The best Christmas markets in Sydney 2021

1. Paddington Christmas Markets

Twilight Christmas markets seem to be all the rage, and Paddington has cottoned on to the idea. Last year (2019), it held its festive markets the Thursday just before Christmas, where handpicked local designers gathered outside the historic Paddington Uniting Church to deliver bespoke handicrafts, unique stocking stuffers and artisan Christmas treats.

This year, the twilight markets – and the promise of good food, music, floristry classes and free gift wrapping – has yet to be confirmed. But if you want to get in early with your Christmas shopping, the standard Paddington Markets run weekly on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

• When: Confirmed December dates are 5, 12 and 19 December 2020. Twilight markets TBC.
• Where: Paddington Uniting Church, 395 Oxford Street, Paddington
• Cost: Free
• More information: Paddington Markets

2. Finders Keepers spring/summer 2020 Market

The seasonal Finders Keepers Market is one that needs no introduction. It’s a melting pot of fashion, craft, art and design from independent sellers and makers, and because the event curators constantly seek fresh new talent to add to the bill, no two markets are ever alike. Food trucks and live music set the scene, so there will be no shortage of entertainment or sustenance to get you through the 200 stalls.

• When: 11-13 December 2020
• Where: The Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve 1 Merriman St, Barangaroo NSW 2000
• Cost: $5 (children under 12 free)
• More information: Finders Keepers SS Market

Images: Jacquie Manning

3. Carriageworks Twilight Market

The Carriageworks Twilight Market is returning for the festive season, bringing us loads of seasonal produce and locally made treats. This is perfect if you wanted to take the reins and whip up a home-cooked Christmas meal.

Stock up on your essentials on 23 December. Due to COVID-19, registration is essential and there will be 1-hour sessions to book to keep numbers down.

• When: 23 December 2020. Sessions are: 4-5pm, 5-6pm, 6-7pm and 7-8am.
• Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
• Cost: Free
• More information and to register: Carriageworks

4. Mosman Christmas Night Markets

During Christmas, Mosman’s standard weekend market is transformed into a festive feast for the senses.

There are 130 stalls peddling local produce and arts and crafts that make for fantastic gifts and stocking stuffers. For the special Thursday night Christmas Market you can expect that extra sense of merriment. In the past, there have been Christmas carollers and a surprise visit from Santa.

Not a night owl? You can get your Christmas shopping done early on 5 December instead at the day market from 8am-3pm.

• When: 10 December 2020, 4:30pm-9:30pm
• Where: Mosman Square and Village Green, Spit Junction
• Cost: Free
• More information: Mosman Council

5. Sydney Fish Market’s 36-hour seafood marathon

This Sydney tradition has been running for over 20 years and it’s not slowing down for anyone. It’s a 36-hour seafood shopping spree and your last chance to grab the freshest seafood in Sydney to cook on the barbie this Christmas. For more traditional chefs, Christmas turkeys, hams and cold meats are also available.

• When: 5am 23 December to 5pm 24 December 2020
• Where: Sydney Fish Market, Bank Street, Pyrmont
• Cost: Free
• More information: Sydney Fish Market

6. Kirribilli Markets

Founded in 1976, the Kirribilli Markets have grown to become one of the best loved markets in Sydney’s North Shore. The markets alternate every weekend between a general market and an art, design and fashion market with over 200 stalls present at each.

From mid-December, the art, design and fashion market takes a break, but the general market is still up and running.

• When: 6 and 13 December 2020 (art, design and fashion market), 19 December 2020 (general market)
• Where: Alfred Street South, Milson’s Point
• Cost: Free
• More information: The Kirribilli Markets

7. Cambridge Markets

The Cambridge Markets group organises market events across Sydney throughout the year. Under its umbrella are the EQ biweekly markets and Ryde Wharf markets.

Its seasonal offerings start from mid-November in the form of the EQ Ultimate Christmas Market, The Shire Christmas Market and Watson's Bay Christmas Market.

Visit your local (or visit them all) and shop the goods that your fellow Australians have produced.

• When: 29 November 2020 (EQ Christmas Market), 21-22 November 2020 (The Shire Christmas Market), TBC (Watsons Bay Christmas Market).
• Where: Alfred Street South, Milson's Point
• Cost: Free
• More information: The Cambridge Markets

8. The Rocks Christmas Markets

The standard Friday-Sunday markets in The Rocks gets an extra festive touch in December.

Kicking off from 4 December and running until Christmas Eve (24 December) the markets extend their hours and drop their seasonal gifts for eager present givers to snap up.

Left it to the last? The Rocks Markets has your back with a special Christmas Eve edition on 24 December.

• When: 4-24 December 2020. Fridays and Saturdays at 10am-8pm, Sundays at 10am-5pm, 24 December at 11am-6pm
• Where: George Street, Playfair Street and Jack Mundey Place, The Rocks
• Cost: Free
• More information: The Rocks

9. Blak Markets

Established to provide a hub for Indigenous business, the Blak Market is a place where you can support local Aboriginals. It pops up around eight times annually and over Christmas turns into a massive one-day festival.

The day starts with Welcome to Country and Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony as well as dance, music and author performances and talks. All the while market stores are there to entertain (and help you fulfil your Christmas present needs) with local arts, crafts, jewellery, plants and accessories.

