There is something about a Christmas market that makes the festive season feel a little more special. Instead of doing your Christmas shopping in a crowded shopping centre, you can wander between stalls, pick up something made locally, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a few hours outside with a Christmas tree or fairy lights in the background.
And in Australia, Christmas markets come with their own twist. Forget snow and wooly jumpers and replace that with warm evenings, outdoor markets, coastal towns and the occasional ice cream between gift shopping.
For anyone planning a summer road trip, Christmas markets are also a great excuse to stop somewhere you might otherwise drive straight past, with some helping to put regional towns on the map. Whether you are heading north from Sydney or exploring the coast of Queensland, there are plenty of markets worth adding to the itinerary.
Ben Whitmore, CMO of East Coast Car Rentals, says, “Christmas markets are a great way to experience a different side of a destination. You can pick up some unique gifts, try local food and enjoy the atmosphere, but it is also about getting out and exploring. If you are already planning a road trip over summer, adding a market or two along the way is an easy way to make the journey part of the experience.”
Here are six Christmas markets worth getting in the car for.
Martin Place Christmas Markets, Sydney – Best for: A class city Christmas
If you want to get into the Christmas spirit without leaving the city, Martin Place is a good place to start. Right in the middle of Sydney’s CBD, the markets pop up around the city’s giant Christmas tree, with plenty of festive lights and decorations helping create that Christmas feeling. You can wander through the stalls looking for handmade gifts, grab something to eat and take in the atmosphere as the sun goes down.
It is also an easy one to combine with a day in Sydney. Spend the day exploring the city, head to the markets in the afternoon and then stick around into the evening when the lights really bring the place to life. For anyone visiting Sydney over the festive season, it is a simple way to get your Christmas fix without having to venture too far.
Byron Twilight Market, Byron Bay – Best for: A relaxed Christmas evening
Christmas shopping in Byron Bay feels a little different, and that is probably the point. The Byron Twilight Market at Railway Park brings together local makers, artists, food vendors and live music, with the whole thing taking place outdoors. It is the sort of market where you can take your time, have a wander and pick up a few gifts without feeling like you are racing around trying to tick everything off your list. It also taps into the way many people like to travel now, such as taking things at a slower pace, spending time outdoors and turning everyday moments like Christmas shopping into part of the experience.
The market runs on Saturday evenings during the warmer months, making it a particularly nice stop on a Northern NSW road trip. Spend the day at the beach, explore some of the surrounding hinterland and then head into Byron in the evening. You might even forget you are supposed to be Christmas shopping.
Broadwater Parklands Twilight Christmas Market, Gold Coast – Best for: A family-friendly night out
If you are heading to the Gold Coast with the family this Christmas, the Broadwater Parklands Twilight Christmas Market is one to have on the radar. Held on the Great Lawn at Broadwater Parklands, the market combines Christmas shopping with food, entertainment and plenty of space for the kids to run around. There is also a giant Christmas tree, which helps set the scene once the sun goes down.
The 2026 market will take place on 12 December from 3pm to 9pm, making it a good option for an evening out after a day at the beach or exploring the Gold Coast. It is also a nice reminder that Christmas in Queensland does not need to mean staying indoors. Bring the family, grab some dinner from one of the food vendors and make an evening of it.
Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast – Best for: Christmas by the coast
Christmas shopping and the beach might not sound like an obvious combination, but on the Sunshine Coast it makes perfect sense. The Mooloolaba area is home to a number of evening markets throughout the year, with local markets, food vendors and entertainment creating an easy-going atmosphere. During summer, there is something notably nice about browsing market stalls as the sun goes down, then heading towards the beach afterwards.
It is an easy stop to add to a Sunshine Coast road trip, whether you are coming from Brisbane, heading towards Noosa or exploring the hinterland. And if you have spent the day swimming, walking along the coast or exploring the local area, a sunset market is a good way to finish it.
Eumundi Markets, Sunshine Coast – Best for: Christmas shopping with plenty of choice
If you are looking for somewhere to do a decent chunk of your Christmas shopping in one go, put Eumundi on the list. The Original Eumundi Markets have been a Sunshine Coast favourite for decades, and it is easy to see why. There are hundreds of stalls selling handmade jewellery, clothing, ceramics, art, homewares, food and plenty of things you probably did not realise you needed until you saw them.
It is especially good for Christmas shopping because so many of the products are made by independent artists and makers. That means you can find something a bit more unique than the usual Christmas gifts. The markets run every Wednesday and Saturday, so they are also easy to fit into a Sunshine Coast itinerary. Get there early, grab a coffee and give yourself a couple of hours to wander, as you will probably need them.
