Christmas Markets in Cape Town
Christmas shopping, with crowded malls, irritable parents, screaming babies and never-ending queues, can be a terrifying experience. But when it comes to gift ideas and getting your hands on decorations in Cape Town, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare on Elm, or any other, street for that matter. The city plays host to a wide variety of Christmas gift and craft markets where shopping is stress-free and aisle cruising amounts to a leisurely stroll with the family amidst fresh air and friendly people.
These pop-up and more permanent festive bazaars tend to stock quality handcrafted goods, which means you can choose a gift that’s unique and perfectly suited to whomever you’re buying for. So whether it’s a laidback morning browse or a lively night of shopping you’re after, below you’ll find a treasure trove of Christmas markets. No matter what though, it won’t be hard to find the perfect gift idea in the Mother City this year.
City Bowl Market Christmas Market (24 November)
The City Bowl Market is hosting their first Christmas-themed market and they’ll be selling delightful gifts for you to share with your loved ones. The market houses an assortment of stalls that stocks fashionable clothing and accessories, trendy home-ware and art as well as yummy festive treats like fruit cake and ginger bread. Have your dinner at the market and visit 25 food stalls selling vegetarian meals, traditional African cuisine and other dishes from all over the world. Kai Liam Connor will also be performing live at the market for the night.
14 Hope Street | Gardens | +27 (0) 73 270 8043
The Deer Little Market (27 November & 18 December)
The Deer Little Market takes place on the last Sunday of every month, but this December they’re hosting a special Christmas market so that shoppers can get all their goodies before the big day. Moms and dads can purchase all sorts of products for babies and children at this charming market, including clothing, accessories and other must-have goods for parents. There will be an assortment of entertainment for kids to enjoy such as face painting, a jumping castle, arts and crafts, balloon sculpting and loads more! The Christmas market will also have a gift-wrapping station so your presents will be ready to when you leave the market.
Rocklands Road Park | 2 Deerpark Drive | Vredehoek | thedeerlittlemarket@gmail.com
Lourensford Christmas Market (2 – 4 December)
This Somerset West-based wine estate is pulling out all the stops this festive season by hosting a market with a central theme of giving back to the community. Attendees are encouraged to bring gifts for kids of all ages, all of which will be delivered before Christmas Day. The three-day soiree also has a jam-packed plan of events that includes taking part in trail runs (kiddies even have their own mini one), entertainment as well as the chance to indulge in tasty Christmas-inspired eats. In addition, the occasion is pet-friendly, making it the perfect family affair. Note: All Christmas gift donations are to be wrapped and placed at the various collection points at the market. The gifts can include stationery, toiletries or grocery packets (no perishable items). Entry to the market is free.
Lourensford Ave | Erinvale Golf Estate | +27 (0) 21 847 2333
Stellenbosch Slowmarket Christmas on Fire Market Weekend (2 – 3 December)
An events calendar highlight, the Friday evening and Saturday day Christmas Stellenbosch Slow Markets are filled with holiday-themed gifts and goodies galore to suit the entire family. With this year’s ‘Food on Fire’ theme, folk can expect an assortment of food made on an open flame. The market is also the perfect place to get all your Christmas trimmings and also take a load off, the fair will be decorated in copper Christmas style, will be playing Christmas music and has over 100 specialty traders selling gingerbread houses, Christmas fruit cakes, mince pies, organic nuts, gammon rolls, German bratwurst, Champagne, fynbos topiaries, décor and many more festive season odds and ends.
Oude Libertas Amphitheatre | Corner of Adam Tas & Oude Libertas roads | Stellenbosch | +27 (0) 21 886 8514
Franschhoek Village Market Christmas Market (5 – 8 December)
Take a trip to Franschhoek this festive season and visit the Franschhoek Village Market for their annual yuletide bazaar. When you’re not taking pictures of the twinkling Christmas trees or singing along to festive tunes, find some great Christmas gifts and fresh produce at the village market. Feast on delicious treats such as gourmet samoosas and ice-cold sorbet served in a fruit shell while a live band performs some fun, uplifting tunes. The market is open to people of all ages and there will be a play area to keep the little ones smiling.
29 Huguenot Street | Franschhoek | info@fhkvm.co.za
Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair (5 – 22 December)
If you’re a Southern Suburbs resident not keen on missioning too far out with the family, then pop on down to this market in Pinelands. With over 140 stalls selling everything from handcrafted cards and Christmas decorations to baskets and glassware, this two-week pop-up hot spot makes shopping for the whole family a whole lot easier. Visitors can browse stalls or sit and enjoy some homemade cake with a warm cuppa on the front lawns. Hungrier attendees can grab a light lunch in the cafeteria in between cruising the aisles. If you’re unsure what to get, you can buy vouchers that can be used to purchase items at the fair; these make wonderful early festive season gifts and can be arranged by emailing pinelandsfair@gmail.com. Entry is free.
Pinelands High School Kent Hall | Forest Drive | Pinelands | +27 (0) 82 661 6080
Simply South Gift and Craft Fair (5 – 22 December)
Now in its sixth year, this popular Southern Suburbs market is back and bigger than before. The NG Kerk Constantia is the venue for this year’s affair, boasting around 220 stalls and a calm and laidback shopping experience. The fair has expanded and has a bigger variety of goodies available this year, from artisanal goods to handmade kiddies’ goods and clothing. If you’ve been dreading the mall then pop on down to check out this shopping experience with a twist. Credit and debit card facilities will be available, while entry to this market is gratis, mahala, FREE!
