The festive season is almost upon us. For those who celebrate Christmas, it means that a whole lot of gift shopping is in the near future.
While our malls are great and convenient, why not opt for something different and shop at a Christmas market instead? These markets are typically filled with small businesses trying to earn from their creative passions. This year more than ever, it is imperative to support local.
Beyond supporting our fellow citizens, these Christmas markets offer unique gifts that fewer people will have because they have been lovingly handmade and are not mass-produced.
Here are a few of our favourite markets you should support:
Pinelands Craft & Gift Fair
Shop for gifts from 180 crafters at the Pinelands Craft & Gift Fair, held from December 17 – 23 2020 in the Kent Hall at Pinelands High School. This market is free to enter and is entirely cashless.
You can find a variety of gifts including exquisite handcrafted cards & Christmas decorations, delicious tasty treats, basket, wire & leatherwork, glassware, woodwork, jewelry, needlework, plants, children’s gifts, clothing and vintage furniture and more.
When: December 17 – 23. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm, and 9am to 5pm on Saturday to Sunday.
Where: Kent Hall at Pinelands High School.
Entry: Free.
Edgemead Christmas Market
Come and visit one of Cape Town’s favourite Christmas Markets, held daily from December 1 to December 22.
The Edgemead Christmas Market features more than 200 exhibitors, ranging from homeware and food to toys, fashion and more.
When: December 1-22. Open daily from 10am to 8pm.
Where: Edgemead Community Hall.
Entry: Free.
Blaauwklippen Twilight Christmas Market
The ever-popular Blaauwklippen Twilight Christmas Market is back. Go crazy and shop till you drop from their seemingly endless vendors, offering unique homeware and fashion, as well as delicious food.
When: December 17-20. Open daily from 4pm to 9pm.
Where: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
Entry: Free.
Christmas Wonderland Market in Constantia Valley
Enjoy a market-style shopping experience under the willow trees, with live music all day and a variety of delicious food and drinks at the Christmas Wonderland Market in Constantia Valley. Top local brands, talent, and artists add to an uplifting and intimate ambience that everyone can enjoy.
There is also kid’s entertainment area filled with archery and jumping castles, so bring your kids for a fun day out.
When: December 16 from 9am to 8pm.
Where: Timour Hall Villa Estate, Constantia Valley/Plumstead
Entry: R50 tickets for pre-Sale on Quicket, otherwise R60 at the door.
Christmas Night Market at Boschendal
Find beautiful locally made gifts and homemade treats from the farm, complete with Christmas Carols and live music at Boschendal. No cash payments will be accepted – they offer card facilities as well as Zapper and Snapscan.
Kids aged 5-14 can be booked in at The Tree House for supervised festive fun from 6pm to 9pm. They’ll be treated to Christmas cookie decoration, art, drumming and an outdoor movie with popcorn. R200 per child includes food & snacks.
When: December 23 from 6pm to 9pm.
Where: Boschendal wine farm in Franschhoek.
Entry: Free.
Simply South Craft & Gift Fair
Simply South is a gift and craft fair, offering a wide range of good quality, unique handcrafted products, just in time for the festive season. They are hosting their tenth exciting event this year.
When: December 17 – 23. Open daily from 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Westscott Primary School, Boundary Road, Bergvliet
Entry: Free.
Santa’s Fair Gift Market
Shoppers will be faced with a selection of quality exhibitors at Santa’s Fair Gift Market. From food and decor to antique items, you can find truly unique pieces here.
When: November 27 -December 23. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm, and 9am to 5pm on Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
Where: Lourensriver Dutch Reformed Church in Strand.
Entry: Free.
Picture: Facebook / Pinelands Gift Fair
