Christmas has snuck up on us yet again, and it’s time to start searching for those perfect gifts your family deserves. Christmas markets are a great way to discover unique presents your loved ones are sure to cherish for years to come. Christmas markets 05/have originated in Europe, but right here in Australia you’ll find incredible markets offering hand crafted merchandise from some of our most talented Australian artisans. Our markets offer much more than just shopping as well. Enjoy delicious food stalls, entertainment, and a lot of holiday cheer. So head to one of these incredible Christmas markets located right here on our home soil and remember to stay safe this holiday season. Should you find yourself planning a trip to one of these Christmas market destinations, make sure you keep your holidays merry and bright by protecting yourself with domestic travel insurance. 
Christkindlmarkt: Hahndorf, South Australia
When: Dec 15th to Dec 17th
You 05/not have heard of the small town of Hahndorf, but situated just outside of Adelaide’s CBD you’ll find a lovely European-style Christmas market. Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf offers historic German architecture and food along its Main Street throughout the year. Come December, the town gets into the Christmas spirit as it brings around 50 stalls, entertainment, and great food together along with some holiday magic and cheer. So put on your red and green Lederhosen and Dirndls and head down to these free entry markets which run from December15th to 12/17th where you can also enjoy nightly Carols by Candlelight. 
Twilight Markets: Brisbane, Queensland
When: Dec 9th
Brisbane holds numerous Twilight Markets throughout the year but its Christmas one is always a fan favourite. Its Christmas Market, however, which runs from 9am to 3pm on 12/9 doesn’t exactly classify as twilight like most of its other markets. You won’t find any mass produced goods here nor will you find anything imported from overseas. You will instead find unique 100% handmade products from talented local artisans. It is one of those rare times when you can actually meet the person who has made the gifts or goods you purchase. Listen to great live music, enjoy wonderful bites from food vendors, and even attend a free Craft Workshop. You can easily walk to the markets from the Queen Street Mall and Central Train Station, where you will find the markets above the King George Square Busway. 
Christmas Fare: Sydney, NSW
When: Dec 14th
Sandwiched between Sydney’s Hyde Park and The Domain, this single evening Christmas Market event is a rather new addition. Only since 2013 has this Christmas Market come onto Sydney’s scene, which focuses solely on food. The event is hosted by Sydney Living Museums, a group of 12 museums and the organisation which is responsible for the care and maintenance of historic sites throughout NSW. Held in the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, the Christmas Fare Market will offer over 40 stalls featuring Sydney’s finest artisan producers, makers, and ready-to-eat gourmet food vendors. Enjoy free entry to the Barracks Museum which is regarded as one of the best preserved examples of Australian convict history sites. Australian Design Centre will present Maker’s Lane which will feature all things food related crafted by talented culinary artisans which will have your Christmas dinner table the talk of the neighbourhood. 
Deck the Stalls: Melbourne, Victoria
When: Now Through Christmas Eve
Offering a large range of gift ideas which are sure to make this Christmas truly memorable, Melbourne’s always popular Queen Victoria Markets get a holiday makeover starting in mid November. Meet Santa in person or post him your Christmas wish list at the market’s Santa Mailbox. You’ll have over 100 stalls to browse as you enjoy free live entertainment. Perfect for the last minute shopper, the markets are open the 4 days leading up to Christmas including Christmas Eve. And don’t forget about their Night Markets held at this location which are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. Enjoy summer night shopping every Wednesday in the lead up to Christmas. The free event runs from 5pm to 10pm. 
Nichemas: Launceston, Tasmania
When: Dec 2nd
Rediscover Tasmania this Christmas season and head south to see our beautiful island state. NICHE holds three one-day events in Launceston’s Albert Hall each year and luckily one of those is held just before Christmas. Its European style Christmas market offers an abundance of creative handmade gifts which attracts thousands of people across Tasmania. Unique products designed and made by local Tasmanians are sure to make for the perfect gift. Even better, know that 20% of sales from all vendors are donated to children with developmental delays and disabilities who use St Giles services in Launceston, Hobart, and Burnie. Nearly 6000 children pass through St Giles annually for physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, behaviour assessment, and early childhood education support. 
Darling Harbour Christmas: Sydney, NSW
When: Throughout December
Offering much more than just markets, Sydney’s Darling Harbour brings all sorts of fun Christmas activities. Here is your chance to walk into a 6 metre tall lighted Christmas bauble, just what you need for that Christmas card selfie shot. Ditch the plastic Xmas trees and head down to the Village Green at Darling Quarter where the smell of authentic pine needles fills the air. Pick out that perfect tree to bring back home. Enjoy an outdoor Christmas movie in Tumbalong Park held Friday and Saturday nights starting 12/15th or bring your kids to the Baublelicious children’s workshop where they can make their own Christmas ornaments for their tree at home. And because it wouldn’t be Sydney without light projections, enjoy Christmas themed light projections throughout the Darling Harbour area. And of course there is a wonderful Christmas Market to enjoy which begins 12/11 - 12/17 from 9am - 3pm.