Markets are surely the way to go when it comes to Christmas shopping. If you prefer to avoid shopping centres this festive season, then why not opt for the more lively and festive market experience? Check out these Christmas markets across the country and get your hands on the unique gifts while getting into the holiday spirit.
KWAZULU-NATAL
1. Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market Christmas Extravaganza (1, 8, 15-17, 22, 29 Dec)
Credit: @shongwenifarmersmarket
From the first Saturday in December it begins to look a lot like Christmas at the Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market.
Address: Lot 457, Mr551, Shongweni Resource Reserve, Shongweni, Hillcrest
Contact: shongwenimarket.co.za; 0317774686
2. Piggly Wiggly Christmas Market (8 Dec)
Credit: @pigglywigglymidlands
This fun market will keep the kids entertained and occupied with entertainming activities. There’ll also be carols, craft gins and beers and competitions to get you into the festive spirit.
Address: 1 Dargle Road, Howick
Contact: pigglywiggly.co.za; 0332342911
3. I Heart Market (1, 8, 15, 22 Dec)
Credit: @iheartmarket
This year the I Heart Market will be celebrating 10 years on the Durban market scene.
Address: Moses Mabhida Stadium, 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Stamford Hill, Durban
Contact: iheartmarket.com
4. Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights (14-30 Dec)
Credit: Tim Lubbe Photography for the Durban Botanic Gardens.
The festive season isn’t just about shopping; the Trail of Lights offers a unique night market experience in aid of charity. There’ll be food on sale, including cupcake decorating; there’ll be engaging activities and live music at the beautiful Durban Botanic Gardens venue, and many stalls and events will benefit its charities by raising funds for their Trust.
Address: John Zikhali Road, Durban
Contact: trailoflights.co.za
GAUTENG
5. Sylvia’s Christmas Market Under the Stars (15 Dec)
Credit: @sylviasoutdoormarket
The mouth waters just glimpsing what’s on offer at these stalls – there’s fresh food for your instant gratification, and some goodies for your loved ones too. Crafts and gift items range from jewellery and clothing to health and beauty.
Address: 59 Frederick Street, Observatory, Johannesburg
Contact: sylviasmarket.co.za; 0861666166
6. Parkview Charity Christmas Market (30 Nov–2 Dec)
Credit: @Nicarela
The Nicarela Charity is big on community involvement and helping to raise funds for their charities. Their 12th annual Christmas Market presents the perfect opportunity to ignite these two passions, and this year the Champagne and Oyster Bar will likely remain the crowd favourite.
Address: George Hay Park, Lurgan Road, Parkview, Johannesburg
Contact: nicarela.org
7. Christmas Fairytale Festival at In the Forest (1 Dec)
Credit: www.intheforest.co.za
Young ones will enjoy the natural, forested venue and might discover some magic too. Dogs are welcome, on a lead. Tickets are available online at NuTickets.
Address: 2 Aloe Ridge Drive, Cnr R82 & Old Vereeniging Road, Walkerville
Contact: intheforest.co.za; 0844143917 (Linda)
8. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens Christmas Carols & Market (1–2 Dec)
Credit: @wsnbg
The Welsh Male Voice Choir will be serenading the market-goers and leading the carol-singing from 4pm. Tickets are available from Webtickets. Children under 6 years get in for free.
Address: Malcolm Road, Roodepoort, Gauteng
Contact: sanbi.org; 0861001278
9. Linden Market: Christmas Edition (1–2 Dec)
Credit: @thelindenmarket
For R20 you can wander through 160 stalls offering a range of gifts and yummy treats to get you through the Christmas shopping; join in with the Christmas carolling, get into the spirit at the bubbly bar, or wind down for some yoga-in-the-park. Kids under 12 years get in for free.
Address: 5 Thomas Bowler Street, Emmarentia Botanical Gardens, Randburg
Contact: thelindenmarket.com; 0795096446
10. The Wanderers Christmas Market (2–9 Dec)
Credit: @TheWanderersChristmasMarket
Support local crafters and business. Parking is secure and free.
Address: 21 North Street, Illovo, Johannesburg
Contact: 0117885010
11. Fourways Vintage Christmas Market at The Stables Village (8 Dec)
Credit: thestablesvillagemarket.com
There’ll be over 120 stalls to choose from. Entry is R20 pp, and the market is child- and pet-friendly (on a lead). The market supports the Animal Ambulance charity, so you should definitely pop in and support.
Address: 212 3rd Street,Chartwell (off Cedar Road, Broadacres), Gauteng
Contact: thestablesvillagemarket.com
EASTERN CAPE
12. Valley Christmas Market at Chicky’s Yard (8 Dec)
Credit: @thevalleymarketpe
Chicky’s Yard, already such a popular and vibrant hangout, will be the home of this year’s Valley Christmas market.
