The festive season is officially upon us, and even though we feel like this year went by in a blink, it’s time to get serious about Christmas prepping. If you’re looking to tackle the shopping while also enjoying a seasonal spirit lifter, a market might be the perfect solution.
Here are our top picks to shop one-off artisanal goods, second-hand treasures and foodie treats.
East End Festive Marketplace, Perth
Nobody does luxe quite like State Buildings, and this year it’s collaborated with some of Perth’s finest makers to create a thoughtful gift-buying experience. The line-up at the East End Festive Marketplace includes artisans from the Fremantle Arts Centre, vintage stallholders from Second Life Markets, and State Buildings faithfuls such as Sue Lewis chocolates, Shari-Vari Records and Chefs Edge Japanese knives.
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SUBSCRIBE NOWYou can also pick up a bite from pastry wunderkind Natasha Brownfield or Fremantle sandwich stalwart Peggy’s. And wrapping is available thanks to the Juluwarlu Arts Group.
Fri December 9, 3pm–7pm, and Sat December 10, 11am–3pm
Twilight Christmas Markets, Mount Lawley
The Beaufort Street Christmas Festival is going all out this year, with week-long celebrations featuring window decorations, pet-friendly Santa photos, more than 30 stalls to peruse, and a full-blown parade. There will also be kid-friendly entertainment, with Christmas baking and face painting, as well as live music. Just Dumplings, Soba Mobile Bar and social enterprise Carad’s Fare Go food truck, which is staffed by asylum seekers and refugees, will be serving snacks.
Sat December 10, 5pm–8.30pm
Second Life Markets, Osborne Park
While not strictly a Christmas market, Second Life is fortuitously timed for those looking for second-hand and upcycled gifts, with 100 stalls selling preloved clothing, vintage homewares and more. Particularly in 2022, with the cost of living and the environment at the forefront of many people’s minds, this curated market can help make the giving season a little more sustainable. Our top two picks? Funk Me’s collection of film cameras and Shayde de Soleil’s vintage European sunnies. Entry is $10 from 10am, $5 from 12pm, or just $2 from 1pm.
Sun December 11, 10am–2pm
Stadium Park Christmas Festival, Burswood
The annual Christmas festival at Optus Stadium is promising a stacked yuletide yield in 2022, with more than 100 vendors, an al fresco bar, open-air movies, plus activities (and a visit from Santa) for the young and young at heart. The festival is being held over two Sundays, with free entry and $10 parking on-site.
Sun December 11 & Sun December 18, 3pm–8.30pm
Kyilla Twilight Christmas Market , North Perth
One of our favourite Perth farmers markets is bringing the Christmas cheer with 60 stalls and 20 food trucks. The markets are both family- and dog-friendly, with Christmas crafts, gingerbread cookies and face painting.
Tue December 13, 4pm–8pm
The Carlisle Collective’s Annual Christmas Twilight Fair, Carlisle
Christmas is about bringing people together, and no one understands the assignment better than retail co-op The Carlisle Collective. As well as the collective’s 15 regular vendors – including Lemon Aid Originals candles, Tanya’s Terrariums and Regency Vintage – its annual Christmas market will feature an additional 25 stallholders and food trucks. The Carlisle Collective is all about community spirit, so while the market is free, it is welcoming donations to animal welfare organisation the Cat Haven. There will also be dance displays by local youth not-for-profit Owlkeyme.
Fri December 16, 5pm–9pm