A Merry Market Christmas at Queen Victoria Market

This one-day only event not only offers a huge variety of fresh produce (Vic Market is hoping to sell around 20 tonnes of prawns, 10,000 dozen oysters, five tonnes of crayfish, 3,000 turkeys, 15 tonnes of ham and 6,300 kg of cherries for Christmas Day) but also a diverse range of general merchandise as well.

Mark Scott, Head of Promotions and Communications at Queen Victoria Market said the move to extend the market's trading hours over Christmas was necessary to keep up with Melbourne CBD's booming night time economy. "The City of Melbourne has been working hard to cultivate its lively night-time culinary scene and the Queen Victoria Market is dedicated to ensure it meets the needs and wants of its visitors," Mark said.

"On Friday 23 December, the entire market will be open until 9pm for those CBD workers and late-night shoppers still needing to purchase any last-minute Christmas groceries and gifts".

Adding to the bustling atmosphere is a Christmas Festival with a jam-packed schedule of events, including over $10,000 worth of prizes to give away, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and heaps of food and drink on offer. Highlights include: