Is that an elf with a shopping basket?

Have you seen elves carrying shopping baskets running around the Edgemead Community Hall lately?

No, you are not losing your marbles at the end of a long work year!

It is time for the annual Edgemead Christmas Market again and excitement is in the air. If you pop over right now, Santa's little helpers will be at the door, ready to welcome you to a very different shopping experience.

With more than 250 of the Cape's finest crafters under one roof, you are sure to find something for everyone - even for the pets. Here you will find unique gifts that are not the usual combo of underwear and socks or bubble bath and soap that you hand out every Christmas.

Established in 2001, this is one of the most well-known Christmas Markets in Cape Town.  Since then, the market has grown to such an extent that more trading space had to be created by setting up extra marquees in the parking lot to accommodate all the stalls.

This market, held at the Community Hall in Edgemead Drive, is central to the suburbs of Plattekloof, Welgelegen, Panorama, and Monte Vista on one side, and Bothasig, Burgundy Estate, Richwood, Table View, and Milnerton on the other.

The market is open and held until 24 December 2022. Entrance is free.

Insider tips

• There is parking - however, the parking lot do fill up over weekends, and then you have to revert to street parking. If you live nearby, it's a good idea to take a stroll to the market.
• Baked goods such as cookies and rusks are sold at the market, which is ideal if you want to stock up your pantry for the holidays. There are also beautifully decorated cookies that will make delectable gifts. Look out for gingerbread men, traditional ginger cake houses and of course Christmas fruit cakes. If you are worried that the cake will dry out, you can always buy a miniature bottle of brandy, unwrap your bought cake and pour the content of the miniature bottle over the cake, wrapping the cake up again in foil to ensure a deliciously moist cake on Christmas day.
• You will also find cordials and sweets that are out of the ordinary and that will make ideal stocking fillers.
• The jewelry sold here is often one of a kind, and not to be found in malls - also the prices are reasonable. If you like earrings, bangles, and necklaces that are original, look no further.
• Here you will find lots of ideas for stocking fillers - soaps, trinkets, candles - with the difference that it will be authentic.
• Apart from your Christmas shopping, this is also the ideal time to stock up on aromatherapy oils and deli products such as olive oils, jams and sauces at more reasonable prices than in the retail shops, as well as on bath products, especially expensive items such as bath bombs.
• Although the market accepts cards, a savings tip would be to bring only a certain amount of cash with so that you do not overspend!