Festive Finds: 23 Christmas Markets in Melbourne to Visit in 2023

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Article written by: Rebecca
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Looking for the best Melbourne Christmas markets? I’ve got you covered!

Uh-oh, forgotten to buy a Christmas gift? Never fear – there are plenty of Christmas markets around Melbourne to get your last-minute shopping done.

These markets are a great way to get your Christmas shopping done while also enjoying the festive atmosphere. Shopping at these markets is a great way to support local artisans and businesses, and shop small and sustainably.

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

Markets in the Melbourne CBD

1. CRFT* WRK @ Queen Vic Market

Curated by the team behind the Rose St Artists’ Market, CRFT*WRK is coming to the Queen Vic Market with a special Christmas-themed market. Pick up art, ceramics, jewellery, homewares, dog accessories and plenty more.

Market info
Address: C & D Shed, Queen Victoria Market
Dates: 16 December
Opening hours: 9am-4pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

2. Big Design Market

The best place to get all your Christmas shopping done in the same place, the Big Design Market is one of Melbourne’s biggest and best markets. Here, you can find a beautiful range of unique and handmade gifts, including jewellery, homewares, fashion and more from over 250 designers from around Australia.

The market also features a range of delicious food and drink stalls, so you can fuel up while you shop.

Market info
Address: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton
Dates: 1-3 December
Opening hours: 1 Dec – 11am-8pm; 2 Dec – 10am-7pm; 3 Dec – 10am-5pm
Cost: $6 entry fee
Website

3. The District Christmas Makers Market

This weekly market at The District Docklands will get a Christmas makeover for one day only. Enjoy live entertainment while strolling through the market stalls to pick up jewellery, art, craft, fashion and delicious goodies.

Bonus: pets are welcome – and there are plenty of doggie treats and accessories for sale.

Market info
Address: The District Docklands
Dates: 17 December
Opening hours: 11am-4pm
Cost: Free
Website

4. Rialto Christmas Markets

Pick up some artisanal gifts at this market inside Rialto. With everything from wines, spirits, jewellery, art and homemade goodies, you’ll be able to find a gift for even the fussiest family member or friend.

Market info
Address: Rialto, 525 Collins St
Dates: 13-14 December
Opening hours: 10am-2pm
Cost: Free
Website

5. Alliance Française Xmas Market

Pick up fabulous Frenchy gifts and sample French foods like crepes and raclette at this festive market. It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Melbourne if you want to combine shopping, culture and food.

There are also incredible prizes to be won, including a trip to New Caledonia and dinner at some of Melbourne’s best French restaurants.

Market info
Address: Madame Brussels Lane
Dates: 1-3 December
Opening hours: 1 Dec – 11am-9pm; 2 Dec – 10am-9pm; 3 Dec – 10am-4pm
Cost: Free entry, raffle tickets start from $10
Website

6. German Christmas Market

Image: What’s On Melbourne

Celebrate Christmas the German way at this market in East Melbourne.

Eat delicious German food like pretzels, Bratwurst and waffles while you browse the market for handcrafted goods including Christmas ornaments and wreaths. There’ll be plenty of music and a chance to meet St. Nikolaus (Father Christmas). 

Market info
Address: German Lutheran Trinity Church, East Melbourne
Dates: 3 and 10 December
Opening hours: 3 Dec – 12pm-6pm; 10 Dec – 12pm-5pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

7. Boho Luxe Christmas Market

Give the gift of unique jewellery, art and fashion from Melbourne’s best designers when you shop at Boho Luxe Market’s special Christmas market this year. There are also workshops and psychic readings throughout the day.

You won’t go hungry at the market, because running alongside it is The Vegan Market, where you’ll find vegan chocolate and wines.

Market info
Address: The Atrium, Fed Square
Dates: 10 December
Opening hours: 10am-4pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

8. Japan Christmas Festival

Enjoy a unique Christmas experience at this Japanese festival. There are market stalls featuring beautiful Christmas gifts made by a range of designers, as well as Christmas-themed workshops where you can make your own gifts. Learn how to make Nerikiri confectionary and iced matcha or discover Japanese brush painting and stamp carving.

