Thousands of fairy lights have been strung, the weatherproof canopy has been tightened, and the ticket office is ready to churn out tickets.

Carols by Candlelight 2025, proudly hosted by Homestead Helpers for Benoni (HHB) and sponsored by Mannys Hardware, CMS and Nitro-med, is all set to go from Friday, November 28.

The super-charged event promises to be a weekend of fun for young and old, with live performances by chart-topping artists including Tree63, Refentse, Ross Learmonth, Rubber Duc, Dr Victor and The Rasta Rebels, Jo Black, the Ndlovu Youth Choir, the city’s own Benoni High Pipe Band and many more.

Admiring the 14m Christmas tree, which is visible from the N12 highway, HHB’s Heidi Leitch, giggled with child-like enthusiasm.

“We are in the final preparations for an event that will not only open the sluice gates of festive cheer but will bring our vibrant community together in a massive fundraising event,” she said.

“Funds raised during the event will not only benefit our ongoing community-driven clean-up projects but will also aid the Benoni SPCA and East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), formerly known as Hospice East Rand.”

Joining the conversation, Manny Ferreirinha of Mannys Hardware and CMS said that he is looking forward to the weekend’s festivities.

“I have been a Benoni resident for the past 35 years; it gives me great pleasure to be able to assist in bringing this mega event to life,” he said.

“Our city is like no other. We roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty to preserve its natural beauty while lending a hand to charity organisations that selflessly look after the needs of others. We can be proud of our city and most importantly, its people.”

Listing the array of activities that can be expected throughout the weekend, Sue Davidson, of HHB said that the weekend’s festivities will kick off with ERPC’s heartfelt Candles of Remembrance Ceremony at 19:00.

“The lights will be dimmed with a moving tribute dedicated to honouring those who bravely fought against life-threatening diseases, forever living in our hearts,” said ERPC media liaison, Jonquil Siepman.

“During the ceremony, nursing staff will light candles of remembrance, inviting the community to do the same, filling the night with warmth, music and shared memories. Candles will be on sale.”

ALSO READ: Carols ring out across Homestead’s waters

The magical Christmas wonderland will offer everything from a dedicated kiddies’ play area to a bustling market, a variety of food stalls, and interactive competitions with great prizes up for grabs.

Revellers can also look forward to meeting the men and women behind some of the city’s NPOs, including Benoni CPF, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Benoni Child Welfare, Round Table Golden East 181 and Clean Projects.

“With an event of this magnitude where we expect approximately 10,000 visitors per day, streets leading to the dam will be closed with access-controlled entrances being set up at the corners of Bayley and Coleridge streets, Bayley Street and Kei Road, as well as Sheridan Road,” said Heidi.

“These measures have been put in place to safeguard attendees as well as residents of Farrarmere. HHB volunteers also will be on hand throughout the weekend to ensure that the facility and surrounding streets are neat, tidy and free of litter.”

On Saturday (November 29), after browsing the Mustang and Classic Cars exhibition, slip into your green and gold and watch the live screening as the Springboks go head-to-head with Wales.

As the sun rises on the final day of festivities (November 30), spread some Christmas cheer by donating a toy for children under 13. All donations will be distributed to children in need.

“We cannot wait to welcome guests to our little slice of heaven on the banks of the splendid Homestead Dam,” said Heidi.

“We have done everything in our power, come rain or shine, so that the event will be the starting block for a merry festive period.”

Tickets are available at Computicket, offering one-day tickets, weekend passes, and discounted rates for kids and pensioners.

Tickets will also be on sale at the venue.

Anyone willing to offer time as a volunteer may email hello@hh4b.org.za

ALSO READ: Homestead Helpers clean up Western Ext tennis court