Instead of trawling the malls this year looking for Christmas gifts, why not go to a Christmas market? It’s much more fun and you’re bound to find something unique. You will also be supporting local entrepreneurs and artists. Another plus is that you can indulge in tasty market fare and locally brewed ale while you search!
Find an updated version of the best Christmas markets for 2013 here
Here’s my choice of 18 festive Christmas markets around South Africa where you are likely to find something special and have a great day (or night) out at the same time.
Eastern Cape Christmas Markets
The Gonubie Christmas Fair
Gonubie Sports Fields, East London
16 – 18 December
Crafters travel from across South Africa to exhibit here, so there’s plenty on offer. Expect to find more than just Christmas gifts – there’s outdoor furniture, accessories and fashion items as well as delicious food, a beer tent and plent of kids’ activities. All events are organised by local charities so you will be helping to raise much-needed funds too.
Gauteng Christmas markets
Rotary Christmas Craft Market
Stonehaven on Vaal, Vanderbijlpark
4 November to 23 December
Meander amongst the stalls at the Christmas and Farmers Market and find gifts, decorations and antiques. Join a craft workshop and make your own Christmas wreath, decorate presents and create your own family heirloom. You can also add your family photos to the 2012 Time Capsule. Relax in the Tea Garden and enjoy a snack and a drink. Tel 016-982-2951, www.stonehaven.co.za.
Irene Christmas Markets
Jan Smuts Ave, Irene
3 November to 15 December
The much-loved Irene Market have launched their Christmas Markets, happening every Saturday until 15 December. The market is open from 09h00 to 14h00 and boasts more than 300 unique arts and crafts stalls, as well as a delicious deli and food stall section. Find some awesome bargains and special gifts. Entrance is free and there is lots of parking available. Tel 012-667-1659, www.irenemarket.co.za.
Bryanston Organic Market’s Magical Moonlight Markets
Culross Road, Bryanston
13 November to 18 December
Held every Tuesday evening from 17h00 to 21h00, it’s the perfect place to shop for uniquely hand crafted Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods, all lovingly hand crafted from natural and organic materials and ingredients. On 4, 11 and 18 December, the Alexandra Gospel Choir will perform in the market with traditional song and dance and lead our carol singing ceremony. Children’s entertainment includes candle dipping and making and sand art. Tel 011-706-3671, www.bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za.
German Christmas Market
German Country Club, Paulshof
24 November
Have fun shopping for German Christmas crafts, ,jewellery, hand-made toys as well as German bakes and Stolen. There will also be traditional German cuisine and beer. Cell 082-330-7292.
Parkview Charity Christmas Market
George Hay Park, Parkview
30 November to 2 December
There are over 70 stands to visit and a variety of entertainment for both young and old. Food stalls, beer tent showing sport on DSTV, live music performances, a wonderland seciton for the kids, serenading school choirs and a traditional Nativity play. R40 for adults, children pay per activity. Cell 0820445-3525, www.nicarela.org.za.
Hobart Grove Centre’s Christmas Market
Bryanston
6 – 7 December
Join the festivities and find those perfect stocking fillers from a wide range of unique gift stalls, then rest your feet catch up with friends over scrumptious delights. With something for everyone, this market is not to be missed! Tel 011-267-5700, www.hobartgrovecentre.co.za.
KwaZulu-Natal Christmas markets
Baynesfield Vintage Christmas Market
Baynesfield Estate, Pietermaritzburg
9 December
Do your Christmas shopping in an historical garden with background music from the bandstand. Quality crafts, plants and produce for sale as well as leatherwork and rattan weaving. There’ll be antique woodcrafters demonstrating their crafts, vintage tractors, cars and machinery. Kids will love the putt-putt, jumping castle and trailer rides. Tel 033-251-0001, www.baynesfieldmuseum.co.za.
Shongweni Annual Christmas Market
Gillits, Durban
16 December
This market is full of country charm and is the perfect place to get something special from a range of hand-made crafts and Christmas decor. Also well-known for its yummy food and fresh produce, this is a great spot to grab some breakfast before browsing for gifts. There’s plenty of activities for children, including sand art, jungle gyms and a petting zoo. Dogs (on leashes) are most welcome too. Cell 083-777-1674, www.shongwenimarket.co.za.
