hazel food christmas marketIf you're anything like me, you'll be racing around trying to get the Christmas shopping done two days before the big event - fighting crowds and cursing, as you slog through the mall, before wrestling a big oke for the last blue t-shirt in Mr Price, followed by the interminable queuing to pay for your hard won gift for your cousin. That was last year, and I swore never again! This year I would be organised. I would shop at markets and fetes, enjoying the experience and finding wonderful presents from local crafters, as well as indulge in fantastic home-made treats.

I am somewhat horrified to see the retail sector going Christmas mad already! Like a cat pouncing on a mouse, Christmas has already snuck up on me – and some Christmas markets have already happened!

So I made it my mission to share with you as many Christmas markets as I could. Below is a list of Christmas markets happening around the country. I know I'll have missed loads of the smaller, interesting ones, so if I have not included a great local Christmas market, please tell us about it in the comments section or email me at michael[at!]urbansprout.co.za!
Here are the upcoming Christmas Markets 2010 happening around the country, in date order:

Western Cape

Montagu Christmas Market
Saturday, 13 Nov; 09h00 to 16h00

Enjoy a family day out in Montagu and get some of your Christmas shopping done at Die Stal Market, located just outside Montagu on Kruis Farm. you can indulge in lots of fresh farm goods straight from the Farm kitchen and browse through lovely hand-made products available from the locals which would make ideal Christmas gifts!

Christmas Market at De Oude Drostdy
Saturday, 13 November 2010; 10h00 - 15h00
Tulbagh

Enjoy a relaxing day in the country just an hour’s drive from Cape Town and join the locals and visiting revellers as they fill up their Christmas stockings with homemade goodies including everything from confectionery and biltong to kids’ toys and jewellery.

The Market Place at Hathersage Farm
Thursday, 25 - Sunday, 28 Nov from 10 am.
Gordon Road, Somerset West, Cape Town
R 30 entry. Children under 16 free.

Join us for our first annual 4-day Festive Fair to which we have invited creators of handmade gifts, décor items, clothing and accessories, jewellery, homeware, toys, edible treats & all things gorgeous! Over 100 exhibitors will showcase their work.

Stellenbosch Christmas Market 2010
Thursday, 25 Nov 2010 - Saturday, 04 Dec; 09:30 - 20:30
Dutch Reformed Central Church, Stellenbosch
Free Entrance

Make a note in your diary not to miss the 11th annual Christmas market hosted by the Dutch Reformed Central Church in Stellenbosch. This ever-popular craft market promises to make Christmas shopping an absolute treat with a variety of goods on sale at 180 stalls. Get creative with your gift list with glorious handcrafted gifts such as glassware, jewelry, needlework, paintings, confectionary, pottery, toys and much more. A jumping castle, painting table and coloring facility will keep the little ones occupied.

Constantia Waldorf School Christmas Night Market
Friday 26 Nov; 5 to 9 pm
www.constantiawaldorfnightmarket.co.za
The market boasts fine organic produce, ready to eat gourmet fare, beautiful hand crafts, clothing, original art and Christmas goodies, with a stunning line up of live entertainment for all ages in a fire and candle lit atmosphere. Extremely popular as a family friendly venue.

Othandweni Africa Christmas Market
Saturday, 27 November from 12 pm to 6 pm
62 Victoria Ave. Hout Bay

Come and browse their fantastic stalls, boasting a wide selection of natural goods and craft items. A great place to find Christmas bargains.

Kirstenbosch Craft Market.
28 Nov, 12 Dec and 19 Dec (Sundays) from 9am – 3pm.
The Stone Cottages, corner of Kirstenbosch & Rhodes Drives, Cape Town.

This varied craft market is held twice during December to help you get in some extra Christmas shopping. Proceeds from stall rentals go to the Kirstenbosch Partnership Fund for improvements to Kirstenbosch.

Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Christmas Candlelight Market
Friday 3 Dec 17h00 - 22h00, Saturday 4 Dec 09h00 - 14h00

A true vintage Christmas market! Real Elgin Christmas Trees, decorations & gifts, wreaths, topiaries, german bratwurst, Christmas cakes & puddings, mince pies, stuffing, gammon, gluhwein, roasted nuts, boutique wineries, micro-breweries. For true slowfood supporters: artisanal cheese-making & preserving workshops, champagne & food pairings, The Braai Masters of the Cape book launch, and the art of making delectable summer ice cream. For the children there will be a lights in a huge pine Christmas tree, sand art, face-painting, balloons, eagles, owls and falconry. The oak-lined piazza will be lit up with candles late into the night and you will be greeted with ample lawns for picnic space and vineyard sunset tables. Come earlier with your friends and family and book tickets for a performance by the La Rosa Spanish Dance Company at the popular open-air Amphitheatre. The Hearth Fair designer market will be joining us to showcase Christmas décor ideas, gifts, works of independent designers, boutique clothing & jewellery, crafters and the best of authentic South African design.

