Christmas shopping is sorted at these top Christmas markets and fairs.
Melbourne has a reputation for being the culture capital of Australia. So when it comes to homemade handicrafts and artisan culinary delights you’re bound to discover some of the most unique finds in Australia here.
During Christmas Melbourne pulls out all the stops, transforming its weekly markets into enchanting Christmas fairs filled with holiday cheer. Get amongst it here.
1. Ethical Christmas Night Market
Being the environmentally conscious city that it is, Melbourne has a dedicated ethical market to ensure you have a very merry green Christmas. There’s strict criteria at this market: products must be eco-friendly, vegan, homemade, ethically accredited and of fair labour and social enterprise. There must also be supply chain transparency. On the night there will also be live music and food to keep you well sated.
When: TBC
Where: TBC
Cost: Free
More information: Ethical Market
2. French Xmas Market and Open Day
This annual French market is part children’s fair part cultural celebration. It’s hosted by the Alliance Francaise de Melbourne in its Eildon Mansion in St Kilda and showcases a variety of French produce and crafts.
Entertainment comes in the form of cabaret dancers, theatre productions, children’s activities and of course, food and wine.
When: Date TBC
Where: Eildon Mansion
Cost: Free
More information: Alliance Francaise de Melbourne
3. Seventh Gallery Christmas Design Market
With its commitment to supporting local and emerging artists, every month Seventh Gallery opens its exhibition space to six local creatives. Everything from prints and jewellery to zines and clothing could appear on the day – it’s anyone’s guess!
As the market runs in tandem with exhibitions, they only encompass the front exhibition space. However, feel free to explore the artworks on display when you visit.
When: 17-18 December 2016
Where: 155 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Cost: Free
More information: Seventh Gallery
4. Mad Hatter’s Christmas Party
As crazy and unconventional as it sounds, this Alice in Wonderland party takes over Mornington Racecourse this December. The grounds will quite literally be transformed into the Mad Hatter’s tea party from the much-loved book and with market stalls, food, children’s activities and a beer garden in play, the mayhem is bound to escalate.
Sounds fun, right? Over 170 stalls will accompany the party with colourful artworks, crazy designs and wonderful finds to purchase – so don’t be late for this very important date.
When: 4 December 2016, 10:30am-5:30pm
Where: Mornington Racecourse, 340 Racecourse Road
Cost: $5, free for children under 12
More information: Little Sparrow Market
5. Arts Centre Melbourne Saturday Christmas Market
Every Sunday, Melbourne’s makers gather on Arts Centre Melbourne’s lawn to showcase their creations for you to take home and cherish. In the lead-up to Christmas punters can stop by on Saturdays for a Christmas-themed market takeover. In the past, walkthrough light installations and choir and army band performances have accompanied these Southbank-based markets.
When: 19 November, 26 November and 3 December, 10am-4pm
Where: Arts Centre Melbourne, Lawn
Cost: Free
More information: Arts Centre Melbourne
6. Last Minute Twilight Christmas Market
So you’ve left this year’s Christmas shopping until the last minute. That’s okay! Market stalls like those at Flemington Racecourse understand that life can get in the way so it sneaks in a last-minute twilight market to help you snap up stocking fillers and presents before the big day.
Expect all your usual stalls at Mornington Racecourse with a few gifts geared to the season.
When: 17 December 2016, 3pm-8pm
Where: Mornington Racecourse, 340 Racecourse Road
Cost: Free
More information: Craft Markets Australia
7. The Big Design Market
It’s kismet when the Christmas stars align and a roving market like The Big Design Market just happens to be in town during the festive season. While we’re not sure if the guys behind the event planned it this way, we are sure that there will be 230 designers present over this three-day shopping fest. There will also be creative workshops for those who’d like to hand-make their own presents and kids activities will run throughout the day to keep them entertained while you shop.
When: 2-4 December 2016, doors open at 10am
Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens
Cost: $2
More information: The Big Design Market
8. Doggy Christmas Market
Every dog has its day and for pampered pooches in Melbourne that day is 10 December. That’s when the Doggy Tea Breaks, creator of the first pets market in Australia, hosts its annual Doggy Christmas Market. This event is destined to get your four-legged friend’s tail wagging and features stalls selling canine treats, accessories and doggy massages, and all in a sociable and friendly environment - for pooches and their owners.
When: 10 December 2016
Where: 161 Park Road, Cheltenham (next to St Matthew’s Anglican Church)
Cost: Free
More information: Doggy Christmas Market
9. Nunawading Christmas Market
The City of Whitehorse’s answer to the Christmas market shop is its Nunawading Market. Typically held on the fourth Sunday of each month, it finishes the year off with a Christmas twilight market on the second Sunday of December. That’s 11 December for anyone planning to hit it up this year.
Here, you can expect a wide range of items from babywear to gourmet foods – so you could very much wind up doing your whole shop in this one spot.
When: 11 December 2016, 1pm-5pm
Where: Whitehorse Civic Centre
Cost: Free
More information: City of Whitehorse
10. Coburg Night Market
Don’t let the name fool you: the Coburg Night Market is so much more than market stalls. Established in 2010 by Queen Victoria Market, this market has since outgrown its original digs and now occupies a space in Bridges Reserve. Over three weeks you can browse locally designed and made wears, chill out to live bands and nom on top food truck nosh.
When: TBC
Where: Bridges Reserve, Coburg
Cost: Free
More information: Coburg Night Market
11. Maribyrnong Makers Market
Held five times a year, Maribyrnong’s entrant to the Christmas market scene is a truly local affair. Run by volunteers, it’s a not-for-profit fair dedicated to supporting local designers and makers. Upcoming stalls are showcased on the council’s website so be inspired for your Christmas shop early and check them out before dropping by.
When: 15 December 2016, 9:30am-3:30pm
Where: Seddon Uniting Church Hall
Cost: Free
More information: Maribyrnong Makers Market
12. Deluxe Design Gift Market
Brought to you by Melbourne’s Mystery Market, the Deluxe Design Gift Market brings 75 makers, designers and hand crafters together in one setting to help you find cool and quirky but most importantly, unique presents for your friends and family.
When: 25 November 2016, 5pm-10pm
Where: The Atrium at Federation Square
Cost: Free
More information: Melbourne’s Mystery Market
13. Kew Night Market
The Kew Night Market only appears when there’s an occasion to be had (Mother’s Day, winter etc.) and we can think of no better occasion than Christmas. It’s Kew’s bespoke community markets, but whether you’re a local or a visitor, we reckon you should still support its entrepreneurs this Christmas so clear your calendar on 18 November and hightail it to the markets!
When: 18 November 2016, 5pm-9pm
Where: Kew Scout Hall, Willsmere Road
Cost: Free
More information: Kew Night Market