As Christmas approaches fast, we caught up with some of our favourite South African stars to find out what they have planned for the holidays.
For some, this is a time for reconnecting with loved ones and starting new traditions with their families, and for others it’s an opportunity to break from their busy schedules and enjoy well-deserved me time.
Miss South Africa Mia le Roux
“My most prominent feeling is gratitude for 2024. For the first time in my life, I have an apartment of my own, my own Christmas tree and my own puppy. Winning Miss SA has changed my life.
“My plans are to spend time with my loved ones and family and to relax and recharge for the new year. We have a few amazing things in store for 2025. We will do some projects around my advocacy, which I am excited about.
Radio presenter Carol Ofori
“My family and I are going to be in Zimbabwe at the Victoria Falls — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This trip holds special meaning for us because it’s going to be our first international family adventure — though it’s just a two-hour flight away.
“It’s a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary adventures can be found in our own backyard. Here’s to starting the new year with gratitude, exploration and a deep appreciation for the beauty of Africa.”
Media personality and actress Khanyi Mbau
“This year will be chilled. My life is literally Christmas and a holiday, so I plan to be in my PJs half the time watching movies on Netflix, cooking all sorts of food and staying home the entire festive season.”
TV presenter Palesa Tembe
“Christmas and the festive season is my favourite time of the year. Not only do I celebrate my birthday at the beginning of December but it’s also a time when family and friends get together in love and appreciation. It’s a time of reflection and gratitude and this is what the holidays are about for me.
“My beautiful family and I are about creating our own traditions during the holidays, and love to go all out with decorations and family feasts. We also take this time to focus on our spirituality and love of God. We’re proud Christians and never forget the true reason we celebrate the symbolism of Christmas — acknowledging and giving thanks for the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a magical time and I can’t wait for our celebrations this year.”
Media personality Somizi Mhlongo
“I don't have traditional Christmas plans this year. I'll be working. My December is fully booked until January 4. I've started with decorations though. The 23rd is my birthday, so the 24th I have a guaranteed hangover.
“On the 25th I’m going to wake up in my PJs, go downstairs, make a breakfast cereal, go back to bed and watch a Christmas movie. Then go back downstairs, cook something like seven colours for a full meal, plate it and set the table for one. I always wanted to do this because I want to be alone. I've never had the opportunity to be alone.
“It’s inspired by the movie Home Alone, and this year I’m going to attempt to do it and hope no-one disturbs me as I eat my lunch and play music in the background, while in my pjs before heading to my gig on the day, the Shimza one-man show. For New Year’s [Day] I am going to my Zimbali home and then Rockets Mhlanga until midnight with friends. Therevll be four couples, so it's eight of us. Just because I want to spend Christmas alone doesn’t mean I’m single.”
Actress Thuso Mbedu
“We know Christmas and New Year’s are about creating new memories with family and loved ones, and though I can’t be home this year, my sister and nieces will join me in the US. The plan is to take my nieces to Disney World so they can experience the fireworks display. I’m excited to be experiencing new worlds with them.”
Sports broadcaster Robert Marawa
“Since the day I was born, I’ve kept one tradition around the festive season — I stay home. I’ve always spent Christmas and New Year’s at home and won’t change any time soon.
“My feelings about 2024 is it was a quick but brutal year. It challenged one physically, emotionally and otherwise. I’m grateful to see the end of it. Plans for 2025 and every other new year remain internalised. Sharing plans is never a good idea. Rather let people absorb the outcomes of those plans. Blessed 2025 to everyone who supports this journey I’ve been privileged to have.”
Rugby player Eben Etzebeth and singer wife Anlia
“We’re going to be in Cape Town with my family and Anlia’s family. [This] was a successful year for myself and Anlia. We became parents, [and] it’s the biggest blessing we could have asked for. Our plan for 2025 is to just enjoy each other and being a family.”
Media personality Chris Jaftha
“I won’t be travelling this festive season. I considered Dubai or the Kruger [National Park] but there’s something special about a quiet Johannesburg in December. We love Jozi during this time — no traffic, peaceful roads and the city all to ourselves.”
Rugby player Makazole Mapimpi
“My plans for Christmas, after the Blue Bulls game, I want to spend time with my family and enjoy with them, as well as for New Year’s. We’re playing the whole of December so the only time we are going to have off is Christmas Day.”
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