South Africa’s best Christmas markets 2015

Posted on 22 October 2015

Another year has passed and it’s nearly Christmas again. All you want to do is pack it in for the year and enjoy a well-deserved break, but alas, it’ll soon be time to step into the maelstrom that is a shopping mall before Christmas.

Every year it’s the same old carols blasting, garish Christmas trees and a bored Santa propped up on a chair. If that’s not your idea of ho-ho-ho, then ditch the mall and head on over to one of these Christmas markets. They can be just as chaotic of course, but there’s something about a Christmas market that makes the shopping experience that bit more festive. Below are some of our favourites. We know we probably haven’t found them all, so please feel free to add any we’ve missed to our comments section below.

Christmas markets in the Western Cape

1. Edgemead Christmas Market

Dates: 4 to 20 December 2015
Times: 10:00 to 20:00
Days: Open every day until the last Sunday before Christmas
Website: www.edgemeadmarket.com

The Edgemead Christmas Market, held in the Community Hall on Edgemead Drive, is one of Cape Town’s favourite indoor Christmas markets with more than 200 crafters travelling from far and wide to take part. The market creates a platform for the Cape’s best crafters this festive season and draws shoppers from across Cape Town. There are credit/debit card facilities, making it all the more convenient.

2. Made In The Cape Festive Fair

Dates: 1 to 6 December 2015
Times: 9:00 to 19:00 each day (17:00 on the 6th)
Days: The first Tuesday to Sunday in December
Website: www.facebook.com/madeinthecape

At Cavendish square in Claremont, this season’s Made in the Cape Christmas market has a focus on upcycled goods, alongside Christmas decorations, jewellery and other hand made gifts. Yes, it is technically in a mall, but it’s held in the aisles and you’ll be able to get in and out much more quickly than in traditional shops.

3. Cape Gift Market

Dates: 24 November to 6 December 2015
Times: Weekdays 9:00 to 19:00, weekends 9:00 to 17:00
Days: Daily for the last week of November and first week of December
Website: www.capegiftmarket.com

The 13th annual Cape Gift Market will take place on the corner of Main Road and Three Anchor Bay Road, Sea Point, Cape Town. Clothing, goodies and fine bath treats are just a few items on sale this year.

4. Gabriëlskloof Favourite Things Market

Dates: 11 and 12 December 2015
Times: Friday 17:00 to 21:00 and Saturday 11:00 to 21:00
Website: www.gabrielskloof.co.za

Ranging from prized Kokkedoor koeksisters and homemade pestos to fresh oysters and bubbly, this authentic and trendy market at Gabriëlskloof in Bot River showcases crafters who will share their seasonal delights for you to stock up in style. Relax to the sweet sounds of the French accordian on the lawn after a game of petanque while the young ones enjoy the jumping castle and other fun activities in the estate’s chapel.

5. Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Christmas Market Day

Date: Saturday 5 December 2015
Times: 9:30 to 15:00
Website: www.kloovenburg.com

At the Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Christmas Market, browse craft stalls for olives, olive oils and fine body pampering creams. They have also carefully prepared hampers which include prize-winning olive oils and fine wines and will make the ideal gift for the viticultural enthusiast. It’s a showcase of the finest produce from the Riebeek Valley and surrounding areas with the opportunity to taste, sample and buy in one convenient location.

6. Blaauwklippen Twilight Christmas Market

Dates: 15 to 19 December 2015
Times: 17:00 to 22:00
Days: One run, from the Tuesday to Saturday before Christmas
Website: www.blaauwklippenfamilymarket.co.za

Bringing a classical European Christmas market style into the heart of the Cape Winelands, the Blaauwklippen Twilight Christmas Market offers a variety of food including ginger bread cookies, fruit cakes, cinnamon pancakes, Pfefferkuchenhaus, Christstollen, toffee apples and candy floss. With gifts ranging from fashion items to hand crafted wooden toys, candles, pottery and jewellery, it will be the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping.

