From live shows and Christmas lights, to photobooths and markets, there’s plenty to enjoy on the North Coast this festive season.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: 13 and 14 December
Where: The Oyster Box, Umhlanga
Christmas Carols on the Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box marks the beginning of the festive season and summer holidays. A plated starter, buffet main, plated dessert and festive entertainment are on the menu, promising an evening of seasonal merriment. The event takes place from 6pm to 9pm and costs R750 per adult and R490 per child under 12.
Details: www.oysterboxhotel.com
THE TRAIL OF LIGHTS
When: 8 December – 3 January
Where: Durban Botanic Gardens
The annual Trail of Lights at the Durban Botanic Gardens is a magical celebration of the most wonderful time of the year! The beautiful display is designed to transport you into a wonderland filled with enchanting decorations, sparkling lights, live entertainment, good food and festive cheer. Ticket prices range from R70-R90, depending on your time of entry. Children aged 2 years and under enter free.
Details: Tickets are available at www.webtickets.co.za
50 CARAT AT SUNCOAST
When: 7 October to 28 January
Where: Barnyard Theatre, Suncoast
Get ready to rock your socks off at Barnyard Suncoast with their show 50 Carat Gold — a musical extravaganza that spans five decades. Expect plenty of classics, from Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ to heart-warming ’90s ballads like Whitney Houston’s, ‘I Will Always Love You’. The show also pays tribute to South African legends Mango Groove and Freshly Ground with hits like ‘Home Talk’ and ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).’ There’s something for every musical taste. Details: www.suncoastcasino.co.za
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
When: 15-24 December
Where: La Lucia Mall
La Lucia Mall has plenty of festive fun planned. From 15-24 December, visitors will have the chance to take a photo with Santa at the Centre Court. Photos cost R100 per A5 print and R5 from every photo will be donated to Wylie House Child and Youth Care Centre. Also, for a small donation, the friendly volunteers from Rainbows and Smiles (Supporting children with Cancer) will take care of your gift wrapping for you at the Truworths Court.
Details: www.laluciamall.co.za
WISH UPON A STAR AT GATEWAY
When: 8-31 December
Where: Gateway Theatre of Shopping
The team at Gateway Theatre of Shopping goes all-out to create a fun-filled festive destination over the festive season, and this year they’re bringing a few more surprises to the mall. The Festive Play Park is inspired by Disney to celebrate their remarkable 100 years of storytelling. Visitors can expect magical activities and fun for the kids. Tickets to the play park activities are available from webtickets for R50 (or R10 for a spectator), for a 45min session. There’s also plenty of festive décor throughout the mall, including sparkling lights, stunning suspended decorations, and fun festive scenarios. Details: www.gatewayworld.co.za; IG: @GatewayVIP
HOLIDAY FUN AT THE ORANGE TREE
When: 6 and 13 December
Where: Makers Yard, Umhlali
If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids busy over the holidays, be sure to pop into The Orange Tree. There’ll be a kids’ pasta making workshop on 6 December from 11am-1pm with Nicky from The Avocado Pair. The Orange Tree will also be hosting two slime workshops with Lana from Dream Jelly on 13 December. The first workshop is open to ages 4-8 and costs R300; and the second workshop is for ages 9 and up and costs R350. Details: To book a pasta-making workshop, call 084 074 9880. For slime workshops, visit www.dreamjelly.co.za/slime-works; 084 508 2365; [email protected]
GO LITCHI PICKING
When: From 16 December
Where: Verbara Estate on the Glendale Road next door to The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary.
The sweetest festival on the North Coast, established in 2005, hits our shores again this December. The Litchi festival has become a Dolphin Coast tradition and is a litchi eating and picking frenzy that costs R160 per person. This includes a tractor ride into the orchard, eating as many litchis as you can and picking a bucket full (1,6kg) to take home.
Toddlers’ entrance costs R50 with no bucket to take home and babies are free.
Details: [email protected]; 064 763 5457; IG: @litchifestival
TAKE A RIDE IN A HELICOPTER
When: Throughout the festive season
Where: Imbonini, Shakashead
With a range of VIP helicopters to meet every client’s need, BAC has introduced new helicopter tours from their recently upgraded Imbonini facility to be enjoyed this festive season. Choose from a 30-minute scenic flight up to Zinkwazi Beach; or a 45-minute coastal picnic flight to the Tugela River Mouth with a picnic stop included at Jex Estates. BAC will tailor your flight requirement to any destination. To stand a chance to win a 30-minute flight for 3 people, pop over to @getitmagnc on Instagram or Facebook and follow the prompts.
Details:
032 0610 617 for bookings; IG: @bachelicopters
FESTIVE FUN AT BALLITO LIFESTYLE CENTRE
When: 14 December – 6 January
Where: Ballito Lifestyle Centre
There’s always plenty to do at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre over the festive season. Have your family holiday picture taken and receive a complimentary print from the photobooth from 16 – 24 December, 10am – 2pm. And if you’re in the mood for live music while you enjoy a meal, be sure to pop into The Market and Eat Street from 14 December to 6 January. The centre will also have extended trading hours during the festive season (8am – 7pm daily) from 14 December to 6 January. Details: www.ballitolifestylecentre.co.za/events
VISIT THE BALLITO FARMERS MARKET
When: 2, 3, 9, 10, 15-17, 20-22, 23-24, 30-31 December
Where: Oaklands Equestrian Estate, Umhlali
Step into the enchantment of the holiday season at Ballito Farmers Market throughout December! Mark your calendars for December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 15th-17th, 20th-22nd, 23rd-24th, and 30th-31st. Revel in the array of delectable food and drinks, discover unique treasures from local businesses that make perfect gifts, and sway to the beats of live local entertainment. Enchanting kids’ entertainment will keep the little ones delighted, and, of course, furry friends are welcome!
Details: www.ballitofarmersmarket.co.za
