This is a post about Christmas markets of 2011. Are you looking for Christmas markets for 2012 in South Africa? Click here for a round up of 2012’s best 18 festive markets.
The festive season is almost upon us! Here are six of the top Christmas markets across South Africa to visit for all your Christmas shopping.
1. Kloovenburg Christmas Market Day
Riebeek Kasteel, Western Cape – 17 December (09h30 to 15h00)
The Kloovenburg market is one of the many markets in Cape Town and offers the perfect opportunity to stock up on gorgeous gifts and delicious stocking fillers. Sample and buy the finest produce from the Riebeek Valley and surrounding areas in one convenient location. Don’t miss out on the fabulous range of Kloovenburg festive season hampers, which feature their popular luxury body-product range, delicious olives and olive oils, and superb wines. Tel 022-448-1635, email [email protected], www.kloovenburg.com.
2. Pure Boland Market
Worcester, Western Cape -14 December (18h00 onwards)
Escape the crowded malls with a leisurely spree at the Green Shed in Brandwacht Valley. Browse beautiful gifts and taste delicious food. Be sure to pick up cherries from Klondyke Farm and take in a festive movie under the stars. Book in advance for a steak braai at R125 a person. Tel 082-301-8561, email [email protected], www.pureboland.co.za.
3. Gonubie Christmas Fair
East London, Eastern Cape – 16 to 18 December
Take a break from the beach with a trip to this popular fair at the Gonubie Sports Fields. Crafters travel from across South Africa to exhibit here, so there’s plenty on offer. With food stalls, kids’ activities and a beer tent, there’s enough fun to keep the whole family entertained. Entrance is R5 for adults and R2 for scholars under 12. Email [email protected].
4. Irene Christmas Market
Pretoria, Gauteng – Saturdays (09h00 to 14h00)
Visit the Irene Market in the beautiful grounds of the historic Smuts House Museum. Get there early so you can enjoy freshly baked goods, which sell out fast. Once you’ve had your fill of tasty treats, head to the arts and crafts stalls and browse the antiques and collectables section, where you may just find that something special. Finish with a cup of tea in the tea garden or grab a samoosa and sit on a bench, taking in the smell of the pine forest. Entrance is free and there’s plenty of parking. Tel 012-667-1659, email [email protected], www.irenemarket.co.za.
5. Moonlight Markets
Bryanston, Gauteng – 15 November to 20 December (Tuesdays from 17h00 to 21h00)
The popular moonlight Bryanston Organic and Natural Market gives you the opportunity of relaxed and tension-free Christmas shopping. Expect a variety of jewellery, clothing, décor and pottery. With good food, live music, carol singing, kids’ activities and entertainment, it’s the perfect way to shop without the usual hustle and bustle of crowded shopping centres. Tel 011-706-3671, email [email protected], www.bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za.
6. South Coast Summer Market
St Michael’s Beach, KwaZulu-Natal – 10 to 30 December (10h00 to 20h00 daily, closed 25 and 26 December)
On average, more than 500 000 holidaymakers descend on this popular destination during the festive season, filling shopping malls to capacity. If crowded centres aren’t your idea of fun, take in the atmosphere at the South Coast Market. There are 200 stalls with creative and delightful products, from jewellery to toys, décor and gifts. Tel 039-315-6347 (mornings only), cell 072-305-2585, www.scmarkets.co.za.
