Best Christmas market destinations in Oceania
Best Christmas market destinations in Oceania
Waterfront festive display parks and seasonal craft lanes in Oceania
Christmas falls in the middle of summer across Australia and New Zealand, which makes the region's Christmas markets a deliberate, slightly novel adaptation of a Northern Hemisphere tradition rather than a natural fit for the season. One major city's German-style market is among the largest examples.
The destinations on this list range from city centre markets built around imported European traditions to smaller community events that blend the format with distinctly local seasonal touches. Most run in the lead-up to the holiday regardless of the warm weather.
Visiting in the evening tends to make considerably more sense here than in the Northern Hemisphere, simply to avoid the height of summer heat. Local tourism offices typically publish exact market dates each year.
Lists by region
City in Australia
Sydney
Where urban life meets stunning beaches
At Customs House on Circular Quay, the Jolly Christmas Market has over 120 stalls. It has gourmet food, local wines and live music. The Martin Place Christmas Market in the centre of this city has live music, hot food and an illuminated canopy. A market in The Rocks sells handmade gifts and woodfired pizza.
City in Australia
Melbourne
The heart of culture and coffee
Carollers sing and artificial snow falls at past editions of the Christmas Night Market. It is held at Queen Victoria Market in this city. Stalls sell locally made gifts and festive trinkets. Food trucks and carts serve street food. Past editions also had a giant gingerbread man photo spot and Santa appearances.
City in New Zealand
Auckland
Where Urban Life Meets Nature
Karanga Plaza in this city's Wynyard Quarter has a Christmas market with artisan stalls. Ponsonby Road has a Christmas market day with stalls, live bands and DJs. Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell holds a market with food trucks and a brass band. A German Christmas market in Titirangi sells pretzels and has a craft grotto.
City in New Zealand
Christchurch
The Garden City of Adventure
Riverside Market opened in 2019 on a site cleared after the earthquake in this city. The food hall at 96 Oxford Terrace has about 100 small businesses. It has hosted a Christmas craft market with handmade gifts and a visit from Santa. The Christchurch Santa Parade also has a Christmas market at the showgrounds.
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