Christmas at The Nest Hotel in the Drakensberg is a time of warmth, family and old fashioned tradition. Each year the hotel comes alive with festive décor, the sound of carols and the unmistakable feeling that something special is in the air. At the heart of it all is our Christmas Lunch, a long standing favourite with returning families and in house guests who have made The Nest part of their holiday traditions.
On Christmas Day, our Christmas Lunch is served in the Conference Centre, which is transformed into an elegant and welcoming dining venue for the occasion. Tables are set with festive touches, and guests can relax as our team serves a generous traditional meal. It is an unhurried affair, inviting you to sit back, enjoy good company and savour the experience of a proper Christmas celebration in the mountains.
The Christmas Lunch is reserved exclusively for guests staying at The Nest Hotel. This creates a warm and intimate atmosphere where familiar faces return year after year, and new guests quickly feel part of the family. Surrounded by views of the Drakensberg, it is the ideal setting to pause, reflect on the year gone by and share in a meal that feels both homely and special.
For our younger guests, the excitement begins well before lunch is served. At 10:00 in the morning, Father Christmas makes his appearance on the front lawn, much to the delight of the children. Seeing Father Christmas arrive against the backdrop of the Drakensberg is a memory that many families treasure for years to come. It is a moment filled with anticipation, smiles and the simple joy that makes Christmas so memorable for children.
To keep the festive spirit alive throughout the holiday, The Nest Hotel also offers a children’s entertainment program during the season. This program is designed to keep young guests happily occupied with age appropriate activities, giving parents the chance to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. While the children play and make new friends, adults can linger over coffee, take a stroll through the gardens or simply enjoy the peaceful mountain setting.
Spending Christmas at The Nest Hotel is about more than just a meal. It is about tradition, togetherness and the charm of celebrating in a classic country hotel in the Drakensberg. From Father Christmas on the front lawn to the traditional Christmas Lunch in the Conference Centre and the dedicated children’s entertainment program, every element is planned to create a heartfelt and memorable festive experience for in house guests.