Yes, the season of Christmas market shopping has officially begun. Find unique, crafted and organic gifts for those hard-to-shop-for people in your life. Here’s our pick from around the country

1.

Bryanston Magical Moonlight Markets

Jozi’s original outdoor market, Bryanston Organic Market (Bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za), holds special Christmas markets with gifts, Christmas carols and an amazing festive nighttime atmosphere.

Where: 40 Culross Rd (off Main Rd), Bryanston

When: Each Tuesday evening until December 17 from 5pm to 9pm

2.

Cape Town Summer Market

The historical Company Gardens in the centre of Cape Town will be transformed into a mega market for the second time this year. And the best part – it’s open every day (except Christmas and Day of Goodwill) and until late for night-time shopping.

When: December 14 to 30, 12pm to 11pm

Where: The Company Gardens, Cape Town

3.

 The Parkview Christmas Market in George Hay Park

This charity market (Nicarela.org.za) will have over 70 stands and appearances from Idols’ Cameron Bruce and Josie Field. There’s also a nativity play on Sunday morning.

When: November 29 to December 1

Where: George Hay Park, Parkview

4.

Kamers vol Geskenke

This series of Christmas gift shopping destinations (Kamersvol.com) is renowned for its range of beautifully crafted gifts.

Pretoria: December 3 to 8 at The Open Window School in Southdowns, Irene

5.

 German Club Christmas market

The Germans aren’t famous for their Christmas markets for nothing. This is your chance to get a taste of traditional German Christmas fare (think stollen and spiced biscuits) as well as handmade toys, crafts, jewellery and more at the German Country Club.

When: November 23
from 10am

Where: 131 Holkham Rd,
Paulshof, Joburg

6.

South Coast Summer Christmas Market

This massive market (Scmarkets.co.za) on the South Coast is a gift mecca with approximately 300 stalls, and it’s open every day except Christmas and Day of Goodwill.

When: December 12 to January 5

Where: Douglas Mitchell Sports Grounds, Uvongo

The special Christmas edition of the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market (Slowmarket.co.za) is particularly good for organic Christmas food shopping, from turkey to Christmas cake, and there are gifts, clothes and carol singing, too.

When: December 6 to 7
Where: Oude Libertas, Stellenbosch

8.

Irene Christmas markets

The regular Irene Village Market (Irenemarket.co.za) held on the second
and last Saturday of every month just outside Pretoria holds special Christmas markets every Saturday throughout November and December.

When: Saturdays from now to 16 December

Where: Smuts House Museum, Jan Smuts Ave, off Nellmapius Ave, Irene

9.

Shongweni Farmers’ and Craft Christmas Market

The Shongweni Farmer’s Market (Shongwenimarket.co.za) has a special Christmas market featuring handcrafted gifts, live music and great food.

When: December 16, 9am to 3pm

Where: 1 Fraser Rd, Assegay, Durban