7. Stellenbosch Kersmark

Dates: 25 November to 5 December 2015
Times: Weekdays 9:00 to 19:00, Saturday 9:00 to 16:00
Website: www.facebook.com/StellenboschKersmark

The Stellenbosch Kersmark has handmade arts and crafts for sale.

8. Lourensford Christmas Market

Dates: 4 to 6 December 2015
Times: Friday 16:00 to 22:00, Saturday 12:00 to 22:00, Sunday 10:00 to 15:00
Website: www.lourensford.co.za

Bring the family down to Lourensford Estate in Somerset West to enjoy a pleasurable day/evening out at the Lourensford Christmas Harvest Market. The Lourensford Harvest market is giving back this Christmas and has chosen to support the Halli Trust and Masikhule with an exciting initiative. Visitors to the market will be encouraged to give back, by bringing gifts for children of all ages and placing them under the tree; bringing joy to someone from a disadvantaged background (please wrap them beforehand, and please, no perishable items). The Lourensford harvest market team will be delivering the gifts before Christmas Day and have a goal of at least 500 gifts they would like to hand over. There’ll also be a Sunset Trail Run (adults 10km, kids 5km) on Saturday and prizes will be awarded for best Christmas dress. Entry is free and pets welcome.

9. Camphill Village Christmas Market

Dates: 6 December 2015
Times: 10:00 to 14:00
Website: www.camphill.org.za/market

Camphill market is held on the first Sunday of every month (except January) with a special Christmas market taking place on 6 December this year. Craft products, plants, jewellery, artwork and other good are on sale, and there’s also plenty of great food and activities for the family. There’s even a swimming pool to cool down in if things hot up.

10. Pinelands Christmas Market

Dates: 7 to 22 December 2015
Times: Weekdays 9:00 to 19:00, weekends 9:00 to 17:00
Email: [email protected]

The Pinelands Craft & Gift Fair will be held in Pinelands High School’s Kent Hall from 7 to 22 December 2015.

11. Bergvliet Simply South Market

Dates: 7 to 22 December 2015
Times: 10:00 to 20:00
Website: www.simplysouth.co.za

The Bergvliet Simply South Market is the perfect way to get some original and amazing presents for your family and friends for Christmas, birthdays or maybe an end of the year present for a school teacher. Find them at the NG Kerk Constantia, corner of Ladies Mile Road and Firgrove Road, Bergvliet.

12. Kommetjie Fab Ideas Christmas Market

Dates: 11 to 16 December 2015
Times: 9:00 to 19:00
Website: www.fabideas.co.za

This six-day fair has plenty of kids entertainment, food stalls, a beer tent, live music, and of course lots of Christmas goodies for sale.

13. Kirstenbosch Craft Market

Dates: 13 and 20 December 2015
Times: 9:00 to 15:00
Website: www.sanbi.org

The Kirstenbosch Craft Market runs on the last Sunday of the month from 27 September 2015 to 24 April 2016, with two special December markets on the 13th and 20th. This much-loved outdoor market offers beautiful hand-made crafts and plenty to eat and drink, plus there’s activities for the kids if they get bored with all the shopping.

Christmas markets in KwaZulu-Natal

1. The Festive Gift Fair

Dates: 21 to 22 November 2015
Times: From 9:00
Days: One weekend in late November
Website: www.facebook.com/events/174569799542786

The Festive Gift Fair will be held in Durban at the Greyville Convention Centre on 21 and 22 November 2015. Expect unique Christmas gifts, crafts, clothing designers, a variety of decorations, local artesian products, jewelry, children’s gifts, beautiful family entertainment and fine Christmas fare.

2. Uvongo Christmas Market

Dates: 4 December 2015 to 9 January 2016
Times: 9:00 to 18:00
Days: Daily, but closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Website: www.topmarkets.co.za

The Uvongo Christmas Markets run throughout the holiday period, attracting holiday makers with fine locally produced food, specialty gifts and clothing.

