From festive shopping and magical shows, to fun workshops and outdoor activities, there’s loads to do on the North Coast over the holidays.
THE TRAIL OF LIGHTS
When: 6 December 2024 –3 January 2025 from 6pm – 10pm each evening. Closed on 9, 10, 11, 25 & 31 December.
Where: Durban Botanic Gardens
CELEBRATION is this year’s theme for South Africa’s largest and most popular festive light extravaganza! The popular Paws and Claus evenings are back in the mix for 2024, with the nights of 8 and 12 December earmarked for when visitors can bring along their ‘fur babies’ (sorry, dogs only), to join in the festive fun! Ticket sales from these evenings go to Feeding the Furballs charity. Tickets on the Paws and Claus nights are R50 per pet, when booked with a full-paying adult ticket. Ticket prices range from R70 – R90 per person, depending on the time you visit.
Details: Tickets are available at www.webtickets.co.za
LIVE MUSIC AT LYRIC LOUNGE
When: 12; 23 and 28 December
Where: Lyric Lounge, The Odyssey, Ballito
Enjoy a number of live music performances at the newly-opened Lyric Lounge in Ballito. Dave Langely Band will be doing a Christmas jazz show on 12 December; catch Christmas with The Good Groove Band on 23 December; and enjoy Kith and Kin live on 28 December. All shows start at 7pm and cost R180 per person.
Details: www.lyriclounge.co.za; IG: @lyric_lounge_theatre_ballito
GET FESTIVE AT BALLITO LIFESTYLE CENTRE
When: Throughout December
Where: Ballito Lifestyle Centre
Enjoy extended trading hours from 12 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 (8am-7pm daily) at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre. Delight in live music at The Market and Eat Stree every day. Plus, take advantage of complimentary gift wrapping from 20-24 December (10am-6pm).
Details: ballitolifestylecentre.co.za/events
FEEL THE MAGIC AT GATEWAY
When: Throughout December
Where: Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga welcomes visitors to feel the magic these festive holidays. Throughout December, shoppers can enjoy an amazing LEGO activation (for all ages), festive décor, interactive family activities, extended hours, live performances and new stores throughout December, creating a joyful, memorable holiday experience for all. Details: www.gatewayworld.co.za; IG: @gatewayumhlanga
WREATH-MAKING WITH LOVE LAUGH
When: 6 & 14 December in Mount Edgecombe; 8 and 16 December in Ballito
Where: Love Laugh, Flanders Mall; Love Laugh, Ballito Lifestyle Centre
Get into the holiday spirit and create your own festive wreath! Gather your friends, sip on mulled wine, enjoy mince pies and let your creativity shin as you craft a beautiful wreath to take home. Workshops cost R1000 per person and include all florals, greenery and accessories, as well as mince pies and mulled wine.
Details: Ballito: 032 648 0039; Mount Edgecombe: 079 539 0627; info@lovelaugh.co.za
GO LITCHI PICKING
When: From 16 December
Where: Verbara Estate on the Glendale Road next door to The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary .
The annual litchi festival is back! Enjoy a tractor ride into the orchard, eat as many litchis as you like and full your bucket to take home. R160 for ages 3 and up, and kids under 3 are free.
Details: litchifestival@gmail.com; 064 763 5457; IG: @litchifestival
BE ENTERTAINED
When: Throughout December
Where: Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom
This December, Sibaya is the place to be! Join us for our 20th birthday celebrations with thrilling promotions and up to R6.2 million in cash, cars and XtraPlay up for grabs until 15 December, as well as an incredible entertainment lineup. Don’t miss Ram & Sita on 7 and 8 December, Groet die Groetman 2 and Liewe Heksie both on 1 December, and Bash with Tash on 20 December.
Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive feast in the elegant Imbizo Room. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet, live music and festive cheer.
Details: www.suninternational.com
GO FLOWER PICKING
When: Throughout December
Where: The Flower Farm, Sugar Rush Park
Discover The Flower Farm at Sugar Rush Park, Ballito’s newest destination for nature lovers, offering flower picking and hands-on workshops this holiday season. Stroll through vibrant fields, hand-pick your favourite blooms, and join a variety of creative floral workshops. Perfect for families, friends, and flower enthusiasts – it’s a unique way to connect with nature and bring a piece of it home!
Details: 069 430 9344; FB: The Flower Farm; IG:@the_flower_farm
ENJOY FESTIVE WORKSHOPS
When: 11 & 12 December
Where: Makers Yard, Umhlali
Keep little ones busy over the holidays! Makers Yard in Umhlali will be hosting a number of festive activities, including gingerbread building and decorating with Sweet Rock on 11 December; and a Christmas slime workshop with Dream Jelly on 12 December.
Details: IG: @makersyard_sa
WATCH A SHOW
When: 27-29 December
Where: The playTsogo Globe, Suncoast
The Michael Jackson History Show returns to Suncoast this December! The King of Pop is returning through the electrifying talent of Garth Field in The Michael Jackson HIStory Show. This internationally-acclaimed tribute to the legendary Michael Jackson is set to tour Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, marking the 2024 grand finale of an already successful international run.
Details: www.suncoastcasino.co.za
SAY HI TO SANTA
When: 13-24 December
Where: La Lucia Mall
La Lucia Mall is all about the festive spirit this December!
Bring the kids along to take a photo with Santa and make a lasting holiday memory. Photos are available from 13-24 December from 10am-4pm daily and cost R100 for an A5 print. R5 from each photo will be donated to Wylie House Children’s Home. You can also get your gifts wrapped from 9am-5pm daily from 13-24 December.
Details: www.laluciamall.co.za; IG: @laluciamall
