WATCH: Carols by Candlelight lights up Homestead Dam

Proceeds raised during the weekend will go towards Homestead Helpers For Benoni, Benoni SPCA and East Rand Palliative Care.

December 9, 2025

Ntombikayise Letlepo 3 minutes read

Chantal Robertson, Michette Burt and Taylor Robertson enjoying the festive vibes at the Carols by Candlelight event on November 28.

Homestead Dam was transformed into a Christmas village, a glowing hub of music, laughter and community spirit, as Carols by Candlelight lit up Benoni, drawing thousands of residents to the much-loved festive celebration from November 28 to 30.

The event was hosted by the Homestead Helpers For Benoni and sponsored by Manny’s Hardware, CMS and NitroMed.

Proceeds raised during the weekend will go to Homestead Helpers For Benoni, the Benoni SPCA and the East Rand Palliative Care.

A towering 14m Christmas tree quickly became the event’s most popular photo spot. The idea, according to organisers, was inspired by Manny Ferreirinha’s Madeira heritage and its rich festive traditions.

The Botha family spent their Friday evening (November 28) at Homestead Dam as they attended the Christmas-vibey Carols by Candlelight event.

Jessica, holding Tati Ribeiro (3), Fatima Rodrigues, and Karima, holding Ollie Reis (3), were spotted having fun at the Carols by Candlelight event at Homestead Dam on November 28.

A massive 3 000m² stretch tent stood at the heart of the venue, offering a warm and welcoming meeting point for families and friends as changing weather swept through the weekend. The entertainment programme featured an impressive line-up of performers across all three days.

Friday’s opening ceremony set the tone with lively DJ sets by Jaryd Smith and Liam Black, a stirring string quartet performance and a moving Candle of Remembrance ceremony hosted by the East Rand Palliative Care. The night ended on a high note, with performances by Ross Learmonth and Refentse Morake.

Saturday brought youthful energy and powerful performances from learners of Laerskool Brentwoodpark and Farrarmere Primary. Wilderness, Piesangskille and Ivan Roux kept the festive vibes flowing before the Saxby Twins unleashed an electric set that had the crowd on its feet. Matthew Mole’s warm, uplifting performance drew roaring applause and created a golden moment at the dam.

Smiles all around as the Steyn Family enjoyed the festive atmosphere at Carols by Candlelight at Homestead Dam on November 28.

Sunday’s programme opened with the stirring sounds of the Benoni High Pipe Band and Highland dancers, followed by Rubber Duc and a refined performance by the string quartet. The internationally acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir delivered their first Christmas-themed show, while crowd favourites Dr Victor and The Rasta Rebels and TREE63 kept hearts and feet pounding. Jo Black brought the festival to a powerful close.

Children were thoroughly entertained throughout the weekend with magic shows, face painting, craft corners and a large play area featuring jumping castles, inflatable towers and slides. A giant printer jumping castle, donated by Shereno Printers, added to the excitement. Adding to the festive magic, the Round Table Golden East 101 arrived with Father Christmas and the Grinch in a sleigh, delighting young and old alike.

The Bushveld Tree Fellers hosted a community raffle to support their storm-response work, and the ever-popular Monster Jar of Cookies competitions announced daily winners, to the delight of families.

On stage are members of the Ndlovu Youth Choir.

Heidi Leitch, Shané Kieser of CK photography, Stan Sanetra and Nina Visser. Shané volunteer and photography work for Homestead Helpers. She designed their 2026 calendar which is on sale. People can reach out to Homestead Helpers at hello@hh4b to order/buy. Shereno printers also donated the printing of the calendars for them at no cost.

Nina Visser, Grinch, Manny Ferreirinha and Heidi Leitch.

According to Sue Davidson, the public relations officer for the Homestead Helpers For Benoni, the event’s success was made possible by members of CMS, Manny’s Hardware, Nitromed, and Eyethu Events, as well as an army of volunteers, including learners from St Dunstan’s College. Davidson also praised the continued support of Shané Kieser of CK Creative, Shereno Printers, Stan Sanetra of S.A. Nice and the Portuguese Forum.

Benoni’s strong community spirit was on full display, with several NPOs, including the 9th Benoni Scouts, the Elevation Hub, Work For a Living, The Manger Care Centre, the CPF, Clean Projects and others attending to engage with residents and raise awareness for their causes. Attendees were also encouraged to save lives by donating blood.

U Can Store Benoni collected donations for the Little Eden Society, while members of the Bikers’ Church and the Lions International collected toys for the Toyrun.

Despite the success, Davidson said the organisers faced several challenges. “We advertised extensively across Benoni and on social media, yet many residents told us they had never heard about the event, which was surprising and disheartening,” she said.

Another concern raised by the public was ticket pricing. “Some residents questioned the cost without realising the enormous expenses involved in hosting a safe, compliant and high-quality three-day festival,” Davidson explained.

Regarding initial road closures in Farrarmere, Davidson said organisers acted swiftly after receiving feedback.

“We reassessed and implemented adjustments to the traffic plan to ensure safety while minimising disruption to residents.

“Carols by Candlelight 2025 was far more than an event. It was a moment of connection, families gathering under the lights, children laughing, neighbours greeting neighbours, and a community coming together to uplift the spaces they share,” Davidson said.

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