Carols by candlelight events around South Africa Posted on 1 December 2011 Tags:eastern cape, Egypt, Johannesburg, South Africa 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 Related Posts #SaveOurBeachHuts with a Steenberg Hotel picnic and Craig Hinds 4 November 2022 Steenberg Hotel and Craig Hinds are teaming up to bring you a picnic and a... read more SANParks to host Women’s Day event at Rietvlei Nature Reserve 20 July 2022 The SANParks Honorary Rangers will host a morning of fun at Pretoria's Rietvlei Nature Reserve... read more 10 things to do this Halloween in Joburg and Cape Town 24 October 2017 South Africans have embraced this creepy holiday, here are 10 ways to get spooky in... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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