Once next week wraps up, the countdown to Christmas will finally feel real. Before we get there, Kigali’s calendar is already stacked with activity, and as always we have a curated list of the events actually worth your time. If you have kids, there is something for them. If you are hunting for holiday shopping, Christmas carols or a night out with your favourite artistes, the city has it covered. ALSO READ: Must-watch movies, shows to get you in festive season Consider this your guide to what matters this festive season. Twese IV: Depot37 Anniversary Twese returns this weekend for a special anniversary edition at Depot37. A year ago, the venue opened its doors with a three-step set from South African producer Heavy K, a launch that set the tone for Depot37’s identity as a home for electronic music lovers and a meeting point for global and African sounds. One year later, Depot37 is partnering with Pineapple Undertone and Vth Season to welcome another South African headliner for a night built around growth, sound evolution and the community that shaped the venue’s first year. Advance tickets are Rwf12,000 and Rwf25,000 for VIP. The event takes place Friday, December 12, from 7 p.m. Kigali Boozy Beer Pong 2025 Championship Kigali’s yearlong run of monthly beer pong tournaments reaches its finale this Friday, December 12 at Ikawa Rooftop. Organizers are calling it the ultimate end-of-year showdown, bringing together top players for a night built around competition, skyline views and a lively crowd. Teams will compete for prizes offered as Guhemba App food and drinks credit. The winning team receives Rwf200,000, second place receives Rwf100,000 and third and fourth both receive Rwf30,000. Team entry is Rwf10,000 for the first game, and players purchase their own drinks during matches. Spectators enter free. Festivities kick off 6pm. Kandaka Kibanda: The Sudan Rwanda Cultural Market Kandaka Kibanda returns as a monthly curated marketplace and social hub designed to celebrate and connect Sudanese and Rwandan cultures through commerce, cuisine and community. The name blends the historic Sudanese queens, the Kandaka, with the Rwandan market stall, the Kibanda, creating a space meant to serve as a bridge of exchange, empowerment and shared heritage. The market will be held Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dana Hotel Kigali on the open grounds opposite Pili Pili in Kibagabaga. Entry is free and open to all. Visitors can expect curated vendor stalls, a Flavour Plaza featuring regional dishes, live cultural showcases and a community lounge known as the Majlis. Kiddovents Fest Families looking to tap into the holiday spirit can head to Kiddovents Fest this Saturday, December 13, at Amashyo Grounds. The daylong festival features activities for children of all ages, including face painting, an art wall, a treasure hunt, creative zones, a parent lounge, photo and 360 booths, bouncing castles and a trampoline area. Tickets range from Rwf17,000 to Rwf80,000 for group passes. Christmas Carols Concert The Chœur International et Ensemble Instrumental de Kigali will host its annual Christmas Carols Concert on December 13 at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village. The evening will feature performances of traditional and contemporary Christmas music, delivered by both the choir and orchestra. Organizers say the concert aims to create a warm, communal atmosphere for families, friends and music lovers as the city moves deeper into the festive season. Tickets are Rwf5,000 for regular entry, Rwf10,000 for VIP and Rwf15,000 for VVIP. INSTALLATION Live Kivumbi King and Mike Kayihura bring their 2025 EP to the stage this Saturday, December 13, at Kigali Universe. Early bird tickets are priced at Rwf10,000 for regular, Rwf15,000 for VIP and Rwf150,000 for a table of five. Presale rounds rise to Rwf12,500 and Rwf20,000, then to Rwf15,000 and Rwf30,000, with general access set at Rwf20,000 for regular, Rwf40,000 for VIP and Rwf250,000 for a table of five. Funcember As part of Invofest’s line-up, Funcember is a day dedicated to rediscovering fun beyond screens. The event promotes outdoor adventures, teamwork, physical activity and genuine social connection. The goal is simple: help people step away from digital habits, reconnect with themselves and build real relationships. It takes place this Saturday, December 13, at Caiman Kibagabaga. Entry is Rwf5,000, and activities run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m UMUYOBORO: 25 Years Live Concert Alexis Dusabe will mark his 25th year of ministry with the ‘Umuyoboro 25 Years Live Concert’ on Sunday, December 14, at Camp Kigali (KCEV). The evening will gather fans for a program built around worship, testimony and the long career of one of Rwanda’s most recognized gospel figures. Tickets range from Rwf5,000 for Classic to Rwf25,000 for Premium. Great Classic Concert Chorale Saint Paul Kicukiro returns with the third edition of the Great Classic Concert, a program dedicated to sacred choral and orchestral music. The performance continues the ensemble’s tradition of presenting classical works that highlight both spiritual depth and technical precision. Tickets are Rwf5,000 for regular entry, Rwf10,000 for VIP and Rwf25,000 for VVIP. Stay in the loop with The New Times for the latest from Kigali’s entertainment scene and breaking news. Follow us on social media for curated weekend picks and real-time updates.
