The best Christmas markets in Sydney 2017

1. The Brewery Yard Christmas Markets

This yuletide the Brewery Markets will be taking over the Central Park Living Mall with twilight Christmas markets on levels 1 and 3.

Like the mall itself, there’s a twist on the norm at these markets, which . This includes hip-hop Christmas carollers, art demonstrations, workshops and merry elves. For those here to shop, there will be 50 stalls selling arts, crafts and Bavarian treats.

• When: 17 December 2017, 10am-4pm
• Where: Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale
• More information: The Brewery Yard Markets

2. Sydney Living Museums’ Christmas Fare

Set in the grounds of the historic Hyde Park Barracks, this annual Christmas fair boasts over 40 stalls showcasing wares and produce from Sydney’s finest and most promising suppliers and creators.

There’s free entry into the museum, a bar on site and live music from local bands throughout the night.

• When: 14 December 2017, 4-9pm
• Where: Hyde Park Barracks
• Cost: Gold coin donation
• More information: Sydney Living Museums

3. Paddington Christmas Markets

Twilight Christmas markets seem to be all the rage, and Paddington has cottoned on to the idea. Last year 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, it's hosting its twilight markets a little earlier with promises of good food, music, floristry classes and free gift wrapping.

• When: 14 December 2017, 4-9pm
• Where: Paddington Uniting Church, 395 Oxford Street, Paddington
• Cost: Free
• More information: Paddington Markets

4. Finders Keepers Spring/Summer 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: 8-10 December, Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
• Where: The Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve 1 Merriman St, Barangaroo NSW 2000
• Cost: $2
• More information: Finders Keepers SS Market

Image: Jacquie Manning

5. Carriageworks Christmas Farmers Market

This year, Carriageworks is doing something a little different changing up its twilight market into a bright and sunny daytime one.

It's a festive version of the venue's weekend Farmers Market so the primary focus is on seasonal produce - which is perfect if you want to take the reins and whip up a home-cooked Christmas meal.

Held two days before Christmas, it’s also great for that last-minute shop before the holidays kick in! Freshly made food is available to purchase and Christmas carollers will roam throughout.

• When: 23 December 2017, 8am-1pm
• Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
• Cost: Free
• More information: Carriageworks

6. Mosman Christmas Markets

During Christmas, Mosman’s standard weekend market is transformed into a festive feast for the senses. There’s a seemingly endless number of local produce and craft stalls to choose great gifts and stocking stuffers from.

In 2015, Christmas carollers filled the air with song and Santa dropped by to say hello during the evening, too.

• When: 7 December 2017, 4:30pm-9:30pm
• Where: Mosman Square and Village Green, Spit Junction
• Cost: Free
• More information: Mosman Council

7. Etsy Local Christmas Markets

Etsy, one of our favourite online stores for handmade gifts, moved offline in 2015 to host the Sydney Made: Etsy Local Christmas Markets. Held at the Seymour Centre, it was a rousing success with punters pushing for space as they shopped for wares from Sydney’s independent designers and makers.

This year, the event returns in a bigger and better space at the Brewery Yard. It’s coming to us in November, so you can get your Christmas shopping done early. Thoughtful, right?

• When: 25 November 2017, 10am-5pm
• Where: Brewery Yard Markets, Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale
• Cost: Free
• More information: Sydney Made

8. 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 Saturday 23 December to 5pm 24 December 2017
• Where: Sydney Fish Market, Bank Street, Pyrmont
• Cost: Free
• More information: Sydney Fish Market

9. 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: 10 December 2017 (art, design and fashion market), 16 & 23 December 2017 (general market)
• Where: Alfred Street South, Milson’s Point
• Cost: Free
• More information: The Kirribilli Markets

10. Eryldene Historic House and Garden Christmas Fair

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: 25-26 November, 10am-4pm
• Where: Eryldene Historic House, 17 McIntosh Street, Gordon
• Cost: Free
• More information: Eryldene

11. Macarthur Christmas Markets

For a family-friendly affair, it doesn’t get more entertaining than the Macarthur Christmas Markets. It's got everything from family and kids’ activities to those sought-after market stalls.

Pack the kids into the car and head down to Campbelltown for the day. They’ll love it!

• When: 16-17 December 2017, 9am-5pm
• Where: 200 Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown

• More information: Macarthur Christmas Markets