Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle in the bay!

Christmas is coming! Oy vey, where on Earth will I find last-minute gifts? 

Here in hip-and-happening Hermanus, we're spoiled for choice with a few wonderful markets selling gifts galore during the festive season. Grab a friend and make a day of it - and feel great doing it; we've all heard the heart-warming expression of 'shop local, support local'. 

The Gift Market is a gift in itself, held at Curro Hermanus Independent School from 12-29 December 2022 from 10h00 - 18h00. If you missed anyone at Christmas, happy belated gifting; if someone gave the kiddos a few hundred bucks, let's splurge it here. You'll find something unique for everyone, at every age. From braai and leather goodies to snacks and spices, décor to aprons, cosmetic and silver jewellery, as well as kid's toys to books. There's food and coffee outside with tables for the unenthusiastic gents.  

This year will see the exciting addition of creative workshops, including a Jewellery Workshop, Bloom - Polymer Clay Earring Workshop and Slow Studios - Embroidery Workshop. Or, take your music skills to the next level with a workshop with award-winning Afrikaans singer and songwriter, Herman Kleinhans, who will also be performing at the event. He will inspire you to write lyrics, create an excellent accompanying tune and find the perfect chords. For more info on this workshop contact 071 224 1906 or email tweemusiek@gmail.com.

The Son en See Feesmark (The Sun and Sea Festive Market) at the Grobbelaar Hall is from 12 December 2022 - 7 January 2023, giving you even more grace for belated gifting. Here you'll find wonderful creative presents at amazing prices. Grab a fresh pancake before browsing through an assortment of crafts, jewellery, frames, bar and braai goodies, soaps, liquors, and gin. This is a great place to grab some stocking fillers and sweet and savoury treats to delight all - from cured meats to preserves, sweets to jams and spices. Take a break and enjoy a delicious cappuccino with ample seating on the stage that creates a balcony vibe overlooking the colourful stalls.

The Saturday outdoor Hermanus Country Market stalls are full of festive-time sellers, from art and crafts to clothing, and fresh bread and produce to cook up a Christmas feast. Speaking of food, you can eat a divine lunch here (there's even something for gluten-free Susan). There's music, craft beer to keep hubby occupied, and wine or gin for after shopping. You'll find many kiddies activities with interactive games, a jungle gym, face painting and the most adorable puppies from Hermanus Animal Welfare Society. Your own four-legged Fido is most welcome too. 

They have newly weatherproofed the market with a massive stretch tent covering the stalls and seating - a big move, creating safety and a top market experience. For the silly season, they're open in the evenings, from 17:00 to 21:00, on Friday 16 Dec, Wednesday to Friday 21-23 December, and the following Wednesdays 28 December & 4 January as well as their usual Saturdays, from 9:00 to 14:00. The market on Saturday the 24th promises to be particularly epic as the precursor to a very festive family day.

If you'd love a smaller, vibey experience with live music, Hermanuspietersfontein's Die Markie (The Market) will pique the wine lovers' interest with tastings of their fine wines. There's also Folk & Goode craft beer, Fiddler's Craft Gin and delicious country produce and boerekos - from pancakes to koeksisters, oysters to bokkoms. For gifting, take home their extra virgin olive oil, wines, adorable wooden-crafted sheep and funky socks; for Christmas dining, grab some fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie and delectable breads. Your beloved pooch can come along - they're an outdoor market with plenty of shady umbrellas. They're open every Saturday from 9:00 to 14:00. 

Local jingles just jingle better - we've got what you need to up the jolly this festive season in Hermanus.