• We all love cliche ridden northern hemisphere Christmases with cold weather and mulled wine and all that fa la la la la.
• Realistically if you want a Christmas like that it makes no sense to do it in December in South Africa.
• Enter Christmas in July - the ultimate atheists holiday.
• So where to go for a fabulous Christmas in July?
• There are obviously lots of options here are 3 of the best...

For a trip out of town: Wakkerstroom Wonderful

• Wakkerstroom, the tiny town in Southern Mpumalanga has an annual Xmas in July event 23,24,25 July. They are about 3 hours from Johannesburg - so just far enough to feel like an adventure.
• There are 6 participating restaurants each with their own interpretation of a Christmas menu.
• My pick is The Bistro 072 252 5781 who have a menu that includes oysters and champagne, wild boar marinated in rice wine, soft shell crab curry and hot Christmas cake with brandy butter. What's not to love?.
• For more info: wakkerstroomtourism.co.za - which gives details of all the different eating options.

HOW TO GET THERE:

NB. Those in the know say the N16 road is non existant so:
from JHB N3 Heidelberg, standetron, Volksrust.
From PTA Delmas,Liandra, Secunda, Standerton, Volksrust
For those who want to stay at home this Christmas: Le Canard Christmas
• Where and What: Le Canard in Sandton is one of our last remaining iconic fine dining eateries. Contact: 011 884 4597
• When: 24 July 2010
• Fa la la la la? The meal will be accompanied by carols and Christmas songs performed by members of The Johannesburg Philharmonic Choir, with a special guest appearance by the Childrens Choir of the JPC.
• What's on the menu? Vichyssoise with Truffle, roast turkey, Christmas trifle

Have yourself a healthy and virtuous little Christmas?

• Where: 4th Avenue Parkhurst
• When? Date Thursday, 22 and 29th July 2010 from 5pm until 9pm.
• Why is it healthy? Greenlands Health food shop is offering healthy snacks and herbal teas. NB. other restaurants are also participating so you can do blow out if you want.
• Why is it virtuous? This year the event is will be themed "Christmas in July for the less fortunate" and, together with non-profit charity organisation The Trust, the evening will host not only late night trading, but also street music and collection points for blankets, old clothes, tinned food as well stalls manned by various charities.