For many of us, when December arrives, it marks a time in our calendars when we somehow get ourselves into an activity frenzy. As we welcome the festive season and salute the year that’s just passed, an obligatory attend-all friend and family function ensues. Often ruffling our end-of-year feathers even further. It’s wonderful to savour the season and celebrate with those nearest and dearest to us, but it’s also important to take the time to rest, reflect and revel in the merry spectacles that the Mother City has on display.
In our own steady December strides, let’s head out onto the streets and take in the lights, as they illuminate the shop windows. Wading our ways around the glittery tinsel and shiny baubles, the brightly coloured elves and golden angels, embellishing the urban landscape. Let’s browse the bookshops and select our holiday novels. Sit at the corner cafés and listen to the carol singers. And let’s head to the market places where all of the magic is happening. Where the local artisans and live musicians are setting the tone of the season. Where we are at liberty to let our fabulous festive feathers take in the Christmas cheer.
As we navigate the nativity scenes of Cape Town this December, we’ve collated a lovely list of Christmas markets to explore. Adding a vibrant escapade to your itineraries that not only give insight into the culture of the Cape, but allow you to feel the joyfulness of the season. However far from home you might be.
To all of the guests that we get to share our Labotessa Christmas with, and all of our dear hospitality friends that flitter in and out of our hotel doors, we look forward to spending the most wonderful time of the year with you all.
- The Watershed at the V&A Waterfront – Located next to the Two Oceans Aquarium, this vibrant craft and design space is bursting with local fashion, art and flavour. An all-year-round market place, The Watershed comes alive in December with all of the seasonal glee. Open every day.
- Oranjezicht City Farmer’s Market – Cape Town’s most beloved market, where an abundance of local treats are served – especially the food! This market is particularly wonderful to visit at this time of year as it’s always full of merry holiday-makers! Located at Granger Bay in the Waterfront, open on Wednesday evenings, all day Saturdays and Sundays.
- The Old Biscuit Mill – Live music, local artisanal delights, a decent dose of Cape Town culture and delicious food and beverages every Saturday, in the heart of Woodstock’s most vibrant quarters.
- The Christmas Market at Noordhoek Farm Village – An every Wednesday evening market – A special Christmas date to note…Saturday the 7th of December 2024. In the lovely little seaside hamlet of Noordhoek, where the market stalls are selling crafts, ceramics, children’s books, candles, Christmas-themed decorations and lots more!
- South Market at the Cape Academy, Constantia – From the 12th until the 23rd of December 2024, this Christmas market is a festive family affair in the Southern Suburbs. Where the community is passionate about supporting local small businesses and artists.
- Franschhoek Village Christmas Market – From the 14th until the 15th of December 2024, on Huguenot Road in the famous Cape Winelands village of Franschhoek. A fabulous two-day festive gathering of local crafts and of course delicious tastings of the region’s delights!
- Blaauwklippen Twilight Christmas Market – A blend of African and European holiday traditions, featuring beautiful crafts, curios and yummy farm-style foods and gift ideas. A truly unique Christmas shopping experience, this is a farm market not to be missed. Located on Blaauwklippen Estate in Stellenbosch.
The Bluebird Garage Market in Muizenberg – All lit up in Christmas lights! Running every Thursday and Friday throughout December, selling the wonderful crafts of the Cape Peninsula community, under one large creative warehouse roof.
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