Like most parts around the world, Christmas in Nairobi is celebrated with the entire family coming together.  There are traditional dinners featuring an abundance of food and holiday cheer. Most Kenyans attend overnight church services in Swahili-Kesha, while others go to their home towns to spend some quiet time with their extended family.  They have the benefit of a quiet uncongested environment with clean country air.

Christmas in Swahili is called ‘Krismasi’ which is celebrated by all religions across the country. Churches and Cathedrals are beautifully decorated for Christmas.  These decorations include balloons, ribbons and Christmas trees embellished with candles, bells and presents.  Whether the family attends the English or Swahili-speaking services, worship is a time of singing and hope for all, especially at Christmas.

The feast on the Christmas menu normally contains – Pilau, chicken, beef, rice, Chapatti, cake and a lot barbeque, locally known as Nyama Choma.  Traditional brews such as Tusker always grace the occasion.

Compared to the U.S., Christmas is pretty low-key in Nairobi.  In Nairobi, Christmas is one of the warmest times of the year, so you won’t find images of Frosty the Snowman anywhere. There’s never a chance of a having white Christmas in Nairobi.

Gifts were not always expected and generally not part of a Kenyan Christmas celebration.

Nowadays thanks to the heavy globalization of the festival, exchanging of Christmas cards and presents is the norm.  Getting new clothes for the children is a must for the holiday.  Attending a church service is a large part of Kenyan Christmas.  Folks are dressed in their best as they visit the Church for prayers and then visit friends and relatives.

Due to the massive urban migration to the capital of Nairobi, a large portion of Kenyans head to the coast to relax and enjoy the laid back atmosphere of the coast.  The famed Mombasa Raha (Mombasa fun) is the buzz word for Nairobians.  The city of Mombasa has great beaches, nights clubs, beach parties and plenty of food to savour.  It is known to be most overly populated city during Christmas holidays.  One of the big attractions is the Diani beach in the south of Mombasa that has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa.

Hot Destination

One of the newest HOT spots is Watamu Bay, about an hour north of Mombassa.  It is one of the hottest resorts in town with exclusive beach fronts.

Watamu Beach

For the Kenyans who remain in Nairobi, there is a lot for them to do, from partying and attending special events and concerts.  Below is a list of things to do:

Event category: Family /youth / General

ART AND BEER VOL III “END OF THE WORLD SURVIVORS PARTY”
Start Date: December 22, 2012
End Date: December 23, 2012
Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 am
Location : Uhuru Gardens Langata Road

CHOMA FEST 2013
Start Date: December 8, 2012
End Date: December 9, 2012
Time: 12:00 pm to 6:00 am
Location : Impala grounds

LEAVERS AFFAIR – CLUB 3:16 THE "LEAVERS EDITION"
Start Date: December 14, 2012
End Date: December 15, 2012
Time: 7:00 pm to 6:00 am
Location : Luther Plaza car park

@ NAIROBI ROCK FEST
Start Date: December 8, 2012
End Date: December 9, 2012
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 am
Location : Club Ichonic

INCOGNITO LIVE IN NAIROBI
Start Date: December 16, 2012
End Date: December 16, 2012
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 am
Location : Bomas of Kenya
Tickets : 3,000 regular 5,000VIP @ sierra Brasserie

JAMHURI DAY  - Kenyan Independence Day December 12, 2012

REAL ESTATE BUS TOUR -KENYANDIASPORALINK.COM & KPDA
Start Date: December 17, 2012
End Date: December 18, 2012
Time: 8:00 am to 7:30 am
Location  : From Crowne Plaza hotel
Info: Step by step information on how to purchase property will be shared from Dec 18th 4pm.

KENYA KITESURF CUP 2012
Founded in 2004 the annual Kenya Cup Competition has become the kite surf event of the year in Kenya. Proceeds are for the colobus Trust conservation
Start Date: December 28, 2012
End Date: December 29, 2012
Cost: KES 2,000
Location   : 40 Thieves Beach Bar, Diani

Hot event of the month

CRAFTS OF AFRICA FAIR 2012 SARIT CENTRE 28th NOV-2nd DEC
Annual Christmas season, African craft and art show at the Sarit Centre. Included a range of exhibitors selling everything from wood, metal carvings to blown glass. A huge range  of artisans' produce. Items from wood carvings and leather items to glass, gourds, clothing, house decors and jewellery. A beautiful showcase of art and creativity!

Acacia’s painting at Sarit Craft fair

handmade bracelets at Sarit Craft fair

Save the children handmade Hyacinth baskets at the Sarit Fair

By: Vivien Wamalwa and Ray Gutt

Vivien Wamalwa is the owner of Safari Hunters, a local travel / tour
agency operated in Nairobi, Kenya.  She can be contacted at
254.20.521.0636 or 254.723.788.612 or by e-mail at:
Vivien[at]safarihunters.net