Check out our Cheap flights to South Africa and avail the opportunity to grab some tickets at the sale price. Moreover, you can also get benefit from our exclusive holiday packages for Christmas inclusive of traveling, accommodation and latest excursions. Therefore, start your Christmas planning from today and make a memorable holiday this year.
The southern hemisphere has a reverse weather mechanism, which means that when the whole world is having winters, this part of the world has summers. South Africa is located in this area so December is the summer season in the country. For a summary Christmas retreat, South Africa is the best option. Due to moderately warm weather, it is the time to hit the beaches, have plenty of water sports, enjoy picnics and watch gorgeous flowers blooming all over the area.
This beautiful destination has a lot to offer from adventurous activities to bask under the sun in super chic tranquil settings. This paradise has sun-drenched vineyards, a large expanse of coastline and abundance of wildlife to enhance its exquisiteness. So, without a doubt, it can be enjoyed by every age and every soul. On Christmas, it is the time of the summer vacations and thus one can expect this “Rainbow Nation” fully soaked in the holiday spirit.
Following is a glimpse of how Christmas is celebrated in South Africa. This will give you an idea what to expect while traveling to Cape Town and Johannesburg for spending the Christmas this year.
Christmas traditions in South Africa:
The whole Southern hemisphere welcomes the holiday season with great enthusiasm. It is the most awaited time of the year and the schools are closed for the Christmas holidays. Some people love to go for outdoor picnics and some prefer camping in the wilderness with family and friends.
The locals decorate their houses with tiny lights, flowers, ferns and the traditional “Fir” tree. Many UK traditions are being followed in this area due to its connection with the Britishers. The important landmarks and streets are also illuminated and people head to the churches in the morning to attend the prayer services.
The family of four wins FREE air tickets to South Africa to pay a visit back home for Christmas
Adventurous Activities in Cape Town, South Africa
Tour Operators Award South African Airways as Airline of the Year
In all the towns and cities, chanting carol on Christmas Eve is necessary and Carols by Candlelight Services are organized. Christmas day afternoons are fixed for paying visits to neighbours, family, and friends. Some people also go swimming or take a trip around the country. Another famous tradition is the Boxing Day, which is also observed here like some other countries. It is celebrated on 26 Dec, and people love going “out and about” and have a fun time. Moreover, Christmas markets are set up in different parts of the cities and the Santa Claus also known as “Sinterklass or Kersvader” in the local language, visit the homes to give gifts to children. In short, the festivity is on its peak and once you come here, you cannot help but enjoy every bit of it.
South African Christmas Delicacies:
For the natives in South Africa, Christmas day is dedicated to family and good eating. This festival brings colour, music, and dancing to their life and thus they enjoy it like a carnival. South African delicacies are famous for their influence from the Middle Eastern and European culinary tradition.
During the Christmas, there are a number of traditional dishes that are prepared in every household, for example, Roast turkey, duck or beef, mince pies, yellow rice with raisins and veggies are some common delights. The main course is followed by a rich Christmas plum pudding, or Malva Pudding (South African local delicacy). Moreover, bar-b-cue is also an important aspect of the Christmas evenings.
Important events in South Africa:
Though this country is full of zest and activities throughout the year, there are some events, which are the highlight of the year, and Christmas is the best in all of them. During Christmas, the people love to enjoy and have fun. Many families head to the Kruger National Park for picnicking, camping and other outdoor fun.
There are other events as well such as the Cherry Festival, 16 Days of Activism, Christmas Markets, and Festive Lights-Switch on, Day of Reconciliation Celebrations, Christmas Carols, Night Markets, and New Year’s Eve Festivities etc.
South Africa best Christmas markets:
As the Christmas is drawing near to the exclusive markets for this annual festival are also popping up. If you want to get hold of some last minute shopping then head over to one of these Christmas markets. However, they can be chaotic, but they will make your shopping experience a bit more festive. Some of these are:
Norfest Christmas Fair, Dates (24 to 28 Nov 2015)
Edgemead Christmas Market (4 to 20 Dec 2015)
Uvongo Christmas Market, Dates (4 Dec 2015 to 9 Jan 2016)
Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Christmas Market Day (5 Dec 2015)
Emperors Christmas Market (11 to 20 Dec 2015)
Blaauwklippen Twilight Christmas Market (15 to 19 Dec 2015) etc.
Christmas in Cape Town:
In addition, to the Mother City’s exotic atmosphere, Christmas is the most jovial time of the year. You can find a countless spot for picnics on its spectacular coastline, enjoy cocktail parties under the starry skies, savour the scrumptious gourmet cuisine at chic restaurants and visit the lush wine estates to make your Christmas worth. Following are some important happenings in Cape Town this year on Christmas Eve:
Kirstenbosch Sundowner Concert, Rhodes Drive, Newlands (late Nov-early Apr)
Festive Lights Switch-on on Adderley Street (Mid December),
Christmas Carols at Laborie (4 Dec),
Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight (17 to 20 Dec),
Christmas day lunch at Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch, (25 Dec),
Christmas Day at the Galileo Open Air Cinema at Meerendal (25 Dec),
Christmas Day Buffet at the Mount Nelson Hotel (25 Dec),
Christmas at Park Inn Newlands (25 Dec),
Christmas on Table Mountain (25 December), etc.
Christmas in Johannesburg:
There is always something happening in Johannesburg. Visiting Jo Berg during Christmas could be so much fun. However, you will not find any snowmen around, but there is so much more to look forward to.
As it is summers so, the natives love to indulge in outdoorsy activities, festivals, and events. You can attend the concerts, enjoy live music, savour delicious lunches and ravel some Christmas markets for some last minute shopping. Following are some important events to check out in Johannesburg on this Christmas;
Transoranje Christmas Market (20 to 29 Nov)
Lonehill Carols by Candlelight (22 to 22 Nov)
Parkview Christmas Market (27 to 29 Nov)
Christmas Village, Montecasino Outdoor Piazza (3 to 24 Dec)
Mzansi Youth Choir performance (December 6)
Bryanston organic market’s magical moonlight market (15 Nov to 20 Dec)
Christmas luncheon at Hyatt Regency Johannesburg
Flights and Holiday Packages to South Africa:
Christmas is just around the corner so it is the time to plan for some exciting Christmas holiday break. This time of the year is the best to travel to South Africa and immerse in its holiday spirit.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.