With Christmas fast approaching, our focus will soon shift toward gifts, good times and good food. And some of the best places to get these gifts, have a good time and get your hands on a huge array of good food is at one of Brisbane’s Christmas Markets.
There are more than a couple on in the lead-up to the big day. You’ll be able to grab plenty of presents, festive trinkets and more amongst a range of locally-made goods. You might even hear some Christmas carols, see Santa himself, or find the perfect pressie for yourself.
Take a look at these Christmas markets in Brisbane below (in chronological order).
Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Market
When: 5-9pm, Friday, November 21
Where: Beenleigh Town Square
The first market to kick off the season is the Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Market and it’s coming in hot with Christmas cheer, carols, and heaps more. It’s night market time at Beenleigh as they break out the winter wonderland decorations and live entertainment that’s calling on Santa to drop in.
This year at Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Markets will see more than 100 one-of-a-kind food, drink and artisan stalls, festive live entertainment and, of course, a visit from Santa! Not only will the little ones get to meet the myth himself, but there’ll be plenty of other fun activities for them, like a petting zoo and a big bubbles entertainer.
Best of all, for all the Scrooges out there, it’s free entry and parking! So if you’re itching to get into the Chrissy spirit, this has to be your first stop.
Milton Christmas Twilight Markets
When: 4–10pm, Saturday November 22
Where: Corner of Cribb & Little Cribb St, Milton
The Milton Christmas Twilight Market is popping off with a bespoke pop-bar to go along with the handmade gifts you find as well as all the delicious eats you can grab as you browse and buy.
The kids will be well looked after with plenty of entertainment as well as Christmas cheer and decorations. Oh, and Santa will be on the street too.
Parking is $2 and entry is $3, and again, free for kids under 12.
Carseldine Christmas Twilight Market
When: 4–10pm, Saturday, November 29
Where: 133 Dorville Road, Carseldine
It’s time for the northside to shine when the Carseldine Christmas Twilight Market takes over.
The evening will be packed with live entertainment, snaps with Santa, and all the glorious eats and treats you can think of to get into the perfect Christmas shape. There will also be plenty of handmade goods on offer plus spectacular Christmas decorations and the Stone & Wood pop-up bar to make sure you’re no grinch.
Entry is $3 per person but free for Santa’s little helpers (under 12).
Rotary Club of Mt Gravatt Christmas Fair
When: 4–10pm, Saturday November 29
Where: Mt Gravatt Showgrounds
Christmastime is about coming together, and the Rotary Club of Mt Gravatt is keeping that in mind with their Christmas market. Featuring wonderful stalls, delicious food trucks, a children’s entertainment precinct from Waller Park Family Fun Fair, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa, followed by a Christmas movie in the evening, the day will be jam-packed with holiday fun!
Not only that but, while entry is free, all funds raised will support the Red Rose Foundation for victims of domestic violence and Australian Rotary Health to support mental health research, so you can drink and be merry for a good cause.
Farm Gate to City Door Market
When: 8am–12pm, Saturday November 29
Where: Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct, Newstead
The festive version of this foodie affair is sure to make all your most gourmet Christmas wishes come true. Showcasing seasonal vegetables, farm-direct meats and charcuterie, fresh flowers, artisan honey, dairy products and boutique distilled spirits, not to mention limited edition Christmas-themed products, you may need a tractor just to haul all your goodies home!
QAGOMA Christmas Design Market
When: 9am-4pm, Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30
Where: Outside the Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane
If you’re in the market for tasteful handcrafted gifts, the QAGOMA Christmas Design Market, with its more than 90 of the best independent local artisans, surely has what you’re looking for!
Their diverse selection of handmade ceramics, jewellery, homewares, textiles and clothing comes directly from the people who make them, and you can make a whole day of it with GOMA’s fascinating exhibitions at your fingertips.
West End Christmas Twilight Market
When: 4-10pm, Friday, December 5
Where: Davies Park, West End
Finish the week off in festive style at this Christmas market in West End. Browse from over 150 stalls of unique handmade gifts, grab a feed and a drink, and get a photo with Santa himself.
There will also be plenty of holly jolly live music to soundtrack your evening, which you can enjoy with a festive cocktail from the pop-up bar, and a kids’ disco so the younger ones can move to groove too! All of this and more, with free entry and parking!
Nundah Twilight Christmas Market
When: 4–10pm, Saturday, December 6
Where: Station Street, Nundah
If you’re in need of bulking up Christmas stockings, filling space beneath the tree, or you just want to get out and about the Christmas cheer, then Nundah has got it all for you. From bespoke designers to a pop-up bar, there’ll be plenty to do and see while doing more of your Christmas shopping.
Yule have no option but to get among the jingles, street eats and tasty drinks at Nundah Twilight Christmas Market.
Entry is free for kids under 12, and $3 for all other visitors.
Vend Christmas Pop-Up Market
When: 4–9pm, Saturday, December 6
Where: VEND Marketplace, Annerley
Mingle and jingle at this pop-up Christmas Market featuring unique gifts for everyone on your nice list, festive cocktails and delicious holiday bites.
The best part is, both kids and furry babies get to have as much fun as the adults, as the market is pet-friendly, and offers facepainting for the little ones and a playground for them to enjoy while you finish your shopping. It’s a win-win-win situation and an unmissable evening!
Portside Twilight Christmas Markets
When: 3-7pm, Saturday, December 6
Where: Portside Wharf
Although this year’s market is TBA, it’s a safe bet that the Market Folk are taking over Portside Wharf — the eclectic urban village — for a specially-curated Christmas market, like they do annually.
If their usual markets are anything to go by, then you’ll be in for a stroll through the newly renovated precinct, now featuring larger open spaces perfect for soaking up the summer vibes, as you browse your way through pre-loved rack sales, workshops, live music family fun while supporting local producers, makers and creators.
Brisbane Arcade Markets – Christmas on the Mall
When: Saturday, December 6 to Monday, December 8
Where: Queen Street Mall, Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
The Brisbane Arcade dons its most festive apparel so you can experience the holiday cheer and shop for the perfect gifts from your favourite Brisbane Arcade brands, with a Christmassy twist!
Redcliffe Christmas Twilight Market
When: 4pm – 9pm, Saturday, December 13
Where: Redcliffe Parade
With over 250 artisan stalls, Redcliffe Markets is bringing more Christmas cheer than you’ll know what to do with! Aside from unique handmade gifts and gourmet street eats there will be roaming Christmas characters, fire performers and live music!
Best of all, you can snap some “elfies” with real life reindeer! They may not have red noses, but they make up for it with adorable furriness and camera readiness.
BrisStyle Twilight Christmas Market
When: 4pm – 9pm, Friday, November 14 & Friday, December 19
Where: King George Square, Brisbane CBD
If you find yourself looking for a last-minute gift, the BrisStyle Christmas Twilight Market has you sorted with an enchanting evening under King George Square’s giant Christmas tree.
There will be plenty of market stalls selling handmade gifts as well as food vendors, live music and more!
The Collective Markets South Bank – Christmas Edition
When: 10am – 9pm, Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 23
Where: Stanley Street Plaza
The trendy eco-centred markets in iconic Stanley St Plaza are the perfect spot for some eclectic Christmas shopping and a unique opportunity to bask in the magic of the season in a less traditional way. Bringing a taste of classic European Christmas markets to Brisbane, the Collective Markets nevertheless retain their quirky and authentic identity, while adding a sprinkle of seasonal cheer!
Editorial contribution from MJ Gayón.