Stay home for the holidays and support local makers this festive season, with this comprehensive list of Johannesburg food markets.

Market on Main (Maboneng)

Headed up by Jacques van der Watt and Bradley Kirshenbaum, the Market on Main brand has become synonymous with hosting urban markets around Johannesburg. This December, catch the team in action at Design Quarter, for two consecutive weekends: 11-13 December and 18-20 December 2020. Each weekend will start with a Friday night market and continue to Saturday and Sunday from noon until 5pm. “Many of our vendors used the lockdown to rethink their products, so the offering at Design Quarter in Fourways will be fresh, and of course local,” says Jacques.

Victoria Yards (Lorentzille)

Urban complex and farm, Victoria Yards will host their final market for 2020 on Sunday 20 December from 10am to 4pm. Visit the Makers Market for last-minute Christmas gifts and expect tasty food from local vendors in the community. All the studios at Victoria Yards will be open too. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing and wash your hands. Free entrance and free parking. “Permanent tenants, Foakes Coffee Shop, SODO Pizza, The Fish & Chips Shop and the BOND Society Bar will also be open on the day while the market offers everything from gourmet hamburgers, fresh produce and an Italian harvest table to the Gogo making freshly squeezed juice on the sidewalk,” says organiser PJ Henning.

LoCrate Market (Orlando West, Soweto)

Soweto’s favourite street food market, LoCrate, is back with their sixth annual Makhelwane Festival, taking place in Poka Street on Sunday 20 December. The family-friendly festival will feature the LoCrate food market, a wine garden, cycling, art, live music and more. “The LoCrate market usually takes place on the first Sunday of each month and was started to ensure that we build platforms for aspiring SMMEs, artists and creatives from different townships,” says founder Kgosi Rampa.

Fourways Farmers Market (Modderfontein)

The recently reimagined Fourways Farmers Market, now situated in the Modderfontein Reserve, offers an open-air setting coupled with seating under the trees and lakeside views. The outdoor market features over 60 stalls, a craft bar, kids’ activities and live music. There is a carefully selected group of food vendors, with local favourites such as Bulkin Burger, Che Grill and the famed Sumting Fresh crew. Visit this market every Saturday and Sunday from 08h00 until 16h00.

Bryanston Organic Market (Sandton)

Situated in the heart of Bryanston, this organic market, which usually takes place every Thursday and Saturday, will host its last instalment for the year, a Christmas market, from Tuesday 15 December to Friday 18 December, 3–7pm. This wholesome family event offers festive food and hand-crafted gifts. There will also be kids’ activities such as Christmas cookie decorating and a Christmas carol singalong. A selection of delectable snacks, meals, desserts and drinks tempts you to spend some time savouring these treats or enjoying an early supper with family and friends.

Waterfall Market (Midrand)

The beautiful Waterfall Park, which is situated in front of the Mall of Africa, has been transformed into a family-friendly market. The Waterfall Market hosts a curated experience with the finest artisans, makers, bakers and creators in the city. Picnic on the lawn with the kids or toast to the good life with friends at one of the communal tables. Experience great food, live entertainment and lovely views. Every Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Field Market (Sandton)

The family-centred Field Market in Parkmore has a lovely setting under the trees and focuses on supporting local vendors. Enjoy everything from handmade goods to deli products, gourmet food stalls and a craft gin bar. There is live music throughout the day and kiddies’ Christmas activities.