7 Christmas markets in the Lowveld you shouldn’t miss

Decorations are popping up in shops everywhere and the giant gift catalogues are filling up post boxes. The time for Christmas shopping has arrived and best you start early before the rush.

The Lowveld is home to some of the most unique Christmas markets which makes gift shopping a pleasant and memorable experience. Here are some to look forward to:

Uplands Craft Beer Fair and Christmas Market – October 24

While mom runs around picking out the perfect pressie for every member of the family, dads can enjoy a cold one while watching the little ones. It’s a perfect compromise and a festive atmosphere that ensures that guests to this market return year after year. The market offers food stalls aplenty and will also be showing the Rugby World Cup semi-final on a big screen. Entrance is free and the event will take place from 10:00 to 18:00. Enquiries: 076-702-3540.

Christmas Market on the Farm/Kersmark op die Plaas – October 29 to 31

For two years now the delightful folk of this market diligently count down the sleeps months in advance. And following last year’s successful event, so do we. The market quickly became known for some very unique exhibitors that stock items you can’t just pick up in any department store. Stalls include gourmet food, a kids play area, tea garden, wine garden and there will also be a mobile ATM unit on site (you will need it).

The market will take place daily from 09:00 to 18:00. Entrance is R30 per person and R10 for parking. Find it between Mbombela and White River on the road to Ingwenyama. Turn right at the T-junction and follow the signs. Enquiries: 073-290-4722.

Expo@Communio – October 30 to November 7

For a whole week Communio Church on the Kaapsehoop Road in Mbombela will have its expo to showcase some of the most amazing crafts and gifts. Exhibitions will include ceramics, decor items, paintings, jewellery, woodwork, toys, clothing, gifts and many more gifts and clothing. There will also be a tea garden. Enquiries: Estra on 084-626-0262 or Daleen on 082-650-8811.

Bagdad Farmers’ Market – November 14

Although not a Christmas-only market, this monthly event definitely stocks some goodies perfect to put under the tree. The market takes place from 08:00 to 12:00 and has everything, from craft beer and fresh produce to local art and quirky crafts. It takes place at the Bagdad Centre outside White River on the R40 towards Hazyview. Enquiries: 013-750-0469.

NG Witrivier Kersmark – November 25 to 28

The kind people of NG Kerk Witrivier will host their Christmas market at the church daily. On Wednesday they will be open from 15:00 to 19:00 and both Thursday and Friday it will run from 09:00 to 19:00. On Saturday the market will be open from 09:00 to 15:00 so everyone will have a chance to attend. There will be an array of exhibitors, a tea garden and card facilities available. Enquiries: heleen@ngwitrivier.co.za.

ArtYchoke Good Food and Gifts Market – November 28

With some 50 food and craft stalls, live music by Gerald Clark and awesome entertainment for the kids that include petting farm animals, horse rides and tractor trips, this one is definitely not to be missed. The day’s activities will also include a trail run and an outdoor pilates class for the physically inclined. Held at the bespoke Coromandel Farm, 35 kilometres from Dullstroom on the R540, the backdrop to this unique Christmas market is reason enough to make your way over. It will take place from 08:00 to 15:00. Enquiries: artychoke.coromandel@gmail.com.

Graskop Christmas and Crafters Market – December 12

The annual Graskop Christmas and Crafters Market will this year be held on the Saturday, but will start with carols by candlelight in the town hall on Friday December 11. The various stalls in front of the municipal offices also won’t disappoint and will offer an exciting array of interesting buys for some last-minute shopping. Activities will include gold panning, an art exhibition in the town hall, gumboot dancing, a baking competition and a demonstration for kids on how to produce art from waste products. The market takes place from 08:00 to 16:00 and on Sunday there will be potjiekos competition with great prizes. Enquiries: Grant Bosman on 082-822-1929.