The ultimate December holiday guide filled with sparkle, song and adventure.
The year’s winding down, the lights are going up, and Durban is alive with festive spirit! Whether you’re a night owl chasing twinkling lights, a family looking for fresh-air adventures or a theatre lover ready to laugh and sing your way into the season, this Summer is all about making memories that matter. From glittering garden trails to wild eco-escapes, heart-warming stage magic, and a holiday camp where kids can go wild for nature, here’s your guide to the most exciting ways to celebrate the holidays right here on our doorstep.
DECEMBER 5,7,10-24
Brighter, more magical, and filled with wonder!
Step into a world of enchantment as the Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights returns for its ninth spectacular year, transforming Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden into a glittering wonderland. From shimmering light tunnels to dancing displays and festive characters, this is Durban’s most beloved family holiday tradition – and it’s bigger than ever!
This year’s trail unveils an extended route bursting with brand-new themed displays and joyful surprises. Wander through the newly opened Tropical Display House, glowing with rare and exotic plants, or treat your taste buds at the two Food Gardens brimming with festive flavours and gourmet treats. Kids can craft keepsakes at Ms Claus’s Craft Café, visit Santa’s Grotto or even take to the skies on the Zipline Adventure soaring through the century-old trees. And don’t miss the live entertainment every night to set the mood for pure festive bliss.
Whether it’s your first time or a treasured family tradition, the Trail of Lights promises heart-warming memories that will linger long after the decorations come down.
Details: Don’t miss it from December 5 to 7, 10 to 24, 26 to 30 and January 1 to 3 from 6pm to 10pm. Tickets are priced from R85 to R95 (R120 at the door, if available). Kids under two enter free. Get them via Webtickets,
Pick n Pay, and Boxer stores nationwide.
Green corridors eco-adventures
Discover Durban’s wild side – where nature meets community.
If your festive season calls for fresh air, adventure, and meaningful travel, Durban’s Green Corridors invite you to explore a side of the city few get to see. Just beyond the urban buzz lies a tapestry of eco-adventures – from mangrove canoeing and waterfall hikes to cultural immersions in vibrant Zulu villages.
Start your journey at the GreenHub near Blue Lagoon, where you can paddle through the serene Ezemvelo Beachwood Mangroves, spot incredible birdlife, or book a “pop-up camp” with all the gear ready for your stay at one of several community-run partner sites.
At eNanda Adventure Park, expect MTB trails, hiking routes and water’s-edge picnics around the Inanda Dam. For a cultural twist, head to Isithumba Adventures in the Valley of 1000 Hills – a living village experience where you can meet a practising Sangoma, chat with the Chief, and learn the rhythms of authentic Zulu life.
Families love the Mqeku Picnic Site, home to a natural waterslide into the Umgeni River, while thrill-seekers can tackle 4×4 trails or hike to the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls at Lower Molweni’s OverRock Rasta Camp. Serious hikers? The Amatata Adventures routes will challenge you with breathtaking views that stretch across the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
Every visit directly supports local livelihoods, conservation and community upliftment – so every adventure leaves the world a little better. These adventures are available year-round, with special Summer and holiday programmes in December.
Details: Book through reservations@durbangreencorridor.co.za or
call 069 823 0559.
DECEMBER 5-21
A whimsical twist on a timeless classic!
What happens when your favourite fairytale characters step into Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday tale? Pure magic! A Fairytale Christmas Carol – The Musical, brings Scrooge, ghosts and a whole cast of storybook heroes to life in a family-friendly spectacle that’s bursting with song, humour and heart.
In this imaginative retelling, the Big Bad Wolf takes centre stage as Ebenezer Scrooge, while Jacob Midas (yes, the man with the golden touch!) returns as Marley. Expect surprise appearances from the Fairy Godmother, Old King Cole and the Queen of Hearts as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future guide our furry Scrooge on his journey to kindness and cheer.
It’s festive fun with a twist – perfect for families, theatre lovers and anyone in need of a little Christmas spirit.
Details: Don’t miss it from December 5 to 21 in The Playhouse Company Drama Theatre with shows at 2.30pm daily (there are 11am shows on 6, 13 and 20 December). Tickets are priced from R180 to R230 and available at webtickets.co.za
DECEMBER15-19
Where kids go wild for nature!
This December, swap screen time for sunshine at Crocworld’s WildED Holiday Camp in Scottburgh – a week of outdoor learning and pure fun designed for adventurers aged eight to 13. From December 15 to 19, kids can dive into nature-based challenges, conservation projects, and adventure games led by experienced guides.
Each day brings something new – orienteering, animal care, tree planting, coastal hikes, and even a daring treetop rope course courtesy of Jikikeza Outdoor Adventures. The grand finale? A thrilling Adventure Race that ties all their new skills together!
More than just a camp, WildED is a place where young explorers learn teamwork, leadership, and respect for the planet – all while making new friends and memories to last a lifetime.
Details: It all unfolds in the WildED Learning Hub at Crocworld Conservation Centre, Scottburgh from 9am to 3.30pm daily (ends 12.30pm on the Friday) and it costs R1970 for the full five days or R435 to join for a day. Sign up here https://forms.gle/eKoGXPoNTPLZ6kocA or e-mail
events@wilded.co.za
