Your guide to the best Christmas Markets in and around the Geelong region for 2022
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30.11.2022

Your guide to the best Christmas Markets in and around the Geelong region for 2022

Get into the festive spirit with some of our favourite Christmas markets in Geelong.

Christmas is coming and with it comes along a lengthy list of presents and Kris Kringle gifts, festive treats and glistening Xmas decorations.

Enter, the Christmas Market.

As well as being the perfect place to tick off your entire shopping list, a lot of the time these specially curated markets offer one-of-a-kind experiences that are sure to put you in a festive spirit. And after the year we’ve all had, what’s not to love about that?

We’re coming up to crunch time in December and several Xmas markets have already been announced in the region and further afield. So, pencil these in your diary, hop in the car, crank up the Bublé and head along to these markets this festive season.

Geelong Dog Lovers Market – Christmas Edition

Little Creatures, Geelong – Thursday, December 1, 5pm – 9pm

Giving you an excuse to get out and treat your loyal and fluffy, four-legged best friend (or simply attend to pat all the pooches if you don’t have your own), Little Creatures has teamed up with Newtown’s dog bakery Pure Paws Dog Bakery once again for a glorious event this Christmas, celebrating some of the best things in life.

In a first for the collaboration, the Dog Lovers Market will be both Christmas-themed and a twilight event, and will be bringing together some of Geelong’s best doggy suppliers, with canines and their owners set to enjoy the best in gourmet treats, walking accessories, a doggy photo booth, dog training, local vets, pet-themed gifts for humans, toys and grooming from more than 30 stalls.

This is a free community event so come on down and support some awesome businesses, selling lots of great products. Friendly dogs on leash are welcomed.

Find out more here.

Piccadilly Christmas Market

Barwon Valley Activity Centre, Belmont – Saturday, December 3, 10am-3pm

The annual Piccadilly Christmas Market is returning to Geelong, going ahead on Saturday, December 3 2022 at the Barwon Valley Activity Centre in Belmont from 10am to 3pm. With the recent tragic loss experienced by this market’s owner Janina this week, the market has been confirmed to go ahead thanks to some beautiful volunteers who will be running things behind the scenes. Please remain kind and compassionate as these volunteers do their best to put on this event.

Simply described as a design market, the Piccadilly Market is perfect for those wanting to support local businesses all under one roof, giving shoppers the opportunity to talk to the makers and get a feel for bespoke handmade products.

Boasting more than 100 stalls this December, the Christmas edition of the market will be its biggest yet, featuring Geelong’s most talented jewellers, fashion designers, illustrators, artists, food producers, and makers, all there to provide you with artsy gift ideas for everyone on your Christmas list.

Alongside all the products up for grabs, this year’s market will also see the return of food trucks, outdoor seating, a fun farm for kids, face painting, giveaways and live music, making this quite the outing for all.

There is a gold coin donation fee for adults to enter, with all proceeds going towards Beyond Blue and the Mens Shed.

Find out more here.

A massive indoor Christmas Market is coming to Geelong with 100+ local makers

Pivot City Artisan Christmas Market

West 6, 33 Mackey Street, North Geelong – Friday, December 9, 4pm to 7pm

Providing the opportunity to avoid the stress of those online delivery cutoffs by shopping small and local, the market will feature 15+ incredible local designers and makers, live music, and drinks to purchase.

Sitting somewhere between an artisan market and a Christmas celebration (Aka Friday knock offs), the team at Runway have hand selected a small range of local designers and makers to help you with your Christmas shopping, and whilst your doing so, listen to the dulcet tones of Noah Vernon, sip away on Anther Distilleries specially designed Christmas drink for the occasion, and try some fantastic local beers for free with thanks to Valhalla Brewing.

Alongside all of that that, there will even be free canapes for you to eat as you roam, listen, and drink! It’s certainly sounding like one of the best markets this region has ever seen.

On the night, Runway will also be collecting toys or donations to support a Elf Squad Geelong, whose sole purpose is to help local children smile this Christmas. Be it large or small, any toy donation will be greatly received. You will also be able to purchase raffle tickets for a $1000 clothing voucher from the amazing Ena Pelly.

To find out more, head here.

Pivot City Artisan Christmas Market brings 15+ local makers, live music, free beer and more to North Geelong

Ocean Grind’s Xmas Twilight Market

Ocean Grind, Torquay – Friday, December 2, 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

If you are interested in locally crafted art, good food, drinks and awesome music, then head to Torquay for the Ocean Grind Twilight Market for all your Christmas shopping.

