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Starting with the magnificent tradition of the Tree of Light, and ending with a Christmas ballet by the Lipizzaners horses, the festive season is in full swing.
THE holiday season is already upon us and festive celebrations have kicked off in Johannesburg.
Traditional, familiar sounds of Christmas carols will be heard across the city, under the twinkling festive lights. The Tree of Light started the festivities, and was switched on at Johannesburg Zoo on Sunday evening, 29 November.
Pupils from St Theresa's Convent singing carols at this year's Carols by Candlelight at Zoo Lake
Always described as an "awesome evening", the tree lights up Joburg every December. This year, the Sacred Heart Primary School choir and the University of the Witwatersrand's choir lead the carols.
Through the Tree of Light, people are able to send messages of goodwill, love, peace, hope and greetings to family and friends over the festive period, by buying the globes that make up the tree. There are 10 000 globes for sale, for R50 each for individuals and R250 each for corporates.
It is still possible to buy globes, which can be dedicated to loved ones who have died. Contact the Hospice Association of the Witwatersrand on 011 483 9100 or visit the Tree of Light website.
The annual Carols by Candlelight at the Zoo Lake in Parkview celebrated its 60th anniversary on 25 November, with about 1 300 people. But there are still plenty of other carols to be sung.
Guide dogs
The dog training centre in Bryanston, in northern Joburg, will host this year's South African Guide Dogs Carols by Candlelight on 2 December, starting at 6.30pm.
Tickets are R20 for adults and R10 for pensioners and children. The Gabo Motho Tenors and St Peter's College will perform. Bring your own chairs, but food and refreshments will be on sale.
All funds raised will be used to train more guide dogs for the blind "providing them with the gift of mobility, independence and companionship", says the association. For more information, call 011 705 3512/3/4.
Christmas with Richard Cock
A rousing carols concert is planned for the whole family with the Symphony Choir of Johannesburg and the full Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, conducted by Richard Cock.
There will be two concerts, at the Linder Auditorium, at the University of the Witwatersrand's Education Campus in Parktown. They are on Saturday, 5 December at 7.30pm and Sunday, 6 December at 3pm.
Tickets are R95 each from Computicket outlets, on 083 915 8000 or 011 340 8000, or through the Computicket website.
African Carols
Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown will be the venue for this year's African Carols on Monday, 7 December, sponsored by Kaya FM in association with Spar.
Christmas time is also family time
Award-winning musicians such as Selaelo Selota, Lira, Ntando and Siphokazi will perform. Other artists include the Jaziel Brothers, RJ Benjamin, Bryce Anderson, Mimi, Mpumi Dhlamini, the Soweto Spiritual Singers and Afro'traction. Gates will open at 6pm, while the show will begin at 7pm.
Entrance fees are items of non-perishable food, which will be distributed to charities throughout Joburg. There will be drop off points at the entrance; toys can also be donated along with the food.
For the finale, all the artists and the choir will sing, We Wish you a Merry Christmas.
Christmas Wish Concert
Next up is Highveld Stereo and Spar's Christmas Wish Concert on Wednesday, 9 December at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate.
Tickets, at R20, are available at Spar outlets and doors will open at 5pm. When you buy a ticket, one Christmas wish will be granted by Spar and 94.7.
Carols will be performed by musicians such as Heinz Winkler, former Idols winner Jody Williams, Garth Taylor, rock band Prime Circle and Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels. Presenters from 94.7 will also be there.
But it's not just music - a family movie will also be screened.
Cresta Shopping Centre
On Friday, 11 December, Father Christmas will arrive at Cresta Shopping Centre in Northcliff. Jumping castles, face painting and stilt walkers will greet his arrival.
From 7pm, popular Christmas carols will be performed to the glow of candles by well-known Afrikaans musician, Nadine, accompanied by the Ekurhuleni Children's Choir.
Special guest appearances will be made by talented youngsters including seven-year-old Tyllin Barnard and 13-year-old John Perkins, both singers, violinist Maretha Vorster and bagpipe player Donovan Margoczy. The event will be held at the Amphitheatre and entrance will be free.
Nelson Mandela Square
A Carols Spectacular will be hosted at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, in marquees set up for Christmas celebrations, on 12 December at 6pm.
An annual family event, management at the square labels the evening "the crowning carol event of every Christmas season".
Performances will begin with tenors Siyabonga Maqungo and Zuko Cutu of Duetenori. Craig Urbani, the Isidingo actor, will follow; the main act will be award-winning singer Judith Sephuma. Entrance is free.
Gifts can be taken along for the Tomorrow Trust, an Aids charity. Specially crafted Aids ribbons will be on sale, and the Alexandra Chamber of Commerce will benefit from funds raised on the night through the sale of programmes.
Lipizzaners Christmas
And then there is the South African Lipizzaners, giving a Christmas performance with Carols by Candlelight.
In what promises to be an enchanting evening, the famous white horses will perform the Ballet of the White Stallion, incorporating carols to ring in the festive season.
The shows run from Monday, 14 December to Wednesday, 23 December at 7pm. Tickets are R120 each from Computicket outlets, on 083 915 8000 or 011 340 8000, or through the Computicket website.
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