Martin Place Christmas Markets
The Martin Place Christmas Markets bring a festive marketplace to the pedestrian heart of Sydney’s CBD, set beneath the City of Sydney’s giant Christmas tree. Run by Cambridge Markets, the free-entry event gathers around 55 curated stalls selling handmade pieces, unique gifts and one-off treasures, alongside gourmet food and festive treats you won’t find in the city’s shopping malls.
The markets are held every year in the lead-up to Christmas, opening in late November and trading until Christmas Eve, with more trading days added as the holiday approaches. Because Sydney’s Christmas falls in early summer, the atmosphere is warm and sparkling, with evening trading under the lights.
Christmas Market Highlights:
- Curated Market Stalls: Around 55 stalls offer homewares, jewellery, fashion, art, handmade products and Christmas gifts from independent makers.
- Gourmet Food & Festive Treats: Browse stalls of gourmet bites and sweet Christmas treats, ideal for a lunch break or an evening snack in the city.
- Free Saturday Workshops: Wreath-making, cooking classes, kids’ sewing and card decorating are among the free hands-on sessions on offer.
- Live Music, Carols & Santa: Live music and carol singing fill the square, and Santa makes visits for the kids.
Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:
- Free Entry: Entry to the markets is free, so you only pay for what you buy. Workshops on Saturdays are free as well.
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon and early evening bring the best atmosphere once the lights come on, while weekday lunchtimes tend to be quieter. Plan on a longer visit in the final week before Christmas, when the markets trade daily.
- Getting There: Martin Place is in the middle of the Sydney CBD and is served by its own train and Metro station. Buses, light rail and ferries from Circular Quay are close by, so there is no need to drive.
- What to Wear: Sydney is warm in early summer, so dress in light, breathable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle for daytime visits. A light layer helps in the evening.
- Accommodation: Hotels in and around the CBD fill up quickly in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
- Explore Sydney: Make the most of your trip with a visit to the Sydney Opera House, a Harbour Bridge climb or a ferry across the harbour to Bondi — browse top Sydney tours and activities here.
The organiser, Cambridge Markets, publishes the full trading schedule on its Martin Place page. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.
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