Christmas carols in the sun…

Throughout December South Africa is awash with Christmas festivities, with a diverse programme which caters for all.

The switching on of the lights takes place throughout South Africa, from Wellington which nestles at the foot of the Groenberg, to the village of Ashton in the Western Cape, symbolising the coming of Christmas.

The Helderburg light festival in Somerset West on the edge of the Cape Winelands decorates the main road with an eclectic mix of flashing bells, angels, palm trees, camels, and candles. Peruse the flea markets under the Christmas lights, and watch the floats and parades pass by.

There are street markets aplenty, head to Oudtshoorn in South West Africa or the Voortrekker market in Pretoria to name a few, to pick up stocking fillers of all kinds from local arts and crafts, to hand made traditional South African produce.

Music also features heavily in the festivities. Carols are sung everywhere; from the rooftops in Rosebank and the botanical gardens in West Rand in Gauteng, and on Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. Carols are sung to rejoice and celebrate the beginning of the season.

As part of the season of goodwill, toys are donated to those who are less fortunate. Adults can experience the music of Africa with gospel choirs, whilst children can meet the man of their dreams; Father Christmas.

“South Africa is a wonderful place to spend the festive season, nativity scenes are played out, carols are sung and dances are performed. It is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world, providing a magical back drop to those wanting a Christmas in the sun,” says Lebo Mokhesi, Country Manager for South African Tourism in the UK HTML BR

Throughout December South Africa is awash with Christmas festivities, with a diverse programme which caters for all.

The switching on of the lights takes place throughout South Africa, from Wellington which nestles at the foot of the Groenberg, to the village of Ashton in the Western Cape, symbolising the coming of Christmas.

The Helderburg light festival in Somerset West on the edge of the Cape Winelands decorates the main road with an eclectic mix of flashing bells, angels, palm trees, camels, and candles. Peruse the flea markets under the Christmas lights, and watch the floats and parades pass by. There are street markets aplenty, head to Oudtshoorn in South West Africa or the Voortrekker market in Pretoria to name a few, to pick up stocking fillers of all kinds from local arts and crafts, to hand made traditional South African produce.

Music also features heavily in the festivities. Carols are sung everywhere; from the rooftops in Rosebank and the botanical gardens in West Rand in Gauteng, and on Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. Carols are sung to rejoice and celebrate the beginning of the season. As part of the season of goodwill, toys are donated to those who are less fortunate. Adults can experience the music of Africa with gospel choirs, whilst children can meet the man of their dreams; Father Christmas.

“South Africa is a wonderful place to spend the festive season, nativity scenes are played out, carols are sung and dances are performed. It is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world, providing a magical back drop to those wanting a Christmas in the sun,” says Lebo Mokhesi, Country Manager for South African Tourism in the UK