It’s the most merry time of the year to celebrate everything we love about festive. End off the year in fitting style with a range of events curated especially for the holiday season. You can enjoy movies under the stars, fantastic plays at the theatre and unwind with dinner and drinks at some of Cape Town’s most idyllic locations. It’s all about sharing these precious moments with the kids, family and friends – there’s a great lineup of activities and special festivities suited for all ages. So let’s make new fond memories with those we cherish most and enjoy the festive season.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
A Timeless Christmas tale
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been playing to sold-out audiences for the last 5 years and will be on the stage again.
Adapted and directed by Elizma Badenhorst with soundtrack by Wessel Odendaal, it has been described as ‘a sumptuous banquet for the eyes, ears and imagination; a sensory delight for any tired soul. This year’s edition sees the return of the production to celebrate the festive season with loved ones.
Where: Theatre on The Bay, Link Street, Camps Bay, Cape Town
When: 6 – 16 December | 7pm
Cost: R180 – R280
Franschhoek Village Christmas Market
An idyllic market
Every year, the Franschhoek Village Market hosts a special 3-day Christmas Market. This is the place where locals and hundreds of holiday makers spend a day under the historic oak trees located in the old church gardens. Attendees can enjoy affordable artisan foods paired with the best wines from the Franschhoek surroundings and shopping for some handcrafted goods.
With over 100 hand-picked traders you can expect unique arts and crafts, vintage clothing, antiques and a remarkable variety of delicatessen, fresh produce, craft beer, coffee brewers amongst many other treats.
Where: 29 Huguenot St, Franschhoek
When: 15 – 17 Dec 2023 | Fri – Sat 9am to 4pm | Sun 10am to 3pm
SABMR Movie Night
Spoil the Kids to movie night and Meet Santa Claus
SA Bone Marrow Registry is hosting an fun open-air movie night fundraiser at Kirstenbosch Gardens. This family-friendly event in Cape Town runs on Monday, 18 December and also includes an evening filled with live entertainment by the Ambience Band, lawn games for the children and a pop-in by Santa Claus.
The majestic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is the ideal setting for this open-air movie night where the Rise of the Guardians (2012) will be screened. This Dreamworks animated movie follows Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost, and the Sandman as they join forces to protect the worlds’ children from the evil Boogeyman.
To get the festive spirit started, Santa Claus will be making an appearance for a meet and greet as well as photo opportunities.
Where: Marquee Lawn, Gate 2, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
When: Monday 18 December, from 6pm. Movie starts at 8pm
Cost: Various please see more at link below | Book via Computicket
V&A Festive Show
Naledi’s Dream – an enchanting musical
V&A Waterfront is keeping both kids and grown-ups entertained over the summer holiday break with Naledi’s Dream, an exciting new live musical show running at the popular destination in Cape Town from 16 to 23 December 2023.
This production will be staged inside a purpose-built theatre over the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre for an immersive indoor theatrical experience.
Where: Amphitheatre V&A Waterfront, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
When: Running from 16 to 23 December 2023, daily at 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm
Cost: R100pp, book via Webtickets
Benguela Cove
A magical series of festivity
What better way to ring in the New Year than with Benguela Cove’s fabulous dinner and disco party this New Year’s Eve? Start the evening by taking in the sunset with canapes and drinks before heading to Moody Lagoon for dinner.
Chef Annie Badenhorst will craft a special tasting menu that underscores elegant courses anchored in fresh, seasonal produce. The after-party will kick in after dinner with DJ entertainment to keep you dancing until the glitter cannons go off at midnight.
See movies under the stars at Benguela Cove, featuring blockbuster movies and cult classics. Prepare a picnic and your favourite treats or indulge in the on-site licensed bar and candy bar. Plus there’s also a photo booth where you can capture fun new memories.
Where: Benguela Cove Wine Estate, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Walker Bay, Hermanus
When: Various, see link below for more information
Cost: Various see link below
Love & Light Festival
An electronic music experience
The Love & Light Festival is an unforgettable night of cutting-edge electronic music, immersing its audience in the captivating sounds of progressive psytrance and techno, headlined by international act Vini Vici.
This event is dedicated to showcasing the raw power and transformative energy of these genres. Renowned artists from across the globe will take the stage, delivering mind-bending sets that push the boundaries of sonic exploration.
Where: Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia, Cape Town
When: 23 Dec 2023 | 2pm to 2am
Cost: From R350pp | Book via Howler
German Inspired Christmas Market
A Christmas market with a European twist
Yes! Exclusive Flowers hosts a German inspired Christmas market every Saturday before Christmas weekend in at their showroom in Paarden Eiland. The market features original German decorations and delights with a range of vendors.
Guests can show a variety of Christmas gifting ideas and a selection of dried and fresh flowers. The market also offers German Christmas trees and greens, colourful Christmas wreaths, tasty home-made Christmas cookies, nutcrackers and modern and traditional Christmas decorations.
Tasty treats such as Gingerbread, Stollen, German sausages and rolls are also available.
Where: 33 Section Street, Paarden Eiland Cape Town
When: 2, 9, 16 and 23 December 2023 | Saturday, 9am to 3pm
A Lipizzaner Christmas
An festive, interaction equestrian showcase
The South African Lipizzaners, at the Mistico Equestrian Centre in Paarl, presents the A Lipizzaner Christmas, a jaw-dropping performance of horses. The show is an interactive, educational and musical experience for everyone. After the show, visitors can meet the horses in the barn for a closer encounter.
Where: Mistico Equestrian Centre, R312 Lichtenburg Rd, Paarl Farms, Paarl
When: 2, 3, 9, 10, 20,21,22 & 23 December 2023| 3pm
Cost: Adults R200 | Pensioners & Children under 12 R150
A Summer Night’s Dream at Spier
An immersive family-friendly show
A Summer Night’s Dream is an enchanting family-friendly show, staged outdoors in a magnificent natural amphitheatre on the farm.
As night falls, a troupe of weird and wonderful characters gathers to create a world of fantasy, bringing the landscape alive with colour and sound. The hour-long performance features a cast of dancers, musicians, singers, and actors. There is a 5-minute walk to the performance area and seating is outdoors on the grass. Celebrate the festive season this year by doing something different with your whole family.
Where: Spier Werf Lawns, Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch
When: 15 & 16 December
Cost: Various ticket options from R200 – R500 | Kids under 12 R70 | Kids under 2 Free
MCQP
Embrace a premiere LGBTQ+ celebration
MCQP returns with its much anticipated annual extravaganza “Back to the Future.”
Cabo Beach Club will transform into a realm where past, present, and future collide in a spectacular explosion of nostalgia and imagination. MCQP has been South Africa’s premier costume and LGBTQ+ celebration.
This event is more than just a party, it’s a celebration of the diverse community, a welcoming home, a showcase of creativity and a chance to honour the collective past while embracing a thrilling future together in a safe space.
Where: Cabo Beach Club, 12 S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
When: 16 December 2023 | 2pm to 2am
Cost: R450 (excluding booking fee of R34.31)
Rugby HSBC SVNS
An immersive day of sport and partying
The massive international event comes to Cape Town to pitch the best sevens rugby teams against each other, for the opportunity to play in the grand final in Madrid.
Highlights of the Cape Town event include a beach pavilion, a food market, live music, cocktail bars, and various stands, each with their own attractions. It’s not just about the spectators. The HSBC SVNS event is a playing and partying experience, with mass-participation tournaments across amateur Rugby 7s, Touch Rugby and Functional Fitness being held on-site.
Where: DHL Stadium, Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point, Cape Town
When: 9 – 10 Dec 2023 | Time TBC
Cost: From R350 | Book via Rugby HSBC SVNS
A Philharmonia Christmas
A harmonious celebration celebration of music
Experience the mystery of the season like never before with ‘A Philharmonia Christmas.’ Join the Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town, the Cape Town Children’s Choir, and the Philharmonia Brass Ensemble – conducted by Richard Cock – for a night of music that will fill your heart with joy and your soul with the spirit of Christmas.
From timeless carols to contemporary settings, our talented choir, children’s voices, and a resplendent brass ensemble will weave a tapestry of sound that embraces rich global holiday traditions, with a touch of South African flavour
Where: City Hall, 56 Darling St, CBD, Cape Town
When: 14 Dec 2023 | 7:30pm to 9pm
Cost: R150
Disney100 Outdoor Cinema Experience
Celebrate the great movies of Disney and their timeless stories
Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, The Walt Disney Company presents the Disney100 Outdoor Cinema Experience in Cape Town this December.
From 7-17 December at the V&A Waterfront Croquet Lawn, Disney fans of all ages can experience the magic of Disney with six timeless stories during the day in the warm summer air or under the stars in special evening presentations.
The films being screened include Disney’s The Lion King (2019), Frozen 2 and Encanto, Disney/Pixar’s The Incredibles 2 and Finding Dory, as well as The Greatest Showman.
Where: V&A Waterfront’s Croquet Lawn, Ulundi Parking Garage Rooftop Above Springbok Museum, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
When: 7 – 17 December 2023 | 10am & 7pm
Cost: R100
16 Things To Do at The Spice Route
A variety of family activities, and wine and dine in style
Spice Route Destination, situated on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, invites families to explore amidst the old oak trees and wide valley views stretching as far as Table Mountain. This holiday season, the Spice Route offers a variety of activities, tastings, and things to do for visitors of all ages.
The Spice Route Passport offers a seamless tasting experience. Available for R300 per person, the Spice Route Passport is a pocket-size booklet that allows visitors to savour artisanal tastings at various artisans, including wines, charcuterie, beers, spirits, and chocolates.
The activities include wine tasting by Spice Route Wines, beer tasting at Cape Brewery Company, Charcuterie tasting and Wilderer Distillery tasting. The whole family can also enjoy chocolate tasting at The Chocolate Room by Beyers, lunch at Jewell’s Restaurant or Ristorante Pasta Pasta and Creative outing at Môigoeters – where kids and adults can unleash creativity by painting ceramics and exploring a collection of unique gift items. One of the highlights is the outdoor adventures with Paarl Trails; explore custom-built trails for hiking and mountain biking, ranging from gentle 2.5kms to 35kms, catering to all fitness levels.
There’s a host of things to do, and to find out more please see the read more link below.
Where: Spice Route Destination, Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Southern Paarl, Paarl
When: Various
Cost: Various
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
Get dancing and groove to the sweet Summer vibes
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are a series of outdoor music events that take place at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
These concerts typically occur during the summer months, offering a unique and beautiful setting for live music performances.
The concerts are known for featuring a diverse range of artists and music genres, attracting locals and tourists alike. Attendees often bring picnics and enjoy the music in the stunning surroundings of the botanical garden as the sun sets.
Where: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
When: 3 December 2023-31 March 2024 | 4pm-7pm
Cost: From R300 – R450
A Christmas Carol
A beautiful ballet production of Charles Dickens classic tale
Cape Town City Ballet’s A Christmas Carol is a magical and grand production by South African veteran choreographer Veronica Paeper that remains faithful to the 19th-century novel. This Charles Dickens classic is a festive favourite and tells the story of mean-spirited Scrooge and his road to redemption. Adding a fresh Christmas tradition to the festive entertainment calendar this year with a ballet production based on Charles Dickens’ cherished story.
There’s a once-off children’s stage parade on 23 December. Children in the audience will be invited onstage with the cast and get goodie bags to celebrate the festive season.
The company is hosting a special year-end festive performance on 29 December with an additional twenty-minute, ‘Celebratory Encore’ with choreography by Sean Bovim after the performance. Excerpts from some of his works such as Swing Time and Queen @ the Ballet are on the cards. The special offer includes two shows for the price of one, and guests can sip on bubbles during the interval and start greeting the New Year in style.
Where: Artscape Opera House, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
When: Running from 8 to 29 December 2023. Evening performances are at 7pm, and matinees at 2pm
Cost: From R200pp to R400pp, book via Webtickets. Children over 5yrs and adults are welcome
Pongrácz Christmas Tree
Light up the Christmas spirit and embrace the festivities
The V&A Waterfront’s Silo District is sparkling with the spectacular addition of an interactive Pongrácz Christmas tree, inviting everyone to celebrate “Festive, Your Way”.
Visitors can share in the festive spirit by visiting the tree and on selected weekends in December to see their special messages to family and friends light up, sharing what this special time of year means to them.
Standing tall at 8.5 meters, this remarkable tree takes the distinctive form of the Pongrácz bottle adorned with cascading golden baubles and a colossal star-shaped stopper. At the heart of the star, a cutting-edge outdoor laser, currently a one-of-a-kind feature in South Africa, lights up the night for several hundred meters.
On selected days, visitors have the unique opportunity to transmit personalised messages to family and friends, which are showcased in real-time on the tree. Embracing the festive ambiance, the tree serves as a captivating backdrop for Instagram-worthy moments and a spacious deck surrounding the tree provides an ideal spot for capturing photographs.
Where: Clock Tower, Silo District, V&A Waterfront
When: Until 10 January 2024