The Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market brings festive cheer to the harbourside White Bay Cruise Terminal with an abundant selection of Australian-made gifts and family-friendly activities. It's designed for parents hunting for unique presents and kids who love hands-on experiences, all set against beautiful harbour views.
What to Expect
This market is lively and colourful, with more than 140 independent makers selling handcrafted homewares, jewellery, slow fashion and gourmet treats. Expect a joyful atmosphere perfect for school-aged children and middle-aged parents planning their Christmas shopping.
You will find a wide variety of stalls and experiences, such as:
- Handmade homewares, ceramics and slow fashion
- Food and drink tastings and artisanal produce
- Creative workshops and kids activities suitable for school-aged children
Bring sensible shoes and a sense of adventure; browsing the stalls is relaxed but there’s plenty to see and taste. The event balances shopping with hands-on craft and food discoveries that appeal to both kids and parents, making it a great family outing and an ideal place to find unique, Australian-made Christmas gifts.
Activity Details
The market runs as a single-day event offering a full program of makers, tastings and creative workshops aimed at all ages. Parents can stroll the stalls while children join short, supervised activities that encourage creativity and curiosity.
Workshops and kids activities are generally short, drop-in sessions suitable for school-aged children and are a highlight for families during the market. Some makers may offer product tastings or demonstrations that are family-friendly and provide engaging learning moments.
Plan to spend a few hours to fully enjoy the market — there’s time to shop, sample local foods and let the kids take part in creative activities. It’s the kind of market that doubles as a relaxed day out and a productive gift-hunting trip for busy parents.
Location and Access
The market is held at White Bay Cruise Terminal on James Craig Rd, Balmain NSW, a picturesque harbourside venue with spacious indoor and outdoor areas. It’s centrally located for inner-west families and accessible by car and public transport with nearby drop-off points.
Accessibility support is provided and clearly signposted. Features include:
- Mobility accessible routes and accessible bathrooms
- Hearing loop and audio description options where available
- Braille and large print materials, plus service animal access
If you’re bringing a stroller or a wheelchair, the venue layout is family-friendly but can be busy during peak hours. Arriving earlier in the day (market opens at 10:00) often makes getting around easier and gives families more relaxed time to visit stalls and join workshops.
Important Information
This is an Australian-made Christmas gift market so vendors primarily sell locally crafted items; it's an excellent opportunity to support small businesses and discover ethical, slow fashion and handmade homewares. Keep an eye on workshop signage for age recommendations and any small materials lists parents should be aware of.
The venue supports a variety of accessibility services to ensure an inclusive experience for families with different needs. If you require specific assistance, plan ahead and arrive early to access dedicated services or ask on-site staff for guidance.
Markets can be busy and involve queues at popular stalls and food vendors, so pack patience and a small bag for purchases. Consider bringing a reusable shopping bag, water bottle and sun protection for outdoor areas to make your day comfortable.
Booking and Prices
Ticketing and workshop booking details vary by organizer — some workshops may have a small fee while general market entry is often free or low-cost. Check the event page or contact the organisers for up-to-date information on workshop booking and any ticketed sessions.
Families should book specific workshops in advance if a session is limited in number; casual browsing of stalls usually requires no booking. Prices at stalls will vary according to maker and product, with gift-friendly ranges to suit different budgets.
Keep an eye on the official event listing for any updates to times, accessibility services or special programming. Planning ahead helps parents manage time, workshop spots and ensures a smooth, enjoyable day of Christmas shopping and kids activities at the market.