December & January Festive Season Events and other Happenings in the Garden Route 2022/2023
Hello Garden Route brings to you the ultimate Garden Route December & January Guide: What to do and where to go this holiday season!
On South Africa’s south-western tip is a 300 km stretch of pristine land that is thought to be one of the most picturesque in the entire nation. The Garden Route is a region that is known for its wealth of lagoons, lakes, mountains, forests and beaches along its winding roadways, an area rich in fauna and flora. A visit to the majestic Garden Route offers an array of adventure and other outdoor activities including hiking and whale watching, as well as immaculate accommodations from cosy farm cottages to lush sea side villas, world renown golf resorts and everything in-between.
You certainly don’t want to rush your Garden Route vacation – recommended especially over December is minimum of 2 weeks, with so much to see and do! Go Bungee Jumping and treetop Canopy Touring in Tsitsikamma, take a stroll along one of the many beaches in Plettenberg Bay, kayak on the lagoon in Knysna, stock up on local produce at the farmers market in Sedgefield, paraglide in Wilderness, ride a wave in Victoria Bay, canoe to the waterfall in Kaaimans, fish in Herold’s Bay, visit museums in George, see the point of human origin in Mossel Bay and pop over the mountain to the ostrich capital of the world, Oudsthoorn. The list is endless…
The Garden Route is the finest option for family holiday enjoyment since it has magnificent beaches, spectacular mountains and a vast variety of attractions that are sure to please everyone who visits, regardless of age or interest. Hello Garden Route offers all the answers to your travel and accommodation requests this holiday season.
9 – 10 December 2022: AmfiHart – Hartenbos ATKV, Mossel Bay
Come and experience a music event like no other at ATKV Hartenbos Amphitheatre. AmfiHart is excited to have you visit one of the best beach cities in South Africa. Some of South Africa’s top music artists will be joining for spectacular entertainment, including Spoegwolf, Neon Dreams, Loufi, Will Linley, Zaan Sonnekus and many more. This event in Mossel Bay is one that is not to be missed!
For more information visit www.amfihart.co.za
15 – 18 December 2022: George Tens, George
The 2022 George Tens will be held in Outeniqua Park and the surrounding area. This event will host a week of exciting Tens rugby coupled with additional events including women’s rugby, ladies & mixed team netball, touchies, volleyball, golf, trail running and mountain biking. Closing off the festivities daily is the 1925 Band, opening for Heuwels Fantasties on 16 December, Spoegwolf on 17 December and Early B on 18 December.
For more information visit www.georgetens.co.za
15 – 31 December 2022: Boerevintage Gift Market, George
Boerevintage Gift Market, one of South Africa’s largest gift markets, will host its 8th event this year. The market will be open daily from 09h00 – 16h00, except on Sundays. It will feature 180 vendors and around 180 000 products – truly a shopper’s paradise with a large variety of exclusive gifts, clothing, homeware and deli products.
For more information visit www.boerevintage.co.za
Other markets worth visiting during your sojourn in the Garden Route:
- Totties Country Market in Knysna
- Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market in Sedgefield
- Outeniqua Farmers Market in George
- Hartenbos Gift Market in Hartenbos
30 December 2022 – 1 January 2023: Get Lucky Summer Festival, Plettenberg Bay
The most famous live music performance series on the Garden Route, Get Lucky Summer takes place over the festive holiday season. Started by the renowned South African live-electronic band, GoodLuck, is now in its 8th year of showcasing some of the country’s greatest performers.
For more information visit www.getluckysummer.co.za
31 December 2022: Grootbrak Grabadoo Cycling Event, Great Brak
Grootbrak Grabadoo, a Garden Route tradition, will be held for the 19th time in Mossel Bay. This event provides four various mountain bike routes, as well as a fun town walk. The action starts at 06h00 on Friday, 31 December at Great Brak Sport Grounds in Lang Street, opposite Pepperboom Restaurant.
For more information visit www.pay.onlines.co.za/product/grabadoo
1 January 2023: Red Men Trail Run, George
Red Men Trail Run, held at Herold Wines in George, features a 5km fun run, 12km trail run and an 18km challenging run along the Outeniqua Mountain range, a most scenic route in the Garden Route.
For more information visit www.entryninja.com/events/78196-red-men-trail-run
2 – 3 January 2023: Ruhan du Toit and Jesse Clegg Live at Mel’s Place, Plettenberg Bay
Ruhan du Toit has been making waves in the Afrikaans music scene since 1993 with his amazing four-octave vocal, endearing stage persona and spontaneity. With a versatile repertoire of music, in various languages, this diverse artist is just as comfortable on an international stage as around the campfire with a selected number of guests. Visit Mel’s Place in Plettenberg Bay on 2 January for an evening filled with excellent music! And don’t miss Jesse Clegg the 3 January!
For more information visit www.melsplaceplett.com/live-music-events
2 January 2023: KnysnaX Trail Series, Knysna
This 18km route will begin with an untimed stroll along the Knysna Lagoon and across the train bridge. As soon as you check in at Belvidere, the race will formally begin and will then proceed through stunning fynbos and down the former Knysna Railway. A 6km scenic trail run is also available for the whole family and kids are welcome to participate as long as an adult is with them. The itineraries provide stunning Knysna Railway landscapes and spectacular bridge crossings.
For more information visit www.knysnaxse.co.za/running-events-knysna
7 January 2023: Carne’s Full Moon Beach Run, Sedgefield
A full moon beach run from Sedgefield to Wilderness. A fundraiser for the NSRI, Wilderness Station 23. Chain Gang Events in partnership with Wilderness NSRI, the event’s official charity, want to help you tick this one off your bucket list, and run on what’s been described as the best stretch of beach in the country.
For more information visit www.chaingangevents.co.za/mtb/events/99
7 January 2023: 7 Passes MTB, Wilderness
Leeuwenbosch Dairies in Knysna will host the 38-kilometer race once more. Gravel cyclists have the ideal opportunity to tackle the 29ers on this route. On this non-technical path, e-bikers are also welcome. The start location will be the open grassy area in front of the Wilderness Hotel.
For more information visit www.entryninja.com/events/78406-7-passes-mtb#class_pricing
December Holiday Accommodation for 2022 can still be booked through our devoted and friendly Hello Garden Route team of accommodation experts. With a wide range of options to suit your budget and party size, we look forward to welcoming you & your loved ones – even the 4-legged, furry ones. We have some amazing pet-friendly holiday accommodation on offer too!
Regardless of where you choose to stay, one thing is for sure: the Garden Route’s infectious holiday spirit captures the hearts of one and all, ensuring that your goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023 will be one to remember.
