No matter how many hooded and scarfed Santa Clauses we attach to or houses or how much fake snow we strew around the Christmas tree, we’ll never have a white Christmas in South Africa. Lucky for us, this is a good thing.
The sunny days and warm summer evenings are perfect for strolling around outdoor markets, picking on sweet local treats and buying our friends and family original, crafty Christmas gifts. Our Christmas markets, which all take place just before the December holidays, are so much more than mere shopping sprees – they’re fun to go to and they’ll take the hassle out of your Christmas shopping!
10 South African Christmas Markets
Hobart Grove Christmas Fair
Where: Bryanston, Gauteng
When: 28 Nov, 4pm – 10pm
The Hobart Grove Market is a favourite shopping spot for many Gauteng locals, and it’s becoming a favourite Christmas market too. You don’t have to worry about keeping the kids busy while you shop as they’ll be entertained with face painting, a jumping castle, balloon sculpting and even a search for Santa. Bring last year’s discarded toys and clothes along and donate it to charity.
www.hobartgrovecentre.co.za
Unica market
Where: NG Church Moreleta Park
When: 22 – 30 Nov, 9am – 9pm
Know that your money is going to a good cause when you buy a few gifts to support Unica School, an organisation committed to delivering services to children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and their families. Shop from local exhibitors and stay for lunch or dinner at the food court.
www.unicamarket.co.za
Kloovenburg Christmas Market
Where: Kloovenburg Estate, Riebeeck Kasteel
When: 14 Dec, 9:30am – 3pm
The Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate just loves indulging in their festive market day every year. Tick the in law presents off your list with Kloovenberg’s own luxury body products, olives and olive oils and, off course, their delicious wines. Tuck into fresh produce from the valley after a tough morning spent shopping.
www.kloovenburg.com
German Club Christmas Market
Where: German Country Club, Johannesburg
When: 23 Nov, 10am to late
If you have any German friends visiting, you can make them feel at home this Christmas with some traditional German Christmas crafts. If you don’t, then this market will give you some original ideas for presents to help you steer clear of the bath salts and chocolates.
www.germancountryclub.co.za
Parkview Christmas market
Where: George Hay Park, Parkview
When: 29 Nov, 3pm – 10pm, 30 Nov 10am – 10pm, 1 December 10am – 4pm
They call themselves the ‘happiest family event of the year’ and this may well be true, if you consider the beer tent, champagne and oyster bar, kids entertainment and live music. That is not even mentioning all the market stalls lined up, ready for you to start shopping.
http://www.nicarela.org.za
South Coast Summer Christmas Market
Where: Uvongo, Port Shepstone
When: 12 Dec – 5 Jan 2014,
Not only will you and the children be able to enjoy entertainment, sunshine and great shopping, but you’ll be doing all of this along the beautiful KwaZulu Natal South Coast. This market lasts particularly long (covering most of the December holidays) and boasts more than 300 stalls.
www.scmarkets.co.za
Cape Gift Market
Where: Sea Point Town Hall, Cape Town
When: 23 Nov – 7 Dec, 10am – 7pm (closed on Sundays)
Celebrating their eleventh anniversary this year, the Cape Gift Market has about 120 exhibitors selling everything from art, crafts and jewellery to clothes, leather and gift cards. The Singing Kettle will keep you well nourished with coffee and light meals. (If you’re after more markets in the Mother City, check out these Cape Town markets).
www.capegiftmarket.co.za
Hazel Foods Candlelight market
Where: Greenlyn Village Centre, Menlo Park
When: 2 Nov and 7 Dec, 5pm – 9pm
Nothing like a relaxed night market under the stars to get you in the Christmas spirit. Apart from the delicious food, there will also be a range of local craft beers on sale.
www.hazelfoodmarket.co.za
Christmas market at the Litchi Orchard
Where: The Litchi Orchard, Seaforth Avenue, KwaZulu-Natal
When: 14 Dec, 9am – 2pm
The markets at the Litchi Orchard are already a popular meeting place for KwaZulu Natal locals on the weekends, but the festive Christmas market is bound to be something special. Shop anything from luxury pajamas, antiques and books to baby-ware, jewellery and plants.
www.litchiorchard.co.za
Kamers vol geskenke Irene
Where: Irene Village, Pretoria
When: 3 – 8 Dec, 9am – 6pm (Fridays until 8pm)
For the fourth year running, Kamers Vol Geskenke will be opening its festive doors to Gauteng locals. Shop original, locally designed clothes and accessories, pretty things for the home and even gear for the garden. It seems like you’ll cover the entire family in one market!
www.kamersvol.com
Adel Groenewald is a writer for Drive South Africa car hire.
Feature image by Nielen Bottomley
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