The Best Christmas Markets in Melbourne for 2017

Really want to get your Christmas shopping done in a festive place without the stress and strain of every large shopping centre across Melbourne this Christmas? The struggle is real!

Why not go handmade and local this year for those one-of-a-kind gift ideas only local artists can provide? Christmas markets around the city are plentiful, and they're fantastic, kid-friendly ways of getting into the spirit of things. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the fun family activities while picking up bits and pieces for your Christmas table. What could be better than that?!

1. Eltham Twilight Christmas Market

The Eltham Town Square is supporting small business again this year with their Twilight Christmas Market.

Bringing together the Eltham community to celebrate the talents of the local artists and businesses, means you get to shop quality handmade goods from jewellery and clothes to homewares, food, and drinks. You're sure to get something unique and not have to worry about purchasing a gift for a family member they already have! 

Get down to enjoy the festivities, live music, food trucks, talented local artists and live music, with free activities for the whole family.

What you need to know

• When: 4-9pm, December 14
• Where: Eltham Town Square, Commercial Place, Eltham
• For more info: elthamtwilightmarket.com (including schedule of kids' activities)

2. COLLECTIVE x Slow Clay

Check out the talent at the Slow Clay Centre's annual COLLECTIVE event this season for beautiful and functional gifts made by more than 30 local clay artists across Melbourne, right in the heart of the city.

Wander around and get your Christmas shopping done at stalls selling the best in handmade, ethical, original and locally-made craft with  a glass of Mount Prior Vineyard bubbles in hand. Choose from abstract sculptures to functional dinner wares with some associated synergistic objects such as jewellery, textiles and prints.

What you need to know

• When: Wednesday, December 13, at 11am, and Sunday, December 17 at 6pm.
• Where: 13 Keele Street, Collingwood
• For more info: slowclay.com

3. Flemington Racecourse Christmas Market

The iconic Flemington Racecourse in their last market for the year is going out with a Christmas bang! Grab decorations and offerings for the Christmas table in addition to one-of-a-kind gifts with a festive atmosphere. Bring a blanket and soak it all up with a picnic sourced from some of the delicious food offerings the stallholders provide. It's a super-fun day out without having to tackle the stress and parking of your local mall.

Quality handmade products like jewellery, skincare, art, toys, and homewares sit alongside delicious goods from Victorian producers of bread, gourmet sauces, jams, chutneys, hand poured chocolates, spice mixes, wine, horticulturalists, and more.

What you need to know

• When: 9am - 2pm, December 17
• Where: 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington
• For more info: craftmarkets.com.au

4. Kris Kringle Night Markets

Northcote Town Hall’s Kris Kringle Night Market is a fantastic spot to get some Christmas shopping done (and there are two nights still available this year), featuring incredible locally-designed and handcrafted items across more than 60 indoor stalls. 

Gift ideas include fashion, textiles, skin products, plants, jewellery, ceramics, woodcrafts and more. Bring the family and make a night of it, as the market includes live entertainment, a licensed bar, food, and free activities for children on site.

What you need to know

• When: 5.30 - 10pm December 14 and 21
• Where: Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote
• For more info: northcotetownhall.com.au

5. Seddon Makers Twilight Market

Come and meet your maker (of things!) at the Seddon Makers Market twilight event that week before Christmas when you know you've got to get something and you just haven't yet. 

With more than 40 stalls of handmade goodies, you're sure to not leave empty-handed. Even if it's just with one of the delicious burritos available on the night!

Each market is carefully curated to make sure their diverse range of talented makers are showcased, who provide everything from jewellery, clothing, accessories, homeware, textiles, art, natural skin and body care to kids wear and toys as well as delicious food and freshly brewed coffee! 

What you need to know

• When: 4.30 - 8.30pm, December 21
• Where: Seddon Uniting Church,  Gamon St & Mackay Street, Seddon
• For more info: seddonmakersmarket.com.au

6. Queen Victoria Market

The stalls have been decked at Queen Vic, and with the entire market open every day in the 4 days prior to Christmas, it's the place to be for all those last-minute requirements!

They have been regularly dropping hints about awesome gift ideas for your family and friends, so they've almost taken the stress right out of your hands. 

What you need to know

• When: 4.30 - 8.30pm, December 21
• Where: Queen Victoria Market, Queen St Melbourne
• For more info: seddonmakersmarket.com.au

Main image credit: What's On Melbourne