NSW is full of festive cheer this month with shopping, Yuletide carols, light installations and Christmas celebrations taking place all over the State. While Christmas shopping can be overwhelming and not for the faint-hearted, Christmas markets are a wonderful way to find unique gifts while enjoy delicious local produce, workshops and live entertainment in a calmer festive environment.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the Christmas holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to discover the unique offerings in Sydney and Regional NSW.

“Our magnificent State certainly knows how to put on a show during the festive season and we look forward to hosting visitors and locals alike so they can experience our endless list of exciting activities,” Mr Ayres said.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase says, “NSW is a special place to be during December in the lead up to Christmas. A great way to enjoy the season is by experiencing one of our many Christmas markets and fairs which showcase the incredible talent of NSW's best artisans and producers in a festive setting.”

Destination NSW offers this festive market guide during the 12 days (leading up) to Christmas Eve:

Saturday 12th December 2015 – 13 sleeps

• Handmade Hunter Markets, Kevin Sobels Wines, Pokolbin, NSW
  Christmas shopping in a picturesque vineyard setting doesn't get much better. Held over two days from 12-13 December at Kevin Sobels Wines, the Handmade Hunter Markets promotes the talent of local Hunter Valley artisans, so expect a delectable selection of local produce and handmade wares

• The Southern Highlands Christmas Fair, Sutton Forest, NSW
  With 180 stalls selling craft and produce, local food and wine and of course an appearance from Santa Claus himself, the annual Southern Highlands Christmas Fair takes place over the weekend of 12-13 December, offering fantastic entertainment and festive fun for the whole family.

Sunday 13th December 2015 – 12 sleeps

• Kensington Street Christmas Bazaar, Kensington St, Sydney
  The new lifestyle precinct of Kensington St in Chippendale has sprung to life in 2015 with the opening of The Old Clare Hotel, hot new restaurants and the redevelopment of the heritage workers' cottages.  The inaugural Kensington Street Christmas Bazaar on Sunday 13th December is the perfect opportunity to explore this exciting new precinct, while enjoying marketplace stalls, pop-up bars, Christmas workshops and a moveable feast.
  
  

Thursday 17th December 2015 – 8 sleeps

• Christmas Fare Market, Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Sydney
  Showcasing locally made seasonal and sustainable food by some of the best boutique producers, chefs and urban farmers in Sydney, for one night only on Thursday 17th December Sydney Living Museums will host their annual Christmas Fare market at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum.  Featuring live entertainment, create your own food hampers, a Young Henry's pop up and over 40 stalls – you'll be in the Christmas spirit in no time.

Friday 18th December 2015 – 7 sleeps

• The Village Bizarre Night Markets featuring Workshopped, The Rocks, Sydney
  Christmas shopping amongst The Rock's cobbled laneways and historic pubs has just got better with The Village Bizarre Night Markets featuring Workshopped. With stalls featuring handmade beauty products, homewares, art, jewellery and fashion – grab a friend and enjoy the yuletide atmosphere in Sydney's most historic precinct.

Saturday 19th December 2015 – 6 sleeps

• The Olive Tree Market, Civic Park, Newcastle, NSW
  The Olive Tree Market at Civic Park in Newcastle has supported art and design in the local community since 2008, and Christmas this year will be no different. On 19th December the market will feature over 200 stallholders offering handmade gifts with a difference.

Sunday 20th December 2015 – 5 sleeps

• Byron Bay Community Markets, Butler Street Reserve, Byron Bay, NSW
  For delicious locally-grown produce, unique art, handmade crafts and delicious food you can't go past the Byron Bay Community Markets. Considered one of the best markets in the region, you'll find Christmas shopping in Byron a breeze thanks to the live entertainment, craft stalls and kids' activities

• Dubbo Riverside Markets, Macquarie Lions Park, Dubbo, NSW
  Head to the Dubbo Riverside markets at Macquarie Lions Park for a fantastic Christmas shopping experience with local produce, stalls and live entertainment by local artist Michelle Little.

Wednesday 23rd December 2015 – 2 sleeps

• Carriageworks Farmers Markets, Eveleigh, Sydney
  The food and produce mecca of Carriageworks Farmers Market are doing a Christmas edition, with their very first Twilight Christmas market taking place from 4.00pm – 9.00pm. Just in time for your final Christmas preparations, the markets will offer fresh turkey, hams, seafood, seasonal fruit and all the trimmings from some of NSW's best producers

• Sydney Fish Market, Sydney
  Leave your Christmas lunch preparation to the last minute? Don't fret! The famous Sydney Fish Market 36-hour seafood marathon will be on once again from 5.00am on Wednesday 23rd December all the way through to 5.00pm on Christmas Eve offering everything from prawns, lobsters, oysters and more!

For more information about Christmas in Sydney please visit www.sydney.com or www.visitnsw.com