With Christmas around the corner, finding the perfect gift for your loved ones becomes a top priority, and there is no shortage of opportunities to do so in Cape Town and surrounds.
South Africa may not have a white Christmas, but even under the warm African sun there are numerous great ways to get into the festive spirit, like spending the day or evening at a nearby gift market.
Here are five Christmas markets to visit in the Cape this year:
1. Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair
With over 108 market stalls to browse, you’re bound to find all sorts of charming gifts and trinkets. The fair is child-friendly and entry is free. Visitors are advised that there will be card facilities available to purchase items.
The market has various food as well as gift stalls. It is open from 9am-7pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends.
Address: Pinelands High school, Forest Drive Service Rd, Pinelands, Cape Town
Contact: 082 661 6080
Website: www.pinelandscraftandgiftfair.com
Date: December 3-22
2. Blue Bird Garage Sunday Christmas market
The beloved Blue Bird Garage hosts a market on the first Sunday of every month, and will be kicking off December with a Christmas market.
With live music creating a laid-back atmosphere, the market will have drinks, food and an array of gift options available.
Bring the kids along – there will be a dedicated kids area equipped with a jungle gym and activities like face painting to sand art. Furry four-legged friends are welcome provided they are kept on a leash.
Entry is free and the market will be open from 11am – 4pm.
Address: 39 Albertyn Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town
Contact: 082 920 4285
Website: www.facebook.com/bluebirdgaragemarket
Date: December 2
3. The Secret Garden Market
The whole family can head to this market for a jingle-good time. Gourmet food will be on offer and there will be ample seating along with a supervised ‘kiddies’ area.
There will be 80 stalls to explore, and you can find everything from boutique fashion items to jewellery pieces, homeware, beauty products, and more.
Held at the SARDA Centre on Brommersvlei Road, the market will be open from 10am-4pm.
Tickets are required to enter the market and can be purchased on Webtickets for R20 per person or at the gate for R30 per person. Children under the age of 12 can enter for free.
Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed.
Address: SARDA Centre, Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia Heights, Cape Town
Website: www.facebook.com/events/490162314804775/
Date: December 1
4. Friday Night Christmas Market
Take a visit to the Boschendal Estate out in the Cape Winelands and enjoy a balmy evening at the Friday Night Christmas Market.
The market will host multiple food and craft stalls.
It is open from 6pm-9pm and entrance is free of charge.
No pets are allowed at the event.
Address: Boschendal Estate, Pniel Rd, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek
Contact: 021 870 4200
Website: www.boschendal.com
Dates: November 30, December 7
5. De Ville’s Christmas Market Day
Situated in the Northern Suburbs, De Ville’s has a relaxed atmosphere and you’ll be able to find plenty of affordable gifts here.
Held at the De Ville Centre, the market will be running from December 9-22 and is open from 9am-3pm.
Address: Main St, Durbanville, Cape Town
Contact: 021 975 6895
Website: www.facebook.com/events/1938370226468945/?event_time_id=1938370239802277&active_tab=discussion
Date: December 19 -22
Picture: Pixabay