Nairobi, it’s glowing. Your iN Nairobi Christmas Guide is here! Concerts, markets, lights, theatre, parties, and all the festive magic filling the city this season.
Santa Vs Grinch | Sarit Centre | 27 November – 24 December | Every Tuesday–Sunday | 12–7 pm
It’s the ultimate festive face-off! 🎄✨ Santa and the Grinch are taking over Sarit – and you’re caught in the middle. Who will win your heart (or your gift list)?
The Sarit also has other festive tie-ins such as “Spin the Wheel” – Spin it, win it, jingle all the way! Spend KES 4,500 for a chance to spin the wheel. Visit the Customer Care Desk daily from 28th Nov. to 24th Dec., between 1 pm and 2 pm, for festive surprises and gifts.
Plus Hornsphere performing on 30 November.
XmasBox | Ngong Racecourse | Friday 28 – Sunday 30 November | 9am – 6pm (Sunday til 5:30pm)
XBox, but it’s Christmas. From bold craftsmanship to thoughtful lifestyle pieces, expressive design, and brands rooted in culture and creativity — they’re helping shape a marketplace full of energy, originality, and holiday spirit. www.thebox.co.ke.
German Church Christmas Charity Bazaar | Saturday 29 November | 11am – 4pm
Otherwise known as “The German Christmas Market” it’s THE place to go for your German Christmas sweets (Milke & Marzipan), advent wreaths, advent calendars… Plus german food and beverage stalls and plenty of vendors of items that make lovely Christmas gifts. You can order your imported goodies in advance on the kirchenairobi website.
Christmas Market | Matteo’s Event Space | 29–30 November | 10am–6pm
Get into the Christmas spirit at Matteo’s Christmas Market! Discover handmade ornaments, artisan gifts, local crafts, festive foods, mulled wine, and a cheerful atmosphere for the whole family. Gingerbread House Decorating 10am – 12pm, Santa Visit 2-4pm. Adults KSh 500 | Kids KSh 200 – Proceeds will be donated to charity.
Beauty & the Beast – The Panto | Braeburn Theatre | Friday 28 – Sunday 30 November | Times vary
Beauty & the Beast – The Panto | Braeburn Theatre | Friday 28 – Sunday 30 November | Times varyThis Christmas, the Braeburn Players invite you to an evening of laughter and music, with Beauty and the Beast — a family pantomime where fairytales come to life! 🌹💫 Enjoy the fun as the stage fills with dancing candlesticks, glittering gowns, cheeky jokes, and heart-warming songs that will have the whole family smiling long after the curtain falls. 🕯️ Read more about Beauty & the Beast in our article! Tickets now on sale at theatres.braeburn.com
The Nutcracker by DCK | Kenya National Theatre | 28- 30 November & 6-7 December | Various times
This December, Dance Centre Kenya proudly celebrates a decade of Nairobi’s favourite holiday tradition, The Nutcracker! Relive the wonder, Live Orchestra, and Classic Ballet that have made The Nutcracker, Kenya’s most beloved Christmas production. Tickets via KenyaBuzz.
Carol of the Birds | Tribe Hotel | Saturday 29 November | 6:30pm
Let the season take flight. Join the Greenwood Singers for Carol of the Birds—an evening where voices soar, harmonies shimmer, and Christmas arrives on gentle wings. Featuring choral performances and Audio-visual conservation highlights. In aid of bird conservation in Kenya.
Carols for a Cause | Ghetto Classics | Dove Hill | Sunday 30 November | 3 – 6:30pm
Christmas Concert | Holy Cross Catholic Church | Sunday 30 November | 2pm
As part of the Holy Cross Christmas Market, 9am – 5pm, including vendors, food, drink & children’s fun & games.
One King | Nairobi Hospital Convention Centre | Sunday 30 November | 3pm
A performance that brings together some of the city’s most passionate young musicians and introduces a bold new voice in choral performance. For one show only, students from Jacaranda Music Hub, Wynton House of Music, and the International Maestro Centre will share the stage in a celebration of music, unity, and spirit. And making its debut, the Choral Brilliance Ensemble – Kenya’s very first professional show choir – will lift their voices in harmonies unlike anything heard before. A breath-taking performance of One King: A Christmas Musical, created by Robert Sterling, Lowell Alexander, and Deborah Craig-Claar. This collaborative presentation will transport you straight to Bethlehem, where hope entered the world through the birth of a King. With stirring narration, powerful music, and moments that move from tender to triumphant, this performance of One King will linger in your heart long after the final note.
