Christmas events 2023. Image: canva
Christmas 2023: Festive events to check out this December
December is finally HERE and if you’re looking for fun, festive Christmas events and activities in South Africa, we’ve got you covered!
Christmas events 2023. Image: canva
DURBAN
Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights 2023
What: No festive season is complete without a visit to the fantastic Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights in Durban! The Trail of Lights is designed to transport you into a festive wonderland filled with stunning decorations, sparkling lights, live entertainment, and delicious food. Tickets range from R50-R90 per person and kids under two enter free. Book here.
When: Runs from Friday, 8 December to Wednesday, 3 January 2024
Where: Durban Botanic Gardens, John Zikhali Road, Durban.
ALSO READ: Here are all 51 of South Africa’s ‘Blue Flag beaches’ for 2023
Christmas Eve Dinner at The Pencil Club
What: Come enjoy a specially prepared Christmas Eve Dinner at The Pencil Club this December. You will be treated to a delectable menu that fuses tradition with innovation, promising a gastronomic journey that will delight your senses. Tickets cost R650 per adult, R240 under 12. Book your tickets here.
When: Sunday, 24 December, from 18:00 to 22:00
Where: The Pencil, 1 Ncondo Pl, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga.
ALSO READ: Five fantastic tips to have the best road trip this festive season
Christmas Carols Concert
What: Come spread some festive joy this December at a fun Christmas Carols Concert at The Playhouse in Durban. The audience will get to sing along to iconic Christmas carols like Joy to the World, Santa Claus Is Coming to town and many more. Tickets are R50 per person and can be booked here.
When: Sunday, 17 December, at 15:00
Where: Playhouse Company – Grand Foyer, 231 Smith St, Durban Central, Durban.
JOHANNESBURG
Joburg Festival of Lights at Joburg Zoo
What: The annual Joburg Festival of Lights will return this December and will feature an enchanting collection of illuminated life-size animal characters and as well as entertainment, food and craft night market for visitors to the Joburg Zoo. Tickets cost R175 for adults, R100 for pensioners and R75 for kids. Book here.
When: Open every Thursday to Sunday, from 7 December to 7 January 2024, at 19:00
Where: Joburg Zoo, Parkview, Johannesburg.
ALSO READ: Johannesburg to play host to World Culture and Heritage summit
Christmas Town at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
What: Christmas Town is coming to town this December and it’s not to be missed. The fun event will showcase the spirit of the season for both kids and adults to enjoy, making it the perfect family outing to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. You and the kids can look forward to candy cane hunting, gingerbread decorating, a fun craft market, and awesome food stalls.Tickets cost R130 for general admission and kids under six enter free. Get tickets here.
When: From 15 to 24 December, at 17:00
Where: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Roodepoort, Johannesburg.
ALSO READ: Johannesburg: Here’s why you should ditch the coast and celebrate Christmas in the city
Christmas Drive-In Movie Night
What: Who doesn’t love Christmas movies? Grab your friends and family and head to Chartwell Corner to enjoy a Drive-In movie night watching a Christmas classic: Home Alone. Tickets cost R150 per car (4 people). Book here.
When: Friday, 8 December 2022, from 18:30 to 21:30
Where: Chartwell Corner, Corner of Gateside Avenue &, Cedar Rd, Dainfern, Johannesburg.
CAPE TOWN
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
What: Described as ‘a sumptuous banquet for the eyes, ears and imagination; a sensory delight for any tired soul.’, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will run on stage in Cape Town this December at Theatre On The Bay. Tickets range from R180-R280 per person and can be booked here.
When: From Wednesday, 6 December until Saturday, 16 December
Where: Theatre On The Bay, Cape Town.
ALSO READ: Cape Town ranked as 2023’s 3rd best city in the world for culture
Christmas Eve Dinner at The Sanctuary Restaurant
What: The Sanctuary Restaurant in Cape Town will be hosting a delicious three-course Christmas Eve Dinner with a carefully crafted menu that’s designed to please every palate! Menu items include salads, lamb, pork belly, gammon, roast beef, pavlova, cheesecake and lots more. Tickets are R650 per adult and R250 per child. Book here.
When: Sunday, 24 December, at 19:00
Where: The Sanctuary at Kloof Street Hotel, Cape Town.
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Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch
What: Kirstenbosch Gardens will once again be the setting for the popular Cape Town Carols this year. Grab a picnic blanket, your friends and family, and enjoy a wonderful evening with your favourite singalongs, delicious food, and the beautiful sight of thousands of digital glowsticks* lighting up the evening sky. Tickets are R125-R175 per person. Book here.
When: From Thursday, 14 December to Sunday, 17 December, from 18:00
Where: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town.
