Your five senses festive guide 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The time where everyone around you is in holiday mood and you can feel the festive vibe wherever you go. We often rely on our five senses to create an experience and when it comes to the festive season it shouldn’t be any different. Experience this festive season in a different way by following our unique senses guideline.
Smell – Although fake Christmas trees are convenient, the only thing that we remember is the dust and moth ball smell after a year packed away in a cupboard. Experience this festive season by buying a real Christmas tree and smell the fresh pine. You can pick your own real Christmas pine tree from various nurseries. Locals believe that the best place to get your real tree from is at Overdale Nursery in Gillitts.
Hear – In all the Christmas movies you see carolers going from door to door serenading the whole neighbourhood, spreading some festive joy. In Durban we don’t really have that tradition, unless you count the holidaymakers that stop to ask for directions. To get you into that festive feeling you can hear and sing along to Christmas carols on the Holiday Express train. They have a special festive themed series of daily train adventures where families will be entertained on-board by carols and festive family fun.
Taste – This is the only time of the year when it is socially acceptable to loosen your pants in order to make more space in your tummy, so take full advantage of this. For the best local produce and homemade pastries, visit the Shongweni farmers market. You will find traditional English sausages, handcrafted organic cheeses, authentic baked goods, fresh breads and other rustic European staples. There’s also a taste of the Mediterranean and Middle East to be had, offering specialties like baklava and falafel. Make sure you visit them during their four day Christmas extravaganza.
Touch – Gift vouchers are easy and convenient to give as a present, but sometimes it is better to handpick gifts for the special people in your life. You can buy your special handmade gifts from the biggest Christmas market in KZN at CityHill Auditorium in Hillcrest from 13 Dec 2016 – 17 Dec 2016. Shoppers can admire hand crafted, high quality gifts, décor and toys.
See – Definitely a must see this festive season is the tallest Christmas tree in Durban. The custom-made 13m high Christmas tree is displayed at uShaka. The Giant Spar Christmas tree took 4 158 hours to make and with more than 74 000 LED lights, it will definitely be a sight not to be missed this festive season.
Prickle your senses this festive season and experience this wonderful time of the year in a way you have never before. We wish you and your family a happy and safe festive season.