Voulez-Vous | Wine Box, Karen | Friday 5 December | 7pm
Origins Dance Company’s year-long burlesque journey ends here! 🎄✨ – the final Voulez Vous show — one last spectacular night of glitter, tease, and Christmas flair. Read more about this sizzling show on iN Nairobi.
Kenyan Designer Collective Pop Up Boutique | Heltz House, Ngara | Friday 5 – Sunday 7 December | 9am – 7pm
An excellent opportunity to access these exclusive Kenyan designs.
Enchanté Christmas Wreath Workshop | The Arbor Place | Saturday 6 December | From 12pm
Booking is still open for anyone who would love to join us. The total is 2,500 and it comes with a delicious Christmas drink from our festive menu. There will also be fun kids activities around the Arbor. They can paint/ decorate ornaments and do some Christmas crafts for 500/- , which they get to take home and hang on their trees.
Feel free to bring any small ornaments or decor you would love to add to your wreath to make it even more personal and magical.
Looking forward to another colourful, creative and Christmassy Saturday. 🎄✨
A Christmas Fantasy Ballet | The Academy of Dance and Art, Karen | Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December | Various times
🎄✨ Countdown to Christmas Magic! The Academy of Dance & Arts presents A Christmas Fantasy Ballet — where the Nutcracker and holiday dreams come to life! 💫
🎟️ Tickets: Adults – KSh 2500 | Kids (Under 12) – KSh 1500 | MPESA Paybill: 4060979 | A/C: Tickets
📞 Call: 0790499377 📧 Email: [email protected]
Christmas Tree Lighting | New Wing Courtyard, Village Market | Saturday 6 December | From 6pm
Experience the magic of the season at Village Market’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting – kick off the festivities with heartwarming Christmas carols, enchanting live performances, and joyful kiddie activities perfect for families. Children will have a chance to meet Santa, enjoy creative tree-decorating moments, and soak in the holiday cheer. Free Entry.
Makers Artisan Market | Shamba Events | Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December | 9am – 6pm
The Jolliest Market of the Year! = An Christmas Market where you’ll find unique gifts, a magical atmosphere, and a festive spirit!
Highlights include: Unique Handcrafted Gifts, Delicious Festive Treats, Live Music & Caroling, Fun Activities for All Ages.
Tickets: Adults: KES 600 Under 18: KES 200. On KenyaBuzz.
https://artisanmakersmarket.co.ke | Instagram: @artisanmakersmarket
In Terra Pax | All Saints Cathedral | Saturday 6 December, 6:30pm & Sunday 7 December 3pm
Get your tickets via Mpesa. Paybill 318552 | Acct: Your Name
Carols in Brass | Jain Bhavan Auditorium | Sunday 7 December | 3 – 5pm
Experience the wonder of the season in sound by The Kenya East Territorial band, featuring The Children’s and Shofar choir.
Tickets on KenyaBuzz.
Art in the Open – Festive Edition | Village Market | Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 December | 10am – 6pm
Wrapping up the year with colour, creativity, and pure holiday magic for the final open-air art showcase of 2025! Free entry.
Bizarre Bazaar | Kenya School of TVET (KSTVET), UN Avenue, Gigiri | Friday 12, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December | Fri & Sat: 9am – 9pm | Sun: 9am – 7pm
Step into Nairobi’s most vibrant Christmas extravaganza — a festive, walkable celebration for family and friends, packed with colour, creativity, music, great food and drink, and unforgettable holiday cheer. 150+ vendors from across the globe; Diverse and lively food court — you will be spoilt for choice; An exciting mix of products across all price points; Biz Baz Kids Club; Live entertainment all weekend; DJ sets all day; Dog-friendly — bring your four-legged friends!; Surprise pop-ups, interactive zones, and discoveries at every corner.
Tickets — available in advance or onsite via KenyaBuzz
Daily Charge: Adults Kshs 500 | Under 18s Kshs 200
Weekend Pass (Discounted): Adults Kshs 1,300 | Under 18s Kshs 500
Tis The Season | Junctioin Mall | Friday 12 – Sunday 14 December | 7pm
Lisa Oduor-Noah & Maasseh Shalom are busy in the kitchen cooking a hearty Christmas musical meal for you. Make sure you book a seat at the table. Buy your tickets today exclusively on @ticketsasa 🎟 Advance – 2,500/- Gate – 3,000/- Kids – 500/-
Luxe Christmas Soiree | The Norfolk Hotel | Friday 12 December | 4pm – 2am
The Luxe Christmas Soirée by Lumière Society Events is an exclusive celebration of elegance, joy, and holiday glamour. Set in a luxurious ambience of black, gold, and sparkle, the soirée brings together a select circle of tastemakers and trendsetters for an evening of fine music, curated experiences, and timeless memories. It’s not just a party it’s the season’s most anticipated social affair.Tickets on Mookh.
