A French-style Christmas market, the Jolly Market, will be set up in Sydney from tomorrow until next Wednesday. From the team that brought you the Christmas edition of the Bastille Festival and the Christmas Festival in July, The Jolly Market brings a French touch to Sydney this December.
While a white Christmas is almost impossible in Australia, you’re guaranteed one nightly at the Jolly Market. Every night at 8pm, in front of the giant Christmas tree, you can dance to Christmas jazz classics (with a few in French) under the snow.
The Jolly Market is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping or to have your pre-Christmas catchups with friends. Beautiful handcrafted gifts that you won’t find anywhere else are available. Among the handcrafted products, you’ll find jewellery from Parisian-inspired Zag Bijoux, children’s toys, Christmas snow globes from Houseworx, clothing, organic tea and gourmet food from A Taste of Paris. The Canberra Distillery will be selling their award-winning craft spirits. Everything you need to find the perfect gift or just treat yourself.
But even if you’ve already done all your Christmas shopping (good on you!), you can still enjoy the European Christmas atmosphere with a glass of French or Australian wine and food from all over Europe. The Drink Hive offers a selection of local and French wines from South Australian pinot noir to Provençal rosé and even champagne, there’s something for everyone’s tastes.
At the Jolly Market you also have European food to transport you to Europe. Think French alpine fondue but served in Cobb bread, cheese, Breton crepes, Pistou’s authentic double-smoked French sausages are served with confit onions and seasonal pickles. Or traditional snails filled with garlic butter sauce. Perhaps something more summery? Perhaps oysters with champagne sauce.
Or for something sweet, you’ll find macarons from Macaron de Paris, and Ccème brûlée, Portuguese tarts, or Italian gelato from Carnival Gelato.
At the Jolly Market, amidst authentic wooden cabins, lights, candles, falling snow, and jazz music, there’s all the magic you’d expect to experience a white Christmas… The only clues that you are not in Europe will be the iconic view of Sydney Harbour and the weather. Transport yourself to Europe for the next 6 nights at Jolly Market.
KEY INFO FOR JOLLY MARKET
WHAT: The Jolly Market, a French Christmas market in Sydney
WHERE: Customs House Forecourt, SYDNEY
WHEN: from 16 to 21 November during the following hours:
Friday 16 December from 4pm to 11pm
Saturday 17 December from noon to 11pm
Sunday 18 December from noon to 10pm
Monday 19 December from 4pm to 10pm
Tuesday 20 December from 4pm to 10pm
Wednesday 21 December from 4pm to 10pm
HOW: No ticket needed, just show up!
HOW MUCH: It’s free!
Have you ever visited a European Christmas market? What do you miss?
La Buvette Drinkeryhas gift vouchers which can be used towards food and/or drinks. You can purchase them in $50 increments up to $200 via this link.
Les Deux Coqshas gift vouchers which you can purchase via this link. You can purchase them in amounts ranging from $25 to $100. You can also use them at their new Rundle Mall store.
Sofitel Adelaide offers gift vouchers from $100 to $1000 for use towards accommodation or dining in the hotel. They also offer experience and package specific vouchers including the Artiste Taste Tour for $140 through to the Magnifique Romance Package which includes an overnight stay and Taittinger champagne on arrival for $600. Or you can purchase dining vouchers in amounts from $100 to $300. Gift vouchers can be purchased here.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH DINING IN BRISBANE
Aquitaine Brasserie has gift cards varying in values from $50 up to $300. You can purchase gift vouchers for French dining at Aquitaine via their website.
Bisou Bisouoffers both physical and digital gift cards in any amount of your choosing, which can be ordered via their website. Physical gift cards can be collected from Ghanem Group’s office during the day on weekdays, or posted.
Boucher French Restaurant does gift vouchers for $50 and up. You can buy them any time in the restaurant during business trading hours.
Chouquette has gift vouchers available in the following amounts: $25, $50 and $100. They can be picked up at the shop, they can also mail or email them.
French and Mordoes gift vouchers for amounts starting at $20, including high tea at $45 per person.
Green Glass offers digital gift vouchers in amounts from $50 to $3000, which can be purchased on their website.
Hervéshas digital vouchers from $50 to $5000 available for purchase via this link.
Les Bistronomes offers gift vouchers, which you can buy on their website from $50 to $300, or directly at the restaurant for any amount you choose.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH DINING IN CROWS NEST, DARLING DOWNS, QLD
Myrtillehas e-gift cards for any monetary value the purchaser chooses that can be purchased via this link.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH DINING IN GEELONG
La Cachette Bistro doesn’t offer formal Gift Vouchers but are glad to take a booking for the lucky gift recipients and accept a pre-payment over the phone, once the booking has been made.
