Jolly good news for lovers of Christmas markets

Christmas markets are hugely popular all over Europe.

In Australia they remain something of a rarity.

You have to be prepared to swap a warming cup of mulled wine for a glass of ice-cold rosé and change the vibe a little.

One Christmas night market that has created a niche for itself is the Le Jolly Market, which will return to Sydney from December 13-22.

It will be taking over Belmore Park next to Central Station and Haymarket to offer visitors a holiday experience complete with wooden huts, artisanal products, gourmet food, fine wines, and live music under the trees and fairy lights.

And the good news is that entry is free.

Over 35 stalls will showcase a selection of hand-made, locally-sourced products with a focus on items priced under $20.

"This year, we’re focused on showcasing the craftsmanship and affordability of local businesses," says event director Vincent Hernandez.

"As event organisers, we see it as our mission to support small artisans and makers who stand out for their quality and creativity, while ensuring a range of price points so that everyone can take home something memorable.”

Food offerings will include lobster rolls, fresh Sydney rock oysters, gingerbread baked on-site, grilled scallops, melty cheese dishes and pasta served in a cheese wheel.

There will be five wine bars and over 40 specialty food vendors.

Le Jolly Market will be open from 5pm to 10:30pm each evening.

Martin Place to be transformed by new Christmas markets

Sydney is to have its own Christmas markets in the centre of the CBD.

The Martin Place Christmas Markets will launch on November 26.

The markets, supported by City of Sydney and operated by Cambridge Markets, will run until Christmas Eve in the pedestrian boulevard with stalls selling fashion items, food, gifts, homewares, candles and festive products.

The markets will run on the Saturday and Sunday of November 26-27, then every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December until Christmas Eve, from 11am-8pm.



“This market will bring a lot of Christmas joy to the heart of Sydney,” said Cambridge Markets spokesman Madelienne Anderson.

“People will be able to drop in during work hours or after work to do a bit of shopping, get something delicious to eat, or just to socialise and check out what our stallholders have to offer.”

Stallholders attending the market will change daily, but food on offer will include Mexican, Japanese, Israeli, gourmet tacos and more.

There will also be tea, honey, Christmas puddings, gingerbread, and gifts that range from jewellery to candles to Christmas wreaths.

“We have worked very hard to curate a really interesting mix of stalls to bring some truly unique vendors to the city,” Anderson said.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase our micro retailers to people who work and live in the city. Our vendors are thrilled to have the opportunity to reach a new audience right in the middle of Sydney. And we think the market will bring a very festive feel to the city centre after a few difficult years for the CBD.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the event would demonstrate that Sydney is ready to celebrate the festive season in style once more.

“For the last couple of years, we haven’t been able to celebrate Christmas the way we’d like to - but this year Christmas will return to the city with a bang,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The pandemic had a significant impact on the city, with many working from home, venues closed and travel grinding to a halt. This Christmas we’re excited to welcome everyone back to soak up the festive spirit, with a month-long program of free events to festivities celebrating the unique joy of Christmas in the southern hemisphere.”

The Martin Place Markets will be the second CBD event being run this year by Cambridge Markets, which is also operating the Quay Quarter Lanes Markets monthly in front of Customs House. See https://cambridgemarkets.com.au/