An early Christmas awaits kids at the last full-moon picnics of the year at the Taalmonument in Paarl on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 December.

Parents should bring their children’s gifts to Volksmond Coffee Shop beforehand to be included in Father Christmas’ stocking. Father Christmas should make his appearance by 18.30.

To bring more excitement to the evening, visitors are encouraged to dress-up in green or red clothes to ensure a nice Christmas atmosphere. A variety of prizes will be awarded for the best outfits in different age groups.

Visitors enjoy the full-moon picnics because of the unbeaten sunset and night time views of the valley. On Friday, the moon will be almost full, with moonrise at 18:59 and sunset at 19:49. The moon will be 100% full on Saturday evening, with sunset at 19:50 and moonrise at 19:51. A guided tour of the monument will be presented at 19:30. The monument will be open until 22:00.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets or they can order one from Volksmond Coffee Shop (tel. 021 863 2800 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Volksmond will be open until 22:00 for coffee and light refreshments.

Entrance fees at the gate are R15 for adults, R10 for students and R5 for children. No booking required. Visitors are reminded to bring a torch and warm clothes. No dogs and fires are allowed. Safe parking is available and access is controlled.

Full-moon picnics in 2012 are scheduled for Friday 6 January, Saturday 7 January, Friday 3 February, Saturday 4 February and Friday 9 March.

The monument’s operating hours will be extended until 20:00 for the summer season from October to March. For more information about events at the Taalmuseum or Taalmonument, call 021 872 3441 or visit www.taalmonument.co.za.