Sung from Egypt down to South Africa, Christmas carols represent a magical time of year for everyone. Whether your memories feature Christmas tunes by Mariah Carey, Boney M or the local church choir – people across all culture groups sing along. In fact – the word ‘carol’ is actually derived from the French word for a circle dance, despite the fact that it’s entirely associated with Christmas. Yes, carol was a diva.
Here are a few spots in South Africa for participating in that great festive tradition: carols by candlelight.
Western Cape
Carols in the church
Sing Christmas carols with Richard Cook and choir to the chimes of a brass ensemble and organ.
When: 17 December 2011, 18h00
Where: Bishops Memorial Chapel, Campground Road, Rondebosch
Cost: R90
To buy tickets, click here.
Kirstenbosch
Recently voted one of the world’s top picnic spots, Kirstenbosch is an ideal setting for traditional carols by candle light beneath the stars, on these warm summer evenings. Songs will be led by the Cape Town Concert Brass Band and the Cape Town Male Voice Choir.
When: 15, 16, 17 and 18 December 2011, 20h00
Where: Kirstenbosch Gardens
Cost: 15 December – R50 for adults, R30 for children (6 to 18), R5 for children (2 to 5)
16, 17, 18 December – R60 for adults, R40 for children (6 to 18), R10 for children (2 to 5)
Entrance fee includes a candle and song sheet. Tickets will only be sold at Pick ‘n Pay stores in the Western Cape.
Cape Winelands
Head off to Laborie Wine Farm for their annual Carols by Candlelight and Night Market. Situated in the heart of Paarl and surrounded by the majestic Drakenstein Mountains, Laborie is a real gem in the Cape Winelands.
When: 9 December 2011, 19h00
Where: Laborie Wine Farm in Paarl
Cost: Adults R50, children R20
Booking: Tel 021-807-3390
Booking is essential as seating is limited. Picnic hampers (not included in the ticket price) can be pre-booked and cost R250 for adults (for two people sharing) and R75 for children. Although no alcohol will be allowed onto the property, visitors will be able to purchase wines and Laborie MCC, at cellar door prices, directly from the farm.
Gauteng
Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
Join an assembly of South Africa artists for this year carols eve in the square: Claire Johnston and Mango Groove, Richard Cock, Nicolas Nicolaidis, the Joburg Festival Orchestra, Mzansi Youth Choir and the Symphony Choir of Johannesburg will lead Christmas carolling around Nelson Mandela Square’s giant African baobab tree.
When: 4 December 2011, 17h00 to 19h15
Where: Nelson Mandela Square, Gauteng
Cost: Entrance is free
Contact: Tel 011-217-6000
Lipizzaners by Candlelight, Midrand
The students on the Lipizzaners programme will provide enchanting entertainment as they perform the Ballet of the White Stallion. Traditional Christmas carol sessions will be included in the evening’s line up, lead by the Welsh Male Voice Choir.
When: 7, 8, 14, 15, 17 , 18, 20, 21, 22, 23 December
Where: Lipizzaners Centre, Midrand
Cost: R130
Bookings now open at Computicket
Hospice Tree of Light, Johannesburg Zoo
Hospice Wits and the Johannesburg Zoo bring carols by The Tree of Light. From 14 to 24 December, thousands of sparkling globes light up the Zoo garden between 17h00 and 21h00. There will be choirs, carols and candles, and for R50 you buy a globe and send your own message of love, good wishes or memory. Bring your blanket, your picnic basket and your family.
When: 14 to 24 December
Where: Johannesburg Zoo
Cost: Free
Contact: HospiceWits website
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens Carols, Johannesburg
Set in the middle of the natural beauty of the botanical gardens, Old Mutual Music presents Carols by Candlelight. With sounds of Irish pipes and drums, a performance by the Mzansi Youth Choir, Santa popping in, and visitors welcomed to light their candles and sing along – this event will be brimming with Christmas spirit.
When: 3 December 2011, 16h00 for 18h00
Where: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
Cost: Adults R50, Pensioners R40
Kwa-Zulu Natal
Christmas carols on Umgeni Steam Train, Pietermaritzburg
Umgeni Steam Train in Pietermaritzburg hosts Carols by Steam Train. The train departs from Kloof Station at 17h00, and then carols are sung on the station platform at 18h30. All passengers will receive a candle and a hymn sheet. Musicians and a small choir will help with the harmonies. Food can be bought at the station. Santa will join passengers on the melodic train excursion.
When: 11, 18, 26 December 2011
Where: Inganga Station, Kloof
Visit the Umgeni Steam Train site
Dolphins by Starlight – The Magic of Christmas, Durban
Bring the family see dolphins dance to the spirit of Christmas.
When: 14 December 2011, 7 pm
Where: Standard Bank Dolphin Stadium
Cost: R110
Carols by Candlelight, Bloemfontein
Bring a picnic basket and come enjoy an enchanting evening under the stars with family and friends Kurt Darren, Nianell, Romanz and Loyiso will be performing traditional carols and spreading some Christmas cheer.
When: 1 December 2011
Where: Cricket Oval in Bloemfontein
Cost: Free
Eastern Cape
Port Elizabeth
Share some Christmas spirit and sing along to your favourite Christmas carols in a relaxed, family atmosphere at the Savoy Theatre, Nelson Mandela Bay. Seating will be cabaret style, so bring picnic muti and enjoy a family eve.
When: 30 November 2011, 19h00
Where: Savoy Theatre, Cnr of Diaz road and collett street, Adcockvale
Cost: R20 pp and R50 per family
Image by Karin Dalziel
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