The holiday season is upon us and Sydney is bursting with Christmas markets ready to serve up everything from unique gifts and fresh produce to indulgent eats and festive fun. Whether you’re in the mood for some last-minute shopping or just want to soak up the Christmas cheer, these are the markets you won’t want to miss this December.
Carriageworks is a staple on Sydney’s market scene and its Christmas edition is the ultimate pre-Christmas stop. On December 21, this iconic arts venue transforms into a bustling market packed with New South Wales’ best fresh produce purveyors, offering everything from meats, cheeses, and fresh bread to artisan drinks, dips, and ready-to-eat food. Whether you’re shopping for your Christmas feast or picking up last-minute gifts, it’s a one-stop-shop for all things festive.
Bonus: Plenty of flower stalls for fresh blooms to brighten up your table, plus a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for soaking in the Christmas cheer.
Where: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
When: Saturday, December 21, 8am – 3pm
Price: Free
Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s tallest Christmas tree, the Martin Place Christmas Markets are the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Running from November 28 to December 21, these markets are a hub of festive food, unique gifts, and Christmas performances. You’ll find a rotating lineup of street food vendors serving up Christmas specials, plus a bunch of local artisans offering everything from jewellery to homewares. The real highlight? The massive Christmas tree lighting up Martin Place every night—it’s a Sydney icon come December.
Where: Martin Pl, Sydney
When: November 28 – December 21, 11am – 9pm
Price: Free
martinplacechristmasmarkets.com.au
If you’re after a European-style Christmas market, Le Jolly Market is your answer. Inspired by the charm of French Christmas markets, this one comes complete with wooden chalets, artisan gifts, French wines, and, yes, melted cheese stations. Duck confit sandwiches and cheese fondue are the stars of the food stalls, whilst live jazz and carols add the perfect festive touch. Located in Belmore Park, this market offers a dose of European charm with plenty of local flavour.
Where: Hay St, Haymarket
When: December 13 – 22
Price: Free
The Christmas lights at St Mary’s Cathedral are a Sydney holiday tradition, and this year’s display promises to be as dazzling as ever. From December 12 until Christmas Day, you’ll find a festive market in the cathedral square with plenty of food, drinks, and unique holiday gifts. The stunning light display and nightly carol sessions will definitely get you in the Christmas mood, making this a must-visit for anyone in the city during the season.
Where: St Mary’s Cathedral, St Marys Rd, Sydney
When: December 12 – 25, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Price: Free
christmasatthecathedral.org.au
The Rocks takes on a whole new charm during the holidays. Every weekend in December, head to George and Playfair Streets for a Christmas market under a massive, 7-metre-tall Christmas tree. Local makers and artisans showcase their goods, from jewellery and candles to clothing and homewares. You can also grab a festive hamper at the entrance, fill it with goodies, and have it gift-wrapped for just $2 (easy present idea anyone?) with all proceeds going to OzHarvest. Plus, there’s seasonal food and drink aplenty—perfect for grabbing a bite as you browse.
Where: George St and Playfair St, Sydney
When: November 30 – December 22, every Saturday and Sunday
Price: Free
For a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe, head to Parramatta for their annual Christmas Markets. Coinciding with the lighting of a spectacular 16-metre Christmas tree, this market will feature live music, food trucks, and carollers, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for kicking off the Christmas season. Plus, there are Christmas-themed farmers markets across Parramatta every weekend leading up to Christmas, making it a great spot to do some local, last-minute shopping.
Where: Centenary Square, Parramatta
When: 4, 11, 18 December 28, 7.30am – 2.30pm
Price: Free
For one of the biggest Christmas markets outside the CBD, head to The Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park on December 21. From festive gifts to fresh food, Christmas carols to Santa photos, this market is a full day of family fun. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained with face painting, the EQ playground and attractions, whilst you can check off your shopping list with over 100 stalls including a mix of craft, fashion and food vendors.
Where: The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
When: December 21, 8am – 4pm
Price: Free
entertainmentquarter.com.au/event/eq-christmas-market/
A bit of local charm with a relaxed, community vibe, the Woollahra Hotel Christmas Market is all about showcasing the best of the local area. With 20 local businesses, live music, and themed cocktails, this market is perfect for grabbing gifts from Woollahra’s finest, including the famous Woollahra Bookshop and the gourmet Victor Churchill butcher. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon supporting local and soaking in the holiday spirit.
Where: 116 Queen St, Woollahra
When: Thursday, November 28, from 4pm
Price: Free
If you’re looking for something truly unique, the ClayGround Ceramic Market in Rosebery is the place to go. This market showcases the work of over 100 local ceramic artists, with everything from quirky mugs to elegant vases. It’s a great chance to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift while enjoying live DJ sets and pottery demonstrations. With pieces starting from just $5, it’s an affordable yet stylish way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Where: 601 Botany Rd, Rosebery
When: November 24, 10am – 4pm
Price: Free
And the award for most iconic Sydney Christmas tradition goes to… The Sydney Fish Markets’ legendary 36-hour Seafood Marathon! For one last time before they move to a new location next year, the Fish Markets are hosting their marathon from 5am on December 23 until 5pm on Christmas Eve. It’s the ultimate pre-Christmas chaos: grab your eskys, fight the crowds, and load up on everything from prawns to oysters, lobsters to smoked salmon. More than 350 tonnes of fresh seafood are sold each year, heading straight to Sydney homes for Christmas lunches. It’s a must-do if you want to be part of this wild, delicious tradition.
Where: Corner Pyrmont Bridge Rd and Bank St, Pyrmont
When: December 23-24, 5am – 5pm
Price: Free
If you’re in the mood for a night out with a festive twist, head to Mosman’s Christmas Night Market on December 12. With over 150 art and craft stalls, a great selection of gourmet food vendors, and streets bathed in twinkling fairy lights, it’s a quintessential Sydney experience. The market takes over Mosman Square and Village Green in Spit Junction, bringing the leafy, upscale suburb to life with a yuletide atmosphere. It’s an evening of shopping, snacking, and soaking up that Christmas magic.
Where: 4/8 Myahgah Rd, Mosman
When: December 12, 4:30 – 9pm
Price: Free
On December 14, the Kirribilli Christmas Market adds a festive twist to its regular Sunday market. Located along Alfred Street, this one-day event features over 220 specialty stalls perfect for ticking off your Christmas shopping list. You’ll find everything from fresh food and local produce to handmade gifts, clothing, and homewares. A true local favourite, it’s a great spot to grab unique gifts and get into the Christmas spirit a little earlier.
Where: 70-72 Alfred St S, Milsons Point
When: December 14, 8:30am – 3pm
Price: Free
Looking for more Christmas events? Head to our Events page for family friendly festive season activities across Sydney.
🎄 Do you have a local Christmas market that you visit every year? Leave a comment below or email us at info@theinnerwestmums.com.au so we can add your recommendations to our list!