Local Festive Finds
A beloved tradition for over 30 years, the Green Ant Christmas Craft Fair, returns to the Darwin Showgrounds. With a bounty of unique homemade goods, food trucks, free fruit for the kids, and a designated spot to rest and refresh, this year’s Green Ant Christmas Craft Fair promises to deliver a whole swag of Christmas bliss, all under one roof.
By Jenna Kirkham
UNDER THE CARE of Chiggy, Boo and Orlando from The Flying Gecko Project, after founder Di Whittaker retired in 2018, the fair has continued to flourish and remains an annual highlight on the Top End festive calendar. Hannah Swales has taken on the event this year and says she was determined to keep it locally owned.
“We decided to take it on board – it wasn’t that there wasn’t any interest in it – the only other people that were interested were from WA and as soon as I heard that it was like, ‘no that can’t happen, it has to stay in the Territory … for the Territorians’.”
With over 140 stalls, gift-givers can find handmade goods including children’s toys, candles, skincare, paintings, handmade bags, and more. Along with organising and taking part in this year’s fair, as owner of The Handmade Heaven, Swales says the Top End punches above its weight with regard to local creatives.
“With the shop and with the market, it basically showcases the talent here in the Territory. There’s so many talented artists and it’s a great opportunity at Christmas time to show that, because everyone is always buying presents for Christmas,” she says.
“I’m hearing more and more that people are valuing handmade items than going to Kmart or whatever else, just because they want them to stay around for a while.”
With a wide selection of fine local wares, this year’s fair includes two $250 lucky door prizes, with winners given an hour to spend their cash. Kids can also show off their colouring skills for a chance to win Gertrude the Green Ant from Suzie's Sunshine Dolls or enjoy the magical splendour of crafts, face paints, and entertainment with Fairy Jill.
Held over two-days and full of festive fun, find gifts, stocking stuffers, and a slew of unique ideas for those hard to buy loved ones, all in one place.
Green Ant Christmas Craft Fair
WHEN SAT 23 & SUN 24 NOV | 9AM-4PM
AT DARWIN SHOWGROUNDS
COST $5
INFO greenantcraftfair.com
Header & thumbnail: The Floral Seamaid. Inset: Suzie's Sunshine Dolls