Elgin Blues Market
Friday, 10 December 2010 – Albert Frost. Food Stalls open at 6pm.
Entry R30 (Kids under 10 free). Money raised goes to charity.
Peregrine Farm Stall,on N2 Highway, Grabouw.
Elgin Valley Tourism

Includes food stalls & local wines (from 6pm) coupled with Blues live music entertainment from 8pm (legendary musicians in the line-up include *Boulevard Blues Band, Albert Frost & Robin Auld & Gerald Clark).

Pure Boland Christmas Market & Night Run
Wednesday, 15 Dec
Groenstoor, Brandwacht, Worcester

The beautiful Brandwacht valley, in Worcester is the setting for this market and you will be able to enjoy some fabulous food and wine while browsing through the selection of Christmas gifts on offer. To accompany this magical event there will be beautiful Christmas music playing and there will be many activities for your little ones to enjoy. If the lamb on a spit appeals to you, don't forget to book your place by booking in advance.

Earth Fair Christmas Market
Thursday 16 Dec from 4-9pm
Main Road, Tokai, Cape Town

There will be a carefully selected range of upmarket handmade items including fabrics and textiles,jewellery, skin care products and other beautiful gifting options. There will be delicious locally brewed beers and organic wines and a range of delicious supper options including crepes, sushi and prego rolls. Bring the kids to the angel making workshop to be run during the market while you shop in peace!

Obs Holistic Lifestyle Christmas Fair
Sun 19 Dec, in the newly renovated Observatory Recreation Centre, Cape Town
Entry is R 10 for Adults and children under 12 are free. Free entry for all visitors to the outdoor market area.

There you can find a gathering of more than 120 holistic and lifestyle exhibitors.Visitors will be treated to wholesome vegetarian, vegan and halaal eats; organic veggies, plants, herbs and free range eggs; life readings and therapeutic treatments; health and wellness products, and conscious living information;plus for the kids face-painting, sand-art, jumping castle, and safe enclosed play areas.

Eastern Cape

Gonubie Christmas Fair
Friday, 17 Dec to Sunday, 19 Dec
Gonubie Sports Fields, Main Road, Gonubie, East London

The ever popular Annual Gonubie Christmas Fair will once again take place on the Sports Fields in Gonubie. This fair will get you into the mood for Christmas, offering wonderful gifts, Accessories, delicious eats, fashion items, outdoor items, furniture and much more! All events will be organised by local charity organisations to raise much need funds! Come and support a very worthy fair.

Gauteng

Unica Christmas Market
Friday, 19 Nov to Sun, 28 Nov 2010
Times: Monday to Saturday from 09h00 to 21h00 and Sundays from 09h00 to 17h00
Rembrandt Hall, LC de Villiers Sports Centre, South Street, Hillcrest, Pretoria

Unica Christmas Market in Pretoria is celebrating 24 years of fund raising in aid of Autism!

More than 250 exhibitors participate and all products on sale at the market. Unica Christmas Market is aimed at raising funds for Unica School and the Association for Autism. These organizations are committed to delivering services to individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their families.

"Gee Jou Gawe" Charity Christmas Market
Friday, 19 Nov - Saturday, 20 Nov
Helenic Community Hall Address - Cnr of Lynnwood and Ropers Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria.10:00 to 19:00 daily 11:00 to 15:00 Sundays
Free Entrance

200 Exhibitors with approved quality handwork & crafts exhibit. Market is stocked up every day. Safe parking. Car guards on duty. Tea garden. Fantastic scratch (antiques) tables with items at reasonable prices. Help us to help those in need.

Market is in aid of a different charity each year. This year the WET NOSE ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE, NPO 046-432, REG 99/15508/08 will benefit.

George Hay Park Christmas Market
Friday, 26 Nov to Sunday, 28 November
Entrance Fee R30 for adults, children pay per activity
Corner of Waterford Ave and Lurgan Rd, Parkview

There are over 70 stands to visit and a variety of entertainment for both young and old. Food stalls, live music performances from some of South Africa’s talented musicians, carousel, jumping castles for the kids, climbing wall and an ice-rink to create that European Winter Wonderland feel; is what visitors can expect from the Christmas Market this year.As part of the Christmas Market tradition, there has to be a musical programme from the local schools. The school choirs will serenade the crowds of Friday afternoon with their angelic voices. The traditional Nativity play will take place on Sunday morning.

Hazel Food Christmas Market
When: Thursday, 02 Dec to Saturday, 04 Dec
Venue: 32 Pinaster Str, Hazelwood, Pretoria.

The Hazel Food Market is hosting a special Christmas Market where you can enjoy our tasty food and do your Christmas shopping. Food, Christmas gifts and decorations on sale from over 100 stalls.

If you are passionate about food then this market is where you need to be because you will find a range of delectable goodies from freshly baked bread, preserves, olives and pestos to cheese's, meats, cupcakes and organic veggies.

Nickel Xmas Market
When: Friday, 03 Dec to Thursday, 16 Dec. Daily 9:00 - 18:00 Open on Sundays.
Paul Jungnickel Home: Plot 214 Zwavelpoort, Lynnwood road, pass Hazeldean Square, 4.5 km from Hans Strydom Road.

