Gifts

C’est la fête: French Christmas Markets in Australia transform cities into a Winter Wonderland

Matilda MarseillaiseLeave a comment
Reading Time: 6 minutes

With only four weeks to Christmas, the season of French Christmas markets in Australia has truly begun! Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra you’re up next! And Adelaide will celebrate Summer rather than Christmas with its first French-style garden party.

French Christmas markets in Australia

Experience the enchantment of French Christmas markets right here in the heart of Australian cities, as these vibrant markets transport you to a festive wonderland reminiscent of the charming streets of France. Picture yourself strolling through the bustling stalls adorned with twinkling lights, where the air is filled with the scent of warm crepes, spiced mulled wine, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries. Read on to find out about a French market in Australia near you!

 

The first of the French Christmas markets in Australia have already happened with Newcastle’s first Twilight in Paris, Canberra’s Telopea School La Grande Fête and the French Association of North Sydney’s French market at Killarney Heights Public School already taking place.

 

MELBOURNE 1-3 December

The Alliance Française de Melbourne will hold its Xmas Market at its Madame Brussels Lane pop-up this weekend. There will be plenty of food stalls to choose from on offer including raclette, charcuterie, crepes, French and Caribbean gourmet food, macarons, cronuts and much more. Watch down  these tasty bites with French wines and ciders.

 

Gifts for the foodie will be easy with stalls selling French supermarket products, gourmet Belgian chocolates, and imported French products. Choose from gifts for the home or for the fashionista with photographic prints, art prints and candles or jewellery, clothing, and other fashion on offer too.

 

Plus, you can also have the chance to win some prizes by entering the French’tastic raffle to help the AF Melbourne raise funds. Some of the fantastic French prizes include a trip to New Caledonia, dinner at some of Melbourne’s top French restaurants, hotel stays, beauty packages, and gourmet food. Purchase your raffle ticket online here (let us know if you win!)

marché de Noël français Melbourne / French Christmas market in Melbourne

Also on 2 December, the Alliance Française de Canberra will hold its annual French Market from 10am to 3pm, with more than 20 stalls providing a touch of French culture, food and drinks, all while supporting local Australian businesses!

 

Savoury or sweet? Or both? Enjoy what Gourmet Traveller has called “the most authentic saucisson in the country”, some Jordanian cuisine, or even vegan salmon. Sweet tooths are also spoilt for choice with breads, éclairs, macarons, dessert jars, celebration cakes, and baked goods, gelato, cannoli, vegan desserts and crepes.

 

Get your Christmas shopping done or treat yourself with candles, French books, vintage and retro clothing, oven mitts, quilts, jewellery, and silk flower arrangements.

 

Try your hand at pétanque, be transported by outdoor live music and let your children have fun with special activities just for them!

 

The AF de Canberra will also have its annual  raffle with funds supporting the organisation and giving you a chance to win wonderful prizes including chocolate, a magazine subscription, a night in a hotel, earrings and much more!

French Christmas Market Canberra / marchés de Noël français

 

And in Sydney on 2 December, there are two French markets to enjoy, one in Maroubra, the other in Manly.

 

Lycée Condorcet in Maroubra is holding its annual Marché du noel from 10am to 3pm. There are a wonderful variety of stalls selling everything you need to tick everyone off your Christmas gift list!

 

Fashion-wise, expect stalls selling jewellery in a variety of styles, summer hats, handbags, pre-loved French fashion for both adults and children, clothes from with French phrases on them Les Petits Mots, clothes with French Provencal inspired prints, colourful scarves.

 

There are also plenty of homewares from resin serving boards, candles, prints and homemade Christmas decorations, ceramics and more. Pamper yourself or your giftee with nourishing body oils, soaps, and green skincare. Bibliophiles will also find a range of books in French for all ages thanks to Language International Intext Book Company.

 

Kids are covered too with activities and items such as French inspired stationery, toys and more. All that shopping is bound to work up an appetite and fortunately there are also plenty of options to whet your appetite. From French pastries to crepes, with paella, dumplings and more, you won’t go hungry!

 

And that’s not even everything on offer at the Lycée Condorcet’s Marché du noël! See the full list of stallholders here.

Maroubra Lycée Condorcet marché de Noël French Christmas market in Australia

 

Experience the festive charm of the Paris to Manly-Xmas market at St Paul’s Catholic College in Manly from 3-8 pm, presented by Le Marché Willoughby. Dive into your Christmas shopping amidst a variety of stalls featuring unique, handcrafted treasures. While you shop, savour the flavours of Gourmet French food curated by Le Marché Willoughby, adding an authentic touch to your evening.

 

Take a break at the Champagne and wine bar, offering a selection of premium bubbly and wines to elevate your experience. The atmosphere comes alive with live music, creating a lively backdrop to the festivities. Start your December with a delightful celebration in Manly — a perfect blend of Christmas shopping, Gourmet French food, a Champagne and wine bar, and live music under the stars.

Paris to Manly Christmas Market

 

2 December, Adelaide

The Alliance Française d’Adelaide is holding its first La Guingette Summer Garden Fest instead of its usual November market. Rather than a market, expect this to be an open-air sensation taking over French summers right here in Adelaide. A perfect opportunity for a pre-Christmas Frenchy catch-up with friends and family.

