An outdoor Christmas market with a tree
Photograph: Supplied
Photograph: Supplied

Experience the magic of a European Christmas at Le Jolly Market

Celebrate the festive season in Circular Quay with icy cocktails, melted cheese, artisan gifts and more

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If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas then you’ll want to jingle on down to Le Jolly Market for eight balmy evenings of festive magic from December 15 to 22. The much anticipated night market will return to Customs House Forecourt each night from 5-10.30pm with bright lights, falling snow, live jazz and more. You can cosy up in the festive ambience with Champagne and melted cheese, or bring the Christmas magic home with a wonderland of artisan gifts. Here’s everything you have to look forward to at the Jolly Market: 

The best of Le Jolly Market

Wander through a magical chalet village filled with 35 local artisans selling everything from premium spirits and gourmet goodies to dazzling snow globes and personalised pet portraits. This market is the perfect chance to find last-minute gifts for your loved ones or even a cheeky Kris Kringle present, with lots of gifts for under $20. As you stroll from one wood hut to the next, you can chat with the local artists and artisans, and even pick up a present for yourself.

Cheers to holidays at the aperitivo bar

Nothing screams summer like a sundowner session and luckily, you can start your evening in spirit at Le Jolly Market’s aperitivo bar. Cool down with a refreshing Aperol Spritz, icy Mojito or sparkling Mimosa, and pair it with freshly toasted bruschettas and cheesy garlic bread to share.

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The holiday season is all about sharing endless amounts of glorious food with your loved ones and there’s plenty to pick from at Le Jolly Market. You can start with a luxe Sydney Rock oyster and French Champagne, before eating your way through comforting Christmas eats, including lobster rolls, Spanish paella, creamy gnocchi and Orleans moules-frites (mussels and fries). Like any traditional European Christmas market, there will be plenty of melted cheese including baguettes filled with raclette and pasta served out of a cheese wheel. Satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly baked gingerbread or a bite-sized French macaroon. 

It’s the season to treat yourself to a few glasses of fine wine from France and Australia, stretching from Provence to the Southern Highlands. You can hop between five pop-up bars dedicated to red, white, rosé, craft beers and Champagne, with each menu specially curated for a balmy summer night. 

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Shop your Christmas dinner table essentials

Set yourself up for a memorable Christmas at home by picking up the cutest decorations, fine wine and gourmet treats. You can buy directly from local stallholders including Peterson Family Wines and Mind Spirits and Co, and also discover presents for those gourmands in your life, including a DIY gingerbread house kit from Infinity Bakery

Jam out to live jazz

Rock around the giant illuminated Christmas tree, as you enjoy a festive soundtrack of classic Christmas tunes played by local bands. Whether you’d rather dance your heart out under the twinkling lights or quietly hum while holding a glass of Champagne, this is bound to get you in the festive spirit. The live music will kick off at 7pm each night and continue until the stars come out.

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Wander under falling snow and fairy lights

Le Jolly Market is the closest you’ll come to experiencing a white Christmas this year, with snowfall predicted every night at 8pm. The magical ambience will spread through the Customs House Forecourt with giant illuminated presents, twinkling fairy lights and even a mistletoe to kiss your loved one under. 

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