Discover the Magic: 9 Unique and Festive Fun Facts About Christmas in South Africa

1. Santa's Surfboard and Braais

While Santa might be trading in his sleigh for a surfboard and reindeer for galloping Springboks: Christmas in South Africa is a summer celebration, highlighted by a mouth-watering feast called a braai, featuring meats like boerewors and lip-smacking braaibroodjies!
Source => littlepassports.com

2. Father Christmas, the Sinterklaas

Who needs elves when you've got a jolly old man pulling double duty in sunny South Africa? No, we're not talking about a suntanned Santa on a vacation: In South Africa, it's Father Christmas, also known as Sinterklaas or Kersvader, who delivers the presents on Christmas morning, sans the pointy-eared helpers. Hailing from the country's historical ties with the UK, excited children leave stockings out on Christmas Eve, hoping they've made Kersvader's nice list!
Source => whychristmas.com

Did you know that in Mexico, a seven-pointed star piñata helps conquer the seven deadly sins during Christmas? Discover how this festive tradition signifies the triumph over vices and showers everyone with candy and toys!

=> Fun Facts about Christmas-In-Mexico

3. Christmas Beetles Buzz

Move over, Rudolph – there's a new festive bug in town: In South Africa, Christmas beetles (Anoplognathus) emerge during the holiday season, munching on flowers and marking the end of their life cycle – a subtle reminder that everyone buzzes about something during the holidays. These brown, centimetre-long insects are nocturnal, enjoy dining on rose and dahlia leaves, but are harmless to humans and come out to play just in time for some Christmas cheer!
Source => roodepoortrecord.co.za

4. Carols by Candlelight Picnics

Breaking into a chorus as they munch on their Christmas snacks, South Africans know how to have a merry good time under the starry disco ball of the sky: Annual "Carols by Candlelight" events are held across the country, featuring local artists and choirs leading traditional Christmas carols, while families enjoy picnics at magical venues like Kirstenbosch Gardens and Nelson Mandela Square.
Source => getaway.co.za

5. Beaches, Barbecues, and Big Five

South African Santa trades in his sleigh for a surfboard and his reindeer for some sun-loving elephants: Christmas in South Africa falls smack-dab into summer, meaning people ditch the snow and indulge in beachy barbecues, sun-soaked picnics, and adventurous camping trips. The holidays still sparkle with ornate Christmas trees, dazzling fairy lights, and spirited markets, while families frolic through national parks, hike sun-kissed trails or embark on a Big Five spotting escapade at Kruger National Park.
Source => trafalgar.com

6. Goat Roasts and Beaded Ornaments

Check your stockings for a braai, South Africa's got your goat: Christmas celebrations here involve gifting new outfits, books, and supplies, while feasting on barbecues, sometimes roasting an entire goat in east Africa. Deck the halls with beaded ornaments and wood-carved nativity scenes, and join in caroling events peppering the warm and sunny holiday season.
Source => appliedjung.com

7. Christmas in July

Who needs snow and eggnog when you've got sunshine and braai? Christmas down under takes a savory turn in South Africa, where holiday cheer gets a jump-start right in the heart of winter: Celebrated in July, Yule enthusiasts gather not because of Northern Hemisphere nostalgia, but to enjoy the warmth of friends and family during the colder months in the Southern Hemisphere – making their holiday season a sizzling summer affair!
Source => lifejourney4two.com

8. Multi-Cultural Festive Frenzy

South African retailers might just be the most festive bunch around, celebrating the merriest season known to mankind with a sprinkle of Halloween spook, a dash of Eastern delights, and a touch of good ol' Single's Day love: In the land of SA, the Christmas marketing frenzy kicks off as early as October, with important dates like Boss's Day, Diwali, Halloween, Single's Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Free Shipping Day decorating the promotional calendar, and bricks-and-mortar stores throw in family-themed events to lure and entertain shoppers.
Source => bizcommunity.com

9. Sizzling Santas and Barbecues

Who needs a sleigh when you've got a sizzling barbecue? South African Santas trade in their sleigh bells for braai tongs: In South Africa, Christmas Day celebrations involve a festive braai (barbecue) outdoors, where families gather to grill meats, soak in the sunshine, and swap the traditional turkey dinner for a smoky feast.
Source => en.wikipedia.org