Christmas Giftmas

As the festive season fast approaches, so too does the age-old question – what gifts to give family and friends? Luckily, the Tactile Arts Christmas Makers’ Market has your Christmas wrapped up.

^{By Jenna Kirkham}

AN ANNUAL HOLIDAY highlight, the markets are held across two festive-filled days, and offer a sweet mix of holiday cheer, quality handmade crafts, and festive fun for the whole family.

Featuring goods made by Territory artists, designers and creatives, last year’s market drew in a crowd of 10,000, and organisers expect a similar turnout for the 2024 iteration. Shoppers can peruse 150 stalls filled with pottery, jewellery, art, homewares, handmade prints, toys, and more.

The market also sees the welcome return of several regional First Nations Arts Centres. Tactile Arts General Manager, Aneka Truman, says it’s an annual event highlight for shoppers and creatives alike.

“The markets are so important for both the creative people and also the individuals coming to purchase [goods]. I think from Darwin’s creative perspective, it gives people the opportunity to sell their [goods] to a customer base that maybe they otherwise wouldn’t have,” she says.

“There are not many opportunities in Darwin for people to have all of these retailers, and they’re such unique things that you can buy at the market – not something you can get at a normal shop. It means the general public can go along and buy something special as a Christmas present or as a gift for somebody.”

Not only a great opportunity to shop a huge range of local goodies, Truman says it’s a great opportunity for local creatives to up the ante.

“It’s also important for people to be able to make new things, develop their craft and kind of give them something to work towards to be able to sell [their wares]. It inspires people to become more creative and develop their craft, and to improve things year on year.”

Shoppers wanting to make a day of it can find entertainment for the whole family with food trucks, live music performed by Darwin’s own Sally Balfour, and a line-up of kids' activities to keep the festive spirit high.

Held in the cool comfort of the Territory Netball Stadium, get a jump on this year’s pressie list and find one-of-a-kind gifts to spoil your loved ones with this Christmas.

Tactile Arts Christmas Makers’ Market
WHEN SAT 9 & SUN 10 NOV | 9AM-4PM 
AT TERRITORY NETBALL STADIUM 
COST GOLD COIN DONATION 
INFO tactilearts.org.au

^{Header: 2023 Dragonfly Markets, Catherine Buckley. Thumbnail & Inset: Juli's Handmade Stuff}