C&G’s Guide To Melbourne’s Best Christmas Markets
It’s Christmas in Melbourne! Our beautiful city is about to be transformed into a red and green tinsel-covered wonderland. An Australian summer Christmas is a truly magical and unique experience; swapping snow for the ocean, egg nog for an ice-cold beer, and pudding for prawns! (We’ll still take the pudding.) Despite the difference in temperature, the one thing we have in common with winter Christmas is the Christmas markets! As the shopping capital of Australia, Melbourne boasts some of the best Christmas markets in the country. The best part? You don’t even have to leave Bayside! In this C&G blog, we list the top 5 Christmas markets to visit this festive season.
Artisan Christmas Markets on Bay Street
The Port’s Artisan Christmas Markets are a FREE community event run by Port Melbourne Business Association (PMBA), proudly supported by local community groups, businesses, Rotary, and the City of Port Phillip. Browse over 150 different artisan stalls boasting an incredible range of unique Christmas pieces from local vendors, including handmade and locally produced gifts, art pieces, jewellery and so much more - this is the perfect place to find a present for your loved ones that are always hard to buy for! Support the markets and help the Bayside community get back on their feet after another hard year. More information is available here
Cost: Free When: Saturday 4th December Where: Bay Street, Port Melbourne Time: 11 AM - 6 PM
String Bean Valley Christmas Markets
Need to organize your Christmas day menu? There’s no need to run from one end of town to the other - avoid the Christmas rush by ordering early from vendors at the QVM and get all of your food shopping done in one place! Pre-orders are currently available for hams, turkeys, seafood, and other fresh produce (while stocks last.) Get into the Christmas spirit under the starry lights of one of Melbourne’s favourite laneways for a special night market series filled with festive fare and great shopping. Enjoy live Christmas carols and be sure to take a photo with Santa while you’re there. Don’t forget to grab a famous Queen Victoria Market jam donut on your way out! More information here.
Cost: Free
When: Monday 6th, 13th, 20th December
Where: Queen Victoria Markets
Time: 5PM - 10PM
River Studios & Friends Christmas Markets
Located at The Pavillion in Fitzroy Gardens (next to the Tudor Village and Fairies Tree) you’ll find an eclectic mix of unique Christmas-themed pieces from 60 different artists at the River Studios & Friends Christmas Markets, set to take place over three days this December. Presented by the West Melbourne-based studio, these markets will include ceramics, sustainable handmade jewellery, wall sculptures, textile collage, vintage paper collage, fine leather goods, mosaics, greeting cards and Christmas decorations, as well as a wide range of artworks. Several River Studios’ artists also will be exhibiting their larger works in an adjacent exhibition area. More information here.
Cost: Free
When: Friday 11th, Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th December
Where: Fitzroy Gardens
Time: 10AM - 3PM
Alphington Christmas Farmer’s Markets
The organisers of the popular Sunday farmer’s markets in Alphington are challenging Melburnians to buy all of their fresh food and pantry items for this year’s festivities fresh from the market! Can you do it? If you’re up to it, you’ll need to head along to the one-off event on Wednesday the 23rd of December (perfect for those of us who tend to leave things until the very last minute!) The twilight markets hope to celebrate making it through yet another year of running farmers markets in rain, hail, shine, or lockdown! More information here.
Cost: Gold coin donation (by card only)
When: Sunday 23rd December
Where: Melbourne Innovation Centre (2 Wingrove Street, Alphington 3078)
Time: 2PM - 8PM
Arts Centre Christmas Markets
Discover handcrafted treasures made by local artisans at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Weekend Markets! Happening every Saturday and Sunday until December 19th, the markets run between Hamer Hall on St Kilda Road and Melbourne’s iconic Arts Centre Melbourne’s Weekend Markets. Featuring local designers and artisans – meet the makers behind the creations, uncovering the inspiration and level of skill poured into each piece. From jewellery, soaps, scarves and candles, to woodcraft, leather goods, clothing and paintings, each item is lovingly handcrafted, making for a memorable gift. More information here.
PRICE: Free
WHEN: Every Saturday and Sunday until December 19th
WHERE: Along St Kilda Road between Hamer Hall and the Theatres Building.
TIME: 10AM - 4PM