If you haven't already noticed the sparkling decorations in the shops or the hordes of catalogues piling up in the mail, Christmas is coming soon. One of my favourite Christmastime adventures involves visiting the Christmas markets which pop-up at this time of year. Brisbane is blessed not only to have perfect twilight weather for markets but to have an abundance of bazaars to choose from. Check out the list of top market picks around Brisbane for this festive season.
South Bank Christmas Markets
When: Friday 16th – Friday 23rd December 2016, 11am - 10pm
Where: Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane
The South Bank Christmas markets have quickly grown in popularity in recent years not only for the quality stalls and lip-smacking eatables, but for the festive marketplace atmosphere. Complete with real fir trees, roving carollers, and a pedal-powered light up Christmas tree, this is a market to not only visit during the day but to stay on into the night.
Southbank Christmas Markets, Image by Writer
When: Saturday 19th November 2016, 10am - 4pm
Where: Exhibition Building, Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
For just a gold coin donation upon entry, you'll be able to enjoy drawing inspiration from over 150 independent designers and makers. Browse the wares of local artisans, join a workshop, or sit back and relax with food truck fare and live entertainment.
Brisbane Fair Trade Christmas Market
When: Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November 2016, 9am – 3pm
Where: Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, Kessels Road, Nathan
This market is the go-to place for ethically sourced handcrafted Christmas needs. Pick up a gift (or two) in air-conditioned comfort and all-weather undercover protection. There will be free face painting, free ballooning for kids, plus entry is free.
Eats & Beats Christmas Festival
When: Friday 18th & 25th November, 2nd, 9th & 16th December 2016, 5pm – 9pm
Where: Jimboomba, Beenleigh Town Square, Underwood Park, Berrinba Wetlands, Logan Hyperdome
Popping up in various locations around Logan this Christmas will be the Eats & Beats food truck and music festival that we have come to know and love. A little something special will be added for the festive season with decorations and fairy lights illuminating market marquees of local producers. Pick up gifts for your loved ones as you enjoy music and munchies under the stars. Entry and parking are free. Read the full Weekend Notes review
here.
Eats & Beats Christmas Festival, Image from event Facebook Page
When: Saturday 26th November 2016, 9am - 4pm
Where: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Cultural Precinct, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
A staple on the Brisbane Christmas markets calendar this market is hosted by the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. With more than 40 independent craft and design artists, some returning and some new, this is the place to find ceramics, jewellery, homewares, paper products and textiles. It's also the perfect excuse to have a city stay-cation around the South Brisbane Cultural Precinct.
RSPCA Christmas Festival & Markets
When: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th November 2016, 9am - 5pm
Where: RSPCA Wacol Animal Care Campus, 139 Wacol Station Road, Wacol
This Christmas festival and market is truly a whole family adventure where even the family pooch is welcome. Browse the arts and crafts stalls, fill up on food and beverages (licensed area available), learn from the RSPCA experts on hand, have a cuddle with the puppies and cats - maybe even take one home from the adoption centre. Kids will be entertained with face painting and rides, adults will enjoy the live music, and pets can put in their wish list with Santa. Don't forget dress them in their best festive outfit and to book your Santa Paws photo before the day. Read the full Weekend Notes review
here.
BrisStyle Brisbane Twilight Markets
When: Friday 2nd December 2016, 4pm - 9pm
Where: King George Square, Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD
A popular market known for its variety and high-quality products is made even better by the city Christmas festivities. You can't get much more festive than shopping beneath the glow of the southern hemisphere's largest solar-lit Christmas tree, and nothing says Brisbane more than having the iconic City Hall as your backdrop for the evening.
Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology Open Day and Christmas Craft Markets
When: Saturday 19th November 2016, 10am – 2pm
Where: Abbey Museum, 1/63 The Abbey Place, Caboolture
After the success of last year's inaugural event, the Abbey Museum will open its doors free of charge for visitors to explore the artefacts and displays. Kids can be an archaeologist for the day by participating in a "mini dig" ($5), can wear off energy on the jumping castle, or test their archery skills. The boutique Christmas markets offer handmade gifts, fashion, books, homewares, art and craft, along with arts and craft activities for the little ones. Read the full Weekend Notes review
here.
Karuna Christmas Markets
When: Friday 18th November 2016, 2pm - 7pm
Where: Karuna House, 27 Cartwright St, Windsor
Give a gift that keeps on giving. By purchasing unique festive foods, exquisite handmade crafts, and yuletide decorations in the beautiful surrounds of Karuna House, you'll be helping the many families who rely on their services throughout the year. Read the full Weekend Notes review
here.
Museum Twilight Markets
When: Friday 16th December 2016, 5pm - 9pm
Where: Workshops Rail Museum, North Ipswich
In the charming grounds of the Workshops Rail Museum Christmas craft, art, food, bars, music and the museum team up to provide an interesting experience for visitors. BrisStyle handmade markets will be going west side for an evening of Christmas shopping and craft workshops. Live entertainment and museum torchlight tours ($5 each; kids under 15 free; enclosed shoes required) add an element of bonus fun. Entry tickets are $2 at the gate with kids under 15 free.
Museum Twilight Christmas Markets, Image from event Facebook Page
When: Friday 18th November 2016, 6pm - 9pm
Where: Queen of Apostles School, 10 Thuruna Street, Stafford
This annual Christmas community event draws crowds from all over Brisbane. Enjoy a family-friendly night out where you can grab a bite to eat and do some Christmas shopping, at the same time as singing Christmas carols. Entry is free for children, $5 for adults.
Love Handmade Markets (Christmas Markets)
When: Saturday 26th November 2016, 9am – 3pm
Where: Old Redcliffe Fire Station, 395 Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe
When: Saturday 3rd December 2016, 9am – 3pm
Where: The Old Catholic Church Hall, Cnr Samford & Camp Mountain Roads, Samford Valley
As the name suggests this really is a market for those who appreciate the effort and love that goes into unique handmade goods. If you can't find something amongst the gorgeous stalls there's the option of participating in a craft workshop to take home that one-of-a-kind gift. Choose from the beach or the bush setting to visit, each with its own distinct style.
Love Handmade Markets - Christmas Markets, Image from Handmade Samford Facebook page
Whether you market-hop for the shopping, social, or seasonal experience there's sure to be something on this list for everyone. So the only decision left to make is which markets will you visit this Christmas?
Found another great Christmas market? Let Brisbane know about it by leaving a note in the comments section.
