Where to buy Christmas presents with a difference
CHRISTMAS markets and events add just the right amount of colour and warmth to the holiday season.
Whether you enjoy a lazy stroll through the stalls, singing along to the carols or shopping for sentimental gifts, markets have become a tradition.
The Sunday Tribune looked at what’s on offer.
KZN Christmas Market Festival When: December 13-17 Where: CityHill Auditorium, Hillcrest Contact: info@kzncmf.co.za
In its third year, this market has grown in leaps and bounds, with new exhibitors joining every year.
Visitors can browse more than 200 stalls that have locally-crafted goods and cuisine.
Kids can be entertained with games that will ensure their parents can shop for as long as they want.
One of the organisers, Debbie Viviers, said the fiveday event would include 90 percent of locally-made products.
“It’s the perfect place to socialise and an opportunity to fill your stockings with gifts for under R100. What is fun about this is that people can shop for hours and pay for it after they are done using debit cards, credit cards, cash or Zapper.
“There is something for everyone, from sweet treats to make-up, jewellery, Christmas cakes and biscuits, soaps and scrubs, stationery, plants and succulents, sauces and pickles, home decor, toys and clothing.”
On December 15 and 16, there will be a food fair with a variety of meals and desserts.
Christmas Market and Horse Show When: December 11 Where: Durban Shongweni Club, 8am-3pm Contact: e-mail vschonfeld@ gmail.com
This combination is bound to appeal to everybody.
This year the festivities will coincide with the South African Dressage Youth Festival, where young riders will perform a freestyle test to music while the market takes place.
More than 50 stallholders will exhibit, with sellers of crafts, artisan food and homemade gifts in full force.
The night before, there will be events, including perform- ances by the Hammersdale Zulu Church Choir, carols by candlelight, and the pony club quadrille, where six horses perform in a specially choreographed routine to music.
Entrance fee for Saturday’s event is R20, and will go towards the Childhood Cancer Foundation SA.
Yellow ribbons (representing children’s cancer awareness) will be sold for R20.
Wickedly Odd – The Night Garden When: December 7-10 Where: Durban Botanical Gardens Contact: www.wickedlyodd. co.za
The second Wickedly Odd – The Night Garden will be open for six shows.
Mixed with an outdoor din- ing and entertainment experience, the night will consist of experiential food and festivity set in the city’s green lung.
On arrival, guests will be welcomed with a glass of champagne, followed by a fivecourse plated menu in keeping with nature.
Illa Thompson, a publicist for the event, said it was an unusual Christmas experience.
Outlet Park Market When: December 10 Where: 59 Meridian Drive, uMhlanga Contact: 031 566 5000
Christmas
A Christmas market in “the rocks” is bound to get people talking, and this one ticks all the boxes. From gifts for pets and family members, the market offers it all, from jewellery to tech products and cookware. Foodies are also catered for.
Plan B Essenwood Market When: December 17-24 Where: Stephen Dlamini Road, Berea Contact: Paul Reddy at 081 370 7577
This market under new management will offer a number of family activities, from free jumping castles to digital Santa pictures, open mic events and pony rides. Food stalls will be altering their menus to fit with the theme of Christmas.
Spokesman Paul Reddy said visitors could buy hand-made leather wallets, bracelets and clothing items for around R100, while for the avid reader – or as a stocking filler – books start at R50.