- Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
The festive season got off to a roaring start with the Christmas Street Market followed by Santa’s arrival at the Kei Mouth Country Club. That’s only the beginning, however—there will be lots to do in and around Kei Mouth this festive season.
In this blog, we’ve come up with a few tips for all the kids, adventure-seekers, party-lovers, and fitness fanatics, not to mention the families and grandparents enjoying their summer holidays together in our beautiful coastal town.
Kickstart the Christmas week with a craft workshop at Kei Country Crafts at The Yard Lifestyle Hub on the main road in Kei Mouth. Book a slot on the 23rd of December and get to grips with the basics of macramé in this hands-on, beginner-friendly craft session.
The instructors will guide you through creating your own unique design while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of Kei’s lifestyle centre.
All materials are provided, making this the perfect opportunity to explore your creative side and take home a handmade Christmas gift. The two-hour workshop is suitable for all ages, although adults should accompany those under 5. A follow-up workshop will be running on the 2nd of January, so if you’re still in town, you can build on your new skills and tackle a more challenging project.
If macrame sounds a bit too challenging, why not try your hand at pebble painting instead? Kei Country Crafts will be running a 2-hour workshop on the 27th of December, giving the kids in Kei the perfect opportunity to create their own souvenirs to remember their Christmas holidays.
Too much energy to concentrate on crafts? Head over to Morgan Bay Beach for some classic beach games. On the 23rd, Scripture Union will be hosting an old-fashioned family sports day from 9.30 am so why not head over and show off your sporting prowess? And if that’s not competitive enough for you, there’s always the annual touch rugby tournament that takes place between 9 am and 2 pm on Boxing Day.
If you’re feeling musical or want to express your inner Beyonce, head over to Beach, Beds, and Beyond on Grosvenor Square and sing your heart out at their braai and karaoke session on Boxing Day. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time singer, this promises to be an afternoon filled with laughter, good food, and festive fun. Starts at noon.
Now you’ve found your voice, why not show off your talent at Morgan Bay Hotel‘s Teens Singalong Party on 27th December? From 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm, teenagers can enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and making new holiday friends.
It’s the perfect way to get in the mood for New Year’s Eve when Morgan Bay Hotel will be hosting a teen disco party. Running from 7:30 to 10 pm, it’s a great way to celebrate the end of the year without indulging in adult festivities.
The Venue will be transformed into a vibrant disco, giving you plenty of opportunities to dance with your new holiday friends. The earlier timing means parents can collect their teenagers before heading off to their own New Year’s celebrations. Tickets are R100 per person.
There is no shortage of running events this holiday season, so if you’re a die-hard runner or simply want to burn off some of those Christmas calories, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to lace up your sneakers and join the fun.
Ease yourself into it with Morgan Bay Hotel’s Sundowner’s Fun Run on the 23rd of December and get a free T-shirt for your efforts. The run starts at The Deck at 5.30 pm and participants can choose between a 4km, 6km, or 8km distance depending on how fit they’re feeling.
Now you’ve warmed up, you’re all ready for the Double Mouth Trail Run which takes place at 6.30 am on Boxing Day. Starting at Double Mouth Caravan Site, this scenic run takes you all the way to Kei Mouth and then back to Morgan Bay just in time for breakfast!
Keep your legs moving with the weekly ParkRun at Kei Mouth Country Club on Saturday, and you’ll be perfectly prepared for the Pink Fairy Family Fun Adventure Relay and Trail Run on the 29th.
The sounds of guitars and saxophones will fill the air in our coastal village this Christmas week, beginning on Monday with Alex Vooght, the renowned guitarist and singer, taking the stage at the newly opened Backyard Pizzeria in Kei Mouth. Adding to the festive melody, Lara Michelle will captivate audiences with her soulful saxophone playing and enchanting vocals, creating a magical evening of live music that’s not to be missed.
Following hot on their heels, Jono Muller will bring his usual blend of acoustic guitar and magnetic stage presence… not to mention his huge repertoire of songs! Lara Michelle will also be back in town, performing at the Backyard Pizzeria, while the Sunset Bar and Lapa will be hosting Who Invited Karen – a much-loved cover band from East London.
The ever-popular Third Degree will also be back, performing at Bayview Farm on the 29th before setting the stage for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party there on the 31st.
Every eatery, restaurant, cafe and pizzeria is pulling out all the stops this Christmas. From pizzas to pies, seafood to steaks, breakfasts to binge-worthy feasts, you’ll not be going hungry in Kei Mouth.
The Oystercatcher is a fantastic spot to grab a bite and squeeze in some last-minute Christmas shopping. Space might be limited, but the flavour certainly isn’t! Indulge in everything from waffles and ice cream to gourmet sandwiches and toasties crafted from homemade sourdough loaves, all served with a side of festive cheer.
If you missed out on the Kei Mouth Country Club’s It’s Nearly Christmas Lunch on the 22nd, don’t despair! There are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy festive dining with one of the best views in the area!
Talking of views, The Yardarm Bistro boasts a breathtaking view over the Great Kei River and offers a wide selection of small plates and hearty meals to suit any appetite. It’s also a little quieter than most venues, making it perfect for catching up over lunch or enjoying a relaxed dinner while soaking in the serene surroundings.
The newly refurbished and recently opened Bushpig also has some culinary surprises in store for you, while the Backyard Pizzeria will be serving the kind of pizzas that have made Bayview Farm such a popular venue.
Just outside of town, you’ll find the inimitable braai venue—The Shed. Now under new management, The Shed will be serving South African favourites for both lunch and dinner. Enjoy a vetkoek toastie at lunchtime, or head over after sunset for a classic braai meal or freshly prepared seafood, paired with an authentic and welcoming atmosphere that’s uniquely South African.
Beach, Beds, and Beyond will also be conjuring up something a little different this Christmas, with Mediterranean-themed evenings throughout the festive season, before reverting to their tried and tested Sunday roasts and a traditional meal on Christmas Day.
The beautifully located Neptune’s Cove is also open for the festive season, offering both locals and visitors the chance to enjoy a laid-back meal right on the beach. Their house specialities include crispy chicken schnitzels, tender calamari strips, and prawns so fresh it feels like they’ve swum straight from the sea onto your plate.
And if you’re craving a quick snack before bed, swing by Fisherman’s Corner for a plate of cheesy chips, a curry mince vetkoek, or a classic boerie roll—the perfect fuel to keep you going well into the night or even until the next morning!
If you can’t find the perfect dish or ideal venue in Kei Mouth (which is unlikely given the variety), there are plenty more venues just outside the village or in neighbouring Morgan Bay. These include:
Bayview Farm
Sunset Bar and Lapa
Morgan Bay Hotel
As you can see, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do, incredible food to try, and unforgettable experiences to enjoy in Kei Mouth this Christmas. Whether you’re looking to explore the local festivities, indulge in delicious meals, or enjoy live music by the beach, there’s something for everyone to make this holiday season truly special. So gather your loved ones, embrace the holiday spirit, and make the most of all the festive fun Kei Mouth has to offer.
For more information, check out our community calendar: https://keimouth.co.za/kei-mouth-events/
Things to do https://keimouth.co.za/play/
Where to eat https://keimouth.co.za/food-and-drink/
Or join the community whats app Kei/Morgs Promotions Group where all the daily stuff to do is updated 🙂