Is there anything better to raise your Christmas spirit than a festive market? Luckily for Canberra, ACT families, there’s no shortage of Christmas markets to choose from – whether they’re in the heart of the city or the surrounding suburbs.
Whether you’re visiting for the maze of local stalls or delicious festive food, the experience is effortless to appreciate by the entire family. Plus, with kids activities typically hosted, the annual venture becomes all the more memorable for the entire family.
Best Christmas Markets in Canberra for Families
Looking for some markets in Canberra to help get in the festive mood? Here’s a list of the best Christmas markets in Canberra for kids to enjoy.
Christmas Markets
Located at the Canberra Seniors Centre on Friday December 1. Celebrate the festive season with baked goods, live performances, and numerous stalls supporting small business. The best place to get your Christmas shopping started!
When: 1 December
Where: 10 Watson St, Turner ACT
Website: Click here
Christmas In the Park
On Saturday 9 December, Paddys Park will play host to the “Ginninderry Christmas in the Park” and will come to life with live music, kids activities, carols, a Santa photo booth, food and market stalls, and much more! Entry will be free.
When: 10 December
Where: Paddys Park, Corner Asimus Avenue and Pro Hart Avenue, Strathnairn, ACT, 2615
Website: Click here
Canberra Christmas Market
Canberra Christmas Market, now in its 10th year, has become part of the tradition for many Canberra families. The market is filled with Christmas gifts, decorations, stocking fillers, foods and treats from regular stallholders and new faces with great products. Save the date: Saturday 9 December. Fitzroy Building at Exhibition Park In Canberra.
When: 10 & 11 December
Where: Cnr Flemington Road and, Northbourne Ave, Mitchell ACT 2911
Website: Click here
Christmas Gin Festival
Now this one is just for the adults! Your ticket includes your choice of G&Ts, a tote bag and your tasting glass to keep. Purchase your favourite gins to take home and share over the festive season or restock your personal collection.
Whether you like a dry gin or something a bit fruitier, you’re sure to find a winner (or a few)! More Gin, more distillers, and a sprinkle of Christmas cheer for good measure. Long Rays Tonic mixers and Schibello Coffee will also be back! Get ready to rock!
Why not challenge your juniper-loving pallet a little and explore and sample award winners in the classic, dry, matured, sloe, flavoured and fortified categories.
When: 2-3 December
Where: 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra ACT, 2601
Website: Click here
Hartley Hall Markets
Hartley Hall Markets have plenty of stalls and attractions for families to browse across. With the variety on offer, there was a little something for every member of the family to enjoy. They have over 100 stallholders each week who bring their freshly picked, grown and hand crafted produce to the Market. Speak to a stallholder and ask them where their produce comes from – you’ll be surprised what you’ll learn and pick up cooking, storage and usage tips.
When: 3 December
Where: Victoria Street, Hall, Canberra, ACT
Website: Click here
Super Christmas Weekend
The Super Christmas Weekend is the perfect place for Canberra families to do some last-minute Christmas shopping. Parents and children can look forward to browsing across the large range of handcrafted goods and picking up a special gift. For more information or updates of the Super Christmas Weekend, head to the Old Bus Depot Markets website.
When: 3 December
Where: 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, ACT, 2604
Website: Click here
Christmas Markets At The Old Bus Depot
The annual Christmas Markets At The Old Bus Depot is set to return for another year, with a blend of elements for families to enjoy. This includes plenty of stalls for parents and children to browse across, as well as festive treats and a visit from Santa. For more information or potentials updates on the Christmas Markets At The Old Bus Depot, head to the website.
When: 3, 10, 17 December
Where: 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, ACT, 2604
Website: Click here
Canberra Potters Christmas Fair
When you’re looking for Christmas gifts, where can you go for something truly unique? The answer to that is Watson Arts Centre where local potters and ceramicists will have a wonderful selection of ceramic art and pottery in Canberra Potters Christmas Fair. Between the fair and the shop you’re sure to find the perfect gift at the perfect price, and you’ll know that you’re buying from a local maker.
When: 8-17 December
Where: 1 Aspinall St, Watson, ACT 2602
Website: Click here
Handmade Market
The Handmade Market is a popular marketplace of Canberra, with dates running year-round. The December dates are set to run over 3 days. The event typically features more than 150 stalls, making it the perfect spot to tick off some items on your shopping list.
When: 8-10 December
Where: Exhibition Park In Canberra, Flemington Road, Mitchell, ACT, 2602
Website: Click here
Christmas Fayre, All Saints Anglican Church
The All Saints Anglican Church’s Christmas Fayre will run on the 3rd of December, with plenty of festive elements for the whole family to enjoy. This includes the delicious flavours of cake, jams, pudding, and more. Entry into the event is also free of charge. For possible updates or announcements of Christmas Fayre, head to the All Saints Anglican Church Facebook page.
When: 2 December
Where: 9 Cowper Street, AINSLIE ACT, Canberra
Website: Click here
The Little Burley Christmas Market
Imagine Christmas carols & medleys, and Christmas themed market stalls combining to delight your senses. Culinary delicacies from around the region, artisan products, mince pies, puddings, handmade jewellery, Christmas decorations and more – all of which will be setting the scene for a magical festive Christmas experience on the banks of the Burley.
Kids can craft their own Christmas ornaments to hang on the tree or see the big man in red himself. Why not relax on our picnic mats overlooking the water and enjoy something tantalising all whilst getting your Christmas shopping done.
The markets will be the best place to find original Christmas gifts with stalls offering lovingly handcrafted goods, we invite you to stroll, shop and explore while enjoying the delightful atmosphere.
When: 16 December
Where: Queen Elizabeth Terrace in Commonwealth Place, Canberra, ACT, 2609
Website: Click here
Best Christmas Markets in Canberra for kids
Canberra plays host to an impressive range of festive Christmas markets that both parents and children can effortlessly enjoy. Families can come along to either browse the labyrinth of local stalls and tick some items off their Christmas shopping list, or sit back, relax, enjoy the delicious food and listen to some live music.
With the variety on offer, there’s a little something for every member of the family to enjoy. If you’re looking for some entertaining Canberra markets, keep your ears to the ground for some possible 2023 announcements of these events as the holiday season draws closer.
