Now is the time South Africa’s small businesses need your support — and Christmas markets are a great way to do that. Image: Adobe Stock
Your festive guide to Christmas markets around the country
Take the hassle out of Christmas shopping by visiting these festive markets.
Now is the time South Africa’s small businesses need your support — and Christmas markets are a great way to do that. Image: Adobe Stock
The coronavirus lockdown has hit small business owners especially hard, so buying locally made Christmas gifts is a generous way of getting into the festive spirit while also supporting livelihoods.
Here’s our roundup of the best festive season markets, all of which have free entry unless stated otherwise. All COVID protocols will be adhered to, the organisers have indicated.
Gauteng Christmas gift go-to
What: Mosaiek Expo
Where: 1 Danielle Street (Off Davidson Street), Fairland
When: 19 November to 5 December, 9:00 to 20:00
The Johannesburg-based market is already in full swing, but do note that this market is not open on a Sunday.
The vibrant indoor market has something for everyone; from baked goodies to leather bags, locally designed garments, attend interactive workshops and more. To ease your spending conscience, a small percentage from products sold is donated to charity.
Deck the halls in Pretoria
What: Pretoria Products Christmas Market
Where: Mooikrans Venue and Garden
When: Sunday 6 December 12:00 to 18:00
The market is hosted by bespoke and curated local makers Pretoria Products. This year visitors can also expect live music — and who doesn’t love a gin bar?
Cost: R15 for adults and kids under 18 enter for free.
Western Cape festive wonderland
What: Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair, Cape Town
Where: Pinelands High School
When: 17-23 December 9am until 19:00 (Monday to Friday) and until 17:00 (Saturday and Sunday).
Coffee beans, hair accessories, succulents and designer jewellery are just a few of the items that will be available to purchase at this cashless market. With more than160 stallholders, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!
What: Edgemead Market, Cape Town
Where: Edgemead Community Hall
When: 1 to 22 December, 10:00 to 20:00 Monday to Sunday
This market is centrally located between the Northern and Southern suburbs and promises “convenient shopping” with one central pay-point. The daily competitions on their Facebook page have been building up excitement to opening day.
With more than 300 stallholders from across the country, shopping will be a bonanza.
What: The Gift Fair, Hermanus
Where: Curro Hermanus Independent School, Sandbaai
When: 16- 23 December 9am -6pm
It’s their fifth annual market and according to their Facebook bio, they promise to “up their game” and celebrate in style. The venue itself is spacious, offers a lot of parking and is wheel-chair friendly.
A baby boutique, a host of stalls for kids’ gifting and activities, and eight varieties of Worcester sauce are among the many pluses of this festive fair!
Christmas the KwaZulu-Natal way
What: The Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market
Where: Shongweni Market, Lot 457, Hillcrest
When: Saturdays 6:30 to 13:00
The family-orientated, Durban-based market, is known locally for its fresh produce and country charm. It makes for the perfect family outing, and kids can write their letters to Santa and sing Christmas carols while the adults shop up a storm.
Don’t leave your furry friend at home – this market is pet-friendly, and there is plenty of space for a picnic blanket and basket.
Eastern Cape enchantment
What: Christmas in the Home
Where: Grassroof farmstall and restaurant, Seaview Road, Port Elizabeth
When: Thursday to Sunday, 3 to 6 December, hours 9:00 to 16:00 (trading until 19:00 on Friday)
This evergreen Port Elizabeth market has been going in the Friendly City for many years. This year it is moving from its usual Walmer Park Shopping Centre basement home to the Grassroof farmstall as a result of COVID-19 restrictions at the shopping centre.
The new venue should be fun, and visitors will get to browse and shop at more than 100 stalls, from food venues to artisanal products and more.
The four-day gift and craft market will take place in The Green Room – a converted green house – at Grass Roof.
Organisers True Blue Communication and Events say more than 8,000 visitors are expected, with the focus very much on handcrafted goods by local artisans and entrepreneurs – the kind of items you wouldn’t ordinarily find in a store.