Workshops are designed for beginners and experts alike. You want to book quickly, though, as seats are limited!

Market info
Address: Japaneasy, Level 1, 152 Little Lonsdale St
Dates: 10 December
Opening hours: 10am-4pm
Cost: Prices vary
Website

9. Arts Centre Sunday Market

Image: Arts Centre Melbourne

Every Sunday, Melbourne artisans sell their unique, handmade goods out the Front of the Arts Centre. Between Hamer Hall and the iconic spire along St Kilda Road, you’ll find dozens of makers and their products – everything from jewellery to soaps, candles, leather goods, clothing and paintings.

While there’s no specific Christmas market, there will be two markets added on Saturday 9 December and Saturday 16 December – just in time for that last-minute Christmas shopping. Expect stallholders to be selling Christmas-themed goodies.

Market info
Address: Arts Centre, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Dates: Markets are held every Sunday, with two additional markets on 9 and 16 December
Opening hours: 10am-4pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

Markets in the North

10. Deutsche Schule Melbourne German Christmas Market

Image: Yarra City Council

Step into a traditional European Christmas market (minus the snow) at the Deutsche Schule Melbourne German Christmas Market.

With more than 40 stalls, the market will have plenty of Christmas-themed gift options, including greeting cards and ornaments. Beyond the shopping, festivities include kids’ activities, gingerbread houses and the distinct flavours of German sausages, pretzels and beer. There’ll be carols by candlelight and music by All Day Fritz.

Market info
Address: Deutsche Schule Melbourne, 96 Barkly Street, Fitzroy North
Dates: 24 November
Opening hours: 5pm-9pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

11. Heide Christmas Market

Shop local in the beautiful grounds of the Heide Museum. More than 120 local makers and growers come together for a special Christmas-themed market.

Bonus: pets are welcome!

Market info
Address: Heide Market, 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen
Dates: 9-10 December
Opening hours: 10am-3pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

12. Preston Market

Come get your “awkward portrait” at Preston Market this year! This pop-up includes a range of ugly sweaters and props that you can don to make the most awkward Christmas portrait ever.

There’ll also be live music, a gingerbread house pop-up and free kids activities.

Market info
Address: Preston Market, The Centreway, Preston
Dates: 3 December
Opening hours: 10.30am-2.30pm
Cost: Free
Website

13. Alphington, Carlton and Coburg Farmers Markets

The weekly farmers markets at Alphington, Carlton and Coburg will have seasonal produce and Christmas hams for sale in the lead up to Christmas. As usual, there’ll be the usual quality producers selling their fresh goods.

Check the individual markets’ Instagram pages for details of the stallholders who’ll be at the upcoming market.

Market info
Alphington Farmers Market: Every Sunday, 9am-1pm, 2 Wingrove St, Alphington
Carlton Farmers Market: Every Saturday, 8am-1pm, Carlton North Primary School
Coburg Farmers Market: Every Saturday 8am-1pm, Coburg Primary School
Website

14. Eltham Town Artisan Christmas Market

This brand new Christmas market in Melbourne brings together artisans, makers and small businesses from the Nillumbik and surrounding shires. There’ll be unique products for sale, from art to jewellery, home decor and fashion.

There’ll also be the chance to see some of the makers in actions through live demonstrations and workshops, as well as live music throughout the day.

Market info
Address: Eltham Town Square
Dates: 26 November
Opening hours: 9am-3pm
Cost: Free
Website

Markets in the East

15. Twilight Christmas Makers Market and Lighting of the Tree

Kick off the festive season at this popular market that brings together more than 70 stalls selling fashion, jewellery, homewares, ceramics, prints and homemade foods.

Alongside the stalls, there are food trucks, a bar, live music and workshops to keep everyone busy.

Market info
Address: Bunjil Place Plaza, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren
Dates: 2 December
Opening hours: 3-9pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

16. The Keysie Market – Christmas Edition

Come along and get all your Christmas shopping done at this vibrant outdoor community market event in Keysborough.

The Christmas market is a not-for-profit event with live entertainment, stalls and delicious food.

Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Market info
Address: Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Rd, Keysborough
Dates: 19 November
Opening hours: 10am-2pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

Markets in the South

17. South Melbourne Market

The historic South Melbourne Market is bringing the festive cheer in December.

Santa will pay the market a visit, stopping by on 21, 22 and 23 December between 11am and 1pm, so make sure to come in then.

The Jazz Jokers will also be roaming the market playing upbeat jazzy Christmas tunes on 23 and 24 December from 7-11am.

Market info
Address: South Melbourne Market, Coventry St, South Melbourne
Dates: 21-24 December
Opening hours: Christmas entertainment times vary (see above)
Cost: Free entertainment
Website

18. Como House Xmas Market

Explore the stunningly manicured gardens of historic Como House while also finalising your Christmas shopping.

An initiative of the Rose St Artists’ Market, the Como House Xmas Market will have a range of goods from art, jewellery, fashion, homewares, homemade and homegrown goodies and more.

Bring a picnic blanket and make a day of it, or book a tour of Como House while you’re here.

Market info
Address: Como House
Dates: 3 December
Opening hours: 10am-3pm
Cost: Gold coin donation
Website

19. Fitzroy Street Twilight Christmas Market

Fitzroy Street businesses are banding together to create a fun, festive twilight market.

Shop gingerbread houses, jewellery, prints, ceramics and clothing, or get a tarot reading to see what’s in store for you next year.

As well as a chance to shop for Chrissie presents, there’ll be face painting, bubble blowing, balloon twisting – and a visit from Santa and his merry elves.

Market info
Address: Fitzroy St, St Kilda
Dates: 25 November
Opening hours: 4-7pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

20. Julmarknaden / Christmas Market 2023

Come discover Swedish Christmas traditions at this indoor market run by the Swedish Church.

The month-long market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and is a great opportunity to try Scandinavian foods and treats, while also shopping for handmade Christmas decorations and gifts.

A Scandinavian Food and Fun Day will be held on 2 December with a Pippi Longstocking show, live music, Santa meet and greet and kids’ activities. Try traditional Swedish open sandwiches, Danish hotdogs, æbleskiver, flødeboller and pastries.

Market info
Address: Swedish Church, 21 St Georges Rd, Toorak
Dates: 18 November-17 December
Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – 10am-4pm; Sunday – 12pm-4pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

21. St Kilda Esplanade Market

Come meet Santa and his elves at St Kilda’s popular beachside market. The market will have a special festive cheer – and plenty of the regular and unique makers with gifts for last-minute shopping.

Market info
Address: St Kilda Esplanade
Dates: 10 December
Opening hours: 10am-5pm (Santa and his elves will stop by between 10.30am and 1.30pm)
Cost: Free entry
Website

Markets in the West

22. Artisan Christmas Market on Bay Street

This community-run event by the Port Melbourne Business Association brings together around 150 stallholders. With a range of handmade, locally produced art, jewellery, fashion, soaps and homewares, you’re bound to find something for even the hardest person to shop for.

Market info
Address: Bay St, Port Melbourne
Dates: 2 December
Opening hours: 11am-5pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

23. Kensington Christmas Market and Fair

Bellair Street will be the place to be on 2 December, with plenty of Christmas festivity.

You know that Santa will be there, along with face painting, roving performers, magicians and giveaways.

Market info
Address: Bellair St, Kensington
Dates: 2 December
Opening hours: 10am-4pm
Cost: Free entry
Website

Wrap up: The best Melbourne Christmas markets

Melbourne Christmas markets are a great way to shop local and do all your Christmas shopping. With markets across the whole city and with a wide range of stalls offering unique gifts for everyone on your list, you’re sure to find something special this year.

Make a day (or night) of it and check out these amazing Melbourne markets this Christmas season.

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What are your favourite Melbourne Christmas markets to shop at?


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About THE AUTHOR

I’m Rebecca, a Melbourne local excited to show you the best of Melbourne. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. After living abroad for 8 years, I’m back home in Melbourne, rediscovering this city that I love and have missed. My aim is to help you find the best things to do in Melbourne.

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