Market City transforms into a Christmas wonderland

Market City transforms into a Christmas wonderland

This Christmas, the dining and shopping destination will turn into an interactive naughty and nice playground, alongside a series of exciting events and activations
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.

The highlight of this festive activation are six themed interactive selfie pods, where guests are encouraged to choose a theme and decide if they have been naughty or nice this year. The playful and visual themes include: naughty elf lockup; judgment seats; choose your sleigh; where angels swing; tunnel of truth; and a naughty or nice wheel. Pick a favourite or take part in all six during this nine week activation. On selected dates, Santa and his naughty elf will be available to take free Santa photos.

Continuing the Christmas cheer, visitors can expect to see Santa walking through the precinct including Market City, Hay Street Market and Paddy’s Market. 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.

Ray Khoury, centre manager, Market City says, "Christmas is a time for joyous activity and coming together with friends and family. We are very excited to launch our playful naughty and nice themed Christmas activity. We encourage everyone to be captivated by the wonder of Christmas and embrace their inner child when interacting with the six themed pods. With the festivities taking place across a 2-month period, we hope to reach many Sydneysiders and visitors to the CBD."

Market City is home to the 1909 Dining Precinct, a renowned destination for Asian cuisine situated on Level 3. The 1909 Precinct is a vibrant hub of top-tier eateries, including: beloved yum cha restaurant The Eight; hot pot restaurant Dolar Shop; and renowned seafood operator FuJi and noodle restaurant Mr Meng. Patrons can take advantage of the Park and Dine Promotion when dining at any of Market City’s Level 3 Restaurant Collection and enjoy complimentary parking - simply enter the car park after 6pm, have your ticket validated, and exit before 1am daily to enjoy free parking when you dine.