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Lee Cole on Christmas and SPAR Carols by Candlelight – Watch the replay

Missed the festive fun? Jacaranda is streaming the carols until 11pm – plus local pop sensation Lee Cole shares his favourite Christmas moments.

Liesl Bartlett
Written by
Liesl Bartlett
City Editor, Time Out Johannesburg & Pretoria
Lee Cole
Lee Cole
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If you missed SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM, or you were there and wouldn’t mind reliving the magic, this is your final cue. The iconic festive concert has already lit up Gauteng with candlelight, carols, and big sing-along energy. For one last time, Jacaranda FM is streaming the full performance on its website until 11 pm tonight.

Among the standout voices was Lee Cole, whose powerhouse vocals and heartfelt delivery added a fresh, emotional layer to the evening. As the city eases into the final stretch of the festive season, the replay offers a chance to slow down, turn up the volume, and revisit a night built on music, meaning and shared moments.

Ahead of the stream’s final curtain call, Lee reflects on his favourite Christmas memories, the traditions that ground him, and why his new single, Palace of Dreams, feels perfectly timed for this reflective moment of the year.

We’re right in the middle of the festive season. Why is this the most wonderful time of the year for you?

Christmas is, without a doubt, my favourite time of the year. Being with family and reconnecting is truly special. There’s a pause in your life for a few days, and it feels so natural.

What are some of your favourite Christmas memories?

There’s probably a few too many to mention, but I would say just the food and the fact that, as a kid, you’d always look forward to everyone coming to your house. There was always a sense of togetherness.

What’s a small Christmas tradition that means a lot to you or your family?

Well, we actually have a tradition of opening gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve. It’s fun and a little different.

What’s your go-to holiday comfort movie or series when you want to switch off?

I wouldn’t say I have any, to be honest, but musically, I would say Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey.

What’s your favourite Christmas carol to perform and why?

‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’. It’s just a smooth and suave song. Gets me in the Christmas spirit every time.

You took part in SPAR Carols By Candlelight presented by Jacaranda FM this year. What were you most excited about in the show?

There was so much to be excited about, to be fair. I think working with Adrian Paulson and the host of world-class talent we have on the night got me fired up the most. The line-up was incredible this year.

You’ve also just released your new single ‘Palace Of Dreams’. Tell us a little bit about what inspired the song.

‘Palace Of Dreams’ is one of my favourite singles I have released to date because of the vibe. It, in a way, complements this festive season in energy and feel. It’s essentially about dancing through unknown territory and learning to face fear, I suppose.

As the year draws to a close, what can fans expect from you in 2026?

2026 is going to be a year of growth for me. You can expect a lot of new music, and I am so excited to share it with everyone!

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