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Here’s all the best Christmas markets happening this silly season

Ahh, the silly season. The time for family. The time for gifting. And also the only time it might be somewhat justified (nay, acceptable) to fight over a kilo of prawns at your local fish monger.

How I do love this season.

And lucky for us Sydneysiders, we’re once again being blessed with some unreal Christmas markets. Whether you’re stuck for weekend plans, trying to squeeze in some last minute shopping, or just feel like lapping up the festivities, there’s just something about a good ol’ Chrissy market that really does get us excited for the birth of baby Jesus.

Lucky for you, we’ve done the dirty work in rounding up the best ones happening in and around town this month. And let me tell you, you’re spoiled for choice. So it’s that time again where you grab out your diary (or Google calendar), and start mentally prepping to fight over that last jar of fig conserve.

Here are the best Christmas markets happening in Sydney this year.

Woollahra Hotel Christmas Market

As far as Christmas markets go, this one has to be our top pick. If you’re looking for luscious, local and ultra-gourmet gifts that give off Eastern suburbs mum energy, this is the place for you. Stallholders including Victor Churchill, Moncur Cellars, Piper-Heidsieck and Don Julio will all be setting up for the afternoon. Of course, it also wouldn’t be a true Chrissy market without live music from the likes of Arthur Washington Quintet, plus cocktails on the upstairs terrace. How civilised.

• WHEN: Thursday 28 November, from 4pm
• WHERE: Woollahra Hotel, Woollahra
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Le Jolly Market

If you’re looking to go all out on festive spirit, Le Jolly Market is 100% worth the check out. The markets, which are located next to Central Station in Haymarket, will have you second guessing whether you’ve landed in some European winter wonderland. Seriously, these guys are going all out on the decor, and we don’t even want to guess the meterage of fairy light usage going down. There’ll be over 35 stores showcasing anything from artisanal gifts to gourmet goods, as well as live music and food stalls all night. Because I can’t think of anything better than indulging on a lobster roll as I tick off my Christmas shopping.

• WHEN: Friday 13 to Saturday 22 December, 5pm to 10.30pm
• WHERE: Belmore Park, Haymarket
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

The Rocks Christmas Markets

The Rocks Markets are a long held Sydney staple. This December, however, they’re taking a little Chrissy twist. They’ll be featuring all the classic and well-loved local makers, and on the weekend of November 30 and December 1, they’ll be bringing back the NSW Wine Cellar Door event too. As far as location goes, The Rocks Christmas Markets reign supreme every time. A touch of shopping followed by some food and drinks smack bang under the Harbour Bridge? Yeah.

• WHEN: Saturday 30 November to Sunday 22 December
• WHERE: The Rocks
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Cambridge Markets

Let’s be real. Cambridge Markets rule the roost when it comes to Christmas time. They’ve essentially established a monopoly around Sydney, and we’re not mad about it. It means that no matter where you’re based, there’s one going down near and around. This year is no exception, with markets hosted in Parramatta, Randwick and Green Square just to name a few. The markets are known to consistently deliver some of the best and most artisanal goods in town. Check below to see each of the locations and dates.

Parramatta Christmas Markets

• WHEN: Thursday 28 November, 3.30pm to 7.30pm
• WHERE: Centenary Square, Parramatta

Randwick Christmas Markets

• WHEN: Friday 6 December, 1.30pm to 7.30pm
• WHERE: Royal Randwick Racecourse, Randwick

Green Square Christmas Markets

• WHEN: Saturday 21 December, 10am to 4pm
• WHERE: Green Square Plaza, Green Square

Ryde Christmas Markets

• WHEN: Sunday 8 December, 10am to 4pm
• WHERE: Anderson Place, Meadowbank

Burwood Christmas Markets

• WHEN: Saturday 14 December, 12pm to 9pm
• WHERE: Burwood Park, Burwood

Martin Place Christmas Markets

This one’s for the office corpies clocking off after 7pm before EOY. Martin Place is staying open late this month to once again play host to the ultimate Christmas markets. The entire precinct is known to transform into a Chrissy wonderland, from the iconic Martin Place tree, to 58 exceptional stalls delivering an array of goodies. It’s perfect for those looking to fit their Christmas shopping in during their lunch break.

• WHEN: Thursday 28 November to Saturday 21 December, 11am to 9pm
• WHERE: Martin Place, Sydney CBD
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Carriageworks Christmas Markets

It wouldn’t be a true roundup unless there was also a special mention of the Carriageworks Christmas Markets. It’s the perfect spot, particularly if you missed out on the most recent Christmas fair that happened last weekend. The Carriageworks Hall is known for transforming into the ultimate indoor market venue, which is perfect if it continues to be this scorching bloody hot. There’ll be over 100 stallholders, including some of our beloved regular farmer vendors. This one’s a winner.

• WHEN: Saturday 21 December, 8am to 3pm
• WHERE: Carriageworks, Redfern
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Kirribilli Markets

Known for their enormous markets smack bang under the Harbour Bridge, the Kirribilli Markets is back again at the start of the month to deliver the ultimate Christmas edition. With over 220 stalls, the markets absolutely dominate the Lower North Shore. It’s basically like crack to Mosman mums, but it can be for you, too. They’re best known for some great food trucks and vintage shopping.

• WHEN: Sunday 1 December, 8.30am to 3pm
• WHERE: Milsons Point Station
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Mosman Christmas Night Market

Another Mosman mum favourite, but nonetheless a great choice. Each year Mosman Square plays host to one of the prettiest night markets happening in town. It’s fairy light extravaganza that’s almost certainly headed by that one soccer mum with too much time on her hands (which we love, FYI). It’s known for lots of handcrafted and DIY goods, in addition to live entertainment. Very children friendly.

• WHEN: Thursday 12 December, 4.30pm to 9pm
• WHERE: Mosman Square & Village Green, Mosman
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Sydney Fish Market 36HR Marathon

Of course, we can’t leave without also shouting out the iconic Sydney Fish Market 36HR Marathon. While it might be a little different to some of our other recommendations, we think that’s what makes it just perfect. After all, I’d rather spend my money on a dozen oysters and kilo of prawns over some handcrafted jewellery any day of the week. Buyer beware though, nabbing some fresh seafood here just before Chrissy makes Black Friday sales shopping look like a walk in the park. Enclosed footwear highly recommended. Perhaps some steel capped ones, too.

• WHEN: From 5am Monday 23 December to 5pm Christmas Eve
• WHERE: Sydney Fish Markets, Pyrmont
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.