Christmas and new holidays are closing in and different sectors in the Kigali are already feeling its impact.

Specifically standing out is the visual aspect of the city: the streets are lit up with Christmas decorations.

In the night sky, the city turns to be a wonderland of light, sparkles and streamers: hotels, bars, restaurants among other business in the city have decked their premises with decorations, or have at least organised Christmas parties, or children extravaganzas – signs that show how the festive mood is gathering momentum.

The New Times visited some parts of the city to find out how far the glamour and enthusiasm have reached, and found out that some sectors were touched, while others are yet to feel the festivity.

One of the areas that are experiencing impact is the transport sector, with more people traveling back to upcountry to celebrate Christmas with family.

"Travellers are starting to be more in number,” explained Francis Nzigiyimana, a coaster driver who operates on the Kigali – Gakenke route.

"During the time of Christmas and the end of the year, many people love to travel to upcountry so that they can celebrate with family. So, we are having more travellers than in the other days. A coaster is able to make three rounds in a day now, as opposed to the two rounds we used to make in normal days.”

According to Nzigiyimana, it would take him about an hour to fill his coaster with passengers before the festive season, but now he said it takes him about half an hour.

"In the normal days we would get 20 or 25 passengers. But now, we can get 29 passengers that is the capacity of the coaster.”

Another sector touched by the festive season is the sale of decorations. Kigali’s Central Business District (CBD) is the main selling hub for the tinsel, Christmas trees among other decorations.

One of the points where decoration sales are made is the T2000 Supermarket.

Visiting this place, we noticed relatively busy activity of buying decorations for the festive season, among other commodities.

"Yes we are having more clients buying decorations,” said Wu, one of the Chinese heading T2000 supermarket.

However, some dealers in commodities like clothes and shoes reported minimal change in clientele this so far in this season,

"I have not yet seen the difference,” said Copain Nsengimana, a dealer in clothes and shoes operating from the CHIC complex in Kigali.

"Last year we made some minimal sales, but this year, we are not seeing clients.”

Martin Gwaneza, who sells bags in the Nyabugogo market sounded almost similar

"Customers are not many,” he said, however, he noted that clients are buying other commodities mainly food items.

Meanwhile, a number of entertainment feats are also on the cards for the festive season, in different spots in the city.

Among these, Christian Life Assembly’s Christmas Cantanta is returning from the 21st to the 24th of December, Chorale de Kigali’s annual Christmas carols concert is also set for 22nd December, among others.

Christmas tree and decoration at Radisson Blu Hotel in Kigali. / Dan Nsengiyumva