Jingle all the way! Melbourne’s best Christmas markets

There’s nothing like an atmospheric night market to stir the Christmas spirit and get your festive shopping in order.

Each Monday from the 5th to the 19th of December, the String Bean Alley Christmas Night Market at Queen Victoria Market is the place to be.

Under the starry lights of one of Melbourne’s favourite open-air laneways (dusted with faux snow, of course), you’ll find an abundance of yuletide fare, special trinkets and Christmas carollers.

Stock up on what you need but be sure to bring an appetite. The street food game here is real.

Discover fresh pasta from Pasta Face, gingerbread sweets from Can’t Catch Me, Tex-Mex eats from Dingo Ate my Taco, and more, plus your pick of refreshing summer drinks.

Can’t find the markets? Just follow your nose to the super-sized gingerbread man!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Dingo Ate My Taco

Every Fitzroy explorer knows about the markets at the iconic Fitzroy Mills site. A stone’s throw from Brunswick Street, the flea markets are perfect for thrifty fashion finds or a quick latte from coffee darling Industry Beans and a browse through the local makers’ creations.

But what inner city locals may not know is that this December, the market (usually held on a Saturday) has added three extra markets on Sundays to cater for last-minute Christmas shoppers. It’s a festive lunch outing, present haul and grocery shop all rolled into one!

Explore over 70 stalls of artisan gifts, yummy snacks, fresh produce, flowers, craft beer, coffee, second-hand treasures and more, with live music on the day adding extra sparkle to the festive ambiance.

Local farmers congregate here, so you can buy your fresh fruit and veg straight from the source and gift your support to the community this Christmas.

There’ll also be a ton of wellness products to cater for all dietary preferences in your family. We love the gluten and dairy-free brownies from Georgina at Box Brownies.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Box Brownies

Kill two birds with one stone at Fed Square on Sunday 11th December with the Boho Luxe Market Christmas Edition and Vegan Market joining forces at The Atrium.

Held from 10am to 4pm, the markets are free to enter. They showcase some of the country’s best creatives, makers, artists and designers in an ethical space.

Stock up on some plant-based goodies for the veg lovers in your family, after picking unique, handmade creations as stocking fillers. Aside from plenty of shopping, we’ve heard there’ll be live entertainment, a bauble-making workshop, henna art, psychic readers and prosecco on tap.

You’ll get to sample The Naughty Vegan’s addictively good chocolate, Cheeky Rascal’s cider, wine, and vegan donuts throughout the day, plus a whole lot more!

Just remember to bring your reusable tote bag…

Dish Cult’s top pick: Cheeky Rascal

Here’s another Christmas night market you shouldn’t miss. Held at the District Docklands on 10 December, the Christmas Twilight Market is a five-hour festive shopping extravaganza (3pm to 8pm) where you can cross out any remaining last-minute boxes on your Christmas shopping list.

Along with live entertainment (think performances, mural art and DJs), there’ll be a wide range of stalls selling arts, crafts, homeware and creative food and beverage products.

Instagram users won’t resist a chance to take a snap in front of the shimmery neon Christmas-themed backdrop.

Hungry at the end of the night? Indulge in treats from pop-up shops like crepes, authentic Spanish paella and American pies and cheesecakes.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Spanish paella

Grab a pen and mark Saturday 3rd of December down in your diaries: Port Melbourne’s much-loved Artisan Christmas Market will be taking place on Bay Street from 11am until 5pm and it’s renowned as the city’s best.

Each year, it’s a free event backed by Rotary and the City of Port Phillip and this year is no exception. That means you can get your hands on goods from some of the most prized local producers, makers and artisans in the community. Grab a tasty snack, spot a few thoughtful gift ideas and enjoy the live music and event schedule.

There’ll be 150 different artisan offerings for you to see, but it’s the food we’re excited about. Local cafes and restaurants will be within a penny’s throw, and mystery food vendors are expected to make an appearance.

Note: A mega 8,000-strong crowd flooded through the gates last year, so make sure you get in early to see all the stalls while there’s still stock!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Good Boy Chocolate

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