With a focus on local and sustainable makers, producers and artists, Ocean Grind’s market will be showcasing the wares from the likes of Makestuff Furniture, Zoe Strapp Photography, Brittany March, SOLA Handmade, Wet Dog and Co, Tal Lemmens Photography, Native Earth Botanicals, Namuna Studio, Great Ocean Road Gin, plus more.

The legends at Built For Advanture will also be showcasing their van goods a few doors down, while food trucks Perla Tacos and Workers BBQ will be one site to fuel hungry shoppers, plus live tunes from Star Mailee and another artist TBA.

Entry is free but raffles tickets are encouraged, with proceeds going to Ocean Mind.

Find out more here.

Geelong Ceramics Market

Boom Gallery’s “Big Boom” space at 5 Rutland Street, Newtown – Saturday, December 3 from 10am to 4pm

This one’s not publicised as a Christmas market, but arriving in December this will be the perfect opportunity to shop for Christmas presents ahead of the holidays.

Curated by two local makers Elizabeth Bell Ceramics and Pour and Plate, the market is an opportunity to support local artists and small business owners from Geelong, Bellarine and Surfcoast region. Featuring both experienced and rising talents, the makers will showcase their individual styles and handmade functional creations. You’ll find the likes of Claire Gorst Studio, Takeawei, Mafia Thing, Lauren Reynolds Ceramics, Alchemy of Clay, Elizabeth Bell Ceramics and so much more.

So go on, stock up on beautiful one-off cups, bowls, spoons, pots, vases and more from local creators – just in time for Christmas.

Find out more below.

Geelong’s first Ceramics Market is happening in December with 19 independent artisans

The Ko Market

The KO Creative Studio, 1/14 Lambert Avenue, Newtown Sunday, December 11, 10am – 3pm

Co-founded by Karina van de Pol and Olivia Fleetwood, The KO is Geelong’s most beautiful co-working, events and creative studio space, which opened back in 2019. Now, wrapping up their third year, the natural light-filled space will play host to a fantastic local market this month.

The beautiful team here have assembled an astoundingly wonderful list of creatives and makers for you to come along and support small and local in Geelong with your Christmas shopping this year. Expect to find the likes of Bleu Design Store, Bay Store, Sow Coffee Project, Studio Eter, Bellarine Jam, Frosted by Nicci, Noss and Co, Hera Denim, Wasted World, Florum, Tracy Strange, Vivienne Lucy and heaps more.

There’ll be music, food and drinks and a little something for everyone to enjoy!

 

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Pop Up Christmas Night Market @ The Space

17d Rutland Street, Newtown – Saturday, December 17, 4pm-8pm

Soak up the good vibes this Christmas with The Space – Gallery + Workshops pop-up Christmas night market.

Courtesy of Mandy Dollery, the market will be showcasing the work of local creatives, artists and markers from more than 10 stalls, this night market will serve as the perfect place to pick up all your last minute Christmas shopping needs.

There will also be live music by Ash Wray and refreshments by Bells Beach Brewing, so why not come along and make a night of the last weekend before the Festive Season?

Entry is free, and there is a free carpark located outside the Gallery (enter via Riversdale Rd).

Find out more here.

December Christmas Market

Lara RSL Branch – Sunday, December 11, 9am-1pm

Hosted by the Lara Community Market, this little monthly gem will be celebrating the festival season with a special Christmas edition.

Adults, children and pets are all welcome, and among the many artisan and handmade stalls you’ll also find a free colouring craft station for kids, a petting zoo, face painting, Rotary photo booth, sausage sizzle, and delicious food vans.

Find out more here.

Geelong Connected Communities Gala Christmas Concert and Markets

Johnstone Park, Geelong – Saturday, December 10 from 4pm

The Geelong Connected Communities Gala Christmas Concert and Markets will bring the festive cheer to Johnstone Park on Saturday 10 December, promising to be a fantastic day out for the entire family.

Hosted by The Mik Maks, the concert will include the very best local artists such as Stella Perry, Imogen Brough and Kim Cooper signing all of your favourite family carols. Oh and of course, the arrival of the very busy Mr and Mrs Clause.

Prior to the concert, there will be a market with local stalls available to browse from 4-9pm and while the performances will take place from 6:30-8:30pm. There will also be lots of free kids activities, plus the opportunity to make purchases that will support your local health service.

