The spirit of Christmas lingers in Windhoek as the City Council hosts its Christmas open market in the Central Business District.

The event, the second of its kind, is aimed at promoting the economic and artistic vibrancy of the capital.

The city administrators have transformed the Zoo Park, Post Street Mall, and sections of Independence Avenue into a bustling hub for over 100 small business enterprises and some corporate companies.

Business activities on Independence Avenue are dominated by small and medium enterprises.

"After COVID-19, so many things happened to our business community that the sector was hard hit, especially the local sector, where people are dependent on other people to make business, and council identified this initiative to be born," said Lydia Amutenya, the city's spokesperson.

Amutenya says that for residents, visitors, and tourists alike, this is an opportunity to spend some time together in a festive, outdoor atmosphere and enjoy the diversity of Windhoek's culinary offerings, together with quality, local entertainment.

"Here, as you can see, we have from the smallest to the biggest corporates operating in one space, so we learn from one another to be able to diversify and also look at what other people are doing."

She says the city plans to grow the event and make it a regular fixture on Windhoek's social calendar.

The aim, she said, is to create effective platforms to showcase and support local industries and unique artistic and cultural identities for the benefit and enjoyment of all Windhoek's residents and visitors.