Christmas is fast approaching and schools will soon be out which means holidaymakers will be on the lookout for things to do. Every year a variety activities – both traditional and unique – pop up in celebration of this happy time of year. The following are a just a few of the events taking place in Cape Town this year.
Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight:
Traditional Christmas songs will be the order of the day at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens from 18 to 21 December. The carols will be sung by the talented Cape Town Concert Brass and Cape Town Male Voice Choir. This is one Christmas tradition well worth passing on to the little ones. Tickets can be bought via www.webtickets.co.za. Prices range between R15 and R90 per person.
Galileo Open Air Cinema:
Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from October to April 2015, cinephiles can munch on gourmet treats while watching their favourite films under the stars at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the V&A Waterfront, the Hillcrest Quarry and a number of other venues around Cape Town. Tickets are limited and sell out fast so book early! Tickets can be bought online at www.thegalileo.co.za three weeks prior to each screening. Costs vary according to ticket type.
Christmas Day buffet lunch:
Christmas lunch is great – if you’re not on the receiving end of the dirty dishes. Why not take a break this year from all the mess and fuss and book a table at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch? This year Hazendal has planned a buffet featuring traditional favourites such as roasted leg of lamb with mint jelly, smoked gammon, milk tart and Christmas trifle. A pianist, jumping castle and playground will also feature. Lunch costs R350 for adults and R175 for children under the age of 12.
Christmas Wonderland:
Sandringham Farm will soon play host to its very own European-style Christmas Wonderland. Earmarked for 12 to 24 December, the wonderland will feature a myriad Christmas market stalls offering all manner of Christmas products and food. A Santa’s Workshop, Santa’s Post Office, Reindeer Barn, Santa’s Pub, Elves Clubhouse and Santa’s House are amongst the planned attractions. A snow machine will provide the fairy tale “white Christmas” look and a number of live performances will take place. Entry costs are to be confirmed. For further details go to www.christmaswonderland.co.za
Stellenbosch New Year’s Eve Hi-Tec Sunset Hike:
Usher in the New Year with a family-friendly hike at sunset on 31 December. The hike starts at the Dirtopia Trail Centre on the Delvera Farm, meanders through the Renosterveld Conservancy and yellowwood forest and concludes at the top of Klapmutskop. Drinks will be provided while hikers watch the sun dip down below Table Mountain. To book, call Dirtopia on (021) 884 4752 or email info@dirtopia.co.za. The hike costs R50 for kids and R100 for adults.