With markets upon markets, pop-up stores (just in time for Christmas) and some more quirky activities to boot, there are plenty of things to do in Sydney in the lead up to Christmas.
Thursday 11th
Tequila Sunsets – Aztecs After Dark
Swap your late-night shopping for a trip to the Australian Museum. For a limited time, they will open after hours on Thursdays, giving both enthusiasts of all things ancient and foodie fiends the chance to uncover the Aztecs exhibition after dark. Get your dose of dates while digging into Mexican-themed entertainment and food. Eating AND learning? Sign us up!
Friday 12th
The Finders Keepers Market
There’ll be no “losers or weepers” for those who head to the Finders Keepers markets at The Australian Technology Park in Eveleigh. In fact you’ll be shedding tears if you miss the opportunity to load up on quirky fashion and accessories, beauty products and homewares (do we need to mention the food stalls?) at this seasonal indie art and design fair.
Saturday 13th
Australian Designer Xmas Market
Would you believe us if we told you that you could find all your party-season prerequisites in one place this year? We mean everything from the $5 office Kris Kringle for Denise from accounts, to the dress to impress your hope-to-be-future mother-in-law? No, you probably would not but we suggest swinging past the Workshopped Australian Design Christmas Markets in Surry Hills this Saturday and checking out the range of high-end design and emerging independent jewellery, fashion and homeware designers for yourself.
Christmas In The Villages
Have you been naughty or nice? To be honest, it doesn’t really matter, because Santa Claus is coming to town anyway. From Paddington to Pyrmont, Glebe to Green Square, the malls (oops we mean halls) will be decked with boughs of holly, as a well as a range of entertainment, events and experiences in this two-day shopping extravaganza.
Lazy Oaf Pop-Up Shop
For things to do in Sydney that involve shopping, shopping and more shopping, get your fix of boldy-coloured, graphically-printed womens, mens and accessory collections from this Brit brand during the last weekend of their pop-up store at 17 Oxford Street Paddington. Featuring their highly sought-after Garfield collection, don’t be lazy and head into the Lazy Oaf pop-up shop before it’s gone for good.
French Cider Tasting At French Touch Creperie
As part of Christmas In The Villages, this Saturday and Sunday head to the newly opened French Touch Creperie for a little taste of France. Enjoy French ciders for only $4.99 per person where you can choose from a selection of five ciders. Plus, you can score yourself a free coffee with any crepe order this weekend too. Bon appétit!
Sunday 14th
De La Soul Garden Party
The 80s had a lot to answer for, but we’d like to thank 1989 for one of the best hop hop anthems in history – Me Myself and I by De La Soul. Those of us old enough to remember the insanely infectious lyrics and social commentary that made the group revolutionary can head to Chinese Laundry and the Good Vibrations Garden Party and re-live their Cosby-sweater wearing youth. Others are strongly encouraged to check out unique blend of jazz, funk and psychedelia offered by these urban music icons.
Neutral Bay Xmas Markets
The Neutral Bay Christmas Markets are, without bias, one of North Sydney’s best spots for silly season stuff. Sure, there’s stalls full of stocking fillers; but there’s also a heap of other family-friendly festivities – like an amazing lunch menu at the Neutral Bay Club, balloon art and lawn bowls. The cincher? The opportunity to practice how many lyrics you remember from “The Little Drummer Boy”, when Christmas Carols kick off at 4 o’clock. Pa-rum-pa-pa-pum.
Picnic Markets Prince Alfred Park
If you live by the “one man’s trash…” motto, then you have to check out the Picnic Markets at Alfred Park. The outdoor event, which was designed as a garage sale for inner city dwellers who don’t actually have a garage, is the perfect opportunity to both offload and inherit pre-loved clothes, books and artwork. Aspiring artists and entrepreneurs can also use their blankets (the rule is everything for sale has to fit onto one!) to impress the neighbours with their creative cred.
Image credit: Bread & Olives