The festive season is upon us once again and as the year starts to wind down you can too. An enjoyable way to take in the relaxed atmosphere of a quieter Johannesburg is to browse some of the local markets on offer. Let your senses take in the smell of freshly baked mince pies, the magical glow and sparkle of beautiful decorations and the glorious music. These are Leora Hart’s recommendations of some of the top markets and fairs happening in Gauteng this festive season.
BRYANSTON ORGANIC MARKET
Bryanston Market ushers in the festive season with its Moonlight Markets and Children’s Theatre every Tuesday, focusing on wholesome family entertainment that allows kids to experience the wonder and excitement of Christmas.
A Children’s Theatre takes centre stage from 6pm to 7pm each evening, featuring a jesting juggler, a charming puppet show, carols by candlelight and an enchanting magic show. A collection of children’s side activities include face painting, bead & wire crafting, ornamental clay painting, candle making, wooden toy painting and the creation of an advent garden.
Busking musicians and a live band in the tea garden entertain the grown-ups throughout the evening. All this, plus the glittering of festive lights, transform the market into a magical, festive experience. If you’re looking for a little magic this holiday season, the Bryanton Organic Market comes highly recommended.
When: Between 19 Nov and 17 Dec 5pm to 9pm
Where: 40 Culross Rd, Bryanston, Johannesburg
Cost: R20 | U12 free
Tel: 011 706 3671 | Email: enquiries@
Website: Bryanston Organic Market
Facebook: @bryorgmarket
ROSEBANK SUNDAY MARKET
Since its birth, the Rosebank Sunday Market has delighted both local and international travellers alike. Set in the trendy neighbourhood of Rosebank, this weekly market showcases a diverse range of locally handcrafted goods and artisanal products.
Be sure to arrive hungry as the food options are seeped in delicious aromas and flavours rich with love. The market is open every other Sunday with a hip-swaying special mix of music provided by a local DJ on the last Sunday of each month.
This year the market hosts two Christmas Markets on 8 and 22 December as well as the final Car Boot Sale for the year on 15 December. The Christmas Market play host to kids’ entertainment such as balloon sculpting, face painting, rides and prizes. Further details about the market can be found on their Facebook page, linked below.
If you’re truly looking to support local and enjoy quality, original gifts handcrafted with love and care, this is the place to go. Entrance for parking via Sturdee Avenue, take the elevator to Level 4, and cross the bridge.
Where: Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
When: Every Sunday | Christmas Market 8 & 22 December | Car Boot Sale 15 December | 9am to 4pm
Email: info@rosebanksundaymarket.co.za
Website: Rosebank Sunday Market
Facebook: @RosebankSundayMarket
MARKET ON MAIN
What began in 2011 as a new innovation to urban markets has grown from strength to strength and placed central Joburg evermore on the map for good times in the inner city. Infused with cultures from all over the world and right on South Africa’s stoep, the Market on Main is a place to travel the globe without leaving the ground.
There are a host of events and activities happening to kindle your festive spirit, starting on 23 November with Walala Wasala, a family market at 27 Boxes by the guys who bring you Market on Main. You will be spoiled for choice this year with their weekly markets every Sunday for the remainder of the year (the last one is on the 15th Dec) and a funky night market happening on 6 December. Be sure to check the links to each event below.
With the Market on Main you’re guaranteed a festive jol in a one-of-a-kind setting.
When: Various
Where: 264 Fox Street – Arts on Main in the Maboneng precinct
Website: Market on Main
Facebook: @MarketOnMain | @walalawasalajoburg | Instagram: @marketonmain | @walalawasalajoburg
Market on Main 2019 festive market dates:
THE LINDEN MARKET CHRISTMAS EDITION
The Linden Market brings you its Christmas edition with a host of vendors and activities for all.
Carols in the Garden takes place between 1pm and 2pm on 30 November and 1 December along with a great line up of artists from the likes of Rubber Duc, Georgetown band, Jack and June and Brother Brother.
For the animal lover, why not take a homeless puppy for a walk through the gardens and help raise awareness around the “adopt don’t shop” mentality? Benji & Moon and Date-a-Dog with CLAW will be there to let you do so, and you can also bring your own four-legged friends to join in the festivities.
Kids activities include Santa on Stilts, a slime-making workshop, canvas and face painting and an ever-awesome jumping castle.
With a delight of activities for both young and old, two-legged and four-legged alike, the Linden Christmas Market 2019 edition is one not to be missed.
When: 30 November and 1 December 9am to 4pm
Where: The Botanical Gardens, 45 Thomas Bowler St, Emmarentia
Cost: Two-day Pass R50 | General entry R30 | Pensioners R15 | Kids U12 Enter Free
Online Tickets: Quicket
Tel: 082 728 6146 | Email: thelindenmarket@gmail.com
Facebook: @thelindenmarket | The Linden Market Christmas Edition | Instagram: @thelindenmarket
KAMERS/MAKERS PRETORIA
KAMERS/Makers was brought to fruition with a simple ethos in mind: to promote and sustain quality, ethical, home-made and locally crafted products from fashion to art to food. Showcased as a local market with separate events during the year both in Cape Town and Gauteng, December will also see over 190 artisans making their arts and crafts available for purchase in a peaceful, alfresco setting in Irene, Pretoria.
“Gentle and Genuine” is the description that comes to mind when browsing some of what is on offer. Each item has been meticulously crafted to exhibit a genuine quality and love very rarely found today.
KAMERS/Makers is a sure way to ease into the holiday season with over 190 individual creatives. Browse the stalls as you sip on some fresh, locally made fruit juice and bask in the sunlight and positivity whilst surrounding yourself with some of South Africa’s best talent.
Tickets include a limited edition KAMERS/Makers shopper bag, Consol Glass water bottle and magazine.
When: 3 to 8 December 9am to 5pm | Friday 6 December, extended hours until 8pm. Free entry from 4:30pm
Where: Cornwall Hill College, Irene, Pretoria
Cost: R70 online | R100 at the entrance | Multi-entry tickets R130 | Group discounts | Students and pensioners R70 | U18 free
Tickets: www.plankton.mobi
Email: info@kamers.co.za
Facebook: @Kamersvol | Twitter: @kamersvol | Instagram: @kamersvol
