If you are driven to distraction by the Christmas decorations from October, the crowds and the sound of Boney M in shopping malls, why not avoid them altogether? We suggest that you combine your Christmas shopping with a fun day out for the whole family by supporting some of the local markets. Here are some of our favourites, happening around South Africa. Support local, it’s lekker!

Western Cape

Blaauwklippen Twilight Christmas Market

The Blaauwklippen Market is a firm favourite, especially for city dwellers who need to ‘get out of town’. The Twilight Christmas Market will be taking place this year from 16-20 December. It’s the perfect way to unwind and escape from the frenzy at the end of the year.
blaauwklippen.com
Strand Road, R44 Stellenbosch

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Sea Point Cape Gift Market
This market is truly an old favourite with both locals and out of towners alike, and it’s back for the 15th time from 22 November-04 December. There will be 160 talented crafters from around the country displaying their goods and if you find yourself shopped out, a stroll along the promenade is sure to recharge your batteries.
capegiftmarket.com
Sea Point Town Hall, Corner of Main Road & Three Anchor Bay Road

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Cape Town Gift & Food Fair
Set in the historic Cape Town Castle of Good Hope, The Gift and Food Fair will take place from 20-23 December. Known for its affordable and high-quality products, visitors can look forward to more than 120 stalls, an entertainment area and fun activities for the kids to keep the entire family happy and occupied for hours. Entrance to the Castle will be free during the fair.

For more information call, 083 2773 658
The Castle of Good Hope, Darling Street & Buitenkant Street

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Lourensford Christmas Market
This year the Lourensford Market will be hosting a wild and magical Christmas market for 3 days from 04 December. The first day will feature a festive night market with entertainment for the whole family. On Saturday 05 December, festivities will begin with a special visit from Santa Claus, a kiddies ‘jingle bell’ themed trail run and later, a showing of 50 First Dates in the Galileo. Finally, on Sunday guests can enjoy an early breakfast while enjoying music and Christmas themed food to end this wonderful weekend.
lourensford.co.za
Lourensford Avenue, Somerset West

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Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair
If you would like to give handmade gifts but don’t have time to make them yourself visit the Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair from 5-22 December which will be featuring a wide range of gifts including cards and Christmas decorations, tasty treats, basket, wire and leatherwork, glassware and needlework, jewellery and children’s gifts, books, clothing, vintage furniture, and plants from 160 crafters. When you are shopped out you can relax in coffee shop will also serve light meals – it’s the perfect setting to find truly unique gifts.
Facebook
Pinelands High School, Forest Drive Service Road

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Gabriëlskloof Favourite Things Market
Festivities at the renowned olive and wine estate’s 7th annual Favourite Things Market take place on 16, 17 and 18 December. Booking at R100 per person is essential on the Friday evening and includes a booked table, a glass of wine and live music (book via email). Entrance to the fair is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. This artisanal fair will transform Gabriëlskloof’s gorgeous courtyard with its lush lawn into a creative hub of life’s little pleasures. Expect all things homemade, delicious and beautiful.
Gabrielskloof.co.za
Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate, R43 Botrivier

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Gauteng

Irene Village Market
The Irene Village Market is now open every Saturday for Christmas Markets until the 17th of December. The market is known for offering a great variety of South African top quality handmade arts and crafts, and this year will be no different. For non-shoppers there will be live music on stage as well as an Acrobranch and Segway for the kids. For runner and bike enthusiasts there’s a 5km and 8km trail option.
irenemarket.co.za
7 Nelson Road, Sunlawns, Olifansfontein

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Bryanston Organic Christmas Moonlight Market
Bryanston Market, the original outdoor market will be hosting Christmas themed Moonlight Markets on the 22 and 29 November and 6, 13 and 20 December.
bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za
40 Culross Road, Bryanston

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Melrose Arch Christmas Night Market
The Melrose Arch Night Christmas Markets take place on 23 and 24 November from 16h00. More than 70 specially selected crafters will fill the piazza with a wonderful selection of goodies for yourself or friends and family.
melrosearch.co.za
Melrose Boulevard, Melrose

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Parkview Charity Christmas Market
The weekend of 25 November sees the return of the much anticipated Parkview Charity Christmas Market. This hugely successful market has been running for 10 years and this year’s market won’t disappoint.  There will be a champagne and oyster bar, live music and the chance to get some impromptu Christmas shopping done while contributing to a really great cause. Entrance is R 50 for the day (all proceeds go towards outreach projects by Nicarela Charities).
Facebook
George Hay Park, Parkview

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Stables Village Market Big fat Family Festival
Just off Cedar Road, Fourways in a relaxing country-style setting complete with large trees and rustic charm. The Stables Market will offer more than 50 stalls featuring distinctive local accessories and fashion – the perfect spot to do some Christmas shopping. A variety of food stalls will offer refreshments from organic produce, to craft beers and sweet treats.
Facebook
212 3rd Rd, Chartwell, Fourways

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KwaZulu Natal

I Heart Christmas Market
The I Heart Market is a monthly favourite for Durbanites, and fortunately for us, there will be 4 Christmas themed markets on the 3, 10, 17 December and 7 January. All taking place on the lush lawns of the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The I Heart market has become one of South Africa’s largest design markets. There will be a diverse range of carefully conceived and crafted products selected for their originality and design appeal. The I Heart Market promises to be a great day out.
iheartmarket.blogspot.co.za
Moses Mabhida Stadium, 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd

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Shongweni Farmers and Craft Christmas Market
Shongweni will be experiencing a 4 day Christmas extravaganza from 15-18 December! Tickets can be purchased at the market on the day for R100 or R60 for pre-sold tickets.
shongwenimarket.co.za
Lot 457, MR551, Shongweni

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Even if Christmas is not your thing, we hope we have inspired you to pop over to your local market. Be sure to sample some of the delicious food and organic produce on offer and enjoy an evening, or a day out being inspired by the work of the many talented, passionate and creative people manning the various stalls.