3. I Heart Christmas Market

Dates: 12 and 19 December 2015
Times: 9:00 to 14:00
Days: The last two Saturdays before Christmas
Website: www.iheartmarket.blogspot.com

Set on the lawns outside the Moses Mabida Soccer Stadium in Durban, the I Heart Christmas Market’s peddlars offer a wide variety of unique and handmade local artworks, gifts and delicious treats.

4. Shongweni Christmas Farmer’s & Craft Christmas Market

Dates: 16 December 2015
Times: 9:00 to 17:00
Days: Tuesday, Day of Reconciliation
Website: www.shongwenimarket.co.za, www.facebook.com/events/1722643897962988

Enjoy a fun day out with wonderful food, live music and a festive showcase of unique and lovingly handcrafted items. A perfect spot to find out-of-the-ordinary gifts for loved ones. Tel 0317774686.

5. Ballito Family Christmas Market

Dates: 16 – 23 December 2015
Times: 9:00 to 17:00
Website: www.xmas-market.co.za

The Ballito Christmas market returns to Umhlali village this year: apart from hand-crafted gifts and relaxation under the trees, you’ll be able to enjoy live music while the kids scramble over the jungle gyms or play hide and seek.

Christmas markets in Gauteng

1. Moonlight Market at Bryanston Organic & Natural Market

Dates: 17 November to 22 December 2015
Times: 17:00 to 21:00
Days: Every Tuesday evening, from mid November until Christmas
Website: www.bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za

It is that special time of the year when the market is lit up with the sparkle of festive lights and trimmings, and laid before you is a tempting array of uniquely hand crafted gifts, decorations and festive foods. In keeping with the wholesomeness of the season and the ethos of the market, these are all lovingly made from organic and natural materials and ingredients. Children’s entertainment includes ceramic painting, sand art and candle dipping and making.

2. Stonehaven on Vaal Christmas Market

Dates: 29 November to 20 December 2015
Times: 9:00 to 21:00
Days: Sunday market, running the last four Sundays before Christmas
Website: www.stonehaven.co.za

Meander amongst the stalls on the banks of the Vaal River and shop for gifts, decorations and antiques. Create your own family heirloom and relax in the Tea Garden while enjoying a snack and a drink.

3. Kamers Vol Geskenke, Irene

Dates: 1 to 6 December 2015
Times: 9:00 to 18:00
Days: From the first Tuesday to Sunday in December
Website: www.kamersvol.com

The popular market from Stellenbosch, Kamers Vol Geskenke, has made its way to Open Window in Irene. This market has everything you may ever need for Christmas gifts. Clothing, kitchenware and fine art are some of the potential gifts on offer. With deliciously prepared food and space for kids, the market had live music and a welcoming atmosphere. Tickets R50 in advance or R70 at the door, kids under 18 free.

4. Norfest Christmas Fair

Dates: 24 to 28 November 2015
Times: 9:00 to 19:00
Days: Last week of November
Website: craftersfair.co.za 

The Norfest Christmas Fair will take place from 24 to 28 November at the Northfield Methodist Church, Benoni. Come and enjoy the browsing through more than 120 exhibitors. There will be goods for every budget with a focus on quality and originality. This family-friendly event is a fantastic way to ease into your holiday shopping. Tel 0824537933.

5. Emperors Christmas Market

Dates: 11 to 20 December 2015
Times: 9:00 to 21:00
Days: Daily in mid-December
Website: craftersfair.co.za 

Lots of exhibitors will be participating, and all products on sale at the fair are pre-selected to ensure variation, excellent quality and reasonable prices. The December event runs concurrently with the garden of lights at Emperors Palace – a Christmas market with something for the whole family. Entrance R10 per person, under 12 free entry. Tel 0824537933.

6. Moreleta Christmas Market

Dates: 28 October to 7 November 2015
Times: 9:00 to 20:00
Website: craftersfair.co.za 

Moreleta Christmas Market will take place at the NG Moreleta church in Pretoria East from 28 October to 7 November 2015. This fun event will feature over 200 exhibitors selling interesting products from all over South Africa with a variety of different goodies to buy for Christmas. Tel 0824537933.