The ‘forever young’ town of Stellenbosch is donning all its bells and whistles to offer locals and holidaymakers alike a festooned line up of indulgences and experiences during this Festive Season.
From now until the end of December, Stellenbosch – all decked out with an array of happenings in and around its oak-lined streets and prized vineyards – is the place to get your end-of-year groove on and take some timeout with your friends and family.
From Christmas shopping under the stars to laidback live music shows and open garden strolls to catch your breath amidst the frenzy, the Stellenbosch Wine Routes and the town’s Stellenbosch 360 tourism outfit have conjured up a jolly wish list of seasonal pleasures to revel in as part of their annual Stellenbosch Experience programme.
December brings on the festive cheer with a smorgasbord of Yuletide celebrations unique to the City of Oaks. The month kicks off with the spellbinding Spier Festival of White Lights on 5 December. This evening is a performance arts procession across the farm, winding through heritage Cape Dutch monuments and led by Spier’s Angel of Light on stilts.
It also includes a dazzling display of lights, ranging from fire dancers, sculptures, lanterns and artistic performances and end with a complimentary glass of wine and relaxed tunes at the Spier Hotel.  More light will be shed at Stellenbosch’s annual Festival of Street Lights hosted by the municipality on 7 and 8 December. Bring the kids and be there when the mayor switches on the Christmas lights and pack a picnic and come sing along to your favourite songs during Carols by Candlelight on the opening night.
The 7th of December also marks the start of Jordan Estate’s monthly Sunday Evening Concerts which cater for al fresco gatherings under starry skies until April. Resident Chef George Jardine tantalises with a superb array of mini food stations and tickets cost R350 per person, which include the food and the show. They also have a very special African Christmas Concert in store
If live music is your thing to shake off the end-of-year stress then Muratie has just the remedy for you (and your work colleagues!) to let your hair down away from the manic office. Music line-ups that will impress even the Boss include the sultry Luna Paige on 13 December and famous alternative rock artist Jesse Clegg on 28 December.
On 14 December Father Christmas will once again be making his appearance on his tractor at Middelvlei Wine Estate’s annual Sunset Carols. As the sun sets over the Middelvlei dam guests will be singing carols while their famous Boerebraai is served and Father Christmas delivers the presents. This year’s Sunset Carols event, which costs R175 for Adults and R60 for children, will be in benefit of Stellenbosch Youth Outreach.
No Festive Season is complete without good food and wine and Stellenbosch restaurants and hotels will once again be pulling out all the stops to showcase why this famous tourist destination is also celebrated as South Africa’s Gourmet and Wine Capital.
For more information visit www.wineroute.co.za