By Andrew Rasch
Published: Thursday, November 16, 2023
There’s something special about local markets, particularly at Christmas. Whether it’s getting up early for a frothy coffee and toasted bacon-and-egg sandwich, or exploring the stalls to find a quirky, unique gift for that special someone, local markets are a fun place to shop and eat.
Shopping at a local market isn’t just an exciting experience. You’re also supporting local businesses and doing your bit for the environment by reducing food miles. The closer the distance between producer and consumer, the less the goods need to travel, which means fresher food and fewer emissions. There are plenty of places to shop and eat locally this festive season, but here are some of our favourite markets.
1. Fullarton Christmas Fair
Where: Fullarton Park Community Centre
When: 18-19 November
Established in 1981, the Fullarton Christmas Fair began on the porch of an eastern suburbs’ house. All these years later, it remains one of Adelaide’s favourite markets, selling a variety of goodies from local artisans. Get your shopping done early with unique handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, children’s clothes and toys, jewellery, plants, organic soaps, and so much more.
2. Gilles Presents the Gift Bazaar
Where: Brick Dairy Pavilion, Adelaide Showgrounds
When: 2-3 December
Known as the people’s marketplace, Gilles at the Grounds hosts its Christmas Gift Bazaar on the first weekend in December. Wander through the Old Brick Dairy and look for vintage fashion, arts and crafts, and maybe even something from an up-and-coming local designer. This market has live music, plenty of food and drinks, kids’ zones, and you can even bring your dog.
3. Gathered Christmas Market
Where: 102 Main Street, Hahndorf
When: 8-10 December
Head to the beautiful German village of Hahndorf for a special Christmas version of the famous Gathered SA markets (although you can shop at their bricks-and-mortar store here year-round). More than 60 stalls offer all sorts of goods from SA designers, artisans and small businesses. You can find homewares, candles, flowers, jewellery, art, clothing, gardening goods, skincare and more. And if all that shopping makes you hungry, there are plenty of food stalls.
Entry is $3 but RAA members get free entry from 8-10 December.
4. Barossa Farmers’ Market
Where: 740 Stockwell Road, Angaston
When: Saturdays, 7.30am until 11.30am
Every week, about 40 stallholders come together in the beautiful Barossa to sell an amazing array of fine food and wine. There’s enough variety to do your weekly grocery shop, or you might find that special ingredient you need to create a culinary work of art in your own kitchen. Here you’ll find a cornucopia of lip-smacking delights, from succulent pork to fresh fish, smoked goods and handmade chocolates. The Barossa Farmers’ Market updates its list of suppliers weekly so check the website to find your favourites.
5. Willunga Farmers’ Market
Where: Willunga High School, Main Road, Willunga
When: Saturdays, 8am until 12pm
The picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula town of Willunga is home to SA’s first farmers’ market. Here you’ll find Australian bush tucker, flowers, nuts, bread, dairy, confectionery, wine and even delicious lavender brownies. Willunga Farmers’ Market brings the community together, so you can meet local growers and producers and hear how they take their world-class goods to market.
6. Adelaide Central Market
Where: Gouger Street, Adelaide
When: Tuesday to Saturday (check daily times)
Our list wouldn’t be complete without this world-renowned gastronomic landmark. Although it’s open year-round, heavenly aromas make it even more enticing during the festive season. Whether you’re rushing in for last-minute prawns or spending a few hours stocking up on ham, cheese, nuts, and coffee, every Christmas deserves a visit or two to our famous city market. With plenty of cafes and restaurants and more than 70 traders selling everything from fresh seasonal veggies to meat and poultry, you’re sure to find produce for every type of Christmas spread.
6 ways to go green this Christmas.
- Give experiences as gifts instead of tangible items
- Use solar-powered Christmas lights
- Opt for reusable cutlery, plates and cups instead of single-use items
- Use creative alternatives to wrapping paper, such as reusing gift bags or newspaper
- Skip the office Secret Santa and instead donate to a charity
- Give homemade cakes, biscuits and other goodies as Christmas gifts