The concert and markets is a free event, supporting our local health service, Barwon Health. So bring your picnic rug – get ready for a fantastic event which will fill Johnstone Park with festive joy.

Find out more here.

Carols By Candlelight Geelong Market

Johnstone Park, Geelong – Saturday, December 24, 3pm – 10pm

Returning once again, Carols by Candlelight Geelong promises to be a great evening for the whole family to experience on Christmas Eve. Expect a traditional carols programme with some of Geelong’s best artists and choirs, plus a concert band and lots of carol singing.

With the 58th Geelong Carols by Candlelight is a celebration of the spirit of Christmas, the event will also feature a bunch of local Christmas market stalls, which will run from 3pm-7pm.

You can also expect to see a host of talented local performers, and food and drink trucks. So grab a picnic rug, food and hamper, friends and family and join us at Johnstone Park to celebrate Christmas Eve in Geelong.

The concert commences at 8:00pm. This is a FREE community event and proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong.

Find out more here.

Torquay Cowrie Market

Torquay Foreshore – Sunday, December 18, 10am – 3pm

The Surf Coast Arts Collective’s crafty little market transforms Torquay Common into a Christmas mecca for one-off gifts and eco-friendly products by local artists and crafters.  While not a specifically themed Christmas market, this one will be going down on Sunday, December 18, just in time to get those last minute goodies for your friends and family. They sadly had to cancel their November market so expect a huge bumper event for the last market of the year.

Market organisers make sure all items for sale are home-grown, hand-made and environmentally sustainable (so remember to bring a bag along, as it’s a plastic bag-free event).  There’s even live music and plenty of food to make this the perfect day out.

Find out more here.

Teesdale Christmas Carols and Market

Turtle Bend, Teesdale – Friday, December 16, 4pm – 8pm 

Teesdale Market and Carols is back for 2022.

This community event just gets bigger and better each year, must be the pull of Christmas in the Australian bush.

Here you’ll find something for the whole family at Turtle Bend Reserve with food trucks and market stall for all those last minute christmas gifts. Bring your chairs, blankets and best singing voice. Plus, Santa will be arriving on a firetruck which is so iconically Australian you just have to love it.

This year children’s entertainment specialist’s The Mik Maks will be taking to the stage for the main entertainment. Brothers Al, Joel, daughter Ava and Drums the Panda know how to entertain children aged 2-8 years. Due the to overwhelming success of their YouTube channel, The Mik Maks now have millions of little fans around the world. They’ll perform family favourite rocked up Christmas songs as well as their classics.  The Mik Maks will be performing two shows across the evening. The second show will be their Christmas Show.

Entry is simply a gold coin.

Find out more here.

And some markets further afield if you’re still craving more:

String Bean Alley Christmas Night Market

Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne – Monday 5, 12 and 19 December, 5pm – 10pm

If you’re a fan of Queen Victoria Market and you don’t mind making a trip to Melbourne, we recommend checking out the String Bean Alley Christmas Night Market.

Venture out under the starry lights of one of Melbourne’s favourite laneways for a special night market series filled with festive fare and great shopping. Bring the family or meet up with friends as you meander the open-air laneway, picking up locally-made gifts and unique Christmas trinkets, before indulging in delicious street food from some of the city’s best food trucks and carts and refreshing summer drinks.

It will be festive fun for everyone, complete with Christmas carollers, fake snow, a giant gingerbread man to snap a picture with and even a special visit from Santa.

 

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The Big Design Market

The Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne – Friday, December 2 – Sunday, December 4 

After three years of cessation due to lockdowns, The Big Design returns to the heart of Carlton. With an array of different creators boasting their crafts, there will be something for everyone.

Featuring a myriad of different food and wine, art displays, shopping and creating, the market is expecting a massive comeback after a long hiatus.

For more information and tickets, visit here.

The Big Design Market returns with 270 stalls under one roof for three big days

Sovereign Hill Christmas Shopping Night

Sovereign Hill Outdoor Museum, Golden Point – Thursday, December 8, 6pm – 8:30pm

Earning a solid reputation as Australia’s best ‘Major Tourist Attraction’, Sovereign Hill should be added to your market list this year with their annual Christmas Shopping Night.

On Thursday, December 8, the Main Street turns into a Christmas market with stalls featuring Sovereign Hill’s traditional goodies, such as creamy fudge, jams, sauces, soaps, chocolates, creams and other locally made products. Personalised Raspberry Drops are also back, perfect for the sweet tooth in your family.

