Sunday 7 December is shaping up to be Hall’s biggest market day of the year, bringing together passionate small businesses from across the region. Photo: Hartley Hall Markets.
The festive season is hot on our heels, Canberra! If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to soak up the holiday fare, the Hartley Hall Christmas Markets should be at the top of your list.
You’ll find everything from homegrown produce to homemade treats and beautifully handcrafted gifts, perfect for stuffing stockings or treating yourself ahead of the big day.
Organised by disability service Hartley Lifecare, the markets embrace a charming rural feel at Hall Village Showground, about 10 km north of Canberra.
What began in 1987 with a tick more than 30 stalls and a modest entry fee of 20 cents has grown into one of Australia’s largest market events. Today, dozens upon dozens of regular stalls fill the bill, some still run by the original marketgoers who started it all.
Dedicated stallholders Jazmyn and Karl are getting ready for their biggest market of the year on 7 December.
Jazmyn, a 17-year-old entrepreneur with plenty of grit, a warm smile and a penchant for unique scents, spends hours in her mum and dad’s kitchen every week, hand-pouring candles and wax melts from scratch to sell at markets around the region.
“My business, Wicked Wax Co, specialises in soy-based candles and wax melts, but also offers diffusers and room sprays, and I’m hoping to expand into soaps next year,” she says.
“Some of our most popular scents are Japanese Honeysuckle, Champagne & Strawberry, Lychee Peony, and Musk Sticks.”
For Jazmyn, coming to the markets is a weekend tradition worth far more than money. She enjoys getting to know regulars, patting all the dogs, and hearing customers’ plans for her products.
“The Hall markets are honestly the best part of my month,” she says.
“The atmosphere is peaceful but chaotic at the same time. There are plenty of smiles and laughs, and everyone’s open to a friendly conversation.
“It’s really lovely when guys come looking for presents for their partner and end up grabbing something for themselves as well. You’d be surprised how many of them love sweet smells!”
Beekeeper and owner of Boorowa Bees, Karl is a steadfast advocate for all things homegrown and handmade. The honey maestro has 40 established hives under his care, spread throughout Boorowa and beyond.
This will be Karl’s third Christmas market at Hall. He says the difference between small businesses and large-scale producers lies in how much time, effort and care go into every product.
“I think service is a big thing too,” he says.
“When you come to the markets to do your shopping, you meet genuine people who love their craft and are usually more than happy to tell you all about it.
“I’m looking forward to a fun day out this December with good food, live music, and an authentic sense of community. That’s what events like these are all about.”
There you have it – whether you’re keen to grab some last-minute stocking stuffers or a big-ticket gift for that special someone – you can’t go past the Hartley Hall Markets this December.
The next Hartley Hall Markets will be held at Hall Village Showground on Sunday, 7 December, from 9 am to 2 pm. To find out more, visit Hartley Lifecare.
Keep up with Boorowa Bees on Facebook and Wicked Wax Co on Instagram.
