CHRISTMAS has come early to the Wangaratta Farmers' Market, receiving a boost towards its exciting plans for the New Year.

The market has been awarded a $6000 community grant from the Rural City of Wangaratta to stage a 10–month program of community activities at its monthly markets throughout 2023.

Wangaratta Farmers Market chair Anna Stephenson said the market has a strong focus on building community and connection around a shared love of local produce and the amazing people who grow and make our local food.

She said the organisation is one of the few farmers markets in regional Victoria run almost entirely by a volunteer community committee.

"The Our Community... Our Seasons Activity Program is part of the committee's goal to provide our local community with more opportunities to taste, learn about, make and grow fresh, local, seasonal food and to better understand our local environment," she said.

"We are absolutely over the moon to receive this generous grant from the Rural City of Wangaratta as it will help us to offer interactive activities that connect people of all ages in the Wangaratta community with our treasured local producers whilst having heaps of fun and learning about our local food system."

The Wangaratta Farmers Market is teaming up with a range of community experts and organisations to offer an enticing range of activities next year for children from four to 12, young people and adults.

These will include play–based community art, cooking classes, interesting speakers, demonstrations and classes in growing, cooking, preserving and fermenting local foods.

Ms Stephenson said the new Wangaratta Farmers' Market coordinator – Kerry Craig – commenced last month and will be working with the market's volunteers to roll out the fresh approach to connecting the Wangaratta community with fun, local food experiences for all ages.

"The committee is delighted to welcome Kerry on board," Ms Stephenson said.

"She comes to the market with a wealth of experience in events, community and regional development, education, communications and community planning.

"Kerry will run her first farmers market solo this coming Saturday at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral at the corner of Ovens and Docker Streets."

The '7 Days of Christmas' market tomorrow offers locals and visitors opportunities to buy the delicious contents for Christmas hampers and quality gifts handmade by local artisans.

They can also do their pre–Christmas shop, with 37 local producers and makers expected on site from 8am until 12pm.