New Year's Eve your way
2012-12-21 10:07
Okay, let's just be honest here: New Year's Eve has the uncanny ability to suck.
As with any long-anticipated and much-glorified event, the reality of the old year's last night and the new year's first morning often pales in comparison to the extravagant ideas we built up in our heads.
However, this doesn't mean that we should all mutter a collective "Bah! Humbug!" and hole up, nursing each of our own obscure sorrows. No way! The new year really is something to celebrate, and no matter what your idea of fun is, there is sure to be something that tickles your fancy.
Check out our top picks for 2012/13.
Wild thing
Love nothing more than dancing the night away under the stars among beautiful, energetic bodies? You're in luck! With summer in full swing, the country is brimming with awesome outdoor parties to enjoy.
(Stop&Watch Photography)
Our top pick: Rock the River
Why: Well, you can't really go wrong with three days of epic bands, vibing djs and loads of laid-back rock fest fun at a breathtaking venue just half-an-hour outside of Cape Town. And it won't break the bank either.
Where: Cape Town Ostrich Ranch
When: 28 December - 1 January
How much: R400 presale through Computicket, R450 at the gate.
Band highlights include: Wrestlerish, Van Coke Kartel, Zebra and Giraffe, Ashtray Electric, Junkyard Lipstick, Hog Hoggidy Hog, Rudimentals, Enmity, Firefly, and Chromium.
More information: Telephone Ice Carstens on 072 516-1703 or visit the Rock the River website andFacebook page.
Honourable mentions:
Rezonance trance party, Contermanskloof Farm, Durbanville
Smoking Dragon Party, Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge, Drakensberg
Coffee Bay New Years Party, Bomvu Backpakers
Touch of class
Enjoy the finer things in life? Like getting dressed up and ringing the new year in with some glitz and glamour? Well, of course, you do!
Our top pick: Cantare Supper Club New Year's Eve Masked Ball
Why: Rustling gowns, glittery masks, colourful feathers, dancing the night away and a delicious five-course meal.
Where: Cantare Dinner and Dance, Montecasino, Johannesburg
When: 31 December
How much: R850 per person, booking essential
More information: Visit the Cantare website
Honourable mentions:
Mount Nelson NYE celebration
Fire and Ice! NYE party
Midnight in Paris at the Brooklyn Theatre
Laid back love
So, you want to get out of the house, but would like to avoid the raucous parties and don't care much for the fancy? Not to worry! Your chances of having a good night are pretty good.
Our top pick: Kirstenbosch Drostdy-Hof New Year's Eve Concert
Why: Does it get any better than enjoying a picnic under the stars in the heart of one of the most extravagantly, beautiful gardens around while listening to jazz legend, Hugh Masekela? We think not!
Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Cape Town
When: 31 December 2012
How much: R270
More information: Check out South African National Botanical Institute's website
Honourable mentions: New Year's Eve with Alter Irving
Away from it all
(Karoo Space magazine)
2012 hasn't treated you that well, now has it? No wonder you want to escape the crowds and recharge your batteries and revive your soul in little town South Africa...
Our top pick: Bethesda Arts Centre's Festival of Lights
Why: Celebrate the dawn of a whole new year by joining the lantern procession through the humble streets of the little Karoo town of Nieu Bethesda. Thereafter you can enjoy local foods at a braai (barbeque)at the Bethesda Arts Centre ~ accompanied by dancing with a live band under the stars.
Where: Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape
When: 31 December
How much: R150 per person
More information: Visit the Nieu Bethesda website
Honourable mentions: Matjiesfontein New Year's Celebration
Clubbin'
In your eyes, there's absolutely nothing as good as an all out night on the town and on New Year's Eve, you like it huge.
Our top pick: 5FM Black Tie & Barefoot (NYE)5 Beach Party
Why: Sponsored by one of SA's favourite radio stations, and hosting international DJs, this party is set to rock like nothing you've ever experienced before. The dress code requires a "Black Tie" but "Barefoot" means that the rest of the code is very much left open to interpretation
Where: Outer Limits Broadacres in Johannesburg
When: 31 December
How much: R150 presale from ticketspace.co.za
More information: Visit the Black Tie & Barefoot Facebook page
Home body
Our top pick: Have a cozy braai at home
Why: Sometimes there's nothing better than standing still for a moment in the most familiar place to appreciate all those people and things you love most in life. Make it festive by stringing up lights, planting lanterns in the garden, popping a few bottles of ice cold bubbly and enjoying some good music.
