The festive season is upon us and while the thoughts of Christmas movies, baking gingerbread men, putting up Christmas trees and driving around to look at all the beautifully decorated houses makes you feel warm and fuzzy, the stress of buying gifts for all your nearest and dearest is not so much fun.
Instead of sweating through the shopping centre crowds, how about this year you vow to purchase all your presents from local stalls at markets. Not only does this mean you’ll be consciously consuming, you’ll also be shopping small, supporting local creative and artisans, enabling them to keep doing what they love. Read on for all of the best Gold Coast Christmas markets, so you can spread the Christmas cheer this year.
German Mini Christmas Market
Varsity Lakes
Christmas is the most joyful time of year and it gets a whole lot more joyful when you bring traditional German specialities into the mix. Think—gingerbread houses, bratwurst rolls, German stollen, gingerbread cookies and loads more traditional German Christmas treats. At this German Mini Christmas Market, you can sing along to the sweet tunes of English and German Christmas carols from 1pm. If you’re stuck for Christmas gift ideas, there will also be an array of small businesses displaying their homemade products, which are perfect for a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift.
When: Saturday 3 December, from 1pm to 3pm
Where: Brezel Authentic German Bakery, 201 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
For more information, click here.
Christmas Markets GC
Broadwater Parklands
Perhaps the largest and most iconic Gold Coast Christmas markets, get in the Christmas spirit at the annual Christmas Markets GC, which will transform the Broadwater Parklands into a winter wonderland from Friday December 16 to Sunday December 18. Over 100 stalls will be selling everything you need to make it a seriously festive Christmas this year, plus kids rides, gourmet Christmas food, roving characters, glittering lights and all the ingredients for a merry time.
When: Friday December 16 to Sunday December 18, from 4pm to 10pm
Where: Broadwater Parklands
For more information, click here.
Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Market
Surfers Paradise
You’ll find sand (not snow) and market stalls along The Esplanade on Saturday 10 December, where you’ll be able to score a sweet deal on a range of bespoke homemade gifts. You’ll find it hard not to treat yo’ elf (we couldn’t resist) with artisan handmade gifts, boutique clothing and accessories and spectacular Christmas decorations from over 100 stalls. Grab your little helpers because there will be live tunes, kids activities and loads of stocking stuffers.
When: Saturday 10 December, from 4pm to 9pm
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
For more information, click here.
HOTA Christmas Twilight Markets
Bundall
Get jingly with it and celebrate Christmas the right way at the HOTA Christmas Twilight Market, which is set to be an evening of festive folly. Feast on the Gold Coast’s best gourmet street eats and decadent desserts, browse through bespoke boutiques and find one-of-a-kind gifts, all under the canopy of twinkling festoon lights. There will be amazing live entertainment (Mariah will be playing, obviously), bespoke Christmas decorations, kids entertainment and plenty of chances for an ‘elfie’ with Santa. Sign us up.
When: Friday 16 December, from 4pm to 9pm
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Bundall
For more information, click here.
The Village Markets
Burleigh Heads
Join the local legends at The Village Markets for their end of year Christmas market at Burleigh Heads State School, which is undoubtedly their biggest and best market of the year. With live tunes from local musicians to groove you through the stalls, epic food trucks and seriously trendy threads and heartthrob homewares; it’s also the perfect place to cross everyone off your list. This is THE Christmas market to discover new local brands that you can’t help but purchase. Supporting the community feels good, doesn’t it?
When: Sunday 18 December, from 8:30am to 1pm
Where: Burleigh Heads High School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
For more information, click here.
Christmas Art & Crafters Market
Benowa
The Gold Coast Potters Association will be hosting a gorgeous arts and crafts Christmas market to bring the local community together and celebrate this wonderful time of year. Handmade stylish homewares, jewellery, accessories, Christmas raffles and loads more await, so grab your Christmas list and your wallet and make tracks. You’re sure to be on Santa’s nice list as you’ll be supporting local small businesses and artists.
When: Sunday 4 December, from 8am to 1pm
Where: 173 Ashmore Road, Benowa
For more information, click here.
Hungarian Christmas Market
Carrara
If you’re the type that likes to get your Christms shopping all out of the way before December rolls around, this Christmas market is for you. Held nice and early in November, the Hungarian Christmas Market is hosted by the Gold Coast Hungarian Association and will showcase a gorgeous Christmas tree, family activities and a visit from Santa. We love that the children are all invited to decorate the Christmas tree—wholesome vibes abound.
When: Saturday 19 November, from 10am to 3pm
Where: Carrara Community Centre, Nielsens Road, Carrara
For more information, click here.
Varsity Christmas Market & Fair
Varsity Lakes
Celebrate the Christmas countdown at the Varsity Christmas Market and Fair this December, where your little elves will be kept busy with games, face painting, a jumping castle, a snow machine and craft activities. Start ticking off your Christmas list and browse the market stalls, before grabbing a snack from the sausage sizzle and popcorn stalls.
When: Saturday 10 December, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm
Where: Jim Harris Park, Mattocks Road, Varsity Lakes
For more information, click here.
Marina Mirage Christmas Market
Main Beach
Celebrate your spot on the nice list at the Marina Mirage Christmas Market, which will be packed full of festive stalls and all your Christmas-themed goodies. Held on December 24, Christmas will be coming at full speed to Marina Mirage and this pre-Christmas market is perfect for all you thrill-seeking, last-minute shoppers. So grab your baskets, bags and buggies and stock up on all the last-minute gifts you can carry.
When: Saturday 24 December, from 6:30am to 1:30pm
Where: Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
For more information, click here.
Hope Island Marina Christmas Markets
Hope Island
To be confirmed for 2022
Our northern friends can get excited, ‘cause finally they’ve got an epic Christmas market heading up their way. At the annual Marina Christmas Markets, you can shop all of your favourite usual market stalls plus many more festive additions. Groove to live music, let the kids run loose on the jumping castle and let off some steam at the kids craft table. There will be loads of festive prizes and giveaways, and we’ve heard that a very special someone from the North Pole might be making an appearance…
When: Saturday 10 December, from 4pm to 7pm
Where: Hope Island Shopping Centre, 10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island
For more information, click here.
Once you’ve got your Christmas plans sorted, there’s one big event still lurking around the corner. Say goodbye to 2021 and welcome in the new year the right way at the Gold Coast’s hottest NYE parties.
Image Credit: Pexels