Melbourne’s Christmas celebrations are getting a European makeover, with the Queen Victoria Market Christmas Night Market returning from Wednesday 25 November with Santa’s deer, falling snow, festive food and free family entertainment.
Running every Wednesday until 16 December, the free-entry event will transform the Market’s historic sheds into a Christmas wonderland, bringing together international street food, independent makers, live entertainment and plenty of seasonal surprises.
Inspired by Europe’s traditional Christmas markets, the event puts a Melbourne spin on the festivities, with twinkling lights, Christmas choirs, jazz bands, roving performers and a giant six-metre inflatable Gingerbread Man.
Food will be a major attraction, with French raclette, German sausages, Brazilian barbecue, Christmas burgers and gingerbread-inspired desserts among the offerings. Melbourne burger favourite Tommy Two Buns will also make its Night Market debut.
Adding a taste of a Victorian summer Christmas, CherryHill Central will showcase fresh orchard cherries, gift boxes, cherry juice and seasonal treats.
Families can meet and pat real deer at Santa’s Stable on Wednesday 9 and 16 December, while free professional Christmas photography will offer visitors a festive portrait against the Market’s nine-metre Christmas tree.
There will also be bursts of faux snow at the main bar, acoustic performances, Christmas characters and a special song-and-dance show from Stage School Australia.
For Christmas shoppers, independent stalls will sell handmade decorations, jewellery, ceramics, gingerbread houses and stocking fillers. The Melbourne Book Market will host a Book Nook, while Melbourne Record Fair brings its Vinyl Vault and vinyl DJs to the festivities.
Visitors can also have their purchases wrapped at a gift-wrapping station hosted by The Purpose Precinct, supporting community initiatives.
The Queen Victoria Market Christmas Night Market runs from 5pm to 10pm every Wednesday from 25 November to 16 December, with free entry.
Plan your visit: Head to the Queen Victoria Market website for more information about the Christmas Night Market.
