Christmas Craft Fairs
Newsflash – it’s Christmas next month. Yup, true story. Time to get those thinking caps on as to where you’ll get your loved one’s special Christmas gifts this year. Luckily, the Top End has a bunch of craft fairs and markets to help you out, and the best thing is, your dollars go directly into the pockets of Territory creatives. Unique Chrissy gifts with nice side of supporting the Top End community? That’s the [Christmas] spirit!
Green Ant Craft Fair
YOU’D BE FORGIVEN for mistaking the Ray Foskey Pavilion at the Royal Darwin Showground for the North Pole, as this two-day craft fair transforms the space into an air-conditioned Christmas wonderland – even Santa could get confused!
The Green Ant Craft Fair, formerly known as Marrara Christmas Craft Fair, was taken over by Chiggy, Boo and Orlando of The Flying Gecko Project in 2018 after the fair’s former and founding organiser, local potter Di Whittaker, retired in 2017.
“It has been running for 29 years this year. We moved it to the Darwin Showgrounds in 2018 and the event was a huge success,” Chiggy says.
“This year, we’ve changed the name to Green Ant Craft Fair. The idea behind the name and branding is that green ants are pretty iconic to the Northern Territory. They work together to create, and the nests look a little like a Christmas bauble. It really symbolises what we are and our support for the local creative community.”
The fair boasts over 120 stalls showcasing original handmade arts and crafts made by local artisans. There are also festive treats to feast upon, including coffee and cake, homemade lemonade, sweet and savoury crepes, and snow cones.
It’s a one-stop shop to get your festive fill, so go ahead and spoil your loved ones this Christmas.
Green Ant Craft Fair Sat 23 & Sun 24 Nov | 9am-4pm | Royal Darwin Show Grounds | $2 | Free Child | greenantcraftfair.com
Aboriginal Corporation Community Development Program Christmas Market
THE ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS lawns, located at Darwin’s historical Lyons Cottage on the Esplanade, are set to come alive with gorgeous handmade Indigenous arts and crafts.
Aboriginal Bush Traders (ABT) presents this year’s Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation Community Development Program Christmas Market, showcasing works from artists who have participated in Ironbark led programs throughout the year.
ABT’s Matthew van Roden says the program plays an important role in the lives of the artists.
“This market is unique in that when you purchase a product, you know that your money is supporting artists who are engaged in learning and developing their skills, and supporting community development programs that increase possibilities for employment." he says.
Stunning fabrics, handcrafted timber, beautiful jewellery and fashion are just some of the exciting gifts available on the day. Browse and purchase artwork and handmade products, and meet the makers behind these unique, one-of-a-kind creations.
There's even a free sausage sizzle. Merry Christmas indeed!
Christmas Craft Market Thu 28 Nov | 9am-2pm | Aboriginal Bush Traders, Lyons Cottage | aboriginalbushtraders.com
Tactile Arts Christmas Craft Fair
SOAK UP THE FESTIVE, air-conditioned atmosphere of the Darwin Convention Centre for the annual Tactile Arts Christmas Craft Fair.
A highlight on the Top End craft calendar, this market is Tactile Arts’ final edition of their popular craft fair program, also including the Mother’s Day Saltwater Craft Fair and the Dragonfly Craft Fair.
Tactile Arts Programs Coordinator Ned Roberts says it’s a wonderful day celebrating Top End creativity, for both crafters and craft lovers.
“Tactile Arts is a fabulous meeting point for artists and crafters in the Top End, a veritable melting pot of creativity… Whether you’re a maker looking to get involved or you just want to come along and take it all in and find a few treasures to take home, it’s all there.”
Peruse the bounty of craft stalls featuring ceramics, fabrics, paintings, prints, handmade cards and home wares, to name a few. It’s your chance to snag some original one-of-a-kind presents – you may even find something for your elf. Er. Self.
Tactile Arts Christmas Craft Fair Sat 30 Nov | 9am-4pm | Darwin Convention Centre | Gold Coin Donation tactilearts.org.au
