Christmas is one of the happiest and most exciting times of the year. In Canberra, the city becomes bright and cheerful with sparkling lights, festive music, and beautiful Christmas decorations everywhere. People feel joyful and full of holiday spirit as they prepare to celebrate with family and friends. The festive atmosphere makes Canberra a wonderful place to enjoy the Christmas season.
One of the best ways to experience Christmas in Canberra is by visiting the Christmas markets. These markets are lively and colourful, bringing people together to shop, eat, and enjoy entertainment. Visitors can explore stalls selling handmade gifts, festive decorations, and unique crafts while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Live music, performances, and fun activities create a warm and joyful environment that is perfect for families and friends.
In this guide, we will highlight the top Christmas markets in Canberra for 2025. Each market offers something special, from tasty seasonal food and local crafts to entertainment and activities for children. Whether you want to find the perfect gift, enjoy festive treats, or simply soak in the holiday atmosphere, Canberra’s Christmas markets have something for everyone.
1. Little Burley Christmas Market – Festive Fun by the Lake
The Little Burley Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Canberra. It is held near Lake Burley Gryphon at Queen Elizabeth Terrace. The lake setting makes the market feel calm, fresh, and relaxing, especially in the evening when the lights reflect on the water.
The market is filled with stalls selling handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, crafts, and tasty festive food. You can find sweet treats, snacks, and drinks that are perfect for the holiday season. Children enjoy meeting Santa, taking free photos, writing letters to him, and joining fun activities like face painting and live shows.
Why It Is Special:This market is special because it mixes Christmas joy with nature. The lake views, friendly stalls, and fun children’s activities create a warm and happy environment. It is a great place for families to slow down, enjoy the moment, and truly feel the Christmas spirit.
| Name | Little Burley Christmas Market |
|---|---|
| Event | Festive Market by Lake Burley Griffin |
| Location | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Canberra |
| Opening Date 2025 | 6 December 2025 |
| Highlights | Santa photos, craft stalls, festive food, kids activities |
| Activities | Letter writing to Santa, face painting, live entertainment |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Family-Friendly | Yes |
2. Haig Park Village Christmas Markets – Holiday Sundays
The Haig Park Village Christmas Markets are special festive editions of Canberra’s regular Sunday markets. Held on 7, 14, and 21 December 2025 in Braddon, this market gives visitors several chances to join in the holiday cheer.
Each Sunday, over 100 stalls showcase a variety of festive gifts, including handmade candles, Christmas wreaths, decorations, and unique artisan products. Children can enjoy crafts, face painting, and letters to Santa, while visitors of all ages can listen to live music and seasonal carols. Food lovers can try delicious treats as they explore the colourful market setting.
Why It Is Special: The Haig Park market is special because it runs over multiple Sundays, giving people flexibility to attend. The combination of local crafts, festive music, food, and family activities creates a bright, joyful, and community-focused market experience.
| Name | Haig Park Village Christmas Markets |
|---|---|
| Event | Holiday Sunday Markets |
| Location | Haig Park, Braddon, Canberra |
| Opening Dates 2025 | 7, 14, 21 December |
| Highlights | Santa photos, live music, crafts, candles, wreaths |
| Activities | Kids crafts, face painting, carols |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Family-Friendly | Yes |
3. Old Bus Depot Markets – Super Christmas Sunday
The Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston hold their festive Super Christmas Sunday on 14 December 2025. This market is loved by locals for its creative and artisan-focused shopping.
Visitors will find a wide variety of unique gifts, handmade decorations, Christmas trees, and festive foods. A standout feature is the chance to take family photos with Santa, including pet photos! Gift wrapping is available for a small gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to local charities.
Why It Is Special: This market is special because it combines festive shopping with charity and community spirit. Families can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, take memorable photos, and enjoy the festive atmosphere, all while supporting local causes.
| Name | Old Bus Depot Markets – Super Christmas Sunday |
|---|---|
| Event | Christmas Sunday Market |
| Location | 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston, Canberra |
| Opening Date 2025 | 14 December |
| Highlights | Unique gifts, Christmas trees, festive food, Santa photos |
| Activities | Pet photos with Santa, gift wrapping charity |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Family-Friendly | Yes |
4. South Canberra Community Christmas Market – Community Spirit
The South Canberra Community Christmas Market takes place on 6 December 2025 in Tuggeranong. It is a community-centred market where families and locals gather to celebrate Christmas.
