Pencil these events into your diary right now
DECEMBER 13•14 •16 •20 •21• 27 •28
There’s no better place to soak up the festive spirit than at The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market – one of our favourite local gems tucked away in the scenic Shongweni Valley, overlooking the breath-taking Ngede Falls. Voted Best Outdoor Market three years running in the Best of Durban Readers’ Choice Awards, this market is the perfect blend of local flair, community spirit and festive fun.
This December, the market is going all out with extra festive trading days, giving shoppers even more time to tick off those gift lists, savour delicious bites and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Expect a lively atmosphere with live music on two stages, more than 250 local traders, and a wonderful variety of artisanal food, handcrafted décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts. And the market isn’t just for grown-ups – The Village is a wonderland for kids, featuring the Shongweni Zipline, Snake Park, Hot Shots Putt Putt, Quads & Paintball, Bungee Trampolines, the Husky Express Train Ride, and the newest favourite – the Shongweni Carousel. Plus, your four-legged friends are welcome too (just keep them on a leash). With wheelchair access, designated parking, two handicap restrooms and an on-site paramedic team, everyone can enjoy a stress-free day out. Details: Festive trading dates are December 6, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 27 and 28 from 7am to 1pm. E-mail shongwenimarket.co.za or call 031 777 4686.
DECEMBER 6
Give your creativity a boost and finally tackle that story, article, or unfinished writing project you’ve been dreaming about. Author and writing facilitator Elana Bregin is hosting a half-day writing workshop designed to inspire, guide, and help writers of all levels unlock fresh ideas and sharpen their craft. Whether you’re looking to jumpstart a novel, polish a short story, or simply reignite your passion for writing, Elana’s hands-on approach and expert insights will leave you motivated, focused, and ready to put pen to paper – or fingers to keyboard! Details: The workshop takes place on Saturday, December 6, from 8.30am to 1pm, Loop Rd (off Inanda Rd), Hillcrest and the cost is R850 a person. To book, e-mail elana.bregin@gmail.com or call 071 493 0791.
DECEMBER 7
Get ready for a truly magical musical celebration as the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and Durban City Orchestra, conducted by Chad Hendricks and Charl van der Merwe, share the stage for one of the largest orchestral performance ever held in Durban. Expect a spectacular evening filled with festive favourites, beloved carols, and uplifting new arrangements – all performed by a full symphonic ensemble that captures the heart and joy of the season. Don’t miss it on Sunday, December 7 at 5.30pm at St Agnes Church Auditorium in Kloof. Details: Tickets – adults R130, pensioners R110, children under 12 R90 – are available exclusively at quicket.co.za
DECEMBER 20
Embrace the magic of the season with A Christmas Celebration, a spectacular one-performance-only concert presented by The Playhouse Company. This unforgettable afternoon of music and joy promises to lift every spirit and fill the grand Opera Theatre with festive warmth and harmony. Directed by the acclaimed Ralph Lawson, the production brings together some of South Africa’s most celebrated musical talents for a journey through beloved Christmas classics and soulful gospel favourites – all wrapped in the splendour of orchestral and choral brilliance. Audiences can look forward to breath-taking performances by Ayanda Ntanzi, Don Laka, Timothy Moloi, The Playhouse Chorale, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Children’s Choir. Dancers Nkululeko Khumalo and Sthembile Ndwalane bring elegant ballroom sequences to life, while radio personality Stacey Norman keeps the energy high as MC. Expect soaring vocals, rich harmonies and moving orchestral moments in a production that celebrates the heart of Christmas. Details: Be sure not to miss it on Saturday, December 20, at 3pm. Tickets priced from R200 to R250 are available via webtickets.co.za
DECEMBER 1-6
Durban’s Flatfoot Dance Company, in partnership with Stable Theatre, brings back its inspiring Flatfoot Access Festival – a celebration of creativity, movement and inclusion. Running from December 1 to 6, the festival coincides with SA’s National Disability Rights Awareness Month, spotlighting the beauty of accessible dance and performance. Audiences can look forward to a dynamic line-up featuring the Flatfoot Downie Dance Company – talented performers with Down Syndrome who’ve trained and performed with Flatfoot for nearly a decade – and the Flatfoot Access Panthers, dancers with varying intellectual abilities. Adding an international highlight, the festival welcomes Amanuel Solomon – dancer, choreographer and founder of Katim Disability Dance, Ethiopia’s first dance company led by a disabled artist. Expect powerful performances, thought-provoking discussions and free workshops celebrating how dance connects and empowers people of all abilities. Details: Catch it at Stable Theatre, 115 Johannes Nkosi (formerly Alice Street), Durban – a wheelchair-friendly venue. Tickets via webtickets.co.za.
DECEMBER 12
Comedy meets culture when former Durbanite turned global entertainer Kevin Fraser brings his brand-new show, Heart of the World, home to Durban. Known for his lightning-fast accents, sharp wit and relatable characters, Kevin returns with a comedic tribute to the rhythm, chaos and heart that define Africa. This isn’t just stand-up – it’s an immersive, high-energy mix of dance, storytelling and satire. From the cousin with a bakkie to the wisdom of your favourite aunty, he dishes out belly laughs rooted in shared South African experiences. Heart of the World explores what gives Africa its pulse – how we laugh through hardship, dance through delay and find connection in every corner of our culture. Kevin is joined by The Voice SA finalist Siki Jo-An, adding a musical twist with a brand-new original track created for the tour. Catch it live at Suncoast’s playTSOGO Globe on Friday, December 12. Doors open 7pm; show starts 8pm. Details: Tickets, priced from R180 to R600, are available at kevinfraserofficial.com
DECEMBER 16
Get ready, Durbs – Calum Scott is back! After selling out shows across the country on his previous tours, the multi-platinum British singer-songwriter returns to SA and local shores with The Avenoir Tour for one night only brought to you by Breakout Events. Fans can look forward to a powerful night filled with heartfelt lyrics, soaring vocals and all the songs that made us fall in love with his voice – from You Are the Reason and Dancing on My Own to new tracks that showcase his ever-evolving artistry. Known for his warm connection with audiences and deeply moving performances, Calum’s Durban show promises to be an unforgettable musical experience – the perfect way to kick off the New Year with all the feels.
Details: Don’t miss it at the Durban ICC on Friday, January 16, from 7pm to 11pm. Tickets are available via webtickets.co.za
DECEMBER 12&14
Get ready for a dose of laughter and life’s absurdities as the award-winning comedian, actor and qualified doctor Dr Riaad Moosa returns with his brand-new stand-up show, What’s the Point? Known as ‘The Comedy Doctor’, Riaad’s signature blend of sharp wit, clever observation and relatable humour makes for a show that’s as thought-provoking as it is side-splitting. In What’s the Point? he dives into the chaos of modern life, poking fun at everything from family dynamics to the state of the world – all with his trademark charm and comedic precision. Details: Catch it live at the iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, from on December 12 and 13 at 8pm and December 14 at 3pm. Tickets are R150 at blubloodtickets.com
From DECEMBER 4
Get ready for laughter, adventure and a splash of festive magic as KickstArt Theatre presents this year’s Durban pantomime – Sinbad the Sailor! Join the legendary sailor and his delightfully eccentric crew on a wild voyage across the Seven Seas in this riotous reimagining of the classic tale. Bursting with colourful sets and costumes inspired by the exotic world of Arabian Nights, and set to energetic, Bollywood-inspired music and dance. Written and directed by Steven Stead and designed by Greg King, the show stars Rory Booth as Sinbad, Bryan Hiles as the hilarious Dame Donna Kebab, Lyle Buxton as the dastardly Long John Slither, Belinda Henwood as Morgiana the Magnificent, and Roshanda Lewis as the enchanting Marina. Rounding out the stellar cast are Marion Loudon, Blessing Xaba and Mthokozisi Zulu – bringing buckets of humour, heart and sparkle to the stage. Running at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from December 4 to January 11, shows are 2.30pm (Tuesdays to Sundays) with 11am and 3.30pm shows on Saturdays. Running time is 2 hours 25 mins including a 20-minute interval. Details: Tickets are available via webtickets.co.za
