In addition to the 5km Santa Dash, the 1km Reindeer Run is perfect for littlies.
Swimmers make their way into the water at the start of a previous Lagoon Mile Swim.
Organisers of the Splash Festival are going all out to make sure that Summer 2021 in Knysna is the best one yet.
Taking place from 16 to 28 December in locations across the greater Knysna area, the Summer Splash Festival calendar promises 10 days of non-stop fun for the whole family and the opportunity to really max out your holiday time.
There are trail runs, twilight runs, beach, forest and park runs catering to every level of fitness. The first Knysna Santa Dash, one of the highlights of the festival, takes place on 23 December at the Knysna Golf Course and will provide the ultimate dose of festive fun for everyone.
Inspired by similar events in towns all over the world, participants must walk, run, skip, or even dance their way around the course in Christmas-themed fancy dress.
In addition to the 5km Santa Dash, the 1km Reindeer Run is perfect for littlies.
Swimmers carving through the water during a previous Lagoon Mile Swim, one of the annual Splash Fest events.
For the slightly more extreme at heart, the Sea2Tower Trail Run has a choice of four routes – 32km, 40km, 48km and 53km – starting at sea level in the town, winding up through the Knysna Forest and ending off at the Forest Tower, where contestants must climb a 6m ladder to reach the highest point in the forest and complete the challenge.
Living up to its name, the Splash Festival includes a line-up of water-based activities as well. The Annual Knysna Open Water Swim presented by Knysna Rotary and Knysna Aquatics includes a 3km swim across the Knysna Estuary, a 1,6km Lagoon Mile Swim and a Junior 450m swim.
Then there’s the Red2Head Swim – a choice of 10km, 7,5km and 5km swims from the historic Red Bridge to the towering Knysna Heads. The swim is timed to coincide with the outgoing tide to help participants on their journey down the river and across the length of the estuary.
Back on solid ground, cyclists and mountain bikers have a whole host of new routes to explore – over mountains, across dunes, through forests and fynbos. A full schedule of markets at stunning locations alongside rivers, in the hills and all about town will take the stress out of Christmas shopping.
At the Queen Street Christmas Market on 20 and 21 December you’ll find festively themed food and gift stalls lining the street from afternoon into the evening.
Informal music and entertainment will include a visit from Santa and even the chance to ride in his sleigh.
Carols by Candlelight and Art in the Park are another two events not to be missed.
And be sure to set some serious downtime aside to enjoy the Summer Splash specials at participating restaurants and live music performances at one of the many host venues.