Yes, it’s that time of year again – Christmas time – lights, tinsel, decorations and festive feasts. For South Africans, this time of year is associated with the blazing sun, the smell of sun-tan lotion, beach days, lazing by the pool, braaing, and thunderstorms.
Christmas is a time of giving. It is a time of self-reflection, paying thanks, of love and unity. It is also a time when loved ones come together to celebrate the end of another year. In light of this, here are some amazing activities over which families and friends can bond, brood, or perhaps rekindle their relationships after a long year.
CAPE TOWN
Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight Concert
One of the most popular Cape Town events in December, that has been running for more than 20 years, is the Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight Concert. This is a great time to get into the festive mood and to spend time with loved ones. 
Running from 17th December to 20th December 2015, tickets are affordable, ranging from R20 to R65.
PORT ELIZABETH
Seaview Predator Park
Visit the Seaview Predator Park just outside of Port Elizabeth for a unique experience this festive season. Get up close and personal with lions, tigers and cheetahs or play with tame lion cubs. Along with these rare interactions, visitors get close-up views of other wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, antelope and jackals within their natural habitat. There are also enclosures where lynx, warthogs and meerkat among other wildlife can be viewed. 
With views of the ocean and wildlife, Seaview Predator Park truly is a unique experience. It is open daily between 08:00 to 17:00 and lion feeding time is on Sundays at 12:00.
JOHANNESBURG
Montecasino
If travelling to the coast is not on the cards this festive season, don’t despair – Montecasino in Johannesburg has a wide variety of activities suitable for all members of the family.
Swan Lake on Ice runs from December 17 2015 to January 31 2016 at Teatro at Montecasino. This dynamic interpretation of a festive classic, performed by The Imperial Ice Starts has received standing ovations from audiences in 15 countries around the world!
Performed at the same venue, the popular on stage musical Singin’ in the Rain runs from December 17 2015 to March 13 2016. Packed full of comedy, romance, and glamour, it’s not to be missed!
Parkers Comedy and Jive is an exciting regular at Montecasino, designed to showcase only the very best in local and international stand-up comedy. Shows run daily until January 2 2016, with a variety of different performances lined-up.
Visit Computicket for more information on all of the events mentioned above.
DURBAN
Durban boasts great weather all year long, so over the festive time when we are just entering summer, the beach is definitely the place to be. Spend the day with friends and family building sand castles, playing bat-and-ball, and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean waters. 
All in all, no matter where you are or what you are doing, remember to spend time with your family and friends. Spoil them with your time and shower them with love. This is after all “the most wonderful time of the year”.
Don’t forget to visit www.Venues4Africa.com to book your South African summer holiday!
Image Credits:
capetown.travel
Seaview Predator Park
pietertoerien
Robbie Ribeiro