Snap up a handmade gingerbread house, immerse yourself in a local cousin of Europe’s famous Christmas markets or go present shopping to the sound of African drummers: there’s a lot to do all over Australia right now if you love eating.
The French Xmas Market from Alliance Française Melbourne is back for a 14th edition in St Kilda. The Alliance’s manager of cultural events, François Libotte, promises that “all the stands will be uniquely French”. Stock up on saucissons, madeleines and wine for your dinner parties or attend a masterclass with Spirits of France to discover French spirits. If you get hungry, try a hearty raclette, a plate of mussels or a tarte flambée.
9 - 10 December 10 am – 5 pm
Alliance Française Melbourne, St Kilda, VIC
Candles and live folk music create the ultimate relaxed vibe while shoppers can chat with the 260 stallholders about their products. The Gourmet Food Hall is the place to go to find ingredients for your Christmas dinner and ask experts for advice. “Producers from the Canberra region and interstate bring cured meats, speciality oil and vinegar, handmade chocolates, and at this time of year, Christmas food such as gingerbread houses and Christmas puddings,” says Handmade Canberra’s Caroline Leevers.
8 December 5 – 9 pm
9 - 10 December 10 am – 4 pm
EPIC Exhibition Park, Canberra, ACT
Federation Square is hosting the largest African festival in Australia showcasing music, dance, arts and food. “This year we are delighted to have food stalls from all corners of Africa including Mauritius, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon and Nigeria,” says Fred Alale, the chair of the festival. You can also shop for artwork, jewellery, clothes and other African goodies to the sound of Burundian drummers or Afrobeat.
9 December 11 am – 10 pm
Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC
Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with latkes, jelly donuts and other delicious Jewish foods. The family-friendly event also has plenty to entertain the little ones including jumping castles, a petting zoo, entertainers and a craft area. The night will culminate with the lighting of a giant Menorah and fireworks. If you miss out, Chanukah at the Bay is the following week; or if you are in Melbourne, there’s Chanukah in the Park on December 17. Dubbed the largest Jewish event in Australia, Chanukah in the Park invites all Melburnians to celebrate Chanukah with a Kosher food park, live concert and fireworks.
Chanukah on the Green, 12 December 5 – 8 pm
St Ives Village Green, Memorial Avenue, St Ives, NSW
Sydneysiders can find all their best boutique producers, chefs and urban farmers right in the CBD, for one evening. Think honey, pickles, marinades, chutney, nougat and so much more. For those hungry on the night, you’ll have your pick, including Latin street food, cheese plates and burgers. New this year: the “Makers Lane”, a selection of food-related gifts by artisans and craftspeople.
14 December 4 – 9 pm
Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW
For a European-style Christmas, head to the German town of Hahndorf, in the Adelaide Hills. The organisers told us not to miss the craft beer and wine from Lobethal (which you can drink on site or take home), as well as the kranskies and currywurst from The Wienerbago.
15 December 5 – 10 pm
16-17 December 4 – 10 pm
Cnr Main Street & Auricht Road, Hahndorf, SA
A Christmas village will take over the South Bank Parklands in Brisbane in December with a gift market, live music, kids activities and a beach cinema. Yep, you can lounge in the sand in your bathers while watching a Christmas movie. Food wise, street vendors offer everything from ice tea and mulled wine to bubble waffles and handmade fudge. The restaurants around South Bank will have takeaway picnic fare.
15 – 23 December 3 pm - 10 pm
South Bank Parklands, Brisbane
And there’s more - here are some others we spotted from around Australia:
MiLi’s Family Christmas at the Vines
8 December 6 – 9 pm
The Vines Resort and Country Club, Perth, WA
Festive Fridays at Adelaide Central Market
8 and 15 December 5:30 pm
Adelaide Central Market, SA
8 and 15 December 5:30 – 9 pm
Central Walk, Jundaloop, WA
8 December 5 -10 pm
9 December 10 am – 7 pm
10 December 10 am – 5 pm
The Cutaway, Bangaroo Reserve, Hickson Road, Bangaroo, NSW
9, 16 and 23 December 8 am – 2 pm
Leigh Street, Adelaide, SA
13 December 4 pm
Bella Vista Farm, Cnr Elizabeth MacArthur Drive and Norwest Boulevard, Bella Vista, NSW
Makers + Merchants Twilight Markets – Goulburn
15 December 5 – 9 pm
St Saviour’s Hall, Goulburn, NSW
15 December 4 – 9 pm
16 December 11 am – 7 pm
Plant 4 Bowden, Third Street, Bowden, SA
16 December 10 am – 3 pm
Woodville Town Hall, SA
Queen Victoria Night Market - Christmas Special
20 December 5 – 10 pm
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, VIC
Gourmet Traveller x STILY Christmas Boutique
20 November - 24 December
Sorry Thanks I Love You, GPO Building, ground floor, No 1 Martin Pl, Sydney, NSW
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