The festive season in the Northern Suburbs officially starts this Saturday. The Tyger Valley Festive Market opens on 14 November 2026 at Tyger Valley Centre in Bellville, and it runs right through to 27 December 2026.
It's the first of our four Cape Crafts Christmas markets to open this year, and the longest-running. That gives you six weeks to find handmade gifts from around 250 local makers, all under one roof.
Where to find the Tyger Valley Festive Market
The market sits in the central arena on the lower level of the food court at Tyger Valley Centre, on the corner of Willie van Schoor Avenue and Bill Bezuidenhout Avenue in Bellville.
The easiest way in is through Entrance 3. Head to the food court and take the escalators down to the lower level. You'll probably spot the market before you get there: it's visible from the restaurant seating and from the escalators on all three levels above.
The centre has secure multi-storey parking, and there are lifts for wheelchairs and prams.
Dates and trading hours
- Opens: Saturday 14 November 2026
- Closes: Sunday 27 December 2026
- Hours: the market trades during Tyger Valley Centre's hours. The centre currently opens from 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, and from 9am to 5pm on Sundays and public holidays.
- Entry: free
Mall hours often stretch closer to Christmas, so check our Instagram, @capecrafts, for any late-night trading.
What you'll find at the market
Around 250 local exhibitors trade at Tyger Valley each year, and almost everything is made or sourced by small Western Cape businesses. Expect:
- Handmade jewellery and accessories
- Homeware and festive décor
- Clothing and kids' gifts
- Art, crafts and one-of-a-kind finds
- Edible treats and stocking fillers
If you're tired of buying the same gifts from the same chain stores, this is where you'll find something with a story behind it.
Why Tyger Valley is the easy choice in December
Of all our markets, Tyger Valley is the one that's fully indoors and air-conditioned. When the Cape Town sun is beating down in December, that matters, especially with little ones in tow.
You're also right next to the food court, so lunch, coffee and a break for tired feet are never more than a few steps away.
Tips for shopping the market
- Go early in the season. The market opens mid-November, and the first few weeks are the calmest time to browse.
- Avoid the last-minute rush. Most of the market's trade happens between about 14 and 24 December, so if you prefer space to browse, shop before then.
- Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekends and late afternoons get busy as Christmas gets closer.
- Walk the whole arena. With around 250 stalls, the best finds are often tucked into the corners.
- Can't make it before Christmas? Tyger Valley trades until 27 December, so it's also a good stop for post-Christmas browsing.
Last year at Tyger Valley
In 2025 the Tyger Valley Festive Market ran from 15 November to 28 December. This year's market returns to the same spot in the food court arena, opening a day earlier on 14 November. If you shopped with us last year, you'll know exactly where to find us.
Three more Cape Crafts markets this festive season
Tyger Valley is the first of four Cape Crafts Christmas markets across Cape Town in 2026:
| Market | Dates | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Tyger Valley Festive Market | 14 November to 27 December | Tyger Valley Centre, Bellville |
| Somerset Mall Festive Gift Market New | 21 November to 24 December | Outside Entrance 2, Somerset Mall, Somerset West |
| CapeGate Festive Market | 27 November to 24 December | CapeGate Shopping Centre, Brackenfell |
| Edgemead Christmas Market | 5 to 24 December | Edgemead Community Centre, Edgemead |
Not sure which one is closest to you? Use the Find your market tool on our homepage.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Tyger Valley Festive Market open in 2026?
The market opens on Saturday 14 November 2026 and runs until Sunday 27 December 2026.
Where is the Tyger Valley Christmas market?
It's inside Tyger Valley Centre in Bellville, in the central arena on the lower level of the food court. Use Entrance 3 for the quickest route.
What time is the market open?
The market trades during Tyger Valley Centre's hours, currently 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Is entry free?
Yes, entry to the market is free.
Is the market indoors?
Yes. It's fully indoors and air-conditioned, which makes it a comfortable choice on hot December days.
How many stalls are there?
Around 250 local exhibitors trade at the Tyger Valley Festive Market.
Is there parking?
Yes. Tyger Valley Centre has secure multi-storey parking, with lifts down to the food court.
Who runs the market?
The Tyger Valley Festive Market is run by Cape Crafts, which also runs the Somerset Mall, CapeGate and Edgemead Christmas markets. For questions, email info@capecrafts.co.za or call 084 643 3821, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
See you at Tyger Valley
Opening Saturday 14 November. Bring your gift list.