Another year is nearly over and the usual question is probably starting to form in your mind, where is the best place to spend your New Year celebrations? If you happen to be in South Africa there is a huge range of parties and celebrations to choose from. The destinations and the places to check are numerous. Here are 10 of the best.
1. The Ruins
In St. Francis Bay, on the east coast of South Africa you can enjoy a native South African party. The festival is separated into three stages and each of them offers their own take on local music. The atmosphere is fantastic and you’ll certainly enjoy the most memorable New Year.
2. Nieu Bethesda
Every year this part of South Africa welcomes in the New Year with a festival of lights. The focus of the Nieu Bethesda celebration is on family and there is no alcohol present. The highlight is a procession through the town with everyone carrying their own lantern. The procession finishes with a traditional meal and live music.
3. Masquerade Ball
What could be more fun than a masquerade ball to welcome in the New Year? The glamour and the mystery combine to make an incredible atmosphere. It is held at the Chicago Piano Bar in Randpark Ridge and you can choose to have dinner and a dance or just the dance.
4. Revolution
This is an open air festival, held in the Hornbill Lodge, Magaliesberg. This festival takes place over two days and attracts a huge crowd of people with local and international acts taking stage. You will find all kinds of music being played; definitely something for everyone.
5. The Barnyard Theatre
This is the venue to be at if you want to welcome the New Year in with an 80’s theme party. Every single kind of music from the eighties is played and catered. There are also a large number of tribute acts to ramp up the atmosphere. The Barnyard Theatre is in Pretoria.
6. Hunter Beach Party
As its name suggests this party is on the beach! This is the largest and loudest beach party in South Africa and features a wide range of popular current music. It covers electro, techno, deep house and progressive. The party is held on Southbroom Main Beach.
7. Ballito Street Party
This street party is actually held in the Ballito street party and crush nightclub in Ballito. It is billed as the loudest and largest street party in South Africa and is arranged over four floors. As well as music and a party atmosphere it has a few surprises lined up for visitors!
8. Kirstenbosch Concert
The famous national botanical gardens in Cape Town are the location for a picnic style concert; the perfect way to welcome in a New year with your family and friends. It has a chilled, laid back vibe and features acts from Grassy Sparks and Jeremy Loop; two very well known South African performers.
9. Forex 007
The Foreign Exchange Bar in Cape Town plays host to a fabulous New Year’s party. Every year the theme is different and this year it is all about ‘From Russia with Love’. Everyone is welcome but all guests are expected to come in attire suitable for Bond or his cohorts. There is champagne on arrival and at midnight, they will also be canapés, a DJ, dance floor and even a photo booth!
10. Hazendal Wine Estate
This is a family themed party which starts with cocktails and snacks on arrival. As the evening progresses there is a fish and spit braai buffet and even a chocolate fountain. There is a supervised play area for the children with treats and movies. There is also a dance floor and music from the highly acclaimed Rockshandy band.
Are you ready for a memorable trip in South Africa for the New Year? The country is packed with magical places; and some of these places will help you get in touch with nature. Last but not least, if you’re not a fan of the snow then you have nothing to worry about. There will probably be 30 degrees on the 31st of December this year.
About the Author
Edward Francis is a regular travel blogger who writes here on behalf of CapePortFolios.com!