Christmas shopping in Durban comes with a few perks. You can browse for handmade gifts before a movie under the stars, stick around for carols by candlelight or do your shopping with the sea just across the road. From Glenwood to Hillcrest, here are sone festive markets worth putting in your diary.
—————–
Market 031, Durban North
Start your gift shopping over dinner and live music at the November night market, or save this one for a public-holiday browse in December. Both markets take place at Northwood Crusaders Sports Club on Ranleigh Crescent.
27 November, 5–9pm, and 16 December, 10am–2pm · Free entry to the November night market.
Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market, Shongweni
Make a morning of it with breakfast, a wander through the craft stalls and a view over the Shongweni Valley. On 28 November, the venue also hosts the separately ticketed Carols & Kilts, where Christmas favourites get the bagpipe treatment.
28 November · Market 7am–1pm, Carols & Kilts 3–5pm · Free market entry.
Park Square Christmas Market & Movie Night, Umhlanga
Pack a picnic blanket for this one. Shop for handmade gifts, grab supper from the food stalls and settle in for a family-friendly outdoor movie. There’ll also be arts and crafts for the kids.
4 December · Market from 4pm, movie around 7.30pm · Free entry.
Imakethe kaKhisimusi at Phansi Museum, Glenwood
If you’re after a gift with a bit of Durban character, start here. Phansi Museum’s community Christmas market brings local makers, crafts, art and food to Esther Roberts Road for a Saturday browse.
5 December, 10am–3pm · Check admission with the museum on 031 206 2889.
Golden Hours Family Market, Durban North
Browse for handmade gifts under the mango trees, then grab a vetkoek and settle in for some live music. There’s a playground for the kids, and the market helps raise funds for Golden Hours School, so your Sunday outing supports a local cause too.
Sundays from 10am · 21 Uitsig Road, Durban North · Free entry.
The Musgrave Market, Musgrave
If you’re shopping for someone who’s tricky to buy for, take a Saturday stroll through Berea Park. The stalls mix handmade jewellery and homeware with vintage finds and plants. Grab a bite while you browse, or time your visit for the live music from 11am
Saturdays, 9am–3pm · Berea Park, Stephen Dlamini Road, Musgrave · Free entry.
