The Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market brings festive shopping to the harbourside at White Bay. This seasonal Christmas gift market celebrates Australian-made products and slow fashion, with a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere ideal for parents looking for unique presents and engaging kids activities.
What to Expect
Expect a bustling market of more than 140 makers showcasing handmade homewares, gifts, slow fashion and artisan food — perfect for mums and dads hunting for unique Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. The market atmosphere is lively but family-friendly, with plenty of discoveries for school-aged children and parents alike.
You can look forward to creative workshops and product tastings alongside stalls, giving kids a chance to try hands-on activities while you browse craft, design and food stalls. Key highlights include makers, live food vendors and curated craft workshops that appeal to families seeking local, handmade gifts.
Bring comfortable shoes and a reusable bag for purchases, and be prepared for sensory-rich experiences that include food sampling and craft demonstrations. The market is optimised for family enjoyment and gift-hunting, with kid-focused activities strategically located so parents can shop nearby.
Activity Details
This one-day Christmas market runs across the spacious White Bay Cruise Terminal and is designed for all ages, with explicit family-friendly programming and kids activities that are suitable for school-aged children. Expect to spend a few hours exploring stalls, joining short workshops, and sampling treats.
Workshops and kids activities are generally drop-in or run on a first-come basis; some sessions may have limited spots. There will be a range of handmade gifts, slow fashion pieces, homewares and artisan food items, giving parents an array of shopping options for personalised holiday presents.
Accessibility is a feature of the event, with listed supports such as mobility access, hearing loop and braille materials to help families plan their visit. The layout is intended to be relaxed and stroller-friendly so parents can comfortably manage children while shopping.
Location and Access
The market is held at White Bay Cruise Terminal, James Craig Rd, Balmain NSW, a harbourside venue with scenic views and a spacious indoor/outdoor layout that suits families and children. The setting makes it an attractive day out combining harbour scenery with festive shopping in Balmain.
Public transport and rideshare are recommended for ease of arrival; allow extra time for drop-off and walking from nearby stops. Families with mobility needs will find mobility accessible facilities and accessible routes at the venue, and service animals are welcome.
Accessibility supports listed include accessible for low vision, braille resources, hearing loop and mobility accessible facilities, plus other services to assist visitors with differing needs. These features help ensure parents and children with access requirements can navigate the market comfortably.
Important Information
Plan for a full market day: the event runs from morning to late afternoon so bring snacks, water, sun protection for little ones and layers for the harbour breeze. Strollers and prams are suitable, but some areas may be busy during peak times, so keep children close.
If your family needs specific accessibility support, the market lists services like braille information, hearing loop and mobility access; contact the organisers ahead of time if you have particular requirements to ensure the best experience. Service animals are permitted, and staff should be able to advise on accessible facilities.
The marketplace features food and drink vendors; if any family members have allergies or dietary needs, ask stallholders about ingredients before sampling. Expect a sensory-rich environment with live demonstrations and creative workshops that are great for curious school-aged kids.
Booking and Prices
Ticketing and prices are not specified in the event listing; check the event organiser's official page for booking details and any ticket requirements before you go. Many markets offer a mix of free entry and paid workshops, so plan your budget for stall purchases and possible workshop fees.
If workshops require pre-booking, reserve spots early to avoid disappointment, especially for popular kids activities during the Christmas season. For parents coordinating a day out, confirm session times and arrival recommendations to make the most of the 10:00–16:00 schedule.
Bring payment options for purchases: many makers accept card payments but small vendors sometimes prefer cash. Preparing in advance helps families move quickly between stalls, workshops and food areas without missing key activities.