Christmas in Australia is a time of sun, family, holidays and gifts.
While buying presents can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be, and you can definitely do better than the dime-a-dozen stocking-fillers at the local department store. A bunch of Christmas-themed markets are happening all over Sydney in December – the perfect place to find a unique gift for that special family member or friend, or even to treat yourself.
We invited some of our favourite markets to tell us all about what they’ve got to offer.
• Blacktown Markets
Our capacity is 240 stalls and we hit that most weeks. There’s loads of recycled and new threads, bric-à-brac, vintage wares, man cave collectables, garage sales, trash ’n’ treasure, farm fresh fruit, veg and produce, hardware, homewares, cut flowers and much more.
The crowd:
We attract a lot of families, as well as couples and groups of friends. You’ll see plenty of collectors and bargain hunters from the local area and as far afield as Bondi in the east or the Blue Mountains in the west.
The perfect gift:
KreatioNZ sell jade jewellery from New Zealand. Nungidewa for alternative fashion and the Fisherman’s Friend for fishing and outdoors gear. The second-hand stalls are always happy to barter and will be more than happy to give you some free banter while you haggle.
What’s the fuel?
We have around a dozen food stalls. Some are with us every week and some ‘pop up’ on a casual basis. Mate Burger fuses Filipino and American flavours from a food truck at our market once a month. Every week you can find The Juicy Hut making all kinds of juices on site, as well as homemade soups and dumplings. Souvlaki Street Grill serve very generous portions of Greek fare and old-school service.
Stallholder info:
On our website is your best bet. Depending on the time of year, we can book out weeks in advance, so it pays to be prepared.
Where: The Skyline Drive-InBlacktown, 33 Cricketers Arms Rd, Prospect
When: 7am-2pm, every Sunday since 1994
More: blacktownmarkets.com
•The Brewery Yard Markets
Speciality:
The Brewery Yard Markets is a premium, inner-city market held on the first and third Sunday of every month at Central Park, Chippendale (opposite UTS). Featuring over 50 hand-selected stalls, live music, art demonstrations and more, the Brewery Yard is a hub for delicious ready-to-eat food, unique food products, designer fashion and artisan wares.
The crowd:
Everyone! We carefully select our stallholders and musicians, and work with them closely to provide an offering loved by young families, working professionals, bohemians, students, Sydney residents and international travellers alike.
The perfect gift:
A friendly chat and a smile will get you far, marketgoer. For Christmas we recommend hand-poured soy wax candles, forged steel jewellery, garish vintage Christmas jumpers and premium fruit preserves.
What’s the fuel?
We’re known for delicious, delicious eats at the Brewery Yard. With over 15 food stalls to choose from, you can chow down on authentic New York-style bagels, Asian bao buns, fusion paella, fried chicken pancakes, Filipino sausage rolls and cold-pressed smoothies with your best buds while soaking up the sun in our summer deckchairs.
Stallholder info:
Anyone can apply to us via breweryyardmarkets.com.au/apply. It takes just a few minutes to fill out, and once received we’ll get back to you ASAP.
Where: Find us on the greens at Central Park, located on the corner of Chippendale Way and Central Park Ave, Chippendale (opposite UTS).
When: We run from 10am-4pm on the first and third Sunday of every month.
More: breweryyardmarkets.com.au
•Locally Made
Speciality:
Making your Christmas shopping easy and fun, Locally Made will showcase 65 emerging makers, artists and designers. You’ll find everything from night and loungewear from Natalija to unique jewellery from local silversmith Hoodooloulou and avant-garde wearables from Zuku. There’s lots to see, but there’s also lots to do! Three of our stallholders will be running ticketed workshops on the day, teaching you everything from polymer clay jewellery to making your own organic skincare products (very limited spots left!). There will also be a stage with bands and DJs, some great food stalls, macarons from MakMak and a Young Henrys bar.
The crowd:
Whether you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift, or just want to have a beer to a DJ set by The Delta Riggs, there’s something for everyone. We’ve even got the little ones covered, with handmade booties from Rikalu and “Inner Westie” kids’ tees from Well Spotted. Bring your kids, your dog, your best mate and your grandma.
