Christmas shopping in Sydney doesn’t have to mean a packed shopping centre. From 21st November to Christmas Eve, Cambridge Markets is running 12 Christmas events across the city, from a market overlooking the sand at Cronulla to a harbourfront concert with fireworks at Double Bay.
Most of them are one-off dates, so a little planning pays off. We’ve put them in date order, with the times, the venue and what’s on at each, so you can match a market to your weekend and your gift list.
Cambridge Markets says every gift bought goes straight back to a local maker or independent business. Times and dates can shift, so check the organiser’s website before you head out, especially for Martin Place.
Cronulla Christmas Market
The Cronulla Christmas Market is the first market of the season is also one of the Sutherland Shire’s biggest. Around 200 stalls fill Don Lucas Reserve, overlooking Wanda Beach, with gifts, homewares, fashion, jewellery, art and gourmet treats. There are rides for kids too, so it works as a family day out as well as a shopping run.
It runs across the weekend of 21st and 22nd November, 10am to 4pm, so you can start your list early and avoid the December rush.
Double Bay Christmas Festival
This is Cambridge Markets’ largest Christmas celebration of the year, and entry is free. About 120 stalls open at midday at Steyne Park. Local acts start at 3pm and the main concert kicks off at 6pm. Conrad Sewell, Paulini, Shannon Noll, Hugh Sheridan and Harlan Goode perform with the All Star Carols Band.
Fireworks at the Double Bay Christmas Festival light up the harbour at about 9pm.
Martin Place Christmas Markets
Martin Place Christmas Markets is longest-running option on the list with 19 market dates from 28th November to 24th December, with more than 60 stalls under the Martin Place Christmas Tree. Expect gifts, homewares, jewellery, fashion, art, handmade products and gourmet treats, plus live music and food vendors with big followings.
On Saturdays there are free workshops, such as Christmas card and wreath making. The Social Outfit sells fashion made by refugee women from fabric off-cuts, and food is served on reusable plates and cups.
Royal Randwick Christmas Market
The first of the weekday-afternoon markets turns Royal Randwick Racecourse into a festive hangout. It has international food, dance performances and Santa, which makes it an easy after-work or after-school stop.
The Royal Randwick Christmas Market runs on Friday, 4th December from 2pm to 7.30pm, so you can pick up a few gifts and stay for dinner from the food stalls.
Maroubra Beach Christmas Market
Set at Broadarrow Reserve, directly opposite the beach, this is a morning market. Look for festive gifts, fresh produce, vintage finds and Santa. It’s a good one to pair with a swim or a walk along the sand.
Maroubra Beach Christmas Market runs on Saturday 5th December from 8am to 2pm. Arrive early for the best pick of the produce and vintage stalls.
Wentworth Point Carols
If you’d rather combine shopping with a sing-along, head to Marina Square on the same night. Wentworth Point Carols brings carols and local acts on the waterfront, plus food and festive stalls.
It runs on Saturday, 5th December from 5pm to 10pm, the longest evening on the list. It’s a good option if you want a Christmas atmosphere more than a serious gift hunt.
Dolls Point Christmas Market
This is Cambridge Markets’ first Christmas market in the Sans Souci area, on the Botany Bay foreshore at Peter Depena Reserve. Expect 120+ stalls and live music, plus free kids’ activities including giant bubbles and a puppet show.
The Dolls Point Christmas Market runs on Sunday, 6th December from 10am to 4pm, a relaxed daytime outing for families in the south.
Heart of Randwick Christmas Market
This evening market has 40+ stalls and supports hospital staff and the local community. It’s set in the Heritage Quarter of the Hospitals Campus and is close to the Randwick Light Rail, so you can leave the car at home.
The Heart of Randwick Christmas Market runs on Friday, 11th December from 3pm to 9pm, which suits a post-work browse.
Burwood Christmas Market
Presented with Burwood Council, this market fills Burwood Park with local acts, Christmas tunes, stalls and family activities. It runs from midday into the evening, so you can shop in daylight and stay on once the lights come up.
The Burwood Christmas Market is on Saturday 12 December, 12pm to 9pm.
Ryde Wharf Christmas Market
Anderson Park in Meadowbank sits beside the Parramatta River, and on this morning Santa, elves and carollers take over. Stalls sell gifts and produce, and there’s hot food for a market breakfast or early lunch.
Ryde Wharf Christmas Market runs on Sunday 13 December from 9am to 2pm.
Wentworth Point Twilight Christmas Market
Marina Square comes alive for this twilight market with international street food, drinks and family entertainment. Parking can be a headache at big events, but here you get three hours of free parking.
Wentworth Point Twilight Christmas Market runs on Saturday 19 December from 5pm to 9pm, one of the last weekends to shop before Christmas.
Heffron Park Christmas Market
The final big Cambridge Markets event before Christmas is built for last-minute gifts, stocking fillers and Christmas produce. If your list still has gaps, this is the one to circle.
It runs at Heffron Park Christmas Market in Maroubra on Sunday, 20th December from 8am to 2pm. Get there early for the best choice.
From caroling with loved ones to twilight food stalls, Sydney’s Christmas market season is shaping up to be a festive treat. Bring your shopping list, come hungry and give a little love to local makers along the way.