Address: Alabaster Street, Baakens Valley
Contact: [email protected]
13. The Fine & Fabs Gifts in the Garden Christmas Market at The Vineyard Guest Lodge (18 Dec)
Credit: @FineandFab
The Fine & Fabulous Creators Market presents a garden gifting experience that makes for a good day out for families too. Parking is free and adults enter for just R10. This is probably the most fabulous way to support local charities and get your Christmas shopping out of the way.
Address: The Vineyard Guest Lodge & Wedding Venue, 100m off N2, Layitemeni, East Coast Road
Contact: 0837841558 (Sam)
14. Bunkers Market (25 Nov)
Credit: Bunkers Market Facebook
Stay ahead of the Christmas madness and make a turn at Bunkers market, at the Philip Kahts Grounds.
Address: Montrose Avenue, Bunkers Hill, East London
Contact: [email protected]; 0732227803
15. Back to Earth Christmas Night Market (5 Dec)
Little sleeping Santas… Credit: Back to Earth Night Market
On 5 December it gets a lot more festive at this weekly night market in PE.
Address: Old Grey Sports Club, 2 Lenox Street, Port Elizabeth
Contact: [email protected]; 0835721858
WESTERN CAPE
16. Pinelands Craft & Gift Fair (3–22 Dec)
Credit: @pinelandscraftandgiftfair
This year, there’ll be even more ‘crafters’ (180) to make sure you walk out with gifts for everybody, and maybe even a little something for yourself.
Address: Kent Hall at Pinelands High School, Forest Drive, Pinelands Cape Town
Contact: pinelandscraftandgiftfair.com; 0826616080 (Jenni)
17. Santa’s Fair Kersmark, Strand (5–28 Dec)
Credit: @santasfair
Enjoy your pick of homemade treats and trinkets.
Address: Lourensrivier Church Hall, Cnr of Broadway Boulevard & Da Gama Street, Strand
Contact: 0722783366 (Jan)
18. Stellenbosch Slow Market’s Christmas Night Market at Oude Libertas (6–7 Dec)
Credit: www.slowmarket.co.za
A big and bustling outdoor market experience. Who doesn’t love a bit of shopping at night?
Address: Oude Libertas Estate, Oude Libertas Road, Stellenbosch
Contact: slowmarket.co.za; 0218868514
19. Blue Bird Garage Sunday Christmas Market (2 & 7 Dec)
Credit: @bluebirdgaragemarket
Rediscover gin and tonic with a pretty, artisanal flair and arrive hungry – while shopping you’ll want to save space for all the yummy treats inspired by cuisine and trends around the world. Kids are most welcome and will be kept busy in the play area.
Address: 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
Contact: bluebirdgarage.co.za; 0829204285 (Marcus)
20. EkLiefKrismas Market at Eden Place (12–22 Dec)
From EkLiefKrismas 2016. Credit: @ekliefkrismis
Entry is free and the outdoor space is perfect for taking a breather from your shopping activities. Kids are free to play and and will love the jungle gym, swings and wooden horses.
Address: Eden Place (N2), Kraaibosch, George
Contact: ekliefkrismis.co.za; 0723314335 (Amanda)
21. Disakloof Gift Market (15–24, 26–29 Dec)
Don’t sweat the sweet stuff – the Disakloof crafters will sort you out. Credit: @bettysbaymarkets
Parking is free and ample space is promised.
Address: Disakloof Youth Camp Site, Clarence Drive, Betty’s Bay
Contact: [email protected]; 0827814597
22. Edgemead Christmas Market (7–22 Dec)
Credit: https://www.edgemeadmarket.com
This huge Christmas market attracts crafters and entrepreneurs from all over the Cape, with over 250 stall owners this year. The Edgemead Market is big on fundraising for charity, and you can play your part and possibly win something big with their Christmas market raffles.
Address: Edgemead Community Hall, Edgemead Drive, Cape Town
Contact: edgemeadmarket.com;
23. Simply South Gift & Craft Fair (3–22 Dec)
Credit: simplysouth.co.za
Simply South promises unique gifts in an easily navigable market layout. Parking and entry is free.
Address: NG Kerk Constantia, Cnr of Ladies Mile Road & Firgrove Road, Bergvliet, Cape Town
Contact: simplysouth.co.za; 0836186366 (Glenys) or 0824237185 (Pam)
24. Boere Vintage Gift Market at George Showgrounds (16-22 Dec)
Credit: @boerevintagegiftmarket
Chalkboards welcome you in with kind words that speak to this market’s old-style charm.
Address: George Showgrounds at Groeneweide Park, George
Contact: [email protected]; 0833980205
25. Gabriëlskloof’s Favourite Things Market (14–16 Dec)
Credit: @Gabrielskloof
The Gabriëlskloof Favourite Things Market is back this year, and so you get to shop for beautiful, crafted gifts while taking in garden views of the Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate.
Address: Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate, Swartrivier Road, Bot River, Cape Town
Contact: gabrielskloof.co.za; 0282849865
Featured image by Tim Lubbe for Durban Botanic Gardens.
