The Great Christmas Market 2026 – Shop Local, Celebrate Christmas!

Sunday 22 November 2026 | 9.00 am – 4.00 pm

Get into the festive spirit at one of Nelson's favourite Christmas shopping events!

Christmas is just around the corner, and there's no better way to kick off the festive season than with a visit to The Great Christmas Market at Founders Heritage Park!

Set amongst the charming historic buildings and beautiful grounds of Founders, this much-loved annual market brings together over 100 of the region's finest boutique makers, artists and creatives for a wonderful day of Christmas shopping, delicious food and festive entertainment.

Whether you're searching for the perfect gift, treating yourself to something special or simply soaking up the Christmas atmosphere, The Great Christmas Market is the perfect place to spend a day with friends and family.

Discover Something Special This Christmas

Forget the crowded shopping centres and mass-produced gifts! The Great Christmas Market is all about celebrating local creativity, craftsmanship and the joy of giving something truly unique.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Over 100 Boutique Stalls: Explore an incredible selection of handmade gifts, beautiful artwork, jewellery, homewares, clothing, crafts and unique creations from talented local makers.

• Shop Local and Handmade: Discover one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting Nelson and Tasman's wonderful community of independent artists, designers and small businesses.

• Festive Music and Entertainment: Enjoy the sounds of Christmas with visiting buskers and choirs creating a joyful atmosphere throughout the park.

• Delicious Local Food: Take a break from shopping and enjoy a tempting selection of food and refreshments from local vendors.

• Founders Café & Brewery: Relax with a coffee, something delicious to eat or a refreshing drink at the ever-popular Founders Café & Brewery.

• A Beautiful Heritage Setting: Wander through the market stalls inside the Energy Centre, The Granary and throughout the park's picturesque outdoor spaces.

Make a Day of It!

There's something magical about Christmas shopping at Founders Heritage Park.

Stroll through the historic village, discover beautiful handmade treasures, enjoy some live music and catch up with friends over a delicious bite to eat.

Bring a picnic, find a shady spot to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere. With so many wonderful stalls to explore, you'll have no trouble finding something special for everyone on your Christmas list.

And best of all, every purchase from a local maker helps support the talented people and small businesses that make our region so special.

A Few Handy Tips

To make the most of your visit:

• Bring Your Market Bags: With so many unique gifts and treasures on offer, you'll want plenty of room for your purchases.

• Cash Is Recommended: Not all stallholders will have EFTPOS facilities, so bringing some cash is a good idea.

• Think Reusable: Bring your reusable cups and bowls to help make this a more sustainable Christmas celebration.

• Come Hungry: There's plenty of delicious local food to enjoy throughout the day!

Event Details

Date: Sunday 22 November 2026
Time: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Venue: Founders Heritage Park, Nelson
Entry: $2 per person
Children: Under 12 years free
Featuring: 100+ boutique stalls, local food, buskers, choirs and festive entertainment

Celebrate Christmas the Local Way!

Gather your friends, bring the family and get ready for a wonderful day of shopping, creativity and Christmas cheer.

With over 100 talented makers and creatives showcasing their work, The Great Christmas Market is your chance to find thoughtful, original gifts while supporting local businesses.

Buying handmade and New Zealand-made has never been better!

See you at Founders Heritage Park for The Great Christmas Market 2026 – where Christmas shopping becomes a celebration!