If the idea of a chilly European-style Christmas market really gets you going, then boy, do we have the marché for you. From Friday, December 15 to Friday, December 22, the organisers of the epic Bastille Festival are back with two of their European-themed extravaganza’s Christmas edition – falling snow included.
Le Jolly Market – a classic European winter market, complete with wooden chalets, melted cheese stations and a glimmering Christmas tree – popped up in the Customs House forecourt last December, and it’s back this year with added je ne sais quoi (read: a sparkly night time setup).
As with last year’s debut event, guests can expect food stalls slinging all the European favourites: fresh crepes, cheese fondue and – naturally – a whole lot of wine. Other foodie highlights include oysters crowned in Champagne sauce, loaded lobster rolls and steaming bowls of the good stuff from Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers. And while last year’s event took place under Sydney’s December sunshine, this year it’s a nocturnal affair: running every evening from 5.00 to 10.30pm.
Alongside the five wine bars and 40 specialty food purveyors, the market will play host to live music and artisan makers, each offering sub $20 gifts to add a little affordable European charm to your Christmas haul.
The festivities will be going down on the Customs’ House forecourt at Circular Quay, and entry is free. You can stay up-to-date with all things jolly on their website.
Joyeux Noël!