Breakfast with Santa | Swahili Tree Bar & Kitchen, Karen | Saturday 13 December | 11am
Santa’s dropping south of the Equator and making a stop at Swahili Tree! Bring the kids, bring the smiles, and make holiday memories together. Ticket inclues a delicious Festive Kiddie Brunch, a gift directly from Santa, a sweet cookie-decorating session plus Festive Season Games. Call or text 0110509778 to make your (kids’) booking.
Four Stops To Midnight; Christmas Edition | Birdies, 254 Beer District, The General, Re/Volver | Saturday 13 December | from 6pm
𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 ▶️ 𝟮𝟱𝟰 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 ▶️ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 ▶️ 𝗥𝗲\𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿
Four venues, four vibes, one epic Christmas ride. From golf swings to craft beer, neighbourhood cocktails and a speakeasy nightcap. Four of Nairobi’s best are teaming up to give you a bar crawl for the ages. Tickets and details here (limited Early Bird discount tix available!).
A Celebration of Christmas | Baraka Opera Company | BOK Creative Hub | Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December
Of all the Christmas activities which remind us year after year of the birth of a baby king in a manger, surrounded by sheep and goats and visited by lowly shepherds as well as three kings, there is none so cherished as the singing of Christmas carols and yuletide melodies.
In recent times, a new story has added perspective to our presentation of this incredible story. Gian-Carlo Menotti’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors, the tale of a little crippled boy who experiences the miracle of healing as he offers his most valuable gift, his crutch, to a baby king he had never heard of before, has become a favourite of Baraka Opera Kenya. It is set to become a seasonal staple, along with our other Christmas favorites.
Build Your Own Gingerbread House | Chocolate Box Room, General Mathenge Rd. | Saturday 20 December | 4pm onwards
A cozy and creative afternoon building our own Gingerbread Houses! All materials will be provided, plus enjoy a delicious cup of complimentary hot chocolate. Booking link @theexperience_lab.
From Russia With Ballet | Kenya National Theatre | Saturday 20 December | Doors 5pm
From Russia With Ballet | Kenya National Theatre | Saturday 20 December | Doors 5pm
Just in time for Christmas, for the first time, the incredible Russian State Ballet arrives in Nairobi.
The best Christmas present to the whole family! There will be food, drinks and live orchestra in the garden before the performance. Doors open at 5pm. Ballet starts at 7.30pm. Tickets on hustlesasa.
Carols in the Bush | Lukenya Hill | Saturday 20 December | 2pm
Food, drink, games, picnic & of course, the music. Hosted by June Gachui & Band with DJ Andre, Dj Kym Nickdee & Moh Spice. Get your tickets on Mtickets.
All You Can Eat Christmas BBQ Feast | BBQ Adventures | Saturday 20 December | 12 – 10pm
100 Meat Lovers. Endless BBQ. One Unforgettable Christmas Feast! Will you be one of them? Grab your ticket on Mookh to gather and feast your way into Christmas.
Christmas Carols Night | Swahili Tree Bar & Kitchen, Karen | Monday 22 December | From 6pm
Come for a cozy evening filled with Christmas melodies, good food, and warm festive cheer. Join in the carols led by a singing MC in the days before Christmas.
Christmas Jazz & Brunch | Nairobi Street Kitchen | 25 December – Christmas Day | 12 Noon
Experience the magic of the season with NSK – live jazz by @eric_and_maestro_band, curated brunch menus, and all the holiday sparkle! Bring your people. Make it unforgettable 📞 Bookings & Reservations: 07 07 800 800
Grand Noel Brunch | Larder at the Radisson Blu | 25 December | 12:30 – 4pm
Enjoy:
• Lavish buffet & live cooking stations
• Turkey, roasts, seafood & gourmet festive favourites
• Free-flowing wines, beers & cocktails
• Live band
• Kids’ corner, games, crafts & Santa meet-and-greet
• A special gift for every family