Christmas Time In Zimbabwe – What To Expect

If you have flights booked to Zimbabwe for Christmas, you are in for a treat.

Now, more than ever, Zimbabwe is on the rise as a premier African tourist destination for decades.

While you can’t expect to enjoy a white Christmas, you won’t’ find any shortage of ways to celebrate in this hospitable destination. For starters, the weather is generally sunny and hot with a slight chance of showers to cool things down in the afternoon.

Festive Spirit in Zimbabwe

Like any of the historic English colonies, Zimbabwe really gets into the festive spirit. The city streets are decorated with lights, the malls are all a-glitter with tinsel and baubles, and you will find special meals and sales on the go all over.

In the Bush

If you are fortunate enough to be going on a luxury safari in Zimbabwe, life goes on as normal, although most lodges will crack the nod to decking the halls with boughs of holly.

You will still get to enjoy your daily game drives and can look forward to a traditional meal or special dishes on Christmas Eve or for Christmas Lunch.

Hotel Stays

Luxury hotels on the banks of the Zambezi, in the cities and around Victoria Falls are going all out.

You can take your pick from traditional Christmas fare with all the trimmings, a feast of prime venison cuts or cold buffets with meat and salads.

Local Celebrations

Most people in Zimbabwe start their celebrations early on Christmas morning when gifts are opened.

Then everyone dolls up in their best outfits for a church service, followed by family gatherings at home. Chicken and rice is a traditional favourite in Zimbabwe and there will usually be loud music and much jollity until late in the evening.

Larger groups of family and friends may spend the day at a local park, with barbecues and beers being the order of the day.

Boxing Day is often a quiet time of rest after the festivities and most shops will be closed so make sure you have enough provisions before 25 December if you are on a self-catering break.

Other December Events

During the holidays Harare plays host to a few special celebratory events in addition to all the usual things to do in this busy city.

Bill Kirchen's Honky Tonk Christmas is on at Park Theatre on 14 December and The Neverland Music Festival is on at the Thorn Park Polo club on 15 December.

There are also fashion shows, more live music events and on 29 December the Victoria Falls Carnival kicks off.

This incredible event attracts revellers from all over the world and starts off with the Train and Secret Bush party. Revellers hop on board the Vic Falls train and are whisked off to a secret location in the bush for an unforgettable night of live DJs and exuberant excess.

The next two days take place around the Falls themselves and are a mix of live music, top DJs, fire dancers, traditional dancers and some of Africa’s biggest bands.

Flights to Zimbabwe

It’s relatively easy to get flights to Zimbabwe at any time of year, although you may have to search a little longer during peak holiday seasons.

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