The perfect gift:
Japanese ceramicist Mukumono’s stunning range of plates, tumblers and pots make excellent Christmas presents. We also think Waja Creations are worth a visit; their concrete planters and industrial wares make fantastic gifts for the man in your life. If we only had $10, we’d get a koala print from The White Pad or a pair of Pantone-coloured stud earrings from Dean and Nadine. Then we’d head to Forget Cake’s gift wrapping station, with their range of hand-printed and risograph papers to choose from.
What’s the fuel?
Locally Made will feature five distinct areas, offering enough entertainment for an entire day out. The food and beverage section will offer Sydney’s finest bites, with delicious Venezuelan corn pockets from Arepa and mouth-watering Egyptian vegan fare from Koshari Korner. We’ve got beer from Young Henrys and coffee from St Peters locals The Little Marionette.
Stallholder info:
Unfortunately we’re all full up this month! However, you can apply for future markets on our website.
Where: 901 Bourke St, Waterloo
When: Sunday December 4, 10am-5pm. The markets happens occasionally – follow us on social media for updates.
More: thecommune.co/locallymade
•Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Fair
Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Fair is an exciting new festive event that puts the fun back into Christmas shopping. This retro Christmas shopping and entertainment extravaganza features a carefully curated array of vintage, retro, festive and rock’n’roll stalls selling quality fashion, accessories, homewares, collectables, gifts, music, festive goods and more. It’s an all-day Christmas party too and a great place to catch some of Sydney’s swingingest retro and rockabilly acts.
The crowd:
This family-friendly event caters to all who are seeking seriously cool and unique goods. Apart from the fantastic entertainment lineup mentioned above, swing and rock’n’roll dance lessons are also on offer for adults and kids. The kids can even dress in their best Christmas outfit for our kids’ best dressed competition at 11:30am each day. They will also be enthralled by BennyO’s amazing balloon Christmas tree and balloon-twisting creations. Presented in association with Sydney Rock ‘N’ Roll & Alternative Market, we expect a rocking crowd.
The perfect gift:
A treasure trove of fantastic goods are on offer for all budgets. Great buys are to be had from all of our fabulous stallholders.
What’s the fuel?
Fabulous international food traders feature at the market plus a Young Henrys bar and of course great coffee.
Stallholder info:
Contact Tiffany Palmer: [email protected]
Where: The Concourse, Civic Pavilion and outdoor terraces, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood
When: This one-off special event will be held on Saturday December 10, 10am-7pm and Sunday December 11, 10am-5pm
More: theconcourse.com.au
•Northside Produce Market
Speciality:
There are 60 to 70 stalls every market on the first and third Saturday of each month, from Flat Rock Brew Café, who have have created a Northside Produce Market Ale, to hand-crafted reindeer for your mum. There’s also local wine from Mosman by Tom Munro and Second Mouse Cheese all the way from Orange.
The crowd:
Come along to the park where you’ll see everyone from nought to naughty, from babies to baby boomers and the foodie to the muso. We have live music, free market tours (with samples), beers to berries and everything in between, including kids’ activities.
The perfect gift:
Expect Christmas trees from the local scouts, puddings from The Pudding Lady, reindeer decorations from Bruce Gibson [below], garlic plaits by Gilles Bonin and watermelon cake from Black Star Pastry. The fresh produce lasts for ages – that’s a bargain in itself! If you have $10 in your pocket, pick up a coffee, something sweet or savoury and enjoy the live music.
What’s the fuel?
From classic egg and bacon rolls to freshly made Moroccan crumpets, scrambled eggs with smoked trout to delicious vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free delights and great gelato. Drinks range from roasted coffee to freshly made juices and smoothies, plus beer, wine and ale tasting. There are plenty of seats in the park to relax or BYO picnic rug.
Stallholder info:
northsydneycentre.com.au/assets/files/nscc_produce_market.pdf
Where: Civic Park, 220 Miller St, North Sydney
When: The first and third Saturday of each month (except January, third Saturday only), 8am-12pm
More: northsydneycentre.com.au
[main image: Locally Made]
