Christmas fest at Essenwood Market

THERE will be a special Christmas market this Saturday, 20 December complete with a super-sized kiddies corner as Essenwood Craft Market gets into the festive spirit.

One of the region’s pioneer arts, craft, fashion, gifts, food and collectables markets – is gearing itself up for the festive season by offering visitors a comprehensive selection of festive gift ideas and a cosy place to enjoy a leisurely Saturday morning al-fresco brunch. “We want to ensure that the market’s focus is firmly family-friendly,” said the market’s Cyan Brown, “We are situated in a park environment with a functioning play area which is perfect for children to run around in. To complement this, we have free pony rides, and feature weekly child-focused activities – be it fire-engine rides; fair-ground attractions; face-painting and children’s games,” she said.

The stalls will be gearing-up to cater for non-commercial, affordable, gift options: books; music; jewellery; decor items; clothing; accessories; plants; fresh flowers; health and beauty products; edible treats; original artwork; crafted goods and children’s wear and accessories. The market offers more than a hundred different specialist stalls. Also there are stalls which specialise in festive themed goods: table decor, tree decorations; serviettes, runners and table cloths; candles; stockings and stocking fillers. “One can shop at leisure with some gentle festive music as background… and of course Santa will be visiting!” added Brown.

To honour the spirit of the season, charity stalls to raise funds and create awareness for charities, causes and NGOs will be interspersed among the traders.

Essenwood Market is pram and wheelchair friendly throughout and well behaved pets on a leash are welcome. Visitors parking is available in Essenwood, St Thomas, Berea Park and Sydenham Roads with car guards on site. The market is open from 9am to 2pm.