NG Kerk Constantia | Cnr Ladies Mile and Firgrove roads | Bergvliet | +27 (0)83 618 6366
Cape Gift Market (22 November – 4 December)
This annual market has been running for over a decade, and both visitors and traders seem to keep coming back for more. The 15th Cape Gift Market gets going in the Sea Point City Hall and hosts a plethora of crafters showing off their wares. Stallholders from all over Southern Africa come to exhibit their goods, with traders from as far off as Namibia paying this Mother City market a visit. Those attending the fun-filled affair can have a browse around the 142 stalls, which includes everything from clothing for the little ones to Banting-friendly products (for your health-conscious relatives or friends) and handmade jewellery on display. Looking for a pick-me-up? You can grab a cup of java supplied by Swartland coffee while you shop. Entry to this market is free.
Sea Point City Hall | Cnr Main and Three Anchor Bay roads | Sea Point | +27 (0)82 411 3981
Blue Bird Christmas Market (9 December)
This versatile market stocks amazing vintage and homemade products that will make for great Christmas gifts. Stock up on vintage clothing and accessories from Aeroplane Jane, get a customised wooden frame from Ipicky and splurge on aromatic body products from Katydid. Once you’ve finished your shopping, pop over to KT’s Kitchen and end your day on a sweet note with cupcakes, crème brulee and double chocolate brownies. Bring the whole family along to enjoy the live entertainment and the kids’ area at this fun market.
Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market | 39 Albertyn Road | Muizenberg | +27 (0)84 405 3544
Fab Ideas Christmas Gift Fair Kommetjie (15 – 18 December)
Situated in the rustic forest-cum-beach village of Kommetjie, this one-stop-shop boasts a host of unusual Christmas gift ideas to choose from, including home décor, garden accessories, crafts, fabulous clothing and jewellery. There will also be a range of tasty foodstuffs available for people who get peckish while browsing. Plus, while mom and dad indulge in the organic wines and craft beers, the kids can keep busy with arts and crafts – there will even be a jumping castle. On Sunday, little ones (under the age of 12) who want to hear jolly Christmas carols can listen to some heavenly voices for a mere R40 entrance fee, which includes a lucky packet. Proceeds from the Christmas carols will go to the Jones Safe House. For the duration of the market, local musicians from the surrounding area will be keeping the crowds entertained with some laidback live music. And in the interest of creating a unique and convenient shopping experience, all items at the market will be bar-coded, meaning none of the over 80 stalls will be manned, and card facilities will be available (credit cards are welcome). Entry is free for the duration of the market (the exception being the carols).
Kommetjie Primary Community Hall | Teubes Road | Kommetjie | +27 (0) 82 411398
Neighbourgoods Night Market Christmas Special (16 December)
Head down to Woodstock and get all your Christmas goodies at the Neighbourgoods Night Market Christmas Special. The market at the Old Biscuit Mill is transforming into a festive wonderland for one night only and vendors will be selling delicious treats and handcrafted goods that make for lovely festive gifts. Visit the tree trader and find the perfect Christmas conifer for your home and check out the gift-wrapping station to get all your goods covered up in cute and colourful paper.
Old Biscuit Mill | 373 – 375 Albert Road | Woodstock | info@oldbiscuitmill.co.za
Gabrielskloof ‘Our Favourite Things’ Market (16 – 18 December)
This annual Botrivier Christmas market is where the people of the Overberg region and beyond can come together to enjoy and purchase handmade goodies, vintage treats, and knitted beauties. Although in its sixth year, this bazaar is a bit smaller than the rest, with just over 35 stalls; it’s a great place to do festive shopping away from the crowded malls and in the open air. Kids can look forward to a jumping castle, and adults can get set to enjoy plenty of artisanal produce, including home bakes and cakes, gourmet burgers, homemade gazpacho, paella, craft beer, fresh oysters, sushi, and olives. Entry to the market is free.
Gabrielskloof Wine Estate | R43 | Botrivier | +27 (0) 28 284 9865
Groote Post Country Market (18 December)
Travel to the quaint town of Darling and visit the Groote Post Vineyards for their monthly country market. Shop around for artisanal produce such as breads, cheeses and organic sauces and check out the gorgeous home-ware, decor and art sold at the market. Once you’ve done enough shopping to work up an appetite, visit Hilda’s Kitchen for a bite to eat or pick up some treats at the market and have a picnic on the gardens of the estate. Groote Post has a playground, tractor rides, horse rides and more to keep the little ones entertained while parents sample the wineries top-notch vinos.
Groote Post Wine Estate | Darling Hills Road | Darling | +27 (0) 82 877 6677
The Cape Town Gift & Food Fair (20 – 22 December)
If you didn’t have enough time to finish all your Christmas shopping this year, take a trip to the Castle of Good Hope and get those last minute presents at the Cape Town Gift and Food Fair. This market is being hosted by the same organisers of the All Star Market in Brackenfell so it’s sure to be a wonderful scene. Have a look through the stalls at the market and find the best handmade ware, home decor, books, homemade food products, toys and clothing for all ages. Head over to the food stalls for a warm meal and something sweet to eat before sitting back for the entertaining musical performances by Adriaan Krause, Nadia Herbst and Emo Adams as well as a kiddies puppet show called Hentie and the Bully.
Castle of Good Hope | Darling Street | +27 (0)21 981 6064 | allstar.events@outlook.com
For more guides about Cape Town and surrounds, be sure to check out our Things To Do page.
Credit: Cape Town Magazine