South Coast Christmas Market
Douglas Mitchell Sports Grounds, Uvongo
14 December – 13 January
With over 200 stalls you can be assured there will be something for everyone. Choose from hundreds of creative and delightful products, including jewellery, toys, décor and gifts. Open every day (except 25 and 26 December) from 10h00 to 20h00. Cell 072-305-2585, www.scmarkets.co.za.
North West Province Christmas Markets
Rainhill Farm Christmas Market
Rainhill Farm, Rustenberg
1, 8 and 15 December
Head out to Rainhill Farm in Rustenburg on Saturdays between 1-15 December and browse for gifts at 80 stalls along bluegum lane. Kids will love the farmyard and the labyrinth is a fun experience. Hartley’s Restaurant on the farm will have a special menu for the day with drinks and sit-down meals. Cell 082-357-5882.
Western Cape Christmas markets
The Constantia Gift Fair
SARDA, Constantia
7 to 11 November
Get to this lifestyle event full of inspirational ideas and hand-picked innovative products. Shop for gorgeous must-have gifts including home and garden accessories and fashion items.The deli section is an extravaganza of delicious and exotic food-gifts. Enjoy superb food and drink and soak up the magical atmosphere, while your children have a ball in the kiddies play area. Live music on Saturday. Cell 083-679-4495, www.thegiftfair.co.za.
Stellenbosch Christmas Market
Dutch Reformed Central Church
22 November to 1 December
Bring the family to this popular market to enjoy top quality art and handiwork at 180 stalls, as well as a cosy restaurant and a wide variety of excellent baked foods and confectionary. Free entrance daily from 10h00 until 20h00 and Saturdays from 10h00 till 15h00. Closed on Sunday, 25 November. Tel 021-883-3850, www.stellenbosch-unlimited.co.za/kersmark/
Durbanville Gift Fair
D’Aria Wine Estate
29 November to 2 December
Shop for fabulous home and garden accessories, stunning fashion items, and gorgeous must-have gifts, including a deli section with delicious and exotic food-gifts. Enjoy superb food and drink and soak up the magical atmosphere while your children have a ball in the kiddies play area. Live music on Friday. Cell 083-679-4495, www.thegiftfair.co.za.
Christmas Night Market at Stellenbosch Slow
Oude Libertas Estate
30 November
A vintage styled authentic Christmas night market with all the Christmas trimmings. Shop for beautiful gifts along with bakes, cakes, gammon, turkey, mince pies, nuts, champagne, topiaries, and Christmas trees. Relax with 50’s Christmas music and enjoy a theatre production at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre. Phone 021-886-8514, www.slowmarket.co.za.
Laborie Lazy Days Christmas Market
Laborie Wine Estate, Paarl
8-9 December
Get your last-minute Christmas shopping done at this two-day festive market where you’ll find a wide range of lifestyle goods and fresh produce. There will also be traditional Christmas fare such as Christmas cakes and pork pies, as well as beautiful decorations. With a jumping castle and pony rides, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained too. Tel 021-807-3390, www.laboriewines.co.za.
Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Christmas Market Day
Riebeck Kasteel
15 December
Held at Kloovenberg Wine and Olive Estate, expect a showcase of the finest produce from the Riebeek Valley and surrounding areas where you can taste, sample and buy all these wonderful products in one convenient location. Stock up on produce and ideas for your Christmas Table as well as delicious stocking fillers and presents for friends and family. Tel 022-448-1635, www.kloovenburg.com.
Blaauwklippen Christmas Market
Blaauwklippen Vineyards, Stellenbosch
17 to 22 December
The idea surrounding the Christmas market this year is to bring the classical European Christmas markets to the heart of the Cape winelands. A delectable variety of prepared food will be on offer including ginger bread cookies, fruit cakes, cinnamon pancakes, Pfefferkuchenhaus, Christstollen, toffee apples and candy floss. Shop for a diverse selection of gifts ranging from fashion items, hand crafted wooden toys, handmade candles, pottery and jewellery. There’ll be live music, choirs, children’s entertainment, carols by candlelight and many other activities for the entire family to enjoy. Tel 021-880-0133, www.blaauwklippen.com.
