With festive season madness hitting the malls and Boney M soundtracks failing to drown out the crying children and frantic last minute shoppers, we suggest you get out of the shops and head to an event near you!

KWAZULU-NATAL

Durban Jazz Festival

Jazz musician by Maxime Auger (Flickr)

The 12th annual Durban Jazz Festival is a place where soulful tunes, Afro pop and smooth jazz will fill the surroundings from stars such as Ringo, Ladysmith Black Mamazo, the Durban Jazz Quartet, and DJ Kotin. Guests are welcome to bring their own camp chairs, gazebos, umbrellas, braai stands, picnic baskets, and cooler boxes – however no bottles will be allowed on-site. Tickets are available from Computicket and Shoprite Checkers kiosks. Follow them on Twitter and participate in the conversation with #DJF2014.

  • When: 26 December 2014
  • Times: 10:00 – late
  • Cost: R250 general ticket; R350 Golden circle ticket; R850 VIP ticket

Peoples Park East, Moses Mabhida Stadium| info@dbnjazzfestval.com

 

GAUTENG

Peter Pan the Pantomime

Peter Pan pantomime via Joburg Theatre

Janice Honeyman’s Peter Pan pantomime will be brought to life at Joburg Theatre this December. Enjoy a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland with Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Wendy, the Darling brothers, the Lost Boys, and of course Captain Hook and first mate Smee.

  • When: 8 November – 28 December 2014
  • Times: Friday 15:00; Saturday 11:00, 15:00, 19:30; Sunday 12:00; Wednesday – Thursday 10:30
  • Cost: R145 – R230 per person

Joburg Theatre | +27 (0) 11 877 6800 | info@joburgtheatre.com

 

Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures

Child at the King Tut Exhibit in South Africa via SC Exhibitons (used with permission)

The Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures exhibit has finally arrived in South Africa, after being viewed by more than 5 million people worldwide. Get lost in the mystery and magic of the past as you walk through a faithful reproduction of Tutankhamun’s burial tomb and view over 1,000 replicated artefacts. Bring your children and go on a journey through time together as you learn about Egypt’s most fascinating child-king. The venue is wheelchair friendly.

  • When: 2 December – 1 March 2015
  • Times: Sunday – Thursday, 09:00 – 19:00; Friday – Saturday, 09:00 – 21:00
  • Cost: R160 per adult, R120 per student and pensioner, R100 per child (ages 6 – 17), children under 5 get in free

Southern Sun Silverstar, Muldersdrift | +27 (0) 71 547 5558 | info@tut-exhibition.co.za

 

EASTERN CAPE

Scottish Invasion at Bayworld

Scottish pipers, drummers, dancers will be taking over South Africa via Dave Conner (Flickr)

Dress in your clan colours, bring your picnic basket and blanket, and get ready for a Scottish Invasion at Bayworld! Entertainment includes Highland dancing, a concert by the Algoa Caledonian Pipe Band, a Seal show and Penguin parade, as well as a treasure hunt that adults and children will love.

  • When: 20 December 2014
  • Times: 17:00 – 21:00
  • Cost: R40 per adult, R20 per child

PE Museum at Bayworld, Humewood |+27 (0) 41 584 0650 | dutoit@bayworld.co.za

 

MPUMALANGA

“Tap Out 2014” New Year’s Eve Party

Rok n rol NYE event poster south africa

Dance Old Year’s Eve away and party into the New Year with the Rok n Rol “Tap Out 2014” New Year’s Eve Party;  ideal for all the Lowveld party animals. See a variety of local and international artists such as DJ Shabbisto, Glen Lewis, DJ Zoe, and DJ Ocean. Tickets are available from Computicket and Shoprite Checkers kiosks.

  • When: 31 December 2014
  • Times: Starts at 18:00 – late
  • Cost: R150 normal; R250 VIP Cover

Emnotweni Arena, Nelspruit |+27 (0) 83 915 8000

 

Don’t forget to check out the list of summer events for families in Cape Town, and let us know which event you’re planning to attend!

 

Main image credited to harshlight (Flickr)