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. 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: 9-10 December 2017, 10am-5pm
- Where: Eildon Mansion
- Cost: Free
- More information: Alliance Francaise de Melbourne
2. 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 2017
- Where: 155 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
- Cost: Free
- More information: Seventh Gallery
3. Little Sparrow Market
While not in Melbourne, Little Sparrow Market is a design market featuring unique gifts by new, upcoming and established designers that's held in St Patrick's Cathedral, Ballarat. Worth the drive? Definitely.
Come to discover something new to gift that someone special this Christmas. For the kids, there's live entertainment, kids' activities and free entry. Don't worry big kids, entry is only $2 so it won't burn a hole in your pocket!
- When: 1, 8, 15 December 2017, 5pm-10pm
- Where: St Patrick's Cathedral, Ballarat
- Cost: $2
- More information: Little Sparrow Market
4. 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: 9 December 2017, from 10am
- Where: Arts Centre Melbourne, Lawn
- Cost: Free
- More information: Arts Centre Melbourne
5. 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: 16 December 2017, 3pm-8pm
- Where: Mornington Racecourse, 340 Racecourse Road
- Cost: Free
- More information: Craft Markets Australia
6. 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: 1-3 December 2017, doors open at 10am
- Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens
- Cost: $2
- More information: The Big Design Market
7. 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: 16 December 2017, 4pm-9pm
- Where: 161 Park Road, Cheltenham (next to St Matthew’s Anglican Church)
- Cost: Free
- More information: Doggy Christmas Market
8. 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: 10 December 2017, 1pm-5pm
- Where: Whitehorse Civic Centre
- Cost: Free
- More information: City of Whitehorse
9. 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: 1, 8, 15 December 2017, 5:30pm-10pm
- Where: Bridges Reserve, Coburg
- Cost: Free
- More information: Coburg Night Market
10. 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: 21 December 2017
- Where: Seddon Uniting Church Hall
- Cost: Free
- More information: Maribyrnong Makers Market
11. Thread Den Gift Market
Thread Den is gearing up for a chilled out night of present shopping for last-minute shoppers. Sounds like an oxymoron but with over 60+ Melbourne makers, designers and handcrafters setting up shop in Federation Square for the event, you won't have to stress about not finding the perfect gift for your friends and family here.
Expect cool and quirky, but most importantly, unique presents for all.
- When: 22 December 2017, 5pm-10pm
- Where: The Atrium at Federation Square
- Cost: Free
- More information: The Thread Den Christmas Market
12. 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: 1 December 2017, 5:30pm-10pm
- Where: MCC Kew Sports Club 397 Barkers Road, Kew
- Cost: Free
- More information: Kew Night Market
