Christmas Markets around Cape Town (2023)

Lead image: Gift Market Strand via Facebook

While Christmastime in South Africa means sunshine, braais (barbeques) and everything nice, in recent years, Cape Town has found ways to add its own spin on the festive season and incorporate festive cheer without the white Christmas, gluhwein or ice skating.

Its local festive or craft markets are a particular delight, helping you soak up the festive atmosphere, shop for last-minute gifts and create special core memories with your loved ones.

In this post, we share some of the best Christmas markets to enjoy around Cape Town this festive season:

Edgemead Christmas Market

Photo credit: Edgemead Christmas Market via Facebook

Since its establishment in 2001, the Edgemead Christmas Market has acquired something of a legendary status over the years.

This popular annual festive market is one of the Mother City’s most highly anticipated, beloved Christmas markets - and for good reason!

Each year, the market sees more than 200 of the Cape’s finest stalls and crafters travel to the Mother City from as far as Riversdale, Montagu and even George to exhibit their festive goods.

Immerse yourself in this fun, free market that runs from 1-24 December 2023 at the Edgemead Community Hall, Edgemead Drive, off Bosmansdam Road, Edgemead. Please check online for market hours.

Gift Market Strand

Photo credit: Gift Market Strand via Facebook

If you’re looking for a fabulous festive market outside of Cape Town, then you can’t go wrong with the Gift Market Strand.

This Helderberg-based market, which is being held at the Lourensrivier Church Hall, Strand, offers a wide range of quality exhibitors, who specialise in everything from home-baked goodies to gourmet condiments, homeware and crafts.

This market runs from 24 November - 23 December 2023 so be sure to check it out this festive season! Please check online for market hours.

Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair

Photo credit: Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair via Facebook

For Southern Suburbs dwellers (and even those beyond), the Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair is a truly unmissable festive event.

Held at Pinelands High School’s Kent Hall, this annual festive market is a popular cashless market that allows visitors and locals alike a wonderful opportunity to do some gift shopping in a serene, friendly environment.

The market offers gifts and goods from some 200 crafters, one central pay-point (equipped with credit card facilities) and a streamlined exit, helping shoppers make quick work of their festive gift shopping and market browsing!

This year, you can visit the market from 9-23 December 2023. Please check online for market hours.

Simply Gifts Market

Photo credit: Simply Gifts Market via Facebook

Lastly, for the avid gift shoppers among us, there is the Simply Gifts Market. This annual gift and craft market, held at Sans Souci High School, Newlands, is a family-focused event run by Pam and Peter Goslett.

With more than 22 years collective, crafting experience between them, it’s safe to say their latest market venture is in good hands!

What’s more, this indoor market is the perfect place to browse local exhibitors’ stalls, as you enjoy a thoroughly relaxing shopping experience.

Visit this market from 13 - 23 December 2023. Please check online for market hours.

Book a Tranquil CT Stay this December

While you’re shopping up a storm or visiting loved ones this December, why not stay at one of DK Villa’s beautiful Hout Bay accommodation offerings?

Two of our Hout Bay accommodation offerings, Riverview and Harbour View, have some limited December 2023 availability remaining.

Our Riverview apartment is a beautifully renovated, spacious new one-bedroom offering.

Situated within a security complex and boasting incredible views, this apartment is ideal for a solo traveller or couple.

While our Harbour View apartment offers three tastefully furnished bedrooms and provides the perfect home-away-from-home space.

It is also situated within a security complex and offers its own stunning views - this time of the ocean. It’s child-friendly too, making it perfect for families to enjoy this December.

If you would like to book your stay in either of our beautiful Hout Bay apartments, please see here or contact us directly.

Which of these Christmas markets, happening all around Cape Town in December 2023, are you most excited to explore this festive season?