrisStyle is hosting five Christmas markets across southeast Queensland, taking place at King George Square, Queensland Museum and Holy Trinity Church in Brisbane, Distillery Road Market in Eagleby, and The Condensery in Toogoolawah. All about supporting local artisans, the BrisStyle markets feature nothing but handmade, locally crafted products.