Alternatively, they accept the white Good Food Gift Card, which can be purchased online or from most Supermarkets. The The phyiscal cards can be purchased in denominations of $50, $100 increasing in $100 increments to $500, whereas the digital cards are available increments of $50 from $50 to $500.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH FOOD AND STAYS ON THE GOLD COAST
ROOM81 RESTAURANT: Bienvenue to Room81 – a French inspired restaurant on the Gold Coast. Embark on a gastronomic journey that takes you from Australia’s fertile hinterland and the Coral Sea to the world capital of gourmet cuisine, France. Surrounded by chic décor, surrender to the scents, flavours and textures of classic French recipes with a contemporary twist, prepared using locally sourced produce. On the al fresco terrace, sip vintages from a curated wine list or raise a toast to the good life over signature cocktails.
HOTEL Bienvenue to Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, where Parisian sophistication meets the carefree Australian coastal spirit. You are invited to Live the French way in the heart of Broadbeach, enjoy and explore all the Gold Coast has to offer from the stunning hinterland to the sandy beaches and relax in 5-star Sofitel luxury. Enjoy a truly Magnifique stay at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH DINING IN HOBART
Jean-Pascal Patisserie offers gift vouchers all year around. They are hand-written, meaning, they can be of any value. Purchase the vouchers at La Boutique on Baker Street, New Town.
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR FRENCH DINING IN MELBOURNE
Whether it be highly coveted croissants to high tea to a full French meal, there are a number of foodie gift voucher options for Melbourne.
Bar Margaux has gift cards available for $50, $100, $150, $200 or any amount of your choosing via this link.
Bar Romanée has gift cards can be purchased in values of $100, $200, $300 and $400 via this link.
NOTE: Lune gift vouchers can be used for in-store purchases of pastries, beverages and retail merchandise. They cannot be used for online purchases. (An important one for our interstate and overseas visitors to know!)
Noirdoes gift vouchers in any value you like which can be purchased via their website.
Angel’s Houseoffers gift vouchers online on their website from 50$ to 1000$. They are valid for 3 years. Purchase yours via this link.
Bistro Guillaume, Crown Perth accepts Crown Gifts cards can be used across Crown Perth, including for world-class dining at Bistro Guillaume. Crown Gifts gift cards are available in denominations from $100 to $500 and can be purchased online or at a Crown Rewards Desk.
Le Rebelle has gift vouchers can be purchased via this link in the following amounts: $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, $250, and $340.
Maison Saint Honore has both physical and digital gift cards which can be purchased in store or emailed.
W.H.I.P. Patisseriehas gift vouchers available from $20. These can be purchased either online or at their market stalls. They can also do a group order by email by contacting them directly at [email protected] The gift vouchers can be used at their market stalls but also at their first shop which will be opening in Inglewood in February!
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR CREPES ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
Flo’s Creperie offers gift vouchers for both their Noosa and their Mooloolaba creperies. You can buy them via this link.
Plus, Beckett’s has also just introduced A Black Tie (optional) ‘French Omakase’ Dinner for $220 per person: Jeff the Chef invites you to a night that goes beyond the menu – this black-tie ‘French omakase’ dining experience means all decision-making is left to up to him. Translated, ‘omakase’ means “I’ll leave it up to you” and after experiencing his exciting dishes, you’ll always want to leave it up to Jeff. From the moment you step foot into Beckett’s and hear the pianist filling the venue with buttery melodies, you’ll know you’re in a place that can take you on a culinary journey.
You’ll be seated at the Chef’s Table, the only booth in the house situated right by the kitchen where you will be greeted and served by Jeff the Chef himself. From there, it’s a seven-course journey where you can relax, stop thinking and relish the finest products of Jeff’s explorations with ingredients, flavours, techniques and concepts. As an optional extra, speak to the resident Sommelier about the best wines to set the tone of an unforgettable night.
Bistrot 916gift vouchers are available to pick up in store only and can be purchased for any amount from $50 to $500. Vouchers may be organised in person only.
Garçonhas physical vouchers that you can purchased in person in either of their stores. Values of gifts card up to $200. They can also be purchased online.
Loulou has gift vouchers, which can be bought in any denomination of the buyers choosing, and can be purchased via this link. They are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.
Note: they can also be used at any Etymon Projects venue which currently includes The Charles Grand Brasserie (European Cuisine) and TIVA Lounge (Champagne lounge).