Kids will have fun exploring the adventure play space and getting a photo with St Nick inside the Red Hill Photographic Rooms. A fully-licenced café and Hotel Bar will be open for food and drinks. While you’re there, head over to the Hope Bakery for a full range of Christmas treats.

Entry is free. Find out more here.

Bay Street Christmas Market

Bay Street, Port Melbourne – Saturday, December 3, 11am – 5pm

The famed Artisan Christmas Market on Bay Street – Port Melbourne is returning to the bay side strip this December – due to overwhelming demand from stallholders and the public, alike and will showcase more than 150 traders for the special festive market.

Victoria’s largest Artisan Market drew more than 10,0000 people in its inaugural year, and will be looking to beat that this year. A free community event, the market will feature a range of handmade, locally produced gifts, art pieces, designs, jewellery and more – there’s even something for our four legged friends! A market you won’t want to leave, Port’s Artisan Christmas Market will also feature live music – with an event schedule to be released closer to the date.

We recommend heading in early for this one. It kicks off on Saturday, December 3 from 11am to 5pm in Port Melbourne.

Find out more here.

 

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Castlemaine Twilight Market

Western Reserve, Forest Street Castlemaine – Saturday 17 December 3pm – 7pm

Whether you are after a treasure for yourself or an utterly unique gift, you’ll find the very best art and design talent in the region, along with sumptuous food stalls, top-notch organic, fair trade coffee, and some friendly, welcoming folk, making this twilight market a must-see for any visitor to the area.

Showcasing over 60 established and emerging artists, designers, and craftspeople, the Castlemaine Twilight Market offers everything from handcrafted leather goods, to exquisite silver jewellery, slick screen-printed products, earthy ceramics, designer clothing, timber homewares, and much, much more. The ideal place to find something to put under the tree.

Find out more here.

Moon Dog World Christmas Market!

Moon Dog World, Preston – Sunday, December 4, 11am – 4pm

Tis the season of giving so come down to the Moon Dog World Christmas Market to pick up a gift for your loved one along with a cheeky pot and a parma by the lagoon!

With stalls from The Que Club, Arthly Box, Cider & Basil, Ultra Culture, Rompa Kids, Letherwork, Melbourne Jerky, Spin the Black Circle Records, Mamo Home, Superstar Ink and heaps more, there’s something for everyone!

There will even be live acoustic music 2-5pm from Steven Reinhart.

Book your table here.

Art Gallery of Ballarat After-Hours Shopping

Art Gallery of Ballarat – Thursday, December 1 from 6pm to 8pm

While not a market exactly, the local gallery is hosting a Christmas shopping night on Thursday, December 1 from 6pm to 8pm, offering original, local and unique gifts, for a range of budgets.

Head on in after-hours and browse through the brilliant selection of jewellery, ceramics, cards, books, toys and lots more.

While you’re there, enjoy a glass of champagne on arrival, indulge in Christmas gift wrapping by the staff, be entertained by local musician Mick Trembath and take the opportunity to check out our current exhibitions.

Find out more here.

Heide Christmas Market 2022

Heide Museum of Modern Art – Sculpture Park – Saturday, December 17, 10am – 3pm

This one is a must for those that enjoy eclectic goodies. The Heide Market is a collaboration between Heide Museum of Modern Art and The Rose St. Artists’ Market, taking over the picturesque surrounds of the Heide Museum of Modern Art sculpture park with a special Xmas Market on December 17

Here you’ll find the work of up to 120 different makers, from artwork, design and handcrafted goods to tasty treats and other eclectic goodies- so there’s plenty of reasons to make a visit to the Heide Market part of your weekend.

Find more on Heide Christmas Market here.

Arts Centre Melbourne Market 2022

St Kilda Road between Hamer Hall and Melbourne’s iconic spire – Sundays, 10am – 4pm. 

We love the Arts Centre and this festive season you’ll be able to discover handcrafted treasures made by the Art Centre’s favourite local artisans to help you find a gift for your loved one that’s unique, beautifully crafted and locally made.

The markets are running every Sunday, winding along St Kilda Road between Hamer Hall and Melbourne’s iconic spire is Arts Centre Melbourne’s Weekend Markets.

Featuring local designers and artisans – meet the makers behind the creations, uncovering the inspiration and level of skill poured into each piece. From jewellery, soaps, scarves and candles, to woodcraft, leather goods, clothing and paintings, each item is lovingly handcrafted, making for a memorable gift.

With no two stalls the same, uncover a truly unique treasure to give to that special someone this festive season.

Find out more here.