XMAS MARKETS WORTH ROAD TRIPPING FOR: SIX FESTIVE STOPS ALONG AUSTRALIA’S EAST COAST

Forget the shopping centre scrum. Some of Australia’s best Xmas shopping can be found outdoors, where you can browse local stalls, eat something delicious and soak up the festive atmosphere while turning the journey into part of the holiday.

Christmas markets have a distinctly Australian feel. No snowy streets or woolly jumpers required. Instead, think warm evenings, fairy lights, coastal towns, cold drinks and the occasional ice cream while you search for something to put under the tree.

Ben Whitmore, CMO of East Coast Car Rentals, says Christmas markets offer travellers the chance to experience more of the places they visit.

“Christmas markets are a great way to experience a different side of a destination. You can pick up some unique gifts, try local food and enjoy the atmosphere, but it is also about getting out and exploring," he said.

If you are already planning a road trip over summer, adding a market or two along the way is an easy way to make the journey part of the experience.”

Here are six Christmas markets worth getting in the car for.

Martin Place Xmas Markets, Sydney: Best for a city Xmas

You don't have to leave Sydney to get into the Christmas spirit.

The Martin Place Christmas Markets bring a festive atmosphere to the heart of the CBD, centred around the city's giant Christmas tree and surrounded by lights and decorations.

It's an easy one to combine with a day in the city. Spend the afternoon exploring, wander through the market stalls looking for handmade gifts and then stick around as the sun goes down and the lights take over.

For visitors staying in Sydney over Christmas, it's an uncomplicated way to get a festive hit without having to travel far.

Byron Twilight Market, Byron Bay: Best for a relaxed Xmas evening

Christmas shopping in Byron Bay is unlikely to involve much rushing, and that's part of its appeal.

The Byron Twilight Market at Railway Park brings together local makers, artists and food vendors, with live music and an outdoor setting that makes browsing feel considerably less like a chore.

It's the kind of market where you can wander without a strict shopping mission, stop for something to eat and pick up a gift when something catches your eye.

The market runs on Saturday evenings during the warmer months, making it a natural addition to a Northern NSW road trip. Spend the day at the beach or exploring the hinterland, then head into Byron in the evening.

You may even forget you were supposed to be Christmas shopping.

Broadwater Parklands Twilight Xmas Market, Gold Coast: Best for families

For families heading to the Gold Coast, the Broadwater Parklands Twilight Christmas Market offers a chance to combine Christmas shopping with a proper night out.

Held on the Great Lawn at Broadwater Parklands, the market features food, entertainment, stalls and plenty of room for children to burn off some energy. There's also a giant Christmas tree to provide the obligatory festive backdrop.

The 2026 market is scheduled for December 12, from 3 pm to 9 pm, making it easy to slot into a summer itinerary after a day at the beach or exploring the Gold Coast.

And in Queensland, there's no need to spend Christmas shopping trapped inside an overheated shopping centre.

Think warm evenings, fairy lights, coastal towns

Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast: Best for Xmas by the coast

Christmas shopping and the beach aren't an obvious combination, unless you're on the Sunshine Coast.

Mooloolaba and the surrounding area host a range of evening markets throughout the year, with local makers, food vendors and entertainment creating an easy-going atmosphere.

During summer, there's something particularly appealing about browsing stalls as the sun goes down before wandering towards the beach.

Mooloolaba is also an easy stop on a Sunshine Coast road trip, whether you're travelling from Brisbane, heading towards Noosa or exploring the hinterland.

Spend the day swimming, walking along the coast or sightseeing, then finish with an evening market.

Eumundi Markets, Sunshine Coast: Best for serious Xmas shopping

If you actually have a Christmas shopping list to get through, Eumundi is the one to take seriously.

The Original Eumundi Markets have been a Sunshine Coast institution for decades, with hundreds of stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery and ceramics to clothing, art, homewares and food.

It's particularly good for Christmas shopping because so many of the products come from independent artists and makers. Which means there is a much better chance of finding something that doesn't look like it came from the same shopping centre everyone else visited.

The markets operate every Wednesday and Saturday, making them relatively easy to work into a Sunshine Coast itinerary.

Get there early, grab a coffee and give yourself a couple of hours.

You'll probably need them.