Christmas is in the air, and with it the influx of shopping has begun! Although Black Friday sales and heading to the shops have their merits, it’s the Christmas markets that bring the most merriment and joy to us this shopping season. Whether you’re looking for your next favourite homemade salsa, or are in need of a personal present for your office Kris Kringle, a Christmas market will cover all your bases.
With decorations already up throughout the city, the Christmas Markets in Sydney have started popping up left, right and centre. If you’re stuck on where to go, what time and even what to look for, then this guide will take you through the best spots for shopping all things Christmassy.
All we can say is, don’t forget your reusable shopping bags – and your wallet too!
The best Christmas markets in Sydney
01
Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Market
from 22-24 November, Carriageworks
The Good Food & Wine Christmas Market is back for another year and with it a ton of new stalls that are perfect for a one-stop-shop of all your holiday wants.
Over 150 producers will be ready to catch your eye with the best artisan food, wine and gifts. Think about your Christmas hosting, and work out what preserved goods, homemade sauces and special sips you’re in need of. Better yet, you can peruse with Chrissy presents in mind as well.
02
Cambridge Christmas Markets
from November to December, across Sydney
A roving Christmas market is perfect for the enormous Sydney community. From the Eastern Suburbs to Parramatta to Wentworth Point, there’s a space for every family to be able to explore. If you love it the first time, you can visit in a different area the next weekend!
The best part about Cambridge Christmas markets is that they showcase local artisans that are from the area.
03
Martin Place Christmas Markets
from November to December, Martin Place
Head to the heart of the city for a market right under the Martin Place Christmas tree! With sustainable products and gourmet treats galore, this market is the perfect way to spend a day out on the town. Hot food stalls are the perfect accompaniment to a day filled with Yuletide festivities.
04
Jolly Market – Sydney Christmas Nights
from 13-22 December, Sydney CBD
Wooden hut chalets and an abundance of Christmas lights will transport you straight to a European winter Christmas market. Wander the stalls as you eat fresh oysters, sip on champagne and treat yourself to a decadent lobster roll. A fancy night out in the city just got a whole lot more jolly!
05
Carriageworks Christmas Market
21 December, Carriageworks
If all you need is one big blowout day to explore stalls heaped with Christmas goodies, the Carriageworks Christmas market is for you. They recommend making a Christmas hamper filled with ‘chocolates, pickles, preserves, wines and spirits’ from the market. We recommend to go and revel in the Christmas madness – it will, after all, be so close to the big day!
06
The Rocks Christmas Market
from 15 November to 25 December, The Rocks
The Rocks are a Christmas market classic. They span from mid-November all the way to Christmas Day, and you can wander the stalls and picking out your favourite treats. This historic precinct is the perfect setting for a market, with golden sandstone as the backdrop for the hustle and bustle of shoppers looking for their next Christmas gift.
07
Sydney Fish Market’s 36-hour Seafood Marathon
from 23 December to 24 December, Blackwattle Bay
Finally, nothing is more Aussie than prawns and oysters at Christmas, and there’s no better place to get them than the Sydney Fish Market. Although it’s not your usual Christmas market, the seafood marathon held every year from the 23rd of December until Christmas Eve is certainly festive enough to make this list.
Sydney Fish Markets will open its doors for a whole 36 hours for crowds to shop for their Christmas feast, with retailers open and ready for customers to get their catch of the day. It does get extremely busy during the marathon, so be sure to check out the best times to visit down below.
Does Sydney have Christmas markets?
Yes it does! Sydney has a huge variety of Christmas markets, both in the CBD and in surrounding suburbs. If you’re looking for a city-central Christmas market, Martin Place Christmas Markets or The Rocks Christmas Markets are great options. We even have a seafood marathon at the Sydney Fish Market in the days leading up to December 25.