• When: 6 December 2020
• Where: Bare Island, La Perouse
• Cost: Free
• More information: Blak Markets

10. Fair Trade Christmas Market

Making ethical Christmas shopping easy this year is Willoughby's Fair Trade Christmas Market. All items are ethically sourced and support artisans, workers and farmers in the developing countries that the products on sale are made in.

Some stallholders to pick and choose from this year are Afribeads which has jewellery and baskets from Africa, Koguis which sells fashion, accessories and hammocks from Colombia and Palestine Fair Trade where you can purchase organic olive oils, food, soaps and crafts imported from Palestine.

• When: 5 December 2020 at 10am-4pm
• Where: The Concourse, Victoria Avenue, Chatswood
• Cost: Free
• More information: Wolloughby Council

11. Artisans Market Glebe Christmas Market

The local market gets a Chrissy twist in December. If you've never been before, you're in for a treat with over 60 creative artists selling their handmade items. Unique gifting opportunity? We think so!

If you have been before, this one's extra special because it's the first Artisans Market Glebe since March due to bad weather and COVID-19.

• When: 12 December 2020 at 10am-3pm
• Where: Dr HJ Foley Rest Park, 140 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
• Cost: Free
• More information: Artisans Market Glebe Christmas Market

12. The Cannery Christmas Markets

Back by popular demand is Rosebery's Christmas Markets at the Cannery. The converted space is home to stacks of local vendors and on top of your usual suspects, there may be a few new players on show.

Eat, drink, shop and repeat.

• When: 12-13 December 2020 at 10am-3pm
• Where: 61 Mentmore Avenue, Rosebery
• Cost: Free
• More information: The Cannery Instagram

13. Hurstville Christmas Night Market

Can you hear it? Christmas is in the air! And if you're the kind to get your Christmas shopping done and dusted early then head on over to Hurstville for a touch of festive cheer. On its doorstep are over 25 stalls of delicious food creations and quality gifts.

Naturally, children are welcome and will be entertained from start to finish with live music, festoon lights and activities.

• When: 4 December 2020 at 4-10pm
• Where: Hurstville Plaza, 294 Forest Road, Hurstville
• Cost: Free
• More information: Hurstville Christmas Night Market

14. Christmas Cake Stall

For a taste of a traditional European Christmas, the Polish Club in Ashfield is the place to load up on delicious Polish treats. In conjunction with PolArt it's putting on a Christmas cake stall to rival them all.

Tuck into homemade Polish ciasta, pączki, sernik and makowiec to take home and eat all throughout Christmas. Or on the day. We don't judge.

• When: 20 December 2020 at 12pm
• Where: The Polish Club Ashfield, 73 Norton Street, Ashfield
• Cost: Free
• More information: PolArt

15. A Sydney Made Christmas

Formally known as Sydney Made: Etsy Local Christmas Markets, Sydney Made has broken out and gone online this year to showcase the best from Sydney's independent designers and makers.

Presenting itself as a Christmas guide, expect hefty discounts from over 70 makers, and the ease of online shopping and home delivery. To keep with the "market" feel, there will also be free Christmas colouring-in cards, recipes, DIY designs for Christmas tree ornaments, live demos and how-tos.

• When: 14-15 November 2020
• Where: Online
• Cost: Free
• More information: Sydney Made

16. Chippendale Christmas Markets (cancelled for 2020)

Launched in 2019, The Chippendale Christmas Markets featured a curated list of 15 boutiques helmed by local makers and shakers. This includes Ellery, Something For Jess, White Rabbit Gallery, Graffitiore and Gallerie Pompom.

A healthy load of vegan products were available to purchase across the boutiques and bottles of water purchased had their proceeds donated to Maggie's rescue.

There's no word yet on whether these markets are returning in 2020 but we'll keep you updated here when we know more.

• When: Cancelled for 2020
• Where: Sutherland Lane, behind Something For Jess cafe
• Cost: Free

17. The Big Design Market Sydney

Typically held at the Royal Hall of Industries in Moore Park, this year the market is going online. And while that might seem like it's taken some of the market atmosphere away, rest assured the team behind the event is planning to get creative to get you excited for the season.

Over 200 stallholders will be showcasing their wares which range from fashion and homewares to cosmetics and drinks like gin and kombucha.

• When: 18-29 November 2020
• Where: Online
• Cost: Free
• More information: The Big Design Market

18. Chai Walli Christmas Market

Shopping for a tea fan? Follow your nose to the annual Chai Walli Warehouse Christmas Market and you'll be absolutely spoiled for choice for a gift for them. This market is all about the chai, the spices and the tea. Think soaps, chocolates, candles, scrubs and yes, chai teas by the bucket loads.

• When: 12-13 December 2020 at 10am-4pm
• Where: Chai Walli HQ, Summer Hill NSW
• Cost: Free by RSVP is essential
• More information: Chai Walli

19. Eryldene Historic House and Garden Christmas Fair (cancelled for 2020)

Held in the historic grounds of Eryldene in Gordon is this unique Christmas fair experience. It’s a fundraising event supported by some 50 stalls selling everything from garden and kitchen wares to Christmas delicacies like puddings and hampers.

• When: Cancelled for 2020
• Where: Eryldene Historic House, 17 McIntosh Street, Gordon
• Cost: Free
• More information: Eryldene