Summer in Melbourne has arrived. Christmas is almost here. This can only mean 1 thing…

The Melbourne handmade markets scene is about to explode!

Grab your calendar, muster up some friends and create a hit list of the Melbourne handmade markets guaranteed to help you win Christmas and take home the coveted title of Best Gift Giver Ever.

Docklands Sunday Market (Newquay Promenade)

This variety riverside market in the heart of Docklands just 5 minutes from the CBD features handmade soy candles & soaps, colourful Indian hand crafts, handmade leather goods, hand-knit hats & scarves, recycled kids designer clothes and soft toys, jewellery, an enormous range of rare Earth Rocks and semi-precious gems, kaftans, vintage signs and a selection of food stalls for refuelling between buys. Mexican Music Man makes an appearance at 11am to entertain the kids and there’ll be a 50-strong carol choir from 5pm to 7pm.

WHEN: 10am – 8pm Sunday 10th December
WHERE: NewQuay Promenade Docklands
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: Santa arrives with his little elves from 12pm to 5pm
MORE INFO: www.melbmarkets.com.au

Boho Luxe Market (Fed Square)

Boho Luxe Market showcases handmade bohemian brands from Melbourne, Byron Bay and beyond. You could be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled across a festival, with live music, delectable market food and an energetic vibe that continues to draw record numbers. New designers are featured at every event, showcasing candles, handmade dreamcatchers, jewellery, men’s products, boho pet products, room sprays, kidswear, women’s fashion and artwork. Head along to their last market before Christmas and grab same boho stocking fillers starting from $20, not readily available at other markets.

WHEN: 10am – 5pm Sunday 10th December
WHERE: The Atrium, Federation Square
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: Be one of the first 100 shoppers and receive a free Boho Luxe Market Tote Bag including products and vouchers from stall holders and sponsors, plus a Style magazine.
MORE INFO: www.boholuxemarket.com

Kris Kringle Night Market (Northcote Town Hall)

With over 60 indoor stalls selling locally designed and handcrafted items including fashion, textiles, skin products, plants, jewellery, ceramics, woodcrafts and more, you’re bound to knock a few items off the Christmas list at this family-friendly Kris Kringle Night Market. The Northcote Town Hall’s heritage decor provides a perfect backdrop for this festive event offering live entertainment, a licensed bar, food and free activities for the kids.

WHEN: 5.30pm – 10pm Thursday 30th Nov, 7th Dec, 14th Dec & 21st Dec
WHERE: Northcote Town Hall, 189 High Street, Northcote
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: Live entertainment including Horns of Leroy, Bric a Brac, Uptown Brown, The Slipdixies and Tamara Kuldin Trio
MORE INFO: www.northcotetownhall.com.au

Coburg Night Markets (Bridges Reserve, Coburg)

Graze on scrumptious street food from around the world while browsing some of the city’s finest handmade artisan stalls. Fill your ears with foot-tapping local music acts and basque in a balmy Melbourne summer evening while working your way through the Christmas list – no queues, no car park prowling… just Foot Falcons and market fun for the whole family!

WHEN: 5:30pm-10pm Friday 1st Dec, 8th Dec, 15th Dec
WHERE: Bridges Reserve, Coburg
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: Dog-friendly event with The Canine Wellness Kitchen offering meals, treats, beers and broths for four-legged friends
MORE INFO: www.coburgnightmarket.com.au

Seddon Makers Market (Seddon Uniting Church)

Formerly known as the Maribyrnong Makers Market, the Seddon Makers Market is a not-for-profit, community based arts and craft market run by local volunteer group, MMG (Maribyrnong Makers Group). From 25 stalls at the Uniting Church site in 2008, the market continues to increase in size each year and the original ethos of the market is still strong: to showcase Australian-made items using sustainable methods sold direct by the maker, including handmade gourmet food, art, clothing, toys, jewellery, homewares, ceramics and more.

WHEN: 4.30pm-8.30pm Thursday 21st December
WHERE: Seddon Uniting Church, Gamon St, Seddon
COST: FREE
MORE INFO: www.seddonmakersmarket.com.au

Collins Place Design Market (CBD)

WHEN: 10am – 8pm Friday 15th December
WHERE: Collins Place Forecourt, 45 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: Brown Brother’s join the pop up bar from midday to 8pm
MORE INFO: www.collinsplace.com.au

Heide Makers Market (Heide Museum of Modern Art)

A collaboration between Melbourne institutions, Heide Museum of Modern Art and The Rose St. Artists’ Market, the Heide Makers’ Market is set in the idyllic surrounds of the Heide Museum of Modern Art sculpture park. You’ll find an eclectic mix of art, design, handcrafted goods and yummy treats to tease your tastebuds while browsing handmade gifts to make this year’s Christmas giving the most memorable exchange yet.

WHEN:10am – 3pm Saturday 9th December
WHERE: Heide Museum of Modern Art Sculpture Park, 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: Over 30 stunning sculptures to discover across the 15 acre site
MORE INFO: www.heidemarket.com

Hawthorn Craft Market (Camberwell)

Established in 1979, the Hawthorn Craft Market is one of Melbourne’s oldest, most well-known makers’ markets. Held on the first Sunday of each month between March and December, market merrymakers browse homemade wares from over 45 local stallholders including jewellery, homewares, stationery, toys, clothing, beauty products, plants and gourmet cakes to accompany freshly-brewed barista-made coffee from East Timor.

WHEN: 10am-3pm Sunday 3rd December
WHERE: 340 Camberwell Road, Camberwell
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: Ample free parking
MORE INFO: www.hawthorncraftmarket.org.au

The Make It Collective Christmas Market (Melbourne Museum)

The Make It Collective has teamed up with Melbourne Museum to bring handmade revellers a surprise indoor Christmas market in the foyer of the beautiful Melbourne Museum. There will be workshops and craft activities for the kids, along with 50 stalls filled with feel-good, one-of-a-kind artisanal gifts. RSVP on the Facebook event page to keep updated on new stall announcements!

