Is it just me, or is Christmas creeping up ever so quickly this year? I noticed the decorations starting to go up in the supermarkets at the start of September yet I think I've become accustomed to seeing things in stores so far in advance that I don't actually take much notice anymore. Then all of a sudden, invites and notices have started trickling in for Christmas parties and concerts, so it got me thinking..... Where is the best Christmas market?
I'm looking for fresh, local produce to make home baked Christmas goods to share with my family, friends, neighbours and school teachers and I'm looking to buy gifts that have a little bit of personality to suit those of the people I'm buying for. So I figure the best bet is to head down to some local markets and see what I can find.
If you have a favourite Christmas market that you think is worth a look than I would love to hear from you.
Homemade biscuits for last years Christmas treats
Big craft markets with over 300 stalls at each of the following locations listed below are pleasant to walk around, have loads of variety and make great day trips from the city.
Hanging Rock - Sat 19th Nov 9am-2pm
Portsea - Point Nepean Sun 27th of November 9am-2pm
Lardner Park - Warragul Sun 20th November 9am-2pm
Mornington Racecourse Market Sun 13th Nov 9am- 2pm, Sat 26th Nov twilight 3pm-8pm, Sun 11th Dec 9am-2pm and Sat 17th Dec twilight 3pm-8pm.
Red Hill Craft Market Sat 5th Nov & Dec 3rd 8am - 1pm
Yarra Glen Racecourse Sun 4th Dec 9am-2pm
For more information on any of the above markets, visit Craft Markets Australia website here.
Weekend Notes writer Rossana Fazzolari has come up with a list of
ten Christmas markets, all of which I've not visited but would like to know if anyone has and which of them come recommended.
For fresh produce I like the
Dandenong market for the convenience of it being on several times a week. I can stock up on seafood, meat, fruit and veggies all in the one place, which is perfect for preparing a Christmas feast. You may be closer to the
Queen Vic market,
South Melbourne market,
Prahran market or your local Farmer's market buying direct from the producer. A full list of farmers markets can be found
here.
Along with the above listing of twilight Christmas markets I have found
Our Little Caravan Christmas twilight market on the 25th of November 6pm-9pm in Notting Hill.
Another interesting looking event is the
Mad Hatter's Christmas Party on the 4th of December 10-30am-5.30pm at the Mornington Racecourse. The event will include unique kids activities, a beer garden, food trucks, live music and 160 stalls. Entry is $5 and kids are free. For more info
click here.
If you have a Christmas market that you love or one that you would like to share with all of us then please leave a message in the box at the top of this page under 'share your local knowledge'.
Happy Christmas shopping to you all.
