Market City transforms into a Christmas wonderland

Haymarket’s leading food and market destination, Market City, has come alive for Christmas, transforming into an interactive ‘naughty and nice’ hub for people of all ages.

From 6 November to 2 January, Market City will host a series of festive activities for the whole family across Market City, Paddy’s Markets and Hay St Market. Activities include: six interactive themed photo pods; free santa photos; a gift with purchase collectable charm bracelet; themed drinks; roaming carollers; and a community Christmas giving tree.

Santa will be stopping to take photos, listening to what is on Christmas lists, alongside a lineup of other activations: 

• Free Santa photos Market City: As Santa and his cheeky elf walk around the naughty and nice themed pods, guests only need to provide their phone and the elf will capture the magic with Santa. 5-7 December, 12-14 December, 19-24 December 3pm - 7pm.

• Free Santa photos Hay Street Market and Paddy’s Market: Santa and his Christmas fairy will be available for Christmas photos each Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December from 12pm - 3pm. Patrons will need to bring a phone for the Christmas fairy to take each photo with Santa. Dates exclude 26, 27, 28 December.

• Roaming carollers Hay Street Market and Paddy’s Market: A trio of Christmas carollers will sing Christmas classics as they make their way through Hay Street Market and Paddy’s Market. December dates include Friday 12 - Sunday 14 and Friday 19 - Sunday 21, 12pm - 3pm.

• Matcha giveaway: Two of Market City’s retailers are taking part in a three day promotion of either 50% off or buy one get one free. Torori Warabimochi, will be offering 50% off all matcha drinks whilst Sharetea Market City will be offering buy one get one free on all large sized matcha drinks including; coffee matcha, matcha smoothie and matcha milk tea. Available 6-8 December

• Kids community christmas giving tree: Donate a gift and help make a child’s Christmas a little brighter. In collaboration with Rotary of Sydney and various community groups, the tree will be accepting gifts from 1 December - December 24. The tree will be located on level one of Market City.

• Kids gift with purchase: When making a purchase at any retailer within Market City, children will receive a collectable jibbitz bracelet, with three Christmas themed charms to collect, 7 November - 24 December.

• Festive fun at Hay St Market: The new Hay St Sounds music program will get a seasonal twist with classic Christmas hits and live carolers from November 27, a special ugly Christmas jumper party will take place on December 19.

• Hay St Market's Elf on the Shelf: Keep an eye out for the elf as he is hiding around the market — kids who find the elves can claim a free ice cream! Grown-ups can join in the fun with naughty and nice–themed cocktails from Traders Bar from 10 December.