Christmas is just around the corner, and Kigali has fully embraced the holiday spirit! From dazzling lights to a packed lineup of events, the city is alive with holiday cheer. As always, The New Times is here with our weekly roundup of the best spots to check out for your dose of entertainment. ALSO READ: The stage is set for Christmas Carols, say organisers Take your pick from these seven exciting events! Battle of the Bands Grand Finale This Saturday, December 21, the stage is set for an epic showdown as four bands—Art Star, Paco XL, Umuduri, and The Best Choice—battle it out for the championship title. The winner will secure a year-long contract, while the runner-up takes home Rwf2 million. If live music is your vibe, head to the Kigali Marriott Hotel from 4 PM to 9 PM for an evening of incredible talent and electric performances. Best part? Free entrance. Party on the Hill Get ready for an unforgettable day of fun this Saturday, December 21, at Lavana Shyorongi. Hop on the party bus and enjoy soft grooves, great vibes, and plenty of treats. DJs Inno and Melanin will keep the music flowing, while you indulge in free Mexican food samples, paint-and-sip sessions, 2-for-1 tacos and margaritas, free shots for the first 100 guests, and even a live tattoo session! The party kicks off at noon and runs until 9 PM. Tickets are Rwf10,000, but if you have private transportation, entry is free. The dress code is winter glow, and party bus pickups will be at Lavana Kimihurura. Afrohub Homecoming with Theecember Burundian sensation Theecember is coming to Kigali to close the year in style! Brought to you by Afrohub, this performance will feature DJ Tity and Waklexx from Canada, with RY also joining the lineup. Known for his viral freestyle to Pheelz's Finesse, Theecember has been making waves with hits like Gumako, Back to You, and the genre-blending Uransaza, which fuses French, English, Swahili, and Kirundi. Expect an unforgettable night of Afro-pop energy from one of East Africa’s rising stars. Christmas Carols Concert Feel the magic of the season at the Christmas Carols Concert! Chorale de Kigali returns to BK Arena on Sunday, December 22, for an evening filled with enchanting carols and festive melodies. As one of Rwanda’s most renowned choirs, Chorale de Kigali has a rich history of performing at major concerts and religious festivals, often collaborating with distinguished musical ensembles. This promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. Tickets are priced between Rwf5,000 and Rwf250,000. Christmas Kids Festival This year’s Christmas Kids Festival promises two full days of fun and festivities! Hosted by comedian Muhinde at Spiderman Game Center Masaka, kids can enjoy a wide range of activities for just Rwf10,000 per child. Entry includes access to trampolines, bouncing castles, electronic games, swimming, Santa’s gifts, a photoshoot, and Christmas carols. There will also be exciting competitions like dancing, singing, modeling, drawing, spelling bees, and poetry, plus a talent show featuring magicians, puppet shows, acrobatics, comedy, and more! The festival runs on Saturday and Sunday, December 22, offering entertainment, games, food, and endless holiday cheer for the whole family. Art & Vibes Expo Kigali Get ready for a creative celebration of art, fashion, and music at the Art & Vibes Expo Kigali, happening this Saturday, December 21, at Mundi Center. The event features an exciting lineup including live tattoo sessions with Leali (Italy), Bichon (France), and Rwanda’s own ArtistHenry, along with a designer’s market showcasing brands like K’Tsobe, Amike Studio, Maison Inkindi, Safashion, A&M Fashion, and vintage clothing collections. Explore stunning art installations by Maison Inkindi, enjoy a live music performance by Kenny Mirasano, and groove to DJ sets by Lynnduh, Kavumbi Dust, DJ Motari, Binghi, and Leali. The event runs from 2 PM to 2 AM, blending creativity and entertainment all in one space. Tickets are Rwf5,000 before 7 PM and Rwf8,000 after 7 PM. Family Paint Event Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend quality time with your loved ones? The Family Paint Event by Gaba Paint is perfect for creating lasting memories and fostering connections. This Sunday, December 22, from 2 PM to 6 PM at Cave Coffee in Nyarutarama, Kigali, the event offers a chance for families to bond through creativity. Take a break from the daily grind and enjoy painting, live music, and fun games together. It’s a day designed for laughter, connection, and shared experiences. Entry fees are Rwf15,000 per adult and Rwf9,000 per child (ages 3-14). The New Times is your go-to platform for all events happening in Kigali. From entertainment highlights to the latest updates on current affairs, we’ve got you covered. Plan your weekend with our curated selection of activities and stay connected for real-time updates through our social media channels. Stay informed and make the most of your time in the city!
