Best Christmas markets include Eastland, Queen Vic, Northcote, St Kilda
From unique festive gifts to the best hams and seafood, these are the best markets to check out this Christmas.
Outer East
Don't miss out on the headlines from Outer East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
If you’re looking for a unique gift or an amazing ham and turkey, there is no shortage of amazing Christmas markets around the state.
Check out some of the best.
Eastland Christmas Markets
The Ringwood Town Square at Eastland shopping centre in Ringwood is being transformed into a Christmas wonderland this December.
Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, street food, free kids’ activities and a range of local market stalls in partnership with The Local Market Healesville.
It will be held from 5-9pm on Friday evenings until December 22.
Details: eastland.qicre.com
St Kilda Esplanade Market
Meet Santa and shop for unique, locally made gifts at the St Kilda Esplanade Market this Sunday, December 10, from 10am-5pm.
Details: stkildaesplanademarket.com.au
Aireys Inlet Market
Stock up on hand made decorations, gourmet treats, pantry items and much more at the Aireys Inlet Christmas Market on Sunday December 10 from 9am to 1pm.
Details: facebook.com/aireysinletmarket/
Christmas Spectacular Market, Ballarat
Street food traders, artisan stalls, live music and more will help gets crowds into the Christmas spirit as Ballarat Nightlife Market presents the Christmas Spectacular Market on December 22, from 1pm-8pm, at Ballarat City Oval.
Details: nightlifemarket.com
Prahran Market
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Prahran Market – from a nutcracker window display, to a 10m inflatable Christmas tree and even a special appearance from the big man himself, there’s no shortage of festive fun.
Pet owners can get photos of their fur babies with Santa on December 16; families can get a snap with the jolly man on December 17; and a roving Santa will be popping up throughout the market from December 19-24. Look out for stilt performers, dressed as giant candy canes, Christmas beatles and a snow queen, who will also be roaming the market from 11am-2pm on select dates throughout the month.
Details: prahranmarket.com
District Makers Market Docklands
Head to Docklands to get into the festive spirit at The District Christmas Makers Market on Sunday December 17 from 11am – 4pm. Explore a range of stalls selling art, craft, jewellery, fashion, homewares, unique gifts, and homemade and homegrown goodies, along with live entertainment.
Details: thedistrictdocklands.com.au
Footscray Night Market
The popular market at Railway Reserve is back again this month, with a special Christmas-themed event on Friday December 15.
Visitors can enjoy the magic of the season with Princess on Skates, (an acrobatic roller skating performer and skate instructor) a Christmas circus show, delightful treats and more.
Details: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Queen Vic Market
Along with amazing fresh local produce, including seafood, turkey and ham, the Queen Vic’s summer night market is also back every Wednesday night, with street food, shopping, cocktails and mocktails.
Details: qvm.com.au
The Northcote Night Market
Held in the beautiful Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre on Thursday evenings in December, the market features a great range of locally designed and handcrafted items along with live entertainment, a licensed bar and food.
Details: facebook.com/northcotenightmarket
Dandenong Market
Customers can now place their orders for Christmas with traders at Dandenong Market, with a range of ham, pork, turkey, chicken and seafood up for grabs.
There’s also a big fruit and veg section and a range of other stallholders selling Christmas gifts at the popular market, which is extending its hours this festive season.
Details: dandenongmarket.com.au
Warrnambool Christmas Markets 2023
Get into the Christmas spirit at the popular Warrnambool Christmas markets, featuring a huge range of food and gift stalls. The market is Sunday December 10 and 17 from 9am – 1pm
at the Civic Green, Liebig St, Warrnambool.
The first ever Fairy St Twilight Market will also be held this Friday.
South Melbourne Market
The festive season is in full swing at the South Melbourne Market, which is brimming with fresh produce, groceries, decorations, and gift ideas. The Market will be open an extra day in the lead-up to Christmas Day on Thursday, December 21, and fresh produce traders will open from 6am on Christmas Eve.
There will also be visits from Santa and festive musical duo, The Jazz Jokers, in the week leading up to Christmas Day.
Details: southmelbournemarket.com.au
Preston Market
Preston Market has put together a guide of unique gifts for sale from market traders, and there’s also a great range of local fresh produce for Christmas celebrations.
Details: prestonmarket.com.au
Trust Makers Market
Explore a range of stalls from local makers, crafters and growers on the beautiful grounds of Rippon Lea Estate on December 17, from 10am-3pm.
Details: ripponleaestate.com.au
Yarra Glen Market
Find the perfect Christmas gift at the Yarra Glen Twilight Market at Yarra Glen Racecourse this Saturday, December 9, from 3pm-8pm.
Details: facebook.com/events
Heidi Makers Market
Explore a range of stalls from local artists and makers in the gardens of the Heide Museum in Bulleen. The next market is this Saturday, December 9, from 10am.
Details: instagram.com/heidimarket
‘White Australia’ fundraiser raises $27k in just eight days
A crowd-funding page created by a controversial neo-Nazi figure has raised more than $27,000 to help “create a home for white people in Australia”.
Like a dame: Lilydale property up for heritage protection
A historic Lilydale home with links to renowned opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, is up for heritage protection, as the hills strengthen its links with the famed opera singer.