CHRISTKINDLMARKT TRADITIONAL GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
When: December 2, 3.30-9.30pm
Where: Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria, Simon Vermooten Road, The Willows
Entrance: R20 per person. Free entrance for children under 16 and adults over 75. Tickets can be bought at the door.
Organised by the Evangelisch-Lutherische Johannesgemeinde Pretoria-Ost church and held on the premises of the Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria, this Christmas market has been bringing the beauty of a traditional Christkindlmarkt to Pretoria since 2007. Expect a hall filled with exhibitors and lots of German home bakes, cookies and food. A highlight is the lantern walk at sunset and the music programme featuring choirs, a brass band and other performances. For more information, visit the website.
PARKVIEW CHRISTMAS MARKET
When: December 1, 3-10pm; December 2, 10am-10pm; December 3, 10am-4pm
Where: George Hay Park, Parkview, Johannesburg
Entrance: R50 for adults. Free entrance for children under 12. Tickets via Quicket.
This year, the popular Parkview Christmas Market is celebrating 15 years. Held in aid of the beneficiaries of Nicarela Charity, it offers something for every member of the family, from a kids zone with activities to an oyster and bubbly bar, beer garden, lots of food and treats, more than 80 craft stalls, live entertainment and a visit by Father Christmas. Even pets on a leash are welcome. For more information, visit the website.
THE LINDEN MARKET FESTIVE EDITION
When: November 25-26, 9am-4.30pm
Where: The Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Entrance: R40 for adults. Free entrance for children under 12. Tickets via the website or at the gate.
The quarterly Linden Market has become somewhat of an institution on the Johannesburg market scene, and with good reason. It promises a jovial atmosphere with the best to eat and drink, local makers and creators, a cool vintage and second-hand section, kids entertainment and live music. The last market of the year will offer all of the above with a festive feel and the perfect opportunity to shop thoughtful, local gifts. Remember to bring your dog companion, or perhaps come and adopt.
For more information, visit the website.
GALLOWAY BLACK HORSE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MARKET
When: December 2, 10am-4pm
Where: Galloway Gardens, Black Horse Brewery, Magaliesburg
Entrance: R50. Free entrance for children under four. Tickets via the website.
The Galloway Wine & Craft Festival meets the Galloway Black Horse Annual Christmas Market. Come for the wine tastings, craft stores, live music, ice cream tasting and gin and beer stalls, and enjoy the festive flair of the market in the beautiful garden setting at Black Horse Brewery. It’s the perfect stop for a day trip out of the city to catch some Christmas cheer. For more information, visit the website.
EMPERORS PALACE CRAFTERS FAIR CHRISTMAS MARKET
When: December 1-22, 9am-8pm Mondays-Saturdays, 9am-6pm Sundays
Where: Emperors Palace, Kempton Park
Entrance: R10 for adults. Free entrance for children under 10. Tickets can be bought at the door.
Held each year in the Emperors Palace assembly room, the fair is a highlight on the annual events calendar. With more than 250 exhibitors — each chosen for their variation, quality and affordable prices — it offers a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience, whether it’s nibbles and treats for your December celebrations or gifts to pile under the Christmas tree. For more information, visit the website.
THE CRAFT EXPO @ LANGEBAAN
When: December 22-January 6, 9am-6pm, closed on Sundays and Christmas Day
Where: NG Church Langebaan, 1 Uitsig Street, Langebaan
Entrance: Free
This annual market in Langebaan brings together more than 150 exhibitors for the ultimate last-minute and post-Christmas shop. Visitors can shop crafts, handmade gifts, home décor and delicious treats and food.
For more information, email craftexpo.lbn@gmail.com.
PAARL FEESMARK
When: November 20-December 2, 9.30am-7:30pm Mondays-Fridays, 9am-3pm Saturdays
Where: Paarl Town Hall, 250 Main Road, Paarl
Entrance: Free
This annual Christmas market offers a curated selection of gifts, from crafts to art, pamper essentials and treats. Make some time to wind down at the restaurant for refreshments after your shop. For more information, email paarlfeesmark@google.com.
BLAAUWKLIPPEN TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS MARKET
When: December 14, 4-9pm; December 15-16, 10am-9pm; December 17, 10am-4pm
Where: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, R44, just outside Stellenbosch
Entrance: Free
If you’re looking for a Christmas market experience beyond a hall, the annual Blaauwklippen Twilight Christmas Market might just be your cup of tea. Bringing you the lively atmosphere and charm of a traditional Christmas market that comes with mandatory gifts and treats, live entertainment and kids activities in a beautiful outdoor setting under wild fig trees and the delicacies found on a wine farm, this is a lovely outing for the entire family to get the Christmas cheer flowing. It all takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting under wild fig trees and with the delicacies found on a wine farm. For more information, visit the website.
SHONGWENI FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET
When: December 2, 9, 15, 16, 17, 23, 30, 31; 7am-1pm
Where: Shongweni Resource Reserve, just outside Durban
Entrance: Free
The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market has developed a reputation as a popular weekend event for its live music and ambiance, offset against the natural surroundings of the Shongweni Valley and Kirk Falls. Vendors selling fresh produce, deli foods, crafts and art provide all things food- and gift-related. Adults are welcome to sample craft beer and gin in the Standing Room, while children will enjoy the entertainment offered by the Shongweni Express Train, merry-go-rounds, jungle gyms and pony rides. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s always a short nature trail to burn up energy.
CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME
When: December 8, 9am-5pm; December 9, 9am-4pm; December 10, 9am-3pm
Where: Fairview Centre, Willow Road, Gqeberha
Entrance: R20 for adults. Free entrance for children under 12. Tickets can be bought at the door.
Christmas in the Home is the biggest annual festive season market in Gqeberha. Come and enjoy food and drinks as you search for the perfect Christmas gifts among the selection of more than 100 curated stalls offering everything from boutique-style clothing and accessories to décor and art. For more information, visit the True Blue Communication website.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.