Ask anyone in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg what they’ll be doing between Friday, 25 and Sunday, 27 November and they’ll tell you that they’re making time in their busy end-of-year schedules to visit the Christmas Market in Parkview. Why? It offers a touch of Europe in the heart of Jozi with diverse shopping at over 70 stands and a variety of entertainment for both young and old. From food stalls and live music performances, to fun-fair delights for the kids; George Hay Park becomes the place to be for families from the community and its surrounds.

People flock to the market to be a part of its Christmas tradition, which ranges from a stunning night-time experience when the park is transformed into a twinkling Christmas fantasy, to a musical programme from the local schools’ choirs and a traditional Nativity play. Everything about this three-day event is geared towards encouraging festive family cheer.

Her dream has come to fruition in more ways than she’d ever hoped for, and through its profits, the market is now able to give substantial donations to a number of charities, which has only been made possible because it has developed such a celebrated reputation in an incredibly short space of time. This achievement must be attributed to the brand awareness campaign surrounding the event, which is spread across a broad section of the media.

Not only is the Parkview Christmas Market advertised on a number of broadcasting platforms including Radio Today, 702 and Highveld, and in print media, but it is also promoted on large outdoor bill boards and posters throughout the city. Thanks to the reputable media companies the likes of Primedia Outdoor, Continental Outdoor, Century Outdoor and Adreach, who made this campaign possible by providing the normally costly yet valuable outdoor advertising for free, the Parkview Christmas Market will continue to grow and thrive, and therefore persevere with its objective to support charities from its profits.