pic: johannesburglive.co.zaWe all want to avoid the manic mall mayhem. Scurrying around under strobe lighting with the rest of the pre-Christmas flurry is hardly conducive to calm, and there are so many wonderful markets at which you can pick up home-made fare for your Christmas meal; goodies, crafts and gifts that are local and handmade, in an unhurried atmosphere. We've made it even easier, by selecting those at which you're sure to enjoy yourselves and find hidden treasures.

Markets we love

Top 10 markets in & around Cape Town
The two stalwarts of Cape Town have to be the Neighbourgoods Market and the Porter Estate Produce Market, both of which have a strong focus on responsible and local foods, and some crafts. The Neighbourgoods Market held a Christmas market last year, which they’re sure to repeat. New to the Cape Town scene is ...a local market that looks set to steal a different show. The Obs Night Market takes place on Thursday evenings in the community centre. It also focuses on fresh produce and some ‘delightful arts and ingenious crafts’. The Stellenbosch Fresh Goods market (review here ) is a wonderful assortment of authentic Slow Food providers – no chemically laden food here – artisan foods, and an assortment of plants, beer, wine and goodies to go (slowly made food to go, that is). Go and savour fine food. Don’t forget the Elgin Valley Market on the N2 at Grabouw, the Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market in the Hemel-en-Aarde Village, the Prince Albert Saturday Market, the Harvest Time Farmers’ Market halfway between Knysna and Plett, and the Wild Oats Market in Sedgefield.

Top markets in and around Jo’burg
The Bryanston organic market is one of the forerunners of organic and green living, they’ve been around since 1976, and, despite a recent fire, are still going strong. They promote products and activities that aid the healing of the earth and its people. Joining them as one of the top green markets to visit is the Irene Village market , set in the grounds of Jan Smuts’ house just outside the village. Buy your organic herbs, vegetables and breads here, as well as a range of potential gift ideas. Two new (ish) kids on the block include the Parkview Organic Market, a local market that emphasises the need to live in harmony with our planet, which takes place every Saturday morning in Tyrone Avenue, Parkview, and the about to debut Green Market through in Pretoria. Set in the grounds of the botanical garden in Brummeria, this is a market set to raise awareness of the importance and the benefits of a greener lifestyle that includes a recycling project where locals can recycle their rubbish.

In KwaZulu-Natal
The major players appear to be the Pietermaritzburg Farmers Market and the Shongweni Farmers Market, but the Karkloof Market, a fresh produce market held just outside Howick, is another lovely market inspired by old-fashioned village living that includes organic vegetables and breakfasts worth making the journey for.