The exciting line-up of Zambian concerts, festivals and curated events that have been scheduled for the upcoming 2026 festive season features everything from highly anticipated music countdowns to magical holiday tours across Lusaka and beyond.
December in Zambia, or Ke Dezember as most locals call it, is an exciting period when the streets of Lusaka, Kitwe and Ndola explode into non-stop celebration. As corporate doors shut and the expats make their way back home, the local entertainment calendar goes into overdrive.
Many music lovers who are looking to add an extra layer of thrill to their holiday downtime are checking out local entertainment options like BongoBongo Zambia, which provides a fun hub for sports gaming during holiday breaks. Whether you’re interested in virtual recreation or massive live concert stages, the festive season has an unmatched line-up of high-energy festivals and unique holiday experiences this year.
If you’re busy making your plans for Ke Dezember, here’s the definitive guide to the upcoming Zambian concerts and events that you won’t want to leave off your calendar this festive season.
Headline Concerts and Music Festivals
Music stages have become the heartbeat of Zambia’s festive season. Events like the Stanbic Music Festival have set the bar for live performance production over the years, recently hosting international megastar Jason Derulo alongside homegrown megastars like Yo Maps, Danny Kaya and Mampi at the Lusaka Polo Field.
The focus has been shifting toward celebratory countdowns that embrace original rhythms and local legacies as the year winds down and one of the most anticipated highlights is the Legendary Music Countdown that will be hosted at Savee Beach Resorts.
The headline performance will feature none other than Zambia’s queen of soul, Nalu, who will be delivering a magnetic live set to help you usher in the new year alongside a star-studded ensemble of industry icons.
The hype from the upcoming Kwacha Music Awards will probably also carry on a long way into December. The awards, which will be taking place right on the cusp of the festive peak, set the sonic tone for the holidays, guaranteeing that the winning hitmakers will be headlining the club circuits and pop-up concert arenas nationwide.
Curated Festive Experiences and Community Gatherings
If you’re looking for tailored events that combine great music and close-knit social vibes to add to your December plans, the calendar is packed with unique concepts.
Some of these include:
- Project KTO Ke Dezember 20, which will be happening on Saturday, 12 December 2026, at the West Apartments in Lusaka, will capture the authentic street-pop and club energy that defines Zambian holidays.
- A Night Among The… is also happening on Saturday, 12 December 2026 at the Wils Hotel Supreme. This event promises an upscale, atmospheric evening of contemporary sounds and will start at 16:00.
- I Love to Tell… is perfect if you’re looking for a soul-moving, family-friendly musical experience. You can head over to the UNZA Chapel on Saturday 19 December at 17:00 to experience a choral showcase that offers a serene space to enjoy gospel harmonies.
These eclectic musical experiences are a great way to diversify your festive musical experiences by adding something that’s different from the typical Zambian music events.
Holiday Tours and New Year’s Eve Plots
Zambian festive entertainment isn’t strictly limited to late-night stages and the daytime calendar is also full of immersive cultural experiences. The Magic Christmas Tour in Lusaka is a prime example of this, offering you an exclusive, guided 120-minute holiday experience that will be running throughout the Christmas period.
The tour is led by professional local guides and will take you through the most beautifully illuminated and decorated corners of the capital city. Some of the tour’s highlights include:
- A stop at the legendary Kabwata Cultural Village to explore the local heritage and sample some traditional holiday treats
- Family-friendly excursions to Africa Wild Track and Munda Wanga Environmental Park
The party hits its peak when New Year’s Eve comes around, and if you and a group of friends are looking to escape the overcrowded commercial arenas, then The Link Up Lounge: Final Edition might be the ideal social getaway for you.
This event kicks off at 17:00 on Thursday, December 31, at an intimate creative branding agency setup on 5th Avenue, IBEX, Lusaka. It will be all about premium entertainment, deep networking and an unforgettable transition into the new year.
Tips for the Festive Season
Lusaka and Copperbelt will be experiencing a massive influx of event-goers over the festive season, so having a clear strategy is the best way to make your holidays a success. This means securing tickets early, planning logistical routes ahead of time and exploring the regional circuit if you’re trying to escape the chaos over the new year. No matter what your musical preferences are. Zambia’s festive season guarantees a memorable way to wrap up the year.
