With the holiday season rapidly approaching (2 weeks to Christmas, no less!) it gives me the opportunity to compile an events calendar for you to bookmark as you decide how to spend Christmas in South Africa with your loved ones. Whether you are staying put and enjoying the ghost town of Gauteng, or packing up and heading for fun, sea, and braai at the coast, there’s a host of activities for you and your family to enjoy, no matter where you decide to spend your well-deserved break. Here are my Top 3 categories for family-filled summer Fun for 2019/2020.
Cricket Series – Proteas versus England and Australia.
The Proteas renew classic rivalries over the Christmas season, with England and Australia providing stiff opposition as the summer visitors to our shores. Family and friends can enjoy a game at a number of venues, and over various formats, from Boxing Day right through to March 2020. Book your Tickets here.
Gauteng
Centurion Supersport Park 26th Dec 2019 / 16th Feb 2020
Joburg Wanderers Stadium 24th Jan / 9th & 21st Feb 2020
Western Cape
Cape Town Newlands Stadium 3rd Jan / 4th & 26th Feb 2020
Paarl Boland Park 29th Feb
Kwa Zulu Natal
Durban Kingsmead 7th and 14th Feb 2020
Free State
Bloemfontein Mangaung Oval 4th March 2020
Christmas Markets Galore
As is customary for every Christmas in South Africa, ’tis the season for markets’, offering a great family outing with something for everyone. If you’re in Gauteng, be sure to check out the Garden of Lights at Emperors Palace. If you’re on the West side of town, the Wonderland of Lights at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens is an equal treat for the senses.
Cape Town is equal to the festive market spirit, with numerous market events taking place, complete with food trucks, live music and select appearances by Father Christmas himself.
Our pick of the bunch are The Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair and the Simply South Craft and Gift Fair, in Bergvliet, south of the city.
Our Durban crew can also look forward to an enchanting (if tropical) Christmas wonderland by popping in, either at the Trail of Lights at Durban Botanic Gardens, or at Hillcrest’s Festive Market for family fun and a healthy overdose of Christmas goodies.
Theatre and Pantomime Season is Upon Us
“Oh no it isn’t….. Oh yes, it is!” School’s officially out for summer! And with restless kids always looking for activities, South Africa rolls out the big guns every Christmas with a feast of pantomime, theatre, and concerts to keep the young, and young at heart entertained throughout the festive season. Here is our pick of the bunch across the country.
Jack and The Beanstalk (Joburg Theatre) 11th – 22nd December Tickets
Peter Pan on Ice (Teatro Montecasino) 6th Dec – 11th Jan 2020 Tickets
Carols by Candlelight (Kirstenbosch Gardens) 13th-16th December Tickets
The Rocky Horror Show (Artscape Theatre CPT) 6th Dec – 12th Jan 2020 Tickets
uMhlanga Summer Fest (uMhlanga Coast) 14th-23rd December More Info
Woze Durban Picnic (Greyville Racecourse) New Year’s Day 2020 Tickets
With so much to do over the Christmas season, there’s no reason for FOMO this December and January as you look forward to a well-deserved break with your family. Stay safe on the roads, wherever you are traveling. I’ll be taking a short break from my violin playing, but will be back in early January 2020 and excited to perform on new projects. Contact me at any time, to make an inquiry about some violin and song at your upcoming Wedding or Event. Have a great Christmas.
