The winter season is almost here. While enjoying a stay in South Africa,  you may be thinking that this means you’ll be spending more time indoors. If you have been a regular visitor to this country, you would know that the coldest season of the year is not nearly as cold as it is in England and the United States. In fact, outdoor activities are ideal even during this time of the year, with some days being free of rain and some sparing the country of strong winds.

With that in mind, here is an exciting event that you can take part in from the early to the middle part of the winter season! It’s known as the Winter Wonderland, an annual festival in Gordon’s Bay. Visitors can expect an entire town prepared to stun with breathtaking visuals with sparkling lights as well as a variety of activities catering for the entire family.

The event will feature a Festival of Lights, taking place from Friday, 24 June to Monday, 18 July, while there are two carnival weekends, one from Friday, 24 June to Sunday, 26 June, and from Friday, 1 July to Sunday, 3 July. The event is taking place at the Hendon Park Resort in Gordon’s Bay.

Below is everything else you can expect at the Winter Wonderland festival.

The Carnivals

The two carnivals are set a week apart. The first of these acts as the launch for the entire festival, giving participants a taste of all the activities that they can expect. Last year at these carnivals, participants enjoyed exciting street parades through the town, fun fairs and even a haunted house! It’s not actually a haunted house, but you might believe it with every scare intelligently positioned to raise your adrenaline levels. Additionally, there was a spectacular laser show while various food stalls were available with tasty treats for visitors to enjoy. There were wine tasting, dance parties and couples even had the pleasure of strolls along the illuminated harbour bridge while regular boat tours were available. Kids could take part in fun activities including games while there were markets and live musical performances. This year, you can expect all this and more.

The Festival of Lights

With the first of the carnival acting as a launch of sorts to the festival, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the various activities taking place for an entire month, getting as many photos as they want of the stunning setting that the locals of Gordon’s Bay have set up.

The tickets

The entry cost is R 10. Children under the age of 10 have free entry. The prices for the various activities varies. Numerous restaurants are available throughout Gordon’s Bay. You can check them out via Google for their pricing and contact information.

Contact details and additional info

Telephone: +27(0)71 606 3261
Address: Hendon Park Resort, Faure Marine Drive, Gordon’s Bay (Check out the interactive map below for directions)

Now that you have an idea of what to expect…

Start making plans to get to Gordon’s Bay if you are not there already. We offer a range of accommodation in the Helderberg region and in the nearby Overberg region. Luxuriously furnished with self-catering features, you’ll have the pleasure of returning to your private home-away-from-home after indulging in all that is available at the Winter Wonderland festival in Gordon’s Bay.