The Best Christmas Events and Markets in Sydney to Visit This Festive Season

Now in its 29th year, this popular and highly anticipated event celebrates all things seafood. Held over 36 hours from 5am on Monday, December 23–5pm on Tuesday,  December 24, this marathon shopping event offers Sydney’s seafood lovers the opportunity to shop for fresh, sustainably sourced produce around the clock, making it perfect for those preparing festive feasts or seeking special holiday ingredients on short notice.

‘Tis the season for overcrowded shopping centres and gift shopping. But swallow any impending dread because, this year, you don’t have to go to Westfield. Be it food, homewares, fashion or art you’re after, this series of shopping pop-ups across Sydney until Christmas week has you covered.

Add some magic to your Christmas shopping with the the Enchanted Christmas Markets. Organised by the market maestros at Cambridge Markets, who are putting on a slew of festive events throughout Sydney, the market will take over Level 6 of Westfield Bondi with various stalls and special experiences. Situated next to Santa’s Grotto, you can expect a range of artisanal vendors at the four-week event.

The Double Bay Christmas Festival is popping up in the eastern suburbs at the end of November. Head to waterside Steyne Park for family-friendly activities galore. Ditch the generic presents for something artisanal and locally crafted this year with 100-plus stalls selling everything from homewares and plants to sweet treats and snacks, candles, jewellery and art.

Now in its fourth year, Sydney ‘s annual French Christmas market is a celebration of Gallic culture, food and artistry, offering a diverse blend of local and imported goods. This year’s event will feature charming wooden chalets filled with artisan Christmas gifts, pop-up French wine bars — including a champagne and oyster bar — ooey-gooey raclette stations and twinkling festive lights.

This Christmas season, The Rocks is transforming into the ultimate festive destination, celebrating Australian Christmas by embracing unique Christmas decorations created by local artists and incorporating native florals. As part of its Homegrown Australian Christmas events, these locally inspired decorations will be scattered throughout the neighbourhood, with charming scenes and set-ups for visitors to discover.

This year, grab the fam’ or a group of mates and enjoy rockin’ around Darling Harbour with a plethora of free activities including Saturday fireworks, the much-loved Christmas festival and guaranteed good vibes, as well as paid pedal boat rides. From Monday, November 18, 2024, through to Wednesday, December 25, 2025, Darling Harbour will come alive. And in true Christmas spirit – the best bit is that it’s mostly free. 

Calling all Sydneysiders looking to get the jump on this year’s silly season: have your holiday shopping list at the ready. Woollahra Hotel is once again hosting its pop-up Christmas Market — a one-stop shop for unique holiday decorations, festive treats, special crafts and customised gifts. This annual market isn’t just a chance to knock out your gift list. It’s also a celebration of the wonderful Woollahra community. 

As 2024 winds down, the sound of jingling sleigh bells can be heard just over the horizon. The silly season is upon us, which brings with it fond memories of fireside stories, heart-warming food and snowy landscapes (even in the southern hemisphere). While it probably won’t be a white Christmas for Sydneysiders, Surry Hills restaurant NEL is nonetheless transporting diners to a winter wonderland, summoning classic yuletide flavours in clever and surprising ways. 

Every Saturday and Sunday from November 30–December 22, you can shop a curated selection of unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans, including OR Design, RetroKitchen, Merchants of Nonsense and Pappus Jewellery at The Rocks’ popular Christmas market. With a range of goods from retailers in The Rocks such as Matt Pearson Gallery, Fluevog Shoes and Aribella, you’re sure to find everything you need to mark off your holiday gift list.