WHEN: 10am-4pm Sunday 17th December
WHERE: Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens, Nicholson St, Carlton
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: When you’re all shopped out, hit the Museum or IMAX Theatre for some educational family fun
RSVP HERE: The Make It Collective

Saturday Christmas Market (Arts Centre Lawn)

Handmade arts, locally produced crafts and freshly made delicacies – you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing outing just a short walk over the bridge from Flinders Street Station. With a backdrop of Melbourne’s buzzing arts precinct, but the feel of a regional craft market, the Arts Centre’s Christmas Market is the perfect setting for finding unique, handmade Christmas gifts that won’t be forgotten.

WHEN: 10am – 4pm Saturday 2nd December
WHERE: Arts Centre Lawn, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: Plan your visit around a tour of the 130-year-old Arts Centre’s Theatres and Exhibition at 11am
MORE INFO: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

Markit + Bake Sale (Fed Square)

Now in its 8th year, the one-day handmade shopping extravaganza known as Markit boasts 86 independent designers and 6 local food icons, all in the one weather-proof space at Federation Square. You’ll find Australian ceramicists, jewellers, fashion designers, illustrators and other artisans alongside some of Melbourne’s best food and coffee from the new BakeSale pop-up cafe. It’s only held twice a year, so head along on Saturday December 17 to get your hands on some unique Christmas gifts before Markit is all packed up until 2018.

WHEN: 10am – 5pm Sunday 17th December
WHERE: Atrium and Deakin Edge Theatre, Federation Square
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: A mouthwatering line-up of pastries and coffee
MORE INFO: www.markitfedsquare.com.au

Kensington Market (Kensington Town Hall)

Held monthly, the Kensington Market hosts a minimum of 70 speciality stalls offering a diverse mix of fresh produce, designer fashion, children’s wear,  jewellery and an assortment of visual art creations. Enjoy a stress-free, ambient Christmas shopping experience surrounded by buskers and live music while exploring the best handmade crafts from the Kensington/Flemington area and beyond.

WHEN: 10am – 3pm Sunday 17th December
WHERE: Kensington Town Hall, 30-34 Bellair Street
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHTS: Gourmet Pies and Upcycled Book Club
MORE INFO: www.kensingtonmarket.com.au

The Thread Den Market (Fed Square)

You can’t beat local, independent and ethical production. As the name suggests, The Thread Den Market features 60+ Melbourne designers, artists and makers with a penchant for handmade clothing and bespoke accessories. You’ll also find a sprinkle of vintage, handmade craft, super kawaii goodies, nommy treats and other handmade curiosities that make for unexpected, yet completely unrivalled Christmas gifts.

WHEN: 5pm–10pm Friday 22nd December
WHERE: Federation Square, Crn Swanston & Flinders Streets
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: Everything you see is independent, ethical and completely local!
MORE INFO: www.thethreaddenmarket.tumblr.com

The Big Design Market (Royal Exhibition Building)

The Big Design Market brings together Australian and international artists and makers for 3 unmissable days of Christmas shopping. If the creative workshops, gourmet food and craft beer aren’t enough to lure you along, perhaps exclusive designer showbags filled with design pieces from stallholders will! At only $30 each (packed with $175 worth of value), each day brings a new assortment of showbag goodies to fangirl over.

WHEN: Fri 1st Dec 10am–9pm + Sat 2nd Dec 10am–7pm + Sun 3rd Dec 10am–5pm
WHERE: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton
COST:Adults $2 / free for kids 12 and under
HIGHLIGHT: Free kids activities & designer showbags for grownups!
MORE INFO: www.melbourne.thebigdesignmarket.com

Blender Artist Market (Docklands)

Re-opened in a bigger and better location, the Blender Artist Market is now at home in the Art Collective hub of Docklands, ‘The District’. The art and design market presents 60 of Melbourne’s most innovative and skilled artists and designers, alongside live music and entertainment just a short walk from a food truck park, open art studios and a fully licensed bar.

WHEN: 5pm – 9pm Friday December 1, 8, 15, 22
WHERE: The District, Docklands Drive, Docklands (along the corridor of Wharf St)
COST: FREE
HIGHLIGHT: Meet the makers in fully open art studios
MORE INFO: www.theblendermarket.com

Night at the Nicholas (CBD)

In Melbourne’s iconic Nicholas Building you’ll find a pop-up night market spanning nine storeys of artists, boutique retail, milliners, jewellers, illustrators, galleries, architects, tech design innovators, fashion, tarot and craft. With refreshments available on various levels, you’re invited to have a tipple, enjoy the views and explore the winding, creative corridors of the Nicholas Building (rarely open to the public). All proceeds from the evening will be used to preserve and nurture the building’s historical art deco design and architecture.

WHEN: 6pm – 9pm Thursday 7th December
WHERE: Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
COST: Gold coin donation on entry
HIGHLIGHT: Meet the makers when dozens of creatives open their studios to the public
MORE INFO: www.whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au

Missed out on Melbourne handmade markets this Christmas?

Drop into The Make It Collective Shop at 264 High St Northcote to view an extensive range of handmade Christmas gift ideas from local artists, including homewares, handmade accessories, clothes, plants & terrariums, body products, stationery and handmade kids gifts.

The Make It Collective Northcote Shop Christmas Opening Hours

Wednesday: 11AM – 5PM
Thursday: 11am – 9pm
Friday: 11AM – 6PM
Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
Sunday: 10:30AM – 4:30PM

Opening some Mondays & Tuesdays: check Facebook for updates