Because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas comes in the summer. So there's lots of sun and beautiful flowers in full bloom.
The schools are closed for the Christmas holidays and some people like to go camping. Going carol singing, on Christmas Eve, is very popular in towns and cities. Carols by Candlelight services are also popular on Christmas Eve. And many people go to a Christmas morning Church Service.
Traditional 'fir' Christmas Trees are popular and children leave a stocking out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas meal is either turkey, duck, roast beef or suckling pig with yellow rice & raisins and vegetables, followed by Christmas Pudding or a traditional South African dessert called Malva Pudding (sometimes also called Lekker Pudding) - get the recipe. People also like to pull Christmas Crackers! The meal is often eaten outside in the summer sun! If it's really hot they might even have a barbecue or 'braai'. Mince pies are also popular.
South Africa also has several other UK Christmas traditions, because of its history with the UK.
On Christmas day afternoon, people visit family and friends or might go for a trip into the country side to play games or have a swim.
Boxing Day is also a public holiday in South Africa and again people like to be 'out and about' having a good time!
In Afrikaans (one the languages spoken in South Africa) Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Geseënde Kersfees'; in Zulu it's 'UKhisimusi omuhle', in Sesotho it's 'Le be le keresemese e monate' and in Xhosa it's 'Krismesi emnandi'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.
Santa Claus is also known as Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) & Kersvader (Father Christmas) for people who speak Afrikaans (which has a base in Dutch).
FAQs
Do South African celebrate Christmas? South Africans celebrate Christmas with public holidays on December 25th and 26th. On the 25th, they commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, while the 26th is known as 'Day of Goodwill' or 'Boxing Day'.
What is Santa Claus called in South Africa? ›
Santa goes by a few names in South Africa, including Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) and Kersvader (Father Christmas) for those who speak Afrikaans.
How do they say Merry Christmas in South Africa? ›
In Afrikaans (one the languages spoken in South Africa) Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Geseënde Kersfees'; in Zulu it's 'UKhisimusi omuhle', in Sesotho it's 'Le be le keresemese e monate' and in Xhosa it's 'Krismesi emnandi'.
What are some facts about Christmas in Africa? ›
Christmas isn't on the same day everywhere in Africa
While the majority of countries in Africa celebrate Christmas on December 25th, it's not the same everywhere. The Coptic Christians in Egypt and Ethiopia actually celebrate Christmas on January 7th as they follow the older Julian calendar.
What is one interesting fact about Christmas in South Africa? ›
In South Africa, there is no snow at Christmas time, so locals can only dream of a snowy Christmas. In exchange, the joy of the season is expressed by the countless varieties of cultivated and wildflowers blooming in their full glory.
Is Christmas a big holiday in South Africa? ›
Christmas Day is a public holiday across South Africa. The day after Christmas – 26 December – is also a public holiday and is known officially as the 'Day of Goodwill' although many people still refer to it by its previous name of 'Boxing Day'.
What food do they eat in South Africa on Christmas? ›
Traditional Christmas food in South Africa
- Turkey: Originally from western Christmas traditions, the turkey is more popular than any other bird at Christmas time. ...
- Gammon: Another meat option, this smoked sweet pork cut is boiled and braised with a honey glaze and pineapple.
Public holidays in South Africa
| Date | Name | Comments |
|---|
| 16 December | Day of Reconciliation | Honors both the Black and White soldiers who died in the Battle of Blood River in 1838. |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | |
| 26 December | Day of Goodwill | Formerly Boxing Day. |
9 more rowsClothes among African people in South Africa form a significant part of the Christmas celebration. Traditionally, every year parents in different areas of South Africa buy their kids sets of clothes for Christmas celebrations. These brand new clothes are worn on Christmas day and New Year's day.
What is African Christmas called? ›
Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːn. zə/) is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day.
More than 1,700 babies were delivered at public health facilities across South Africa on Christmas Day, the national department of health has announced. Spokesperson for the department of health, Foster Mohale said the finally tally shows that South Africa welcomed 1,708 infants on Christmas Day.
What does Santa look like in Africa? ›
He may have hips, an overly powdered face, red shirts and red trousers/leggings or he looks nothing like Santa; but as long as he's dressed in red and he's got a white beard, he's Santa, in Nigeria.
Why do we celebrate national holidays in South Africa? ›
These holidays are for the purpose of enabling all employees, employers and members of the public to enjoy and appreciate the unique, natural and cultural heritage that exists in South Africa. The holidays generally include New Year's Day, Good Friday, Freedom Day, Human Rights Day, Christmas Day, and Workers' Day.
What is the true origin of Christmas day? ›
The first time the birth of Jesus Christ was attributed to the date December 25 was in the 4th century, according to early Roman history. Early celebrations of Christmas are thought to have derived from Roman and other European festivals that marked the end of the harvest, and the winter solstice.
Why do we celebrate Day of Goodwill in South Africa? ›
It wasn't until 1961 that South Africa declared itself a Republic and left the Commonwealth. In 1994, Nelson Mandela became president. That same year, the new government replaced Boxing Day with the Day of Goodwill. They did this to sever ties with the country's colonial past.
What happened in South Africa in Christmas Eve? ›
Christmas Eve flood kills 6 in South Africa, police search for more bodies. South Africa Police Canine Search and Rescue crews wade through floodwaters for at least 11 missing people after Christmas Eve flash flooding. So far, police confirmed six people have died.
