Kei Mouth Tourism

Christmas Market Marks the Start of the Festive Season

It might not be Oxford Street, but on the 18th of December, Kei Mouth’s main street was almost as busy as London’s notorious shopping hotspot. Local crafters and entrepreneurs lined the street with gazebos and food stands, drawing locals and visitors away from the beach and into the heart of the village. 

Not only was it a festive occasion, but it also gave everyone the chance to pick up some last-minute gifts and add a few new items to their summer wardrobes.

From Syrups to Spring Rolls: A World of Flavour

Alongside the locals and regulars were a few surprises, like Lemon Blossom from Cintsa, offering a range of delicious lemon syrups, perfect for washing down one of Mr Yut’s famous spring rolls. Wandering along the main street was a treat for the senses, with the delicious aromas floating up from Chicca Pizza, R & J Braai, and Indian Delights mixing with the sounds of laughter and the sizzle of hot grills. 

The hot dishes were complemented by an impressive array of artisanal treats and delicacies. Traditional South African koeksisters, glistening in sweet syrup and edible glitter, sat alongside rich, buttery cookies, while speciality olive oils filled beautifully decorated bottles. No event in Kei Mouth would be complete without biltong and the Smaldeel Meat Co provided enough perfectly seasoned offerings to keep the whole village going until Christmas.

Christmas Market Kei Mouth

A Crafty Approach: Locals Showcase Their Creative Talents

The locals were also out in force and keen to showcase their creative talents. Lisbon Leathers were there with their signature handmade belts and innovatively designed chopping boards, as was Omi who had an even bigger selection of coasters, trays, jewellery and other odds and ends than usual. Morgan Bay was also in attendance with an assortment of colourful artworks and handmade crafts. 

Anyone shopping for last-minute Christmas gifts was spoilt for choice and if you needed anything to add a little festive cheer to your holiday home, you were sure to go home laden with new purchases. 

Green Gin, Craft Beers, and Pony Rides on Unicorns!

While eating and shopping were two of the day’s main events, there were other things to keep market-goers entertained. The bright green apple gin was certainly a hit and Table 58’s craft beers went down just as well under a cloudy sky as they do when the sun’s shining. 

Wild Coast Horses also arrived, giving the kids a chance to get acquainted with Kei Mouth’s very own unicorns! The one-eyed Quick Silver was cheered on by his diminutive fans, while his companion, Thulani, ambled on, unperturbed even when a sudden gust of wind saw a gazebo take to the sky!

A Rare Treat and a New Myth: Naughtycals Wine

Whether trading or buying, the market proved to be a festive occasion for everyone involved, although there was a more serious note within the day’s festivities. At lunchtime, two cases of extremely rare wine were up for grabs in a hotly contested auction. Raising much-needed funds for NSRI Station 47 – our local coastal heroes – the wine was crafted from Ascophyllum grapes harvested from the enigmatic Killing Rocks. 

Steeped in mystery and brewed in stealth, Nautghtycals wines are a coveted treasure for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike! Those that won the auction and took home the wine should tread carefully, though – Strandloper legends say revealing too much about the wine or its origins could leave you with sand in your ears! 

Regardless of that, the NSRI were delighted with the results which saw approximately R3,500 boosting their bank account. Given how busy the lifeguards have been already this season, these funds will help ensure they can continue their vital rescue work along our coastline. 

Christmas Market Kei Mouth

Village Pride: Grosvenor Square is Sitting Pretty

In the centre of the market proudly stood Grosvenor Square, complete with its new plants and Christmas decorations. It stands testament to the work the Kei Mouth Owners and Residents Association, other community-minded organizations and individuals contribute to our village and the passion they feel for presenting our coastal retreat at its best.

Upcoming Markets and Activities for your Festive Fix 

While Kei Mouth’s Christmas Market might be done and dusted, there’s no shortage of festive markets coming up in the surrounding area. The 22nd of December sees Haga Haga Country Club’s annual Christmas Market, while the 23rd marks Yellowwood Forest in Morgan Bay’s busiest market of the year, so if you haven’t had your fill of holiday shopping and festivities, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local market scene.

Aside from the markets, there are lots of activities going on from now well into the New Year. Check out our Facebook page for daily updates on the day’s activities and to stay informed about all the exciting events happening in our vibrant coastal community this holiday season.

Christmas Market Kei Mouth

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