The ultimate guide to Melbourne's best Christmas markets

Queen Victoria Market transforms into a buzzing night market every Wednesday throughout the warmer months. Sip on refreshing cocktails, feast on delicious street food, shop for gifts, groove along to live music and more. Best of all, entry is free.

A favourite among foodies, this annual event is back for Christmas. Come hungry and wind your way through over 150 stalls. Sample artisan food and sip premium wine. Then shop for culinary gifts for your friends and family.

Follow the scent of gingerbread to this traditional Christmas German market. Enjoy live music as you browse the stalls for handmade gifts and decorations. Feast on bratwurst, pretzels, German beer and glühwein. Plus look out for a visit from St Nikolaus!

Add a handmade touch to your Christmas gifts this year by shopping at the Bourke Local Market. The market features 30 curated stalls from small businesses. Expect homewares, accessories, gourmet treats and festive decor. There'll also be festive carols and pop-up Santa appearances keeping holiday cheer in high supply.

Celebrate Christmas the Japanese way at this cute pop-up fair. Join a creative workshop to make your own presents. Think bonsai care, ceramic design, kimono crafts and origami. Visit the market stalls to find gifts from Japanese designers and stop for a matcha. Then unwind from all that shopping with a shiatsu massage.

Add a touch of whimsy to your Christmas shopping at this gorgeous market. Find fashion, jewellery, art and more from local Melbourne artists. Then visit the vegan market and bake sale in The Edge and The Terrace. Find delicious plant-based chocolate, vegan skincare, food trucks and more earth-friendly goodies.

Head to Carlton to visit this cute community market. See Piazza Italia filled with colourful stalls from local makers and artists. Grab a coffee while you shop for locally made gifts and ornaments. Pick up a traditional Italian panettone. Then head out for lunch at one of Lygon Street's iconic Italian restaurants. There'll also be roaming entertainers bringing Christmas cheer.

Swap your cafe brunch for coffee and pastries at this cute Sunday market. The Market Brunch is held monthly at the Younghusband Precinct in Kensington. Expect large communal tables where you can slow down and enjoy your spoils. Think flaky pies, hot coffee, freshly baked bread and sweet treats from some of the city's best patisseries.

Love to curl up with a good book? Stock up on top titles at Queen Victoria Market every Saturday and Sunday. Choose from thousands of new and pre-loved reads. The collections are selected by some of Melbourne’s most experienced booksellers, authors and illustrators.

Visit one of Melbourne's most unique neighbourhoods and browse this local monthly market. Fuel up with a coffee then peruse unique goodies from local makers, artisan treats, homewares and kids accessories. Then it's only a short stroll to The Premises for a cheeky brunch date.

Wander rows of treats and treasures at this undercover market every Sunday. Spanning a mammoth three levels, this Melbourne institution recently moved from the Arts Centre to new digs in Southgate. From silk scarves to gourmet goodies, you're bound to uncover some unique finds.