With a focus on regenerative farming practices and sustainability, the produce at the new Long Jetty Farmers Market is not only good for your health but also the planet. There’s also a strong community vibe and kids’ activities to keep the little ones happy while you shop. Pick up meat, eggs, dairy, veggies, honey and more straight from the farmers and artisans.

The long-running Gosford City Market at Gosford Showground has a large selection of produce and products to stock up the pantry. Meet the farmers and makers, such as the people behind Hunter Valley Pasta Co who make handmade pasta, Tar 10 which makes condiments, spreads and oils, and Mill Creek Vineyard which make boutique wine.

Rain, hail or shine the undercover Woy Woy Food Market at The Galleria Ettalong has local producers touting fruit and veggies, bread, olives, sweet treats, flowers and more. You can also grab a bite to eat while here; perhaps at Jesus Ate Falafel where you can also enjoy a bottle of the Indonesian tonic Jamu.

If you’re spending the day in the Central Coast Hinterland, be sure to visit the quaint Mountain Growers Markets held in a barn in Peats Ridge. This small store sells seasonal produce from the mountain area, as well as artisanal products and upcycled furniture.

The Terrigal Beach Markets comes with oceanfront views, set up along Terrigal esplanade. Here you’ll find fashion from local boutiques Sukisu and Iland and Co; homewares such as incredible sculptural mugs and vases by Menom; and botanical arrangements and art by Janzan Living Art. You can also grab a bite to eat and enjoy on the steps of Terrigal Beach.

Supporting local farmers and craftspeople, the new Gosford Waterfront Markets has a lovely backdrop of Brisbane Water. Set in the Gosford Sailing Club carpark, you can pick up some fresh baked gluten-free chunky cookies, handmade vegan soaps from Naked Eden, and cute-as-a-button handmade soft toys from I Love Buttons.

Grab a drink from the bar and go thrift shopping at Long Jetty Hotel. Located in the Central Coast’s vintage hotspot, you could find anything from vinyl records to 1970s tableware to classic Doc Martins at Betty’s Flea Market. There are also new handmade items, such as macrame hangings, exotic homewares and original art.

Formerly known as Ettalong Markets, the Galleria Ettalong Beach has been operating since 1979 and is a large undercover marketplace with boutique stores selling all kinds of wares and services. Browse fine silver jewellery, purchase some oceanic art for your home, let the kids paint some plasters, and then catch a film at Cinema Paradiso.

Located at Norah Head Bowling & Sports Club, this market is another great place to shop local. Stalls may feature locally made spices and rubs, whimsical oil lamps and ceramics from Lambo Art, and cute kids clothing from Ruby Lou. There’s also live entertainment and face painting for the kids.

The happening Avoca Beachside Markets comprises 90-plus stalls on the shores of Avoca Lake, where you can pick up quality goods such as beautifully crafted wooden chopping boards from Mar and Pars and handmade copper jewellery from Meg Woodhead, as well boutique produce and fresh food. There’s always live music, food trucks and in summer they hold a special nightly market.

Held to showcase the creativity in the local community, the Umina Beach Markets features products such as handmade leather goods from Full Throttle Leatherworks, hand-painted denim jackets by Headless Nation and hand-painted enamel wear by Sunray N Wilde. It’s held at Peninsula Recreation Precinct, just a stone’s throw from Umina Beach.

Next to Woy Woy Memorial Park under large shady trees, the Woy Woy Waterfront Markets focuses on local makers such as small-batch ceramics from Ferne & Co, eco products for the home from Bees Knees Eco Store and an array of incredible food options from Urban Honey to gluten-free baked goods from Soul Food.

The Hidden Night Markets are almost like a festival, with festoon lighting, live music, fire pits in winter, and entertainment such as stilt walkers and fire spinners. But, of course, it’s about the local makers manning the stalls here (you can pick up tea, beeswax wraps, scrunchies, leather goods), as well as the food and bevvies. Dogs are welcome to join the fun.

It’s about flavoursome street food at the Gosford Night Markets, held at the Entertainment Grounds in Gosford. There’s even a dedicated dessert section! Appetites aside, there are also stalls with local and regional businesses, live music and kids’ rides, jumping castles and games.

Come to the Terrigal Antique & Vintage Fair to find one-of-a-kind pieces such as fine china, antique jewellery, vintage clothing and more. It’s held over two days at the Lions Community Hall in East Gosford.

Francophiles unite at the French Country Market for their fill of crepes, eclairs, bread as well as décor, vintage wares and all other manners of things from France. Held at Peats Ridge Public School, there will also be appropriately themed live music and entertainment.

Located at the Long Jetty Foreshore, The Long Jetty Markets brings together more than 100 stallholders, selling everything from beautifully made quilts from India at Spice Road and cool and quirky Lvly Earrings to locally made honey. There are also local artists and face painting for the kids, with playgrounds nearby and a walking/cycling track along Tuggerah Lake that leads to The Entrance.

The brand-new Dayspace Artisanal Market is held inside the beautiful Dayspace Creative Studio, which means it goes ahead regardless of the weather. It’s the place to go and browse hand-crafted, sustainable and vintage wares and there’s a coffee van on site too.

For 15 years, the Central Coast Christmas Fair has been held at Mt Penang Parklands. It hosts 160-plus stalls, has live music, kids’ entertainment, food trucks and stalls, and is the perfect enjoyable way to browse for gifts for your nearest and dearest. There will be Christmas decorations, Christmas treats and Santa, his Elf, and even the Grinch turned up last year to say hi.