Christmas decorations

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

Johannesburg markets to treat yourself at this festive season

Local is lekka! Here are some excellent markets in and around Johannesburg to get you in the spirit for the festive season.

Christmas decorations

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

With many Joburgers not taking holiday trips this year due to financial constraints, or the desire to stay put during the fourth wave of the coronavirus, many of us are looking for things to do over the festive season.

Weekend craft and food markets have become very popular hangouts for Joburgers offering unique gifts, mouthwatering food, craft beers, family entertainment, and a lively atmosphere.

GREAT FESTIVE OUTINGS

Markets provide a great opportunity to relax, enjoy local food, and do some shopping. With many markets selling hand-crafted or bespoke items, there is no better place to find special and unique gifts for loved ones.

Johannesburg boasts a number of markets where a range of creative and enterprising locals come together to sell their wares.  The atmosphere at markets is usually one that is vibrant and funfilled, with buyers and sellers enjoying the ambiance.

Johannesburg December markets

BRYANSTON MARKET

Bryanston Market is Joburg’s original outdoor market, in existence for more than 40 years. It still offers a range of organic goods and products in a relaxed environment.

A family-oriented event, this is always a fantastic place to bring the kids, with a range of festive-themed arts and crafts and a beautiful selection of handmade Christmas gifts and decorations. There are lots of delicious food stalls.

The market is known for its delicious fresh produce, indigenous superfoods and homemade vegan and vegetarian foods. This year’s annual Moonlight Markets series takes place this week, on 14 and 18 December. 

When: Tuesday 14 December to Saturday 18 December

Where: 40 Culross Road, Bryanston

Cost: Entrance to the Christmas Market costs R10 per person.

BROOKLYN ANNUAL VINTAGE AND COLLECTABLES FAIR

If hunting for treasures and collecting antique bric-a-brac is your thing, this annual charity Christmas market in Pretoria is a must. The proceeds of the event go toward helping animals at the SPCA Tshwane.

There is a range of unusual art, toys, books, costume jewellery, antique furniture, kitchenware, collectable glass and porcelain on sale, making it the perfect place to go gift shopping for unique gifts.

If you are a fan of vintage items, this is the ideal market, with a number of vendors specialising in vintage and antique clothing, jewellery and accessories. The market also features lots of tasty foods, Christmas treats, as well as handcrafted festive décor. 

When: Thursday 16 and Friday 17 December,  08.30–16.00

Where: Corner Veale and Middle Streets, Brooklyn, Pretoria

Cost: Entry is free

ROSEBANK SUNDAY MARKET

This market is one of Joburg’s oldest and most popular markets, with an exciting range of items on offer.

The rooftop market located on the top of the Rosebank Mall specialises in unique items with plenty of tasty food stalls, homemade deli items and local fashion, thrift and antique bric-a-brac items.

Every week new treasures can be found at this market but especially on the third and last Sunday of the month when it hosts a car boot sale. The twice-monthly car boot sale is an ideal place for anyone seeking unusual items, or who enjoys bargain hunting.

When: Sundays from 09:00 to 16:00

Where: Level 4, Rosebank Mall, Corner Bath and Baker Streets, Rosebank

Cost: Entry is free

FOURWAYS FARMERS MARKET

The original Fourways Farmers Market is now located at the Modderfontein Reserve, a 20-minute drive from its original location in Fourways.

The Modderfontein Reserve is a conservation area with a number of dams and hills, and portions of the actual Modderfontein Spruit. The reserve offers a range of walking and cycling trails that loop around the reserve.

The market hosts more than 100 vendors offering open-air food stalls, an outdoor farmers’ market, picnic lawns, South Africa’s longest bar, a  wedding venue and an amphitheatre. All this, with picturesque views of across the dam and the open veld. 

When: Open on weekends  

Where: Arden Road (off Ardeer Road) in Modderfontein and Taroko Farm, Norfolk Lane, Klipfontein.

Cost: R30 per adult, and R15 per child.   (No pets allowed) 

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