The market features crafts, homemade food, cute farm animals, and plenty of fun for children. Kids can take photos with Santa, enjoy face painting, and ride on a farm buggy. Adults can explore handmade gifts, sample seasonal treats, and enjoy live entertainment.
Why It Is Special: This market is special because it focuses on community and family fun. The mix of animals, crafts, festive activities, and food creates a warm and joyful atmosphere that is perfect for visitors of all ages.
| Name | South Canberra Community Christmas Market |
|---|---|
| Event | Community Festive Market |
| Location | South Canberra (Tuggeranong area) |
| Opening Date 2025 | 6 December |
| Highlights | Crafts, food, farm animals, Santa photos |
| Activities | Face painting, farm buggy rides, kids fun |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Family-Friendly | Yes |
5. Harmonie German Club Christmas Market – German Flavours
The Harmonie German Club Christmas Market in Narrabundah offers a taste of German culture and festive food. It will take place on 14 December 2025.
Visitors can enjoy German sausages, pretzels, homemade cakes, wine, beer, and schnapps. There are also craft stalls, live entertainment, and a jumping castle for kids. Adults can savour German delicacies and shop for unique gifts while children enjoy fun activities.
Why It Is Special: This market is special because it brings international Christmas flavours to Canberra. The combination of German food, music, and activities for children creates a festive atmosphere unlike other markets in the city.
| Name | Harmonie German Club Christmas Market |
|---|---|
| Event | German-Style Festive Market |
| Location | 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah |
| Opening Date 2025 | 14 December |
| Highlights | German food, wine, crafts, entertainment |
| Activities | Jumping castle, family fun |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Family-Friendly | Yes |
6. Pearce Crafters Market – Christmas Sparkle
The Pearce Crafters Market hosts a Christmas Sparkle Market on 6–7 December 2025. It is perfect for visitors who love handmade and creative gifts.
The market features local artisans displaying decorations, jewellery, art, and unique gift items. Santa often visits to meet children, adding to the festive cheer. Shoppers can enjoy browsing creative products that are not available in regular stores.
Why It Is Special: This market is special because it highlights handmade, artistic, and locally created gifts. It’s a great place to support small businesses while finding unique presents for friends and family.
| Name | Pearce Crafters Christmas Sparkle Market |
|---|---|
| Event | Handmade Christmas Market |
| Location | Pearce, Canberra |
| Opening Dates 2025 | 6–7 December |
| Highlights | Handmade crafts, gifts, decorations |
| Activities | Santa visits, festive celebrations |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Family-Friendly | Yes |
7. Hall Market – Festive Handmade Finds
The Hall Market will host its Festive Christmas Edition on 7 December 2025. It is known for offering a long-standing tradition of local and handmade products.
Visitors can find unique gifts, local produce, holiday decorations, and creative crafts. The market provides a charming atmosphere where shoppers can enjoy a relaxing day of Christmas shopping while supporting local makers.
Why It Is Special: This market is special because of its history and focus on handmade goods. Shoppers can find unique and meaningful gifts while enjoying a warm festive setting.
| Name | Hall Market |
|---|---|
| Event | Festive Christmas Edition |
| Location | Hall, ACT |
| Opening Date 2025 | 7 December |
| Highlights | Handmade gifts, local produce |
| Activities | Festive shopping, exploring crafts |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Family-Friendly | Yes |
8. Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar – Festive European Flair
The Hall Market will host its Festive Christmas Edition on 7 December 2025. It is known for offering a long-standing tradition of local and handmade products.
Visitors can find unique gifts, local produce, holiday decorations, and creative crafts. The market provides a charming atmosphere where shoppers can enjoy a relaxing day of Christmas shopping while supporting local makers.
Why It Is Special: This market is special because of its history and focus on handmade goods. Shoppers can find unique and meaningful gifts while enjoying a warm festive setting.
| Name | Hall Market |
|---|---|
| Event | Festive Christmas Edition |
| Location | Hall, ACT |
| Opening Date 2025 | 7 December |
| Highlights | Handmade gifts, local produce |
| Activities | Festive shopping, exploring crafts |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Family-Friendly | Yes |
9. Homestead Christmas Market – Local Festive Fun
The Homestead Christmas Market, held at Tuggeranong Homestead, is a peaceful and welcoming Christmas market that many families enjoy visiting. The open-air setting gives visitors plenty of space to walk around, relax, and enjoy the festive surroundings. The historic homestead adds a charming and traditional feel to the market, making the visit even more special.
