We love a good market, especially one with the word 'Christmas' attached! So hop in the car, crank up the Bublé (your secret's safe with us) and head along to one of many such events popping up across Auckland this festive season.
Saturday December 12
The Clay Centre Handmade Ceramics Market
Ceramics are taking centrestage at The Clay Centre's Handmade Cermaics Market, which will feature beautiful creations from more than 25 potters and ceramic artists who all either teach, or are members of this rad new clay school in Ellerslie. From sculptural pieces through to jewellery and tableware, there's a whole lot of Christmas gift ideas up for grabs, as well as coffee and authentic French goodies from Captain Crêpes. Keep your eyes on their social media channels in the coming weeks for more info.
AMFxpress Maker's Market
Locality, community and mindfulness are at the heart of this epic market, happening just in time for Christmas at the Ellen Melville Centre. Created by All My Friends NZ (AMF), you'll get to meet makers and creators from every walk of life including (but not limited to) Asian, Pasifika and LGBTQI+ communities. Showcasing food, pre-loved fashion and so much more, we can't think of a cooler way to shop this Christmas. Oh, and did we mention there'll also be a gift-wrapping station using upcycled materials?
Sunday December 13
Glasshouse Christmas Market
Christmas shopping can be stressful to say the least, which is why we recommend visiting the idyllic holiday market happening over at Glasshouse. With its many large windows and stunning foliage, this serene venue located inside the Morningside Precinct is as far from the sterile lights of a shopping mall as you can get; and with a range of beautiful products again on offer from General Collective, you're sure to make it through your gift-list in no time.
Auckland Polish Christmas Market
One of the best Christmas markets on our calendar this year is that hosted by The Auckland Polish Association. Grab yourself some authentic, handcrafted Polish goodness including everything from Polish delicacies and sweet treats to cards and calenders from this event on December 13, and experience the spirit of a true European Christmas.
SkyCity Christmas Markets
Head into the CBD for a day of festive fun thanks to SkyCity, who have called on their friends at General Collective to create an epic holiday market filled with gifts and other goodies across two weekends (Sunday December 13 and Sunday December 20). Sack out your stocking with beautiful, one-of-a-kind pressies, then soak up some of the other festivities including live music from Becks and Michael, incredible interactive lighting displays by Angus Muir Design, and maybe even a selfie with Santa...
Thursday December 17
Hobsonville Point Christmas Twilight Market
A trip to Catalina Bay is a treat at the best of times—throw a Christmas Market into the mix, and we're there with, well, bells on. Gorgeous gifts, entertainment and a massive line-up of food trucks including The Rolling Pin, Double Dutch Fries and Hapunan Filipino Cuisine will be amongst the festivities happening on the night.
Victoria Park Market Christmas Market
Sunday December 20
SkyCity Christmas Markets
See info above.
Eden Park Christmas Markets
And finally, just five days out from Christmas, a slew of the country's most talented artisans will descend on Eden Park for the ultimate festive market. That's right, New Zealand's most famous stadium will be ditching sports in favour of all things festive, with General Collective bringing the goods one final time, while there will also be food from the Auckland Food Truck Collective, a Christmas DJ, and an epic 'Believe It Or Not' quiz hosted by Sky (who, in fact, are putting on the event). Don't forget to donate some coin on the night, which will go straight to the Auckland City Mission.
Happy shopping, people!
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Image credit: Markus Spiske