It’s the month of December, the last month of the year and a month of good cheer.
Christmas is just around the corner and the year is winding down and to most of us, it means going on vacation, sharing fond memories with our loved ones and a line-up of many other activities.
As such, Kigali’s entertainment scene is growing bigger and better by the day as a number of social events and activities have been lined up to help Rwandans enjoy Christmas, but also end 2018 and begin the new year in style.
We bring you a line-up of activities in Kigali that you can engage in with your loved one throughout this holiday.
Romantic dinner at a Cosy restaurant
The secret to a happy heart is a full stomach, and the City of Kigali has a very interesting yet still budding restaurant scenery to sample.
There is also something extra about restaurants in the city, they offer customers a generous portion size, value for money!
The most romantic restaurants in town are Ubumwe Grand Hotel, KhanaKhazana, L’Epircurien, Inka Steakhouse, Pili Pili, Zen Oriental Cuisine, Century Park and Bamboo Rooftop restaurant among many others.
Maybe it’s something to do with the low lighting and the ambient glow that makes your partner look more flattering especially when they smile.
Find a good vantage point and enjoy the view
Kigali is the capital city in the land of a thousand hills but with the daily hustle and bustle throughout the year you may not have had the time to savor the beauty these hilly landscapes so easily offer at night.
However, since it is the holiday season it’s time to take a breather and absorb the fresh air as you enjoy the views in Kigali together with your loved one. You can identify a spot from some restaurants in Kigali e.g. the balcony at Papyrus and Onomo Hotel.
Or just stop somewhere and see for yourself. In my opinion Remera, Kacyiru, Gikondo and Kibagabaga offer the best views in town.
Christmas Cantanta
Christian Life Assembly, Nyarutarama is hosting the Christmas #Cantata250 at the Church premises, since Friday.
The two-hour musical theatre production about the birth of Jesus Christ is told through various creative means, crafted by a production team including actors, a professional orchestra, a choir, costume designers, stage designers, and audio-visual engineers to mention but a few.
Held under the theme "Love Came Down”, the route began on Friday and is ongoing until December 24 – featuring drama, songs, and dances, among other activities. The event is free,and is suitable for both the young and adults and doors open at 5p.m.
Christmas Carols Concert,
One of the country’s popular orchestras, International choir and instrumental group of Kigali, is among the top must-watch-live list for any lover of classic music this weekend.
Their 2018 edition of Christmas Carols Concert takes place today December 23, at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (former Camp Kigali) at the Akagera Hall. The concert starts at 6pm.
East African Party
As usual, The East African Party will be welcoming the New Year in style. This year, US-Based Rwandan singer, Meddy will be coming home to perform alongside top local artistes including, Riderman, Yvan Buravan, Bruce Melodie and Social Mula, at the parking space of Amahoro Stadium. Gates will be open at 4PM.Silent disco
Kigali partiers will get to party quietly in what has become known as silent disco. Fuschia Bar and Lounge, located in Remera, is yet to host the Christmas Street Silent Disco on December 25.
The show starts at 6PM and will feature Kigali’s top deejays, DJ Mupenzi, DJ Ira, DJ Infinity, DJ Kadir, DJ Toxxyk, DJ Marnaud, and DJ Miller.
Century cinema has a wide range of movies that revelers can watch this festive season.
Century cinema
There has been talk that the Century Cinema is underutilized by Kigalians, unless there is a launch like the Black Panther movie that the cinema literally floods with people.
This holiday season ensure to reserve a seat at the cinema with your better half and watch a movie together.
They say cinemas are the best place to take a girl out on a first date, you will know whether she really likes you when you place your hands over her shoulder or stretch to hold her hand and she doesn’t flinch.
On the contrary, if she moves, the dark room saves you from embarrassment.
Romantic walks
Kigali is a city so clean and safe to walk during day and night, so why not take a romantic walk and know each other without literally breaking the bank.
This holiday season the city will be decorated all over, on buildings, at main round about(s) around Kigali Convention Centre and Remera, so a walk at night will feel ecstatic.
Again, maybe it’s something to do with dim lighting and the tranquility that comes with walking slowly on less crowded streets.
Also, they say activity boosts our moods and so you will not even have to lift a finger to make him/her laugh, somehow both your moods will be just right!
Go for a couples massage or yoga together
Nothing says I love you more than a relaxing spa date! Surprise your loved one with such an experience this holiday season as Kigali has enough spots for this to cater for all your budget needs e.g. the Marriot Hotel, Serena Hotel, Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson Blu, the Manor Hotel, and the Mirror Hotel etc
Sports and outdoor activities
Located at Mount Kigali, Fazenda Sengha will sort you and your loved one on exciting outdoor activities such as horse riding, archery and ziplining. The location is also suitable for a beautiful view of Kigali city and the hills as you relax with your loved ones. Also, don’t worry about the food as food and drinks are provided at the center.
Bowling
The bowling alley at Mamba Club in Kimihurura is the only bowling alley in Kigali. It is a great way to have a fun night out with a loved one on a bored as you get entertained with cool music while you can also make new friends.
Picnic
Nyarutarama area is so beautiful especially around the Nyarutarama Golf club, a suitable picnic spot within the city is at the artificial lake, famously called Nyagahene, it provides a venue for young couples to meet, take a stroll and stop to take selfies and share a bite as they say sweet nothings.
Take a swim
The weather in Kigali is almost always conducive for a swim so take advantage this holiday. If you don’t know how to swim maybe it is time to learn something new together.
Most 3 to 5 star hotels around the city have sizeable pools to enjoy
Golf
The green lush golf club in Nyarutarama is magnificent for a couple’s treat this holiday season, have you tried it? The stroll through the area may leave you both tired at the end of the day but it is all worth it at the end.
Cycle
Kigali City is a biker’s joy as the terrain is delightfully challenging, purchase the best choice of a mountain bike or hire, wear your helmets and have some fun exploring the city’s environs together.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw