The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Minus the gigantic fake
pine tree smack in the middle of Citystars and the tacky Christmas decor in
shop windows, it may not look much like Christmas in Cairo; but we know of some
places that are making it happen.

Christmas-related or
not, this month is shaping up to be a busy one! Included are a slew of
opportunities to get in on the giddiness of holiday consumerism, enjoy a few
exhibitions and party down at a festival or two.

December 3rd-11th: From now until Sunday, the 3rd
Christmas Art Fair at the President Hotel provides an early start on
shopping, while the Swiss Club will host its annual Winter
Bazaar for one day only. For a day of activities and a dose of awareness, the
World
AIDS Day Festival will take place on Friday at the Gezira Youth Centre. Nacelle
will heat up the nightlife once again on Friday night with special guests Parov
Stellar & Max the Sax at the Shepheard Hotel. Friday through Saturday, a
few of our favourites
will perform at El Sawy’s Live
Music Festival; so check out the schedule and catch a few local bands. For
the artist in you, the AUC theatre department will perform ‘Three
Sisters’ with show times
all week long, while the ‘Citizen,
Participant’ exhibition at Darb 1718 continues until the 10th.
Last but not least, some incredible films are in the line-up for the 34th
Annual Cairo International Film
Festival that shouldn’t be missed!

December 12th-18th:
Maadi Overstock will host a Christmas
Bazaar the entire month of December; so head to Maadi to catch a few deals.
For a unique jazz fusion concert on the 12th, visiting artists Project
Picasol & Guests will perform at the Cairo Jazz Club. If you’re tired
of testosterone and looking for a little pampering, head over to the Four
Seasons on the 13th and 14th for the Christmas Ladies
Bazaar. At the Cairo Opera House from the 15th to the 17th,
catch ‘Miramar,’
the first modern Egyptian opera in colloquial Arabic. The Riff
Band will take the stage at El Sawy on the 15th, and The Indian
Colour Festival will take place at the Indian Embassy in Zamalek on the 17th:
from what we hear, it’s pretty awesome and should definitely not be missed,
catch the latest exhibition titled ‘Doors
& Windows’ by painter Amir Wahib at the Nocchio Art & Design
Gallery until the 19th.

December 19th-25th: ‘Cairo
Towers’ is an exhibition by well-known local artist Mohamed Abla, which
will continue at Zamalek Art Gallery through January 4th. Electrum
Records presents Christmas
in Vegas on the 23rd; an exclusive party featuring DJ Samba that
is sure to be an end-of-the-year hit. On the 24th, the
Intercontinental Citystars will host the 7
Touch Christmas Bazaar, chock-full of handmade gemstones and silver
accessories for sale. Also on the 24th, the El
Tanboura band will perform at El Tanboura Hall for a traditional night of Simsimeya
and Damma music. It’s finally Christmas, so join in for the festivities at the
Cairo Jazz Club for their Sleigh
Bells Ring Charity Event on the 25th.  
  

December 26th-31st: Get into the Christmas spirit with the ‘Nutcracker’
at the Cairo Opera house, performing from the 23rd till the 29th. Showing
until January 15th at Ayyam Gallery is the latest solo exhibition by
Syrian painter Asaad Arabi, titled ‘Nostalgia’.
On the 28th, Bad Mojo will take the stage at Cairo Jazz Club with their bluesy
beats; perfect for a midweek break in routine. Party down with
Byganz’s latest glitzy event, Hollywood
at the Fairmont Heliopolis;  the theme
presents an opportunity to go all out on glamorous costumes; so strike a pose
and ring in the new year in style!