Our Shire Christmas market is on Sunday, hopefully with sunnier skies

When it rains it pours. And yes, we can confirm that old adage is correct, for once again, we have to cancel a market due to torrential, soggy conditions. Unfortunately, the first day of The Shire Christmas Market won’t be going ahead tomorrow. But there is a silver lining in that we will carry on with the second day of the two-day event as planned on Sunday. While we’re still expecting the odd shower and grey skies, it will be fine enough to head outdoors and start making merry with a spot of Christmas shopping.

So come join us this Sunday at our revised location of Don Watson Reserve, Wanda Beach, Cronulla from 10am–4pm. You’ll find everything you need to curate a beautiful and festive Christmas (albeit, very likely, a wet one), from wreaths and decorations from Wrappsody, to the essential Christmas dessert from Love Pudding, and stockings to hang on the mantle from The Festive. Not to mention incredible boutique gifts and homewares, fashion, artisan treats and even special somethings for the four-legged among us.

EQ and Belrose going ahead as usual

While Saturday’s The Shire Christmas Market has been cancelled (Sunday is still on, we repeat, Sunday is still on), the EQ will be open as usual, so join us here instead. As always, you’ll find beautifully made creations to tempt every corner of your heart’s desires, from delicious baked treats, to charcuterie and snacks, to eco-aware fashions, gifts, homewares, pet care, plants and even hot food to quell those hunger pangs that get in the way of a good shop. And on Sunday, the Belrose Produce Market on the Northern Beaches will be open for your weekly grocery round-up. Come along and spend your time doing the shopping in a healthy, community environment, knowing your money is going toward fresh, nutrient-rich produce and small-scale, local businesses. It’s feelgood fare, inside and out. See you there!

Seasonal sensations

You will have noticed our produce stalls are cloaked in the sweet, summery scent of tropical mangoes of late. The season is well and truly underway with a collection of mango varieties to indulge in. We love them in smoothies, with yoghurt for breakfast and, of course, devoured as they are, with their sticky juice trickling down our arms. But have you ever tried a Mexican three-milks (tres leche) cake? Do yourself a solid, look up a recipe, and top it with sliced mango for the most summery treat you’ll ever enjoy. Stonefruit season is also ramping up with peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots beginning to make appearances at our stalls. Too good to pass up, a blushed peach at the height of its sweetness is nothing short of heavenly. Make sure you fill your fruit bowl with these treasures while they’re around.

More Christmas Markets coming up

Rain, hail or shine, Christmas is still coming, and there’s still plenty of market opportunities for you to hunt down some wonderfully thoughtful gifts. The Ultimate Christmas Market EQ is all set for 5 December, between 10am–4pm at The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, and the following weekend, the Pittwater Christmas Market will be held at Winnererremy Bay, Mona St, Mona Vale on Saturday 11 December from 10am–4pm. So set up an alert on your phone and come along to source something other than the usual chain-store tat. All our markets are curated with an intention to showcase the incredible local talent of makers and craftspeople who imbue each of their handmade items with passion and care. This year, rather than buying something shipped from overseas that comes off an assembly line, make a conscious decision to shop locally and shop well. We guarantee, it will be deeply appreciated.