Salamanca Market: Stallholders urging people to stock up on gifts at special Christmas Eve market

Salamanca Market stallholders are busting with excitement ahead of the weekend, predicting one of their biggest days since the start of the pandemic.

For the first time in six years, Salamanca Market will fall on Christmas Eve, offering shoppers the perfect opportunity to stock up on fresh local produce and last-minute stocking-fillers.

Not only will Santa Claus be making a special appearance, but also the Trombone Choir and the Ho Ho Ho Christmas Choir, who will be singing carols to add to the festive atmosphere.

John Short, who runs the Southern Flowers stall, said there would be a “really nice vibe” at the market on Saturday, noting that Christmas lilies were in high demand.

“People want [Christmas lilies] open on [Christmas Day] and so what we’re saying to people is we’ll have some beautiful flowers ready to go fragrant,” he said.

Santa with produce ready for the Christmas Eve edition of Salamanca Market. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“And it’s a good last-minute thing. You don’t want to buy them a month ago.”

Elizabeth Montgomery, from the Westerway Raspberry Farm, said Christmas Eve was one of the business’ busiest days of the year.

“Have you ever had Christmas without raspberries?” she said. “Christmas is raspberries and strawberries.”

“Is there a pavlova or a cheesecake that doesn’t benefit from raspberries and strawberries?”

Hobart City councillor Bill Harvey said the market would have “loads” of Tasmanian gifts and produce on offer.

“Salamanca Market has had a hard time over the last couple of years and we’re coming back from Covid stronger than ever,” he said.

“So we really want people to get down to Salamanca Market and support local businesses, support the stallholders by shopping local, get something really important for your family and friends.”