The best Carols by Candlelight events in Durban 2026

Christmas carols get a Highland twist at the 14th annual Carols & Kilts, presented by the Durban Caledonian Society Pipe Band and friends.

Expect familiar festive favourites arranged for bagpipes, alongside live musicians, talented vocalists, and performances by the dancers of Celtic Heartbeat. The programme also features traditional bagpipe favourites and contemporary sets showcasing impressive fingerwork and drumming.

• Date: Saturday, 28 November 2026
• Time: 3pm–5pm
• Venue: Shongweni Farmers’ Market, Lot 457, Mr551 Road, Shongweni

• Date: Sunday, 29 November 2026
• Time: 1pm-3pm
• Venue: D.L.I. Hall, 5 D.L.I. Avenue, Greyville, Berea, Durban
• Tickets: Via Quicket - R120 for adults | R100 for pensioners and children aged U12 | free for children U3

Umhlanga welcomes the festive season with a Christmas tree-lighting celebration and an evening of carols at Oceans Mall. The programme features performances by the Atholton School Choir and the Salvation Army, along with lively entertainment from juggling stilt walkers and balloon artists.

Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere before the performances begin, and bring the family along for an evening of festive music and entertainment in the Oceans Mall Piazza.

• Date: Sunday, 29 November 2026
• Time: From 6.30pm
• Venue: Oceans Mall Piazza, 2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks
• Entry: Free

The Westown Bowl sets the scene for a festive evening of music, with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra providing the soundtrack to Carols by Candlelight at Westown Square.

Alongside the candlelit carols, visitors can look forward to a makers market, children's activities and a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony.

• Date: Friday, 5 December 2026
• Time: From 6.30pm
• Venue: The Bowl, Westown Square
• Entry: Free
• Bring: A candle or buy one on the night and join the crowd in lighting up Westown

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For a more elegant festive celebration, The Oyster Box in Umhlanga hosts an evening of Christmas carols performed by the Durban Symphonic Choir on its Ocean Terrace.

The event combines seasonal music with a three-course dining experience, including a plated starter, buffet main course and plated dessert, alongside entertainment.

• Date: Wednesday, 9 December 2026
• Time: 6pm–9pm
• Venue: The Ocean Terrace, The Oyster Box, Umhlanga
• Tickets: R1 400 per person | R700 for children U12
• Bookings: Call 031 514 5000 or email restaurants@oysterbox.co.za
• Website: oysterboxhotel.com

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Gather the family, pack your picnic blankets and deck chairs, and head to Horse Shoe Bend for an evening of carols under the stars. The event promises festive performances, a special visit from Santa and a candlelit atmosphere as the sun sets over the valley.

This year's celebration also supports Learning In Reach, an organisation that helps children access foundational education. Volunteers will sell festive treats and candles, and visitors are encouraged to make donations. The initiative includes an opportunity to buy a book for R100, which will be wrapped and given to a child as a gift.

Local shops will stay open late, while Horse Shoe Bend Restaurant and The Bar will serve food and drinks, including pizzas, burgers, wors rolls and festive cocktails.

• Date: Sunday, 13 December 2026
• Time: From 4pm
• Venue: Horse Shoe Bend, 1 Curry's Post Link Road, Tweedie/Howick
• Entry: Free
• Website: horseshoebend.co.za

The Upper Highway community is invited to kick off the festive season with One Night One Hope, a family-friendly Christmas celebration featuring live music, guest artists, dancers and carols by candlelight. Fig Tree Farm will be transformed into a festive wonderland, with Christmas lights, food stalls and plenty of entertainment for all ages.

Bring your picnic blanket, basket and deckchairs, find a spot on the lawn and enjoy an evening of Christmas favourites under the stars. Food and drinks will be available to buy on site, or you can bring your own refreshments. Best of all, every ticket sold helps feed the babies cared for by iThemba Lethu.

• Date: Tuesday, 15 December 2026
• Time: Gates open at 5pm | Concert from 7.15pm to 9.30pm
• Venue: Fig Tree Farm, Upper Highway
• Tickets: Adults R220; children U12 R110 via Quicket (free for children U2)
• Bring: Picnic blanket, picnic basket, deckchairs and your family!

Christmas shopping meets wildlife after dark at Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre on the KZN South Coast. The evening begins with a night market featuring local businesses, crafters and vendors selling gifts, crafts and festive treats.

There’s also a special wildlife experience on the programme: Crocworld's crocodile night feed at 7pm, followed by Carols by Candlelight at 7.30pm. The market runs until 9pm, giving visitors time to browse the stalls and enjoy a festive evening with family and friends. Entry to the market is free, while donations collected during the event will go towards Radiant Family Church.

• Date: Saturday, 19 December 2026
• Time: 6pm–9pm
• Venue: Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre, Scottburgh, KZN South Coast
• Entry: Free entry to the market
• Website: crocworld.co.za