Jam-packed holidays ahead

If you are here on the coast for holidays then you are in for a treat!

Not only will you and your family or friends be able to soak up the sun, enjoy the beach and have a dip in the lovely Indian Ocean but there are also plenty of events happening in and around the Dolphin Coast.

Markets

Everyone loves a good market and it’s the perfect place for those last minute Christmas markets without having to rush to the busy shopping centres.

First and foremost get yourself to the special Litchi fest edition at The Litchi Orchard in Salt Rock for their night market on Friday evening December 19. From 5pm to 9pm you can enjoy food, beer and live music from Rorke Kemp, The Kickstands and Alice in the Band.

The UP Market in Umhlanga is worth a visit and they will host jazz markets from 2 to 6pm on December 21 and 28.

Other markets that are worth a bit of a drive are The Morning Trade on Sundays in Durban’s city centre and I Heart Market at the Moses Mabhida stadium on December 20.

Beach festivals

For all those beach lovers out there, the Maynards Beach Festival is back and promises to be fun, fun and more fun.

It arrives at uShaka for December 21 and 22, the adrenalin-filled fun in the sun will be wrapping up in Ballito on December 23 and 24.

Bring your active side for the beach volleyball and touch rugby, race in the beach dash or have a go at Frisbee darts.

The girls can definitely strut their stuff in the Ms Maynards contest while the guys can see how many sweets they can squeeze into their mouths.

In between all of this you will have the opportunity to meet your favourite East Coast Radio presenters.

The ECR breakfast team will try to see who can make the biggest splash in the Maynards Juicy Kaboom!

There’s also lots happening in the Umhlanga area with the Just Juice summer festival happening every day till December 23.

There will be beach soccer and beach olympics and you can check out the strong and brave taking part in the Ocean Heroes Surf Ironman series.

KwaZulu-Natals longest running beach festival will also return.

The Tropika Beach Festival will hit Margate from December 21 to 24 and then it is Ballito’s turn from December 26 to 29.

Expect sand building competitions, the Tropika girls will keep you hydrated and a tournament of beach volleyball and touch rugby with knockout rounds to crown the best team out there.

Dance

If you are on the beach and you haven’t done this last December, why don’t you give surfing or stand up paddling a try?

There are plenty of spots along the coast with experienced people to help you ride that first wave!

If you’re into dancing until the sun comes up, then don’t miss out on Aquafest that will be taking place again this year on Durban’s New Beach on Saturday December 20 from 2pm to 2am.

Whatever you decide to do and where to go, remember the sunscreen, take lots of selfies and be safe.