Biggest Xmas Market with 300 exhibitions under one roof. Only handmade items for sale. Tea garden available. Safe Parking. Credit cards welcome.

The Nickel Xmas Market’s aim is to raise funds for the Home but it is also a job creation project for the unemployed women and youth. The project was started in 2001. Being involved in Welfare in various projects for so many years, we have identified the need for job creation.

Green Christmas Night Market
4 Dec from 16:00-21:00.
Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
For more information - www.greenmarketevents.yolasite.com.

Pack your picnic blanket, bring your reusable shopping bags and stock up on eco inspired and handmade gifts. Fresh homemade Food and drinks available. Live music, Christmas Carols, candle light and tips/ideas on how to save money and make your own Christmas decorations. Support the SOAPkidz fundraiser for the Injabula Community Centre Christmas Party. Don't forget to dress up as your favourite Christmas Character. Best costume made from recycled/reused materials, wins a prize!

Bryanston Organic and Natural Market
CHRISTMAS MOONLIGHT MARKETS & CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT - TUESDAY, 7, 14 & 21 DEC, 5-9 pm
Where: Culross Road off Main Rd, Bryanston, Johannesbur

Relax and enjoy delicious freshly prepared food. Find unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Children can join the Nativity parade at 7 pm and we all sing Carols by Candlelight thereafter. Christmas Moonlight markets are great fun for all the family.

KwaZulu Natal

Christmas House
Friday 12 Nov 2010 - Saturday 13 Nov 2010 1pm to 6pm & Sat 9am to 2 pm
Westville Home
16 Chesham Place, Westville North, Durban
R5 For Adults children free

Shop till you drop, lots of beaded Christmas decorations, gifts, boxes, ribbons, jewelary and much more.

St Olav's Christmas Craft market
Sunday 20 Nov 2010
Penzance Aftercare Centre
10 Bartle Road, Durban
Free Entrance

Join us for a christmas Event of the Year! Bring the whole family for a Fabulous day out!
Special Guest appearacne by Father Christmas!

Xmas Gift Expo, Springfield
Thursday 25 Nov 2010 - Sunday 28 Nov
The Home Centre
Illala avenue, Springfield Durban
Free Entrance

If you are looking for that perfect Christmas gift for that special someone then look no further than the Xmas Gift Expo taking place this November in Durban. This is a lifestyle event full of inspirational ideas and handpicked innovative products – a celebration of gifts with a difference. Visitors & shoppers will be entertained during this event. There will be gifts, arts and crafts from a variety of stalls so you plan your time well so you can see all there is to offer.

Station Market
Saturday 27 Nov 2010
65 NMR Avenue (Masabala Yengwa Avenue) On top of Durban Station, Glenridge
R100 for a table

Get your Christmas Shopping done early. Join us at the Station Market Food & Craft Market. There will be loads of fun, food and crafts through the day. All funds raised will go to We Friends Pre-School

Zululand Christmas Festival 2010
Thursday 02 Dec 2010 - Sunday 05 Dec 2010
ZCBF Community Park, Showgrounds
Address - ZCBF Community Park Guldengracht Alton Richards Bay
Free entry, only pay for the shows

Exhibitions for Christmas Gift Ideas, handcrafted products. Shows by the Unizul Drama School, Maso Productions, Cantussi, Empangeni High School Band, Khongisa Performings Arts, and many more.
The gate entry for exhibitions is free! Show tickets @ R10.00 for adults & R5.00 for kids under 13years and pensioners

Christmas Fair
Friday 03 Dec 2010
Umbilo Congregational Church
498 Bartle Road, Umbilo, Durban
Free Entry

Umbilo congregational church invites you to take the night off from cooking, burgers, curry and rice, worse rolls and much more. Shop for Christmas goodies, cakes and crafts, gifts and novelties, books and more.

Highway College Christmas Market
Saturday 04 Dec 2010
Highway College Sports field
18 Bishop Road Pinetown 3610
Stall prices range from R150 per stall
www.highway-college.co.za

This event will help our school raise funds for repairs and enhancements. The event is aimed at attracting all age groups and to introduce our school to the public sector.
This is open for all who want to shop before Christmas and for those looking for special Christmas gifts. Good food on sale and there will be a jumping castle for the kids, while mom and dad is shopping around. Many more to do ....Come let us host you and your family with a relaxing day.

South Coast Christmas Market
When: Friday, 10 Dec to Thursday, 30 Dec
Please note the market is closed on 25 and 26 December 2010.
Where: St Michaels On Sea

With over 300 stalls our Christmas Market will help fulfill the pleasure seeker's search for presents and pleasures, with our exhibitors' creative and delightful products. The market maintains a high quality of products hand made by many of SA’s top crafters, with value for money, striking displays and a festive atmosphere.

The Shongweni Farmers Christmas Market
Wednesday 16 Dec, 10am till late
Cnr Alvestone and Kassier roads, Shongweni

Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market has become a renowned success in the upper Highway area, attracting crowds from as far as Durban to Pietermaritzburg on a weekly basis. The Market has become well known for its diverse products which range from a large variety of organic foods and fresh produce to all the exciting products found at traditional craft markets.