The countdown to December 25 is officially on and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to brave the Christmas rush in search of that perfect gift.
But there’s no need to stress, we’ve compiled the perfect local gift guide so you can impress both your family and support local businesses this festive season.
Christmas Markets
On November 28 from 3pm, locals will be able to find the perfect gift from across more than 50 market stalls at Parramatta Square’s Christmas markets while enjoying roving festive entertainment, live music, activities and decorations. Plus, the man in red himself is also set to make an appearance.
On December 4, 11 and 18 from 7.30am to 2.30pm, the Christmas Markets will also team up with the Farmer’s Markets in Centenary Square.
For the entertainers
From musicals and cabaret, to comedy and dance, there’s always a host of great shows taking place at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres, so why not surprise the theatre lovers in your family with tickets to an upcoming show? Head to Riverside Theatres to see the full list of upcoming shows.
If they love being pampered
For the friends and family who are in desperate need of a break, you can’t go wrong with a gift voucher to one of the many local day spas.
There’s the Moroccan Hamman Day Spa in Parramatta that caters solely for women, or Face Body Day Spa on Victoria Road, Parramatta, which offers everything from facials to massages.
If hair and beauty is more their thing, EscapadeHFB in Granville offers gift vouchers for its expert hair services, laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments.
For the foodies
With a huge range of high-quality cuisines right on our doorstep, it’s no secret Parramatta is a foodie’s dream. If you’re struggling to find a gift for the person that has it all, why not switch things up and surprise them with a gift card to one of the many great local restaurants?
There’s LILYMU in Parramatta Square for those after a high-end Pan-Asian dining experience, Frankie B’s for those with a big appetite, and the chef-hatted Willo Restaurant & Bar if you want to really impress.
Fun for the whole family
Why not get the whole family involved with a local activity? Escape rooms like Scram Escape Rooms in Parramatta are a fun challenge for people of all ages and offer rooms like The Pharaoh’s Tomb and The Witch’s Curse.
There’s also no shortage of arcades, with Kicks Tenpin & Arcade on level three of the Parramatta Leagues Club and Timezone Parramatta in Westfield Parramatta. Plus, Code Red Laser in Rosehill features a four-level maze full of evolving twists and turns, which is sure to keep both adults and children on their toes.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.