It's that time of year again. The shop shelves are fully stocked with merchandise you've seen before and are bored by. The stores themselves are full with shoppers trying to find that perfect gift for each and every person on their Christmas shopping list. You could run the gauntlet of the local shopping centre car park once again, or you could take your time browsing the stalls of Brisbane's best Christmas Markets. You'll find our top picks for this year's best handmade, creative and designer Christmas markets below.
South Bank Christmas Markets
When: Friday 11th – Wednesday 23rd December 2015, 11am - 8pm (17th – 21st December until 9pm)
Where: Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane
This is probably the closest you'll get to a traditional Christmas market in Brisbane as Southbank's Stanley Street Plaza will be transformed into a festive market wonderland. Complete with quaint little market facades, carol singers, children's entertainers and real Christmas trees, it makes for a terrific Christmas adventure as well as a shopping destination. The extended opening hours and dedicated "Gifting Lane" will help any last minute shopper find that special gift. Choose from arts and crafts, delicious goodies, or simply stop by to soak up the yuletide atmosphere. Click
here for more information.
www.visitbrisbane.com.au/south-bank/whats-on/free/south-bank-christmas-markets-presented-by-eatsouthbank?sc_lang=en-au Saturday 28th November 2015, 9am - 3pm
Where: Brisbane City Hall, Adelaide Street, Brisbane CBD
Etsy online is always a popular choice when looking for personalised or unique goods. You'll find that same special quality at these markets with the added bonus of meeting the talented designers behind such gorgeous goods. Check the
Facebook page for event updates.
Brisbane Fair Trade Christmas Market
When: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December 2015, 9am – 3pm
Where: Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, Kessels Road, Nathan
Shopping with a conscience doesn't get any better than at this market where your Christmas gift purchases are ethically sourced. Pick up clothing, homewares, toys, decorations, hampers, and more, from stall holders including the Oxfam Shop, Samana Living, Sinerji, Wanderlust People and Luminaide. Entry is free, parking is plentiful, and the venue is air-conditioned and close to public transport. Check the
Facebook page for event updates.
Image courtesy of Brisbane Fair Trade Market
Saturday 28th November 2015, 9am - 4pm
Where: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Cultural Precinct, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Buy direct from the artists and designers at this Christmas market. Be inspired by the galleries and by browsing the range of beautiful handmade ceramics, textiles, paper products, jewellery and homewares. Check the
Facebook page for event updates.
Wesley Hospital Choices Cancer Support Christmas Fair
When: Saturday 14th November 2015, 10am – 2:30pm
Where: Drysllwyn House, 47 Cadell Street, Auchenflower
Browse for gifts and handmade treats, while knowing that you're supporting a great charity. The Wesley Hospital Choices Cancer Support Program assists patients and their loved ones through cancer treatment. Entry to the Christmas Fair is free. To find out more head over to the
website.
Image courtesy of Wesley Hospital Choices Cancer Support Centre
Saturday 5th December 2015, 10am-2pm
Where: Weller's Hill Hub, 140 Weller Road, Tarragindi
Find a range of textile, fibre art and mixed media works, so unique that most items are one-off pieces. Entry and parking are free. You can read the full
Weekend Notes review and can find event updates on the
Facebook page.
BrisStyle Brisbane Twilight Markets
When: Friday 4th December 2015, 4pm - 9pm
Where: King George Square, Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD
At these ever-popular markets you'll be sure to find unique gifts for even the most choosy friends and family. With more than 80 stalls boasting quality handmade goods amidst the festive surrounds of King George Square, shopping beneath the glow of Queensland's largest solar-lit Christmas tree couldn't be any more festive. Check out the
website for further information.
BrisStyle Christmas Twilight Markets in King George Square
Saturday 28th November 2015, 2pm - 6pm
Where: Sacred Heart Primary School, 92 Brighton Rd, Sandgate
Enjoy a shopping experience for the whole family complete with food, fashion and fun for little people and their parents. There will be plenty of retro chic and vintage hip gifts on offer at this boutique market. Click
here for more information.
Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology Open Day and Christmas Craft Markets
When: Saturday 5th December 2015, 10am – 2pm
Where: Abbey Museum, 1/63 The Abbey Place, Caboolture
A Christmas craft market experience and historical adventure, the Abbey Museum open day will feature handmade stalls, delicious Christmas treats, and art and craft stalls where you can make your own one-of-a-kind gifts. Stay a little longer to check out the museum – entry is free for the day. Try your hand at archery, visit the animal farm or let the kids bounce the day away in the jumping castle. See the
website for more information or read the
Weekend Notes review.
Image courtesy of The Abbey Museum
Friday 20th November 2015, 1pm - 8pm
Where: Karuna House, 27 Cartwright St, Windsor
Karuna House will be jam packed with Christmas gifts for family and friends – crafts, decorations, fashion and food. Stay into the evening for dinner and live music. Find out more on the
Karuna website.
So there you have it Brisbane - ten of the best Christmas markets popping up in suburbs around town. Go for the handmade shopping experience supporting local small businesses and charity organisations, or go for the festive market atmosphere that only comes once a year. Let us know in the comments section about other handmade, creative or designer markets happening this Christmas in your local area.