 

Celebrate Summer on a special day filled with food, drinks, live entertainment and activities for children and adults, specially crafted by the team at the Alliance Française d’Adelaide. Head along for a community celebration in the sun à la française!

WHEN: 12pm to 9pm, Saturday 2 December
WHERE: Village Green, Unley- Oxford Terrace & Rugby Street NOTE THIS IS NOT THE SAME VENUE AS THE NOVEMBER MARKET

AF Adelaide Guinguette

 

On the second and fourth Sundays of every month, so 10th and 24th December, Le Marché Willougby brings a taste of France to Sydney’s North Shore. Read our article about the market here. The Christmas Eve edition will run from 9am to midday only, the perfect place for last-minute Christmas food and gift shopping.

 

And finally, from 15 to 22 December, over 8 nights, the Jolly Market will be a place for your pre-Christmas catchups complete with champagne and mulled wine and a great spot to do your Christmas shopping. It will return to Customs House Forecourt at Circular Quay after its success last year. We will publish a more detailed article about it next week but in the meantime, check out our article from last year.

 

Indulge in the joy of festive camaraderie as you navigate these enchanting French Christmas markets in Australia. The delightful blend of seasonal splendour and artisanal treasures offer the perfect backdrop for joyful pre-Christmas catch-ups with friends, all while finding unique gifts that will make your holiday shopping a truly magical experience and a festive celebration that transcends continents.

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Will you be visiting any French markets in Australia this December?

 

For events happening this month, check out our What’s on in November

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MM’s 5th anniversary giveaway!

Matilda Marseillaise
Reading Time: 3 minutes

To celebrate Matilda Marseillaise MM’s 5th anniversary next week, we have put together a fantastic giveaway with 13 prizes of French items very generously donated by businesses across Australia: MM’s 5th anniversary giveaway. Read on to find out more!

The prize pool includes:

  • 1 x double pass to So Frenchy So Chic 2023 in either Melbourne or Sydney
  • 2 x $50 vouchers to be used at Délidoor (in NSW, VIC, ACT and South QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast Sunshine Coast et Toowoomba))
  • 1 x $50 voucher to use at French online supermarket France at Home
  • a pack of French flashcards and 5 French stickers from Flash of Culture
  • 3 digital products of the winner’s choice from Our Bilingual Family
  • 1 x $30 gift voucher from the site Ma Petite Librairie
  • 1 pack comprising 2 x 150g Savon de Marseille OLIVE, 2 x 150g Savon de Marseille Coprah, 2 x 100g Aleppo Soap, a bottle of dry oil and a beret (total $167 value) from French Bliss
  • “Marius Noir” French table runner in stain resistant jacquard cotton imported from Nice in Provence valued at $55 from French Affair
  • from Garçon Bleu in Adelaide: one Saturday high tea
  • from Sydney’s Beckett’s: $100 voucher
  • from Melbourne’s Rêverie café and dessert by Pierrick Boyer: – a large cake with personalised plaque (up to $68 value),
    – a breakfast / brunch for 2 persons, 2 hot drinks, 1 main dish, 2 individual dessert (up to $70 value)
    – one high tea for 2 persons (not including champagne) (up to $110 value)
  • 1 x ticket for The French Loop’s French improv show in Melbourne ($25 value)
  • 1 x 30 minute solo French improv workshop from The French Loop conducted online wherever you are in Australia.

MM's 5th anniversary giveaway

 

MM’s 5th anniversary giveaway is being held across our social media channels which you can find here:

 

How to enter MM’s 5th anniversary giveaway

To enter, we’re asking you to comment on the competition post letting us know your favourite article from MM over the last 5 years and also your city (for the purposes of allocating prizes located in specific cities).

 

Winners will be notified by private message on Facebook and Instagram at 6pm ACST on Thursday 22 September 2022.

 

The Ts&Cs for MM’s 5th anniversary giveaway

1 . This competition is open only to residents of Australia. 13 (thirteen) winners will be chosen at random from all entrants and across all platforms.

2 . To enter, comment on the competition post on the social media pages letting us know your favourite article from MM over the last 5 years and also your city (for the purposes of allocating prizes located in specific cities).

3 . The prizes will be awarded to randomly selected winners who has entered on Instagram and Facebook, using a random number generator. Matilda Marseillaise will not be held liable if the named prize becomes unavailable or cannot be fulfilled.

4 . Matilda Marseillaise will not be liable for any failure of receipt of entries. Matilda Marseillaise takes no responsibility for any entries which are lost, delayed, illegible, corrupted, damaged, incomplete or otherwise invalid.

5 . The name, address, email address and phone number of the winner must be provided to Matilda Marseillaise if requested and will be shared to enable fulfilment of the Prize.​

6 . Matilda Marseillaise’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

7 . The winners’ names and social media usernames may be posted on the social media profiles of Matilda Marseillaise after the winner has been selected.

8 . Instagram or Facebook are not in any way affiliated or involved in the competition.

 

What’s your favourite article we’ve posted over the last 5 years?

 

Check out our What’s on in September article