At this market, visitors can explore a wide range of stalls selling handmade crafts, Christmas gifts, decorations, and local products. Food trucks offer tasty meals, snacks, and festive treats, while live music plays in the background, creating a cheerful yet calm atmosphere. Children can move around freely and enjoy the outdoor space, while adults take their time shopping and listening to music.
Why It Is Special: This market is special because it brings together local culture, food, music, and festive shopping in one relaxed setting. It is perfect for people who want to enjoy Christmas without crowds or noise. Families, couples, and friends can enjoy a slow and joyful holiday outing while supporting local makers.
| Name | Homestead Christmas Market |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Local Festive Market |
| Location | Tuggeranong Homestead, Canberra |
| Opening Date 2025 | 13 December 2025 |
| Highlights | Handmade crafts, food trucks, live music |
| Activities | Shopping, music, family-friendly fun |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Family-Friendly | Yes |
10. South.Point Rooftop Community Christmas Market – Evening Festive Shopping
The South Point Rooftop Community Christmas Market offers a unique Christmas shopping experience in the evening. Held on a rooftop in Tuggeranong, this market feels cosy and magical as the sun sets and festive lights begin to glow. The cooler evening air makes it comfortable and enjoyable, especially during the busy holiday season.
Visitors can browse stalls selling handmade gifts, creative crafts, festive decorations, and local products. Food stalls serve warm meals and holiday treats, making it easy to relax and enjoy the evening. Many people come with friends or family to enjoy the views, take photos, and spend time together while shopping under the Christmas lights.
Why It Is Special: This market is special because it is an evening event, offering a calm and relaxed holiday experience. The rooftop setting, festive lighting, and peaceful atmosphere make it perfect for people who prefer night-time shopping and want a gentle, enjoyable way to celebrate Christmas.
| Name | South.Point Rooftop Community Christmas Market |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Evening Festive Market |
| Location | South.Point Rooftop, Tuggeranong |
| Opening Date 2025 | 19 December 2025 |
| Highlights | Handmade goods, festive food, evening lights |
| Activities | Evening shopping, relaxing with friends |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Family-Friendly | Yes |
Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Canberra
Christmas markets are lively and enjoyable, but a little planning can make your visit much better. Being prepared helps you avoid crowds, stay comfortable, and enjoy the day without stress.
Visit Early
Going to the market when it first opens is a great idea. Early hours are usually less crowded, making it easier to walk around, shop calmly, and enjoy the stalls. You may also find more gift options before popular items are sold out.
Choose Comfortable Footwear
Christmas markets are often large, and you may spend a lot of time walking or standing. Wearing comfortable shoes helps you stay relaxed and enjoy the experience without sore feet.
Bring Water and Light Snacks
Although food stalls are available, carrying water is helpful, especially on warmer days. Small snacks are useful if waiting lines are long or if children get hungry.
Keep Some Cash Handy
Many stalls accept card payments, but some small sellers may only take cash. Having some cash with you makes shopping easier and faster.
Check Details Before You Go
Always look at the market dates and opening times in advance. Some markets are held on only one day, while others take place on weekends. Planning ahead helps you visit your favourite markets.
Dress for Changing Weather
Canberra’s weather can shift during the day. Wearing layers, along with sunscreen and a hat, helps you stay comfortable in different conditions.
Why Christmas Markets Are So Special
Christmas markets are not just about buying gifts. They are places where people come together to enjoy the feeling of the season. Walking through decorated stalls, listening to cheerful music, and smelling festive food creates a sense of happiness and togetherness.
These markets bring people closer. Friends meet, families spend time together, and strangers share smiles and conversations. Children feel excited by the lights and activities, while adults enjoy relaxing moments away from daily routines. The festive atmosphere makes everyone slow down and enjoy the moment.
Christmas markets also support local makers and small businesses. Every handmade gift, snack, or decoration has a story behind it. This makes shopping feel more meaningful and personal, turning simple purchases into special memories.
Final Words
The Christmas season in Canberra is a beautiful time filled with warmth, laughter, and celebration. The city’s Christmas markets add life and colour to December days and nights, offering moments of joy that go far beyond shopping. Each market has its own personality, from quiet community spaces to lively evening gatherings.
Visiting these markets gives you the chance to step away from busy schedules and enjoy simple pleasures—walking under lights, sharing food, listening to music, and discovering thoughtful gifts. Whether you visit one market or many, each experience adds something special to the holiday season.
As Christmas approaches, take time to enjoy these festive spaces, breathe in the joyful atmosphere, and create memories that will stay with you long after the decorations come down. Canberra’s Christmas markets remind us that the best parts of the season are time spent together, shared smiles, and moments of happiness.