There’s something about a crowd of strangers singing in unison that makes my spirit feel fuzzy, alive, and well. It’s the perfect picture of a world in harmony – the essence of Christmas. If you are in the camp that thinks carols are a silly affair, I encourage you to join in the merry madness! Pack a picnic, bring the eggnog, and don a silly Santa hat at the following Carols by Candlelight concerts around Gauteng:

JACARANDA FM & SPAR’S CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
This was my annual candlelight highlight when I lived in Jozi and the kids loved it! They say, “It’s lekker to be singing on a silent night” and I couldn’t agree more – even if you’re just listening to artists like Elvis Blue, Lira, Kurt Darren, Lloyd Cele, Loyiso Bala, and the Mzanzi Youth Choir. The kiddies’ entertainment area has loads to do and there’s always a mad dash to score as many free glow-sticks and sweets as possible from the characters parading the grounds. Entrance is free, but please bring a new toy as a donation to an underprivileged child. Songbooks will be on sale for R10 and candles for R25, or both for R30. Proceeds will be donated to the Good Morning Angels Fund.

When & where:

  • 6 December 2012 at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Gates open at 4pm and the show starts at 7pm. Picnic baskets and camping chairs will be allowed, however no glass, sharp objects, hard liquor, gazebos, or umbrellas will be permitted.
  • 13 December 2012 at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg. Gates open at 4pm and the show starts at 7pm. Regrettably no picnic baskets will be allowed, but food and refreshments will be on sale. No camping chairs, glass, sharp objects, hard liquor, gazebos, or umbrellas will be allowed.

CAROLS ON THE SQUARE
Gather around for this season’s most definitive Christmas event. Held in the wake of World AIDS Day on 1 December, the carols will celebrate the life of Freddie Mercury, the legendary singer of Queen. Enjoy stirring performances of much-loved Christmas songs and favourite Queen tracks, conducted by Richard Cook and performed by Joseph Clark, the Joburg Festival Orchestra, Mzansi Youth Choir, and the Symphony Choir of Johannesburg. Entrance is free and the marquee will take care of any weather issues. With festive lights, late night shopping, and a selection of restaurants around the Square, this will be the jolliest start to the Christmas season.

When: 2 December 2012, from 5pm
Where: Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
Contact: 011 217 6000
 

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT AT JO’BURG ZOO
Kaya FM and Spar are teaming up with the Johannesburg Zoo for a spectacular evening of African carols performed by leading South African artists, including Bryce Anderson, Liquid Deep, Afrotraction, and many more. Santa will be dishing out treats and a photo booth will be available for kids to have their picture taken with him – when they aren’t taking advantage of the jumping castles and other kiddies’ entertainment! Candles will be on sale to raise funds for granny and child-headed homes.

When: 5 December 2012. Gates open at 5pm and the concert starts at 7:30pm
Where: Johannesburg Zoo, Parkview
Tickets: R58 for adults, R36 for children aged 3 – 12. Tickets are available at the zoo
Contact: 011 634 9500 / [email protected] / [email protected]

LIPIZZANERS CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
To ring in the festive season, the magnificent white Lipizzaner stallions will be performing to a medley of classical and Christmas music, incorporating Christmas Carols with the Welsh Male Voice Choir of South Africa.

When: 7, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, and 23 December 2012, at 7pm
Where: The Lipizzaner Centre, Kyalami
Tickets: R130 through Computicket
Contact: 011 702 2103 / [email protected]
 

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT AND MOONLIGHT MARKET
Enjoy classic carols under a blanket of stars. Kids will love the carnival area, garden of lights, and the chance to see Santa! The Moonlight Market offers spectacular food and Christmas gifts. By visiting the market, you will be supporting Botshabelo, an NPO that takes care of orphaned and abandoned children, and Urban Kids, who provide pre-primary education to underprivileged communities.

When: 30 November 2012
Where: iKya (Urban Market), Kyalami
Contact: 011 468 1950 / [email protected]

OLD MUTUAL MUSIC IN THE GARDENS: CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Enjoy carols in the tranquil Pretoria National Botanical Gardens and against the backdrop of waterfalls in the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. The Black Tie Ensemble will be performing a range of classic Christmas tunes and Santa will make a special appearance. Candles will be on sale to raise funds for the Botanical Society and donation boxes will be available for toys, clothes, and non-perishable food items for children in need.

When & Where:

  • 1 December 2012 at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort, from 6pm
  • 8 December 2012 at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in Pretoria, from 6pm

Tickets: R50 for adults, R40 for BotSoc members, children under 13 free. Tickets available at Ticketbreak or at the gate.
Contact: Walter Sisulu – 086 100 1278 / Pretoria NBG – 012 843 5173
 

What other Carols by Candlelight concerts are you attending this year? Here are some Carols by Candlelight in the Cape Town surrounds.

UPDATE:

Thanks to The King’s School and New Creation Family Church for letting us know about their Carols by Candlelight evening that will feature a choir, musicians, soloists, and some original items. Entrance is free, so bring your friends, family, a plate of eats to share during interval, a candle with a guard (some will be on sale) and non-perishable food to donate to those in need.
When: Saturday, 1 December 2012, at 6pm
Where: At The King’s School, Winston Rd, Robin Hills
Contact: 072 369 7286

 

Image 2 by Jacaranda FM

Image 3 by South African Lipizzaner