Nelson Mandela Bay residents are eager to have themselves a merry little Christmas, with stores filling up with stockings and trees, decadent goodies to eat, and a range of activities planned for those on Santa’s nice list.
At The Christmas House Shop, the shelves are lined with nutcrackers, snow globes, scented candles and “ugly sweaters”, while hundreds of boys and girls have already visited the store to post their letters to Father Christmas.
In 2024, the popular seasonal store has moved to a bigger space at Baywest Mall.
Mugg & Bean is also open in the store, so shoppers can enjoy a beverage and something to eat while browsing through the Christmas wonderland.
Building a gingerbread house has become a favourite holiday tradition over the years, but the sticky little fingers and sugary mess that comes with it can often cause quite a headache for moms.
Luckily, Pikanini Chefs in Walmer has come to the rescue, continuing to build on this tradition while taking the mess out of your own kitchen.
There will be gingerbread house classes at R230 a child, running most days between November 28 and December 23.
In between, there will also be opportunities to make doughnut ornaments, gingerbread men, Christmas cupcakes and more.
Visit the Pikanini Chefs Port Elizabeth Facebook page for bookings and more information.
Then, for the grown-ups, Pikanini, for the first time in 2024, presents a festive gingerbread house picnic on December 14 at R340 an adult.
There will be two events on the day — from 9am to 1pm, and from 2pm to 6pm.
Bring along your own picnic to enjoy after assembling and decorating your gingerbread house.
The price includes a welcome drink and there will be a wine bar available, as well as a photo booth.
This will take place at The Vue in Link Road.
Looking for something unique to fill those stockings?
There are plenty of Christmas markets to do your shopping.
There will be a Christmas craft market and tea garden at Old Grey on Friday from 8.30am to 7pm, and again on Saturday from 8.30am to 5pm.
Entrance is free.
The Christmas in the Home gift and craft market is back on Friday December 6 to Sunday December 8 at the Fairview Centre in Willow Road.
Entry is R20, while children under 12 enter for free.
There will be more than 100 exhibitors under one roof.
Take your children to meet Santa at Tapas in Walmer at noon on December 14.
Bookings are essential, on 071-680-0340.
Gqeberha’s favourite Christmas party is back — and in 2024 it has returned to the farm for Noddy, Big Ears, Mr Plod and, of course, Uncle Jumbo to visit.
Parents can treat their children to an enchanting evening held on Uncle Jumbo’s farm, just outside his magical castle.
Uncle Jumbo will invite beloved friends such as Noddy and his buddies, Disney princesses, Tinkerbell and cheerful clowns to join in on an unforgettable event filled with games, storytelling and fun.
And the best surprise of all?
Santa Claus will make a special visit towards the end of the evening, giving each child a special gift.
The event will take place daily at 2 Heatherbank Road off Circular Drive from November 27 to December 8, excluding Mondays.
The party starts at 6pm on weekdays and 5.30pm on weekends.
Tickets are available through Computicket at R60 for adults and R70 for children.
There will also be delicious food options available to keep the whole family happy, including warm beverages, tasty pancakes, hearty meals and delicious boerewors rolls.
Partygoers can also pack their own picnic baskets.
The event, which has been running for more than five decades, is a fundraiser organised by the Rotaract Club of Port Elizabeth.
Christmas would not be complete without visiting some of the best-lit homes in the Bay.
Every year, a string of residents go all out to decorate their homes’ exteriors, while raising money for charity.
While the list of houses participating has not yet been completed, so far residents can visit Rowan Street, Rowallan Park; Kabega and Cathwil roads in Kabega Park; Bernice Street, Kamma Park; Courcelles Road, Lorraine; Mount Pleasant; and DF Malherbe Street, Despatch.
The Knights of the Third Wheel 2024 Christmas Run starts on December 18.
Follow their Facebook page for regular updates.
Christmas Luminosity is making its grand return to Nelson Mandela Bay for the 2024/2025 season from December 5 to January 15 at the Sun Park Arena, Boardwalk Mall, from 6pm to 10pm.
Originally held in Victoria Park in 2019, this spectacular event is back and promises even more attractions than before.
The theme in 2024 focuses on wildlife conservation, using the festive season to raise awareness about endangered animal species that require our protection.
The exhibition has transformed into the Glow Festival, inspired by the Sandton event in 2023, which dazzled with more than one-million lights, creating a stunning Christmas wonderland.
Expect to see life-size animal lanterns representing various animals, including marine life, birds and insects from around the globe.
Visitors will have the unique experience of walking through a giant illuminated shark to enter the exhibition.
The display will also feature glowing statues of prehistoric dinosaurs, lions, zebras, giraffes, polar bears, camels, kangaroos and more.
Included with your ticket are fun activities such as a jumping castle, artificial snowflakes, festive music, and other paid-for activities such as photos with Father Christmas, Christmas car rides and electric train rides.
Visit the Christmas Luminosity Port Elizabeth 2024 Facebook page for more information and to purchase tickets.
