The Big Design Market Returns to Melbourne With Its Biggest, Boldest Lineup Yet

Design lovers rejoice - Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building is being taken over this weekend by creators!

Melbourne’s beloved Big Design Market is making its grand return to the Royal Exhibition Building this weekend, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most dynamic festive showcases the city has seen. With 280+ independent designers, an expanded 80+ food and drink lineup, a dazzling large-scale art installation, a pop-up fashion runway, free Friday night drinks, and a brand-new kids’ creative space, this year’s event is set to be a full-tilt celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and community—wrapped in unmistakable holiday spirit.

The Big Design Market Melbourne

When: 28-30 November 2025

Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton VIC

Cost: $6 entry + Booking fee, free for kids 12 & under

Explore all things fashion, beauty, shopping and lifestyle here.

 

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For those who treat Christmas shopping as a full-contact sport, this is your Mecca. The market’s legendary curation brings together ethically made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, apparel, lifestyle goods, stationery, pet wares and more, with heaps of exciting new designers joining the fold alongside long-time favourites.

And yes—the infamous Designer Showbags will return. Selling out within the first hour every year, these limited-edition troves pack $150+ of designer goodies for only $25. A different selection will be available daily, capped at two per person, and destined to spark a stampede.

Visitors can also go in the running for a $1200 prize pack, simply by purchasing a ticket online or scanning the QR code at the event.

A Designer Lineup That’s Bigger Than Ever

This year’s newcomers span fashion, accessories, homewares, beauty and kids’ design. Highlights include sustainable fashion label epitomi, zero-waste innovators Hyph-n, luxurious handcrafted headwear from Stephanie Spencer, Italian-made footwear by New Kid, and refined recycled-metal jewellery from SOPHIE ANNA.

On the home and lifestyle front, expect the serene ceramics of Peta Armstrong, soulful pottery from Everything Flows Studio, tufted wall art from Loop LAB, and sculptural floristry from Crushes Flowers. Meanwhile, skincare lovers will be treated to botanical beauty from Polly’s Farm, and little feet will be stepping out in style thanks to Woolly Kids and their podiatrist-approved footwear.

Crowd favourites also make their triumphant return, including Susie Brooks Ceramics, Goldie + Ace, Chloe McColl, Simétrie, Aurelia Yeomans, Good Juju Homeware, Red Hill Lavender, Sono Studio, Tanora, and The Boy and I, each bringing fresh collections for 2025.

A Feast Fit for a Market Marathon

Come hungry—and maybe unbutton a notch—because the food and drink lineup is massive.

Shoppers can refuel with dishes from Ugo Burrata Bar, Ca Com Banh Mi, Wonder Pies, Baketico, Wonderbao, EARL Canteen, Cobb Lane, Cannoleria, Billy Van Creamy, Casa Nata, Gippsland Jersey, and GingerSnap Patisserie.

Sip, taste and take home goodies from new additions like Island Pasta, Not Pops, Trois Bon, Sorry Nonna, Das Juice, Melbourne Martini, and Brick Lane Brewing.

Returning favourites include Pistachio Papi, TANICA, Only Mine, Mount Zero Olives, NON, Truffle Hill, ShortHive, Loro, Matcha Yu Tea, Long Paddock Cheese, Mamé Cocoa, Keating & Co. Condiments, and ACIDE.

And if you pop in between 4–6pm on Friday, you’ll be greeted with a free Brachetto Ginger Spritz thanks to Pizzini Wines.

Art, Runway & Creative Vibes

This year’s guest artist is the powerhouse multitasker Emma Morgan, whose lush botanical work will colour the entire market identity. Morgan is also crafting a jaw-dropping large-scale installation suspended beneath the Royal Exhibition Building’s great dome—set to be one of the event’s most photographed moments.

Fashion lovers can catch the immersive runway on Friday 28 November at 6pm, with models weaving through the venue wearing work by standout designers including Hyph-n, PORCELAIN Brigid McLaughlin, The Boy & I, Tara Whalley, The Only Label, Natalija Rashidi, TOR LABEL, Made for a Goddess, Me + Lia, and more.

For the littlest creatives, Morgan has also designed a dedicated kids’ zone, offering a quiet, colourful space filled with her illustrations for children to colour in and enjoy.

A Celebration of Creativity, Community & Christmas Magic

Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, cheering on local designers, or simply soaking in Melbourne’s festive buzz, The Big Design Market remains one of the city’s most joyful December traditions. With independent makers, gourmet eats, art, design and entertainment all converging under one historic roof, this year’s edition promises to be its most vibrant yet.

The Big Design Market is on this weekend at Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton. Head along Friday 28 November – 11am-8pm, Saturday 29 November – 10am-7pm and Sunday 30 November – 10am-5pm.

For more information and ticketing, head here.