Ho Ho Ho Here we Go - Christmas time is upon us!

As we wade our ways around the glittery tinsel and shiny baubles, the brightly coloured elves and golden angels, a flutter of excitement ensues. It is indeed that time of year already. And though we might not feel ready for all of the festivities and family gatherings just yet, we know that as soon as they begin, as soon as we surrender and give in to the madness, and allow ourselves to celebrate the most sacred time of the year, we begin to enjoy the very best days the year has to offer.

Every month that has lead up to this time has been in the making of the celebrations. We look back over the year and recall all of the moments that have tried and tested us, pushed us further and made us stronger, brought us closer to one another and given us the motivation and invigoration for the bright new one that lies ahead. We are grateful for the people we have around us, the ones that are new and the ones that are part of our tapestry of life, furnishing every memory. We are grateful for new discoveries and adventures, for our furry family members and young children entering our lives. For love, for health, for faith and for hope. As we move into the final month of another remarkable year, let’s celebrate each other and all of the things that we have in the palms of our hands, that are sacred to our lives.

To kick-off the fun and frolics of the festive season, we thought it would be good to share what we know is going on around us in this spectacular part of the world. So that you and your friends and family can spend quality time together, doing what we all love to do best. A little scouting and shopping, a little dancing and singing, a little sipping and cheering. Aside from all of the beautiful scenic routes and trails that await your exploration in the wilderness, we have been on a little search for those fun Christmasey things to do. Like Carols by Candlelight and Christmas Craft Markets. Christmas Ornament Making Workshops and charitable Santa Paws Gift Wrapping initiatives. We cannot believe the time has come for us to set the wheels in motion and start preparing the Christmas banquet menus, decorate the huge fireplace and source enough tinsel for the tree. But we’re excited. We’re surrendering to the madness and diving straight into the joy of it all. For the people that we get to share our Mount High Christmases with and all of the merry-making magic that comes with it. Here are our tips for the season, on where to spend some quality time with your loved ones, over the month of December…

The Lowveld is home to some of the most authentic and unique Christmas markets in the country. Making that gift shopping experience so much more fun and memorable:

How about a Christmas Angel Ornament Workshop? Something that you will treasure every year as your creations take centre-stage in the living room, reminding you on those moments when you and your besties got Christmas Creative!

• Date: Wednesday 30th November 2022
• Time: From 11h00 until 13h00
• Place: Nitali Re-Invented Decor, 8B Silva Street
• Cost: R350 per person or R300 when you bring a friend along

Riverside Christmas Market. The best way to get into the Christmas spirit with all of the stalls lit up in twinkly stars and merry-makers singing carols.

• Date: Friday 2nd December 2022
• Time: From 18h00
• Place: Riverside Park, Aqua Street
• Cost: Free Entry

Innibos Christmas Market. There is something for everyone at this lovely Christmas market as you stroll around the stalls, selecting the best crafts and curious gifts.

• Date: From Wednesday 30th November until Friday 2nd December 2022
• Time: Wednesday - Friday 08h00 until 19h00, Saturday 08h00 until 14h00
• Place: Nitali
• Cost: Free Entry

Crochet Christmas Tree Launch - Bring your blankets and join the Lowveld 67 Knitwits as they unveil their crocheted Christmas tree and you listen to carols by candlelight.

• Date: Saturday 3rd December 2022
• Time: From 15h00
• Place: Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, White River
• Cost: Free Entry

Casterbridge Country Market - The perfect time of year to join this wonderful country market serving great food, local craft beer alongside good music and amazing artisanal works of art.

• Date: Sunday 4th December 2022
• Time: From 09h00 until 13h00
• Place: Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, White River
• Cost: Free Entry

Holiday Market @ Elmswood - For some live music, locally brewed craft beer & gin, a yummy selection of food and curated Lowveld products. Crafts, fashion, homeware and art. Sunday Funday!

• Date: Sunday 4th December 2022
• Time: From 10h00 until 15h00
• Place: Clay & Coffee @ Elmswood Showroom
• Cost: Free Entry

Carols by Candlelight - Pack the picnic basket, bring the whole family and sing along under the stars making those merry Christmas memories!

• Date: Sunday 4th December 2022
• Time: From 17h30
• Place: Vollies Church Amphitheatre
• Cost: R20 per person

Joy to the World - A Christmas Play. What better way to get into the spirit of the season than watching a Christmas play hosted by CFCI Mbombela?

• Date: Wednesday 7th December 2022
• Time: From 18h00
• Place: Supa Corner Building, Unit 2A, Car Silva Street
• Cost: TBC

Christmas Fair @ 192 - A beautifully curated fair with a good cause. All stall fees are directly donated to Grace Baby Haven.

• Date: Saturday 10th December 2022
• Time: From 09h00 until 16h00
• Place: Miz Good Berry, Haapschehoop
• Cost: Free Entry

Mpumalanga Wine Walk - Enjoy this fabulous event of amazing craft stalls, great food, wine stations, walking routes and live entertainment. Proceeds from this event hosted by Ms Mpumalanga finalist Minette, will be in aid of Pro Gratia Learning Centre.

• Date: Saturday 10th December 2022
• Time: From 14h00 until 18h00
• Place: Eagles View Park
• Cost: R250 per person

Another Carols by Candlelight for the family - Pack the picnic basket and sing along under the stars making those merry Christmas memories!

• Date: Saturday 10th December 2022
• Time: From 17h00
• Place: Sabie Horse Trails, Sabie
• Cost: Free Entry

FUN RUN…Or Walk - Bring the whole family - including the furry family members - and get involved in the action. A 5km run in aid of Millennium House of Hope. There are also lots of prizes to be won and some great live music to go with it.

• Date: Friday 16th December 2022
• Time: From 07h30
• Place: White River Rugby Club
• Cost: R75 Registration

Market @ Friends - Visit one of the most creative and beautiful markets in the Lowveld that offers over 60 stalls all selling unique and delicious goods, set on the banks of the river.

• Date: Friday 16th December 2022
• Time: From 09h00 until 13h00
• Place: Friends Café
• Cost: Free Entry

Wishing you and all of those closest to you, a very Happy Holiday Season.