Do not miss out on these Christmas markets in your area

Christmas markets have become a popular event in the Upper Highway Area. Residents get to have a fun-filled day or night with their loved ones. Let's not forget indulging in scrumptious foods and enjoying great entertainment. A plus side to these Christmas markets is that you get to support local businesses and charitable causes.

Enjoyed by all, this tradition dates back to centuries ago. The first Christmas market was recorded in 1298. Known as Vienna's December Market, citizens held a Krippenmarkt during Advent. About a century later, in 1384, Germany's first Christkindlmarkt was held. This open-air winter street market was in the eastern hilltop town of Bautzen, Saxony.

Initially, these early markets only sold meat. They later evolved to include everyday purchases, seasonal treats, decorations, and crafts. The markets were known to be joyful with singing and dancing present at every corner.

The Upper Highway area is a favourite and popular destination for Christmas markets in KwaZulu-Natal. These are some of the markets to check out this festive season:

Hillcrest

Christmas Market - Sunday, December 13 | 11 am - 5 pm
Hillside Church, Inanda Road
Free entry

Enjoy the Sunday afternoon at this Christmas market with the entire family. There will be a variety of food vendors tantalizing the tastebuds of all. From cakes to waffles, slush puppies and the finest coffees. Clothing and jewellery will also be on sale. Make sure you are dressed in your Sunday best so you do not miss the opportunity to get your photograph taken with Santa Claus.

Christmas Market Day Sale - Saturday, December 19 | 8 am - 2 pm
Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, Old Main Road
Free entry

This Christmas market promises tons of bargains and a clearance sale you do not want to miss. Aside from a wide selection of outdoor stalls, there will be lots on offer at the charity shop, second-hand book shop, plant nursery, as well as the Woza Moya Craft Shop & Art Gallery. You are bound to get the perfect gift for each member of the family here. You can also treat yourself to some famous Ubuntu Ground Cafe.

Kloof

Raising Funds for the KZN Valley Dogs & Husky Rescue Christmas Market - Friday, December 4 - Sunday, December 6 | Times vary
7c Kloof View Road, Forest Hills
Free entry - Donations accepted

In aid of the KZN Valley dogs and Husky Rescue, this marvellous Christmas market promises to be one of the best in Kloof. This three-day market is set to cater to everyone's tastes. There will be a gin and beer garden, barista, food stalls, and gift stalls. Belly dancers will keep the crowds entertained, with fire dancing display extraordinaire making an appearance on Saturday night.

Kloof and Highway SPCA Drive-In - Friday, December 4 | 7 pm
Kloof and Highway SPCA, Village Road
Tickets are R250 each

This night market is set to show patrons a wonderful evening the good old fashioned way. From 4 pm families can enjoy themselves at the Hidden Treasures Marquee. There will be a range of food vendors and tons of bargains to take advantage of. At 7 pm the whole family can watch the 2016 edition of the much-loved Jungle Book at the Drive-In. Proceeds will go to The Kloof and Highway SPCA. Attending this market enables you to give towards the care and upkeep of the amazing services rendered to our animals in need AND do Christmas shopping at the same time! Seeff Hillcrest and Kloof are avid supporters of Barbara Patrick and her amazing team at our local SPCA!

Shongweni

Shongweni Christmas Markets - December 5, 12, 16, 19, 20 | Times vary
The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market, 457 Mr551 Rd, Shongweni Resource Reserve
Free entry

The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market have added a touch of festivity to their weekly market. Along with a real-life ballerina, Christmas carols, and even some fluffy snow, Santa's elves will be scattered around the market showing kids and adults the way to his castle where they can write their letters to Santa as well as post them. Be sure to take your picnic baskets along and enjoy the festive spirit of the market, and indulge in the huge variety in choice of snacks, and gourmet meals alike from the many exciting food stalls. The Shongweni Market at Christmas time and at any other Saturday in fact has become a landmark event in the upper highway area! You can do all your Christmas shopping at this 'one-stop market'!

Pinetown

Christmas Doggy Dash 2020 - Saturday, December 12 | 7 am - 2 pm
Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park, Stockville Road
R50 per adult and R30 per Child/Dog (Excludes R25 Giba Gate Fee)

Get the whole family involved, including your four-legged best friend for this outing. The event comprises of a marked walk to the Giba Waterfall. You can run or walk at your own pace. Your dogs can accompany you provided it is on a leash. After you have become one with nature you can shop at the Christmas Market and grab some fantastic goodies that will be on sale. The Christmas Doggy Dash is a great initiative supporting the goal to sterilize 2025 dogs and cats by the year 2025. All funds raised will aid this good cause.

Markets in nearby areas:
● Bluff Christmas Market - November 27 - 28 | Bluff
● Vintage Christmas Market - Sunday, November 29 | Pietermaritzburg
● Christmas Bazaar - December 4 | Pietermaritzburg
● Westville Night Market - December 4 | Westville
● Vegan Country Christmas Market - December 5 | Cato Ridge
● Marula's Local Market - December 15 - 19 | Westville
● Park Square Christmas Faire - December 16 - 20 | Umhlanga

Support a good cause, get your Christmas presents done, or just have a jolly good time at one of these awesome Christmas markets. It will get the entire family involved in a special day out filled with joy, good treats, and sharing the spirit of Christmas.