FOLLOWING a bumper show last year, Durban’s favourite festive event is back to bring enchantment and joy to visitors of all ages. It started on December 8 and will continue until January 3, 2024, from 18:00 to 22:00 each evening.

Now in its seventh year, the theme of this year’s Trail of Lights is ‘Garden Glow’, and the talented technical team behind the event is promising ‘a radiant spectacle that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Durban Botanic Gardens’. “There’ll be the annual favourites, but we have loads of new displays that promise to surprise and delight our regulars,” says event organiser Alene Naidoo.

In addition, the historical gardens themselves are a cause for celebration. Reaching a milestone, 2024 marks 175 years since the Durban Botanic Gardens was established. Renowned for its lush greenery and vibrant flora, the oldest botanical gardens in Africa will be transformed into an enchanting wonderland of lights. Visitors can wander along the trail or take a detour to find a surprise around every corner, revealing multiple pockets of dazzling light installations that showcase the natural surroundings in all their beauty.

Also read: Krantzkloof Nature Reserve opens its gates to public again

The Trail of Lights is a family-focused outing with something that will appeal to everybody – from the very young to the young at heart!

Caxton Local Media journalist Nia Louw visited the Trail of Lights on the opening night. Watch the video below to see what went down:

The garden features:

 – a variety of entertainment and live music each evening
 – festive characters and live ‘selfie spots’ across the gardens
 – two food gardens offering a wide selection of food and beverages to suit every palate
 – a chance to grab a picture with Santa in Santa’s Grotto and share your holiday wishes with him
 – a chance to have your face painted, play a game or find the Grinch while supporting various worthy causes at the charity-hosted Santa’s Workshop
 – an opportunity to mail off your Christmas Wish List at the North Pole Mailbox
– a chance to do your last-minute (or first) festive shopping with some of Durban’s most talented traders
 – wheelchairs available to hire on a first-come-first-served basis.

 Also read: Stunning pantomime Aladdin to dazzle this festive season

Ticket prices range from R70 to R90 per person, depending on the time you visit, and are available through Webtickets or at select Pick ’n Pay outlets. Tickets are available at the door, subject to availability, at R120 per person (card payments only) and are limited, so early booking is advised in order to secure your preferred date.

Please note: The Trail of Lights will be closed on December 11, 12, 25 and 31.

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