Plan for school holidays
SCHOOL is officially out from December 12 and if you’re staying at home this year, it need not be boring or stressful. Avoid the last minute, frantic searches for family friendly activities. Here are some events for your planner:
December 7 to 13: Dolphins By Starlight – Treat the kids to a preChristmas Sea-lebration with the dolphins and crew at uShaka Marine World. The dolphins will be performing their dazzling aquatic aerobatics in the show, peppered with the Christmas spirit, song and dance. This year features pop sensation Lusandra Majola, the Durban Gospel Choir, the Glenwood Junior Primary School Choir and isicathamiya group, Young Mambazo. 7pm. Tickets via Computicket. For more info call: 031 328 8000
December 8: Telkom/Lifetime Drivein movies at Galleria Mall: The old school experience of a drive-in cinema. Catch Toni Braxton in Every Day is Christmas and Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez in A Very Merry Toy Store. December 8 at the Galleria Mall in Durban, December 15 at the Mall of Africa in Johannesburg. Webtickets.co.za
December 8 to 15: Staging at The Playhouse. A tale about a con-artist tortoise and a magical drum controlled by the king of the village. The tortoise turns the villagers against the king by convincing them that everyone, humans and animals alike, should use the drum as and when they please. Find out how the deceptive tortoise is ultimately punished by the magical drum. Queries/ bookings: 031 369 9596 / 9540
December 6 to January 5: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: This year’s pantomime is a magical, new production of everybody’s favourite fairytale about the kitchen maid with the heart of gold, who wins the hand of a handsome prince – Cinderella. Tickets at Computicket. For more info, call 031 260 2296.
December 15 to 31: 13th annual litchi picking festival this year. The festival starts round about December 15 (when the litchis are ripe), tractor trips every 15 to 20 minutes. Eat as many litchis as you can while picking. VIP picking evenings also available which include a 2-course meal and drinks. Email litchifestival@gmail.com / 071 438 4290
December 21 and 28 – The Holiday Train Express has some awesome festive season trips planned to various destinations from December 16-30 – with Santa doing the rounds on board. Depending on which trip you book, you could travel from Durban Station (Premier Lounge) to Shongweni Farmers Market, Scottburgh Station, Sugar Rush Park and Salt Rock. The December 21 and 28 North Coast Trip offers a nice package for families. After arriving at Umhlali, shuttles will be waiting to take you to your preferred destination – of which one option is Sugar Rush Park (no entry fee, but you have to pay for the activity/ entertainment you want to do). Family activities at the park include a mountain bike track, putt putt, jump park, laser tag arena and a petting zoo.