Uncle Jumbo’s Christmas Party has been spreading festive cheer for generations, and in this heartfelt piece, our 041Culture columnist, MVUME NDIMBA, reflects on its magic—from his childhood memories to his own kids’ experiences.
When God created the Earth, the seas, and all the beasts that roam the land, he also created man, and on the seventh day, He rested,, at Uncle Jumbo’s Christmas party.
From the beginning, Uncle Jumbo’s Christmas party has been a staple, no, an institution in our great city, bringing the magic of Christmas to the bay every year.
I went to the Christmas party as a young boy, and this year, in true Christmas fashion, it was my kids’ turn to have Santa Claus butcher their names.
My oldest is 9 so she knows to come speak to me or mom about her gift requests, she even helped choose her loud-ass lightsaber and baby sister’s handbag/shades and coin purse combo. But that didnt dim her smile one bit when Santa called her name and gave her gift to her. Baby girl, excited and smiling ear to ear, came to me to show me her gift and asked me to open them for her (she definitely spent the rest of the evening walking around with her handbag looking cute… I worry about that one)
But Uncle Jumbo’s is more than just a night for the kids to run around and play with their age mates. It’s a chance for the parents to take a camp chair out, has a drink and talk shit about their kids, life, work and spill tea (dad tea is hot too btw, I thought the ladies had the best gossip but the dads??? Let me just say I’ve never heard a mom tell me a story that ended with someone driving their car into a tent, attempting to murder their adulterous husband and affair partner) but I digress.
Uncle Jumbo is about Charity. Kids from all walks are invited to experience the magic of Big Unc free of charge, support sanitary pad drives and volunteer their time to the event (my lil bro Mandisa volunteered as one of the clowns before… and wants to do it again)
Going back as an adult, you see it differently. When the kiddie’s version of Sista Betina came on (Baby Shark) my little one got up and went to the front, she needed to be in front she needed to be seen, and in following her little speedy self i realised… these dudes are TIRED okay?
Noddy was finished. Mr Plod’s hating self needed a nap, Big Ears’ voice was toast, Noddy’s car wouldn’t start, and Santa was on Ozempic, these people are exhausted and the most important thing we can do as the public (ironically) is support. They have been performing since 27/11/2024 and will continue every day until 08/12/2024 so please, for your sake, for their sake and for the children. Pull up to Uncle Jumbo’s and experience the magic of Christmas in the best city on Earth, Gqeberha
Event Details
🎅 Uncle Jumbo’s Christmas Party – A Magical Adventure for Your Kids!
📅 Dates: November 27th – December 8th, 2024 (No shows on Mondays)
📍 Venue: 2 Heatherbank Road, Port Elizabeth (Opposite Beans With Wings)
⏰ Showtimes:
- Weekdays at 18:00
- Weekends at 17:30
Tickets:
- Adults: R60
- Children: R70
🎟️ Available at Computicket
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