As we transition into the magic of the festive season, Cape Town is brimming with spectacular events. From family-friendly gatherings to soulful music nights, here’s a selection of festive season happenings to light up your December and end the year in style. Whether you’re a fan of holiday tunes, lively hip-hop beats, or enchanting outdoor festivals, there’s something here to make your season memorable.
This guide is consistently updated throughout the festive season, so make sure to check back in to see the top events to get you into the festive cheer.
Festive Season at One&Only Cape Town
Enjoy a luxurious festive experience at the One&Only Cape Town this December, with a variety of exciting events for couples, families and more. Keep up to date with the variety of festive events on the website.
Our guide gives a handy overview of all the festive events happening at this iconic Cape Town resort.
All Festive Events at One&Only Cape Town
Enjoy a Decadent Christmas Lunch
Round up your family, friends, and loved ones and savour the joy of the festive season with a Christmas lunch to remember. These lunches offer something for everyone, from savoury delights to sweet indulgences, showcasing culinary excellence for a truly memorable holiday celebration.
Out guide is consistently updated with new offers and events, so make sure to bookmark and come back.
Our Favourite Christmas Lunches
Betway SA20
The anticipated fourth season of the Betway SA20 cricket championship will take place in a new festive window, giving holiday-goers and those on staycations access to non-stop cricket action and entertainment.
The opening match at Newlands on Boxing Day between defending Champions MI Cape Town and Durban’s Super Giants promises electrifying fireworks to start the season. The clash will set the tone for an exciting lineup of opening-week fixtures in Pretoria, Paarl, Durban, Gqeberha, and Johannesburg.
Following last season’s record-breaking attendance figures and ticket sales, the League returns with even more energy, thrilling matchups, and unforgettable fan experiences across the six stadiums in the country. Returning with an even bigger bang, fans can expect something for everyone: world-class cricket, IG-worthy vibes, dance-cam moments and more.
Cost: From R135pp. Tickets available here.
When: 26 December 2025 – 25 January 2026
Where: Newlands Cricket Ground, 146 Campground Rd, Newlands, Cape Town
Disney Inspired Charity Tree at Canal Walk
If you’re looking to give back this festive season, make sure to visit the Charity Tree at Canal Walk, in aid of Reach for a Dream. All the plush toys on the tree will be donated to the children from this amazing organisation.
You can also make a donation at the tree by scanning the QR code on the wall or dropping your spare change in the fun coin spinner.
Alternatively, buy your very own Disney, Marvel, Star Wars or Pixar plush toy at Toys R Us and R5 will be donated to Reach for a Dream.
When: 13 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
Where: Canal Walk Food Court
Enjoy NYE in Cape Town
2026 is around the corner! Ring in the new year with our New Year’s Eve guide, that features parties, festivals and events for the whole family. Party until midnight and enjoy the new year in the Mother City, and keep an eye on our consistently updated guide.
The Best NYE Events in Cape Town
Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch
It wouldn’t be the Festive Season in Cape Town without Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch, sponsored by Pick n Pay, and supported by Radio Tygerberg 104FM and Fine Music Radio, the Mother City’s most-loved carols event returns this year to the picturesque Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Grab a picnic blanket, round up your friends and family, and enjoy a wonderful evening set against what is unmistakably one of the world’s most magnificent backdrops. The event will usher in the Festive Season with your favourite singalongs and the age-old Christmas story, delicious food, and the opportunity to buy some Christmas goodies.
Cost: From R125. Tickets available on Webtickets
When: 18 – 21 December 2025 | 6pm
Where: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
Alice in Wonderland
This ballet adaptation reimagines Lewis Carroll’s 1865 children’s classic in a production that balances whimsy with narrative clarity. Movement and staging replace words to tell the story of Alice and her encounters with the characters of Wonderland.
Audiences follow Alice as she meets the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. Each character is expressed through distinctive choreography and costumes, designed to reflect Carroll’s blend of absurdity and imagination.
Cost: R200 – R400. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 12 – 28 December 2025 | 7pm to 8:30pm | Sat & Sun matinee 2pm to 3:30pm
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, Theatre, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
All About Alice in Wonderland
CATS
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s internationally acclaimed musical returns with a full staging of CATS. The show, based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, first premiered in London in 1981 and became one of the longest-running theatrical productions in the world.
The story centres on the Jellicle Cats, who gather for their annual celebration during which one cat is chosen for rebirth into a new life. Characters such as Rum Tum Tugger, Mr Mistoffelees, and Grizabella the glamour cat appear in a series of linked musical numbers, each defined by its choreography and distinctive design.
Signature songs include Memory, now regarded as a classic of the musical theatre repertoire. Costumes, movement and set design evoke a dreamlike nocturnal world where cats speak through dance and music.
The revival preserves Lloyd Webber’s original score and choreography style that has made CATS a longstanding international success.
Cost: R180 – R580. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 10 December 2025 – 11 January 2026 | 7:30pm | Sat & Sun matinee at 2:30pm
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, Opera House, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
More About CATS
Love and Light Festival
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.
This event is dedicated to showcasing the raw power and transformative energy of these genres. Renowned artists from across the globe take the stage, delivering mind-bending sets that push the boundaries of sonic exploration. The Love & Light Festival is not just a gathering; it is a profound musical journey that ignites the senses and awakens the spirit. With its state-of-the-art sound system and carefully curated lineup, this event promises an atmosphere of intensity and depth.
Cost: From R550pp | From R600 (VIP). Tickets available on Howler.
When: 20 December 2025 | From 2pm
Where: Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia, Cape Town
Check Out a Festive Market
Experience a variety of popular, immersive and magical festive markets, with a wide variety of culinary delights, live music performances and the perfect goods to complete your Christmas wish list. With markets happening throughout November and December, this is the perfect guide to get you up to date on your shopping and supporting local vendors.
See our list of Festive Markets to enjoy this season
Galileo Open Air Cinema Festive Screenings
Embrace the Christmas spirit with the Galileo’s festive-inspired holiday screenings, with options for the whole family. Along with a variety of movies across genres, the Galileo will be screening the following festive-inspired movies:
- 15 December: Love Actually (Kirstenbosch Gardens)
- 20 December: The Holiday (Allée Bleue Wine Estate)
- 21 December: Home Alone (Plaisir Wine Estate)
- 22 December: The Holdovers (Kirstenbosch Gardens)
- 23 December: Elf (Croquet Lawn, V&A Waterfront)
- 24 December: The Christmas Chronicles – Special Christmas Eve Show (Kirstenbosch Gardens)
- 25 December: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Special Christmas Day Show (Kirstenbosch Gardens)
The full list of movies and booking links are available on the website.
All About the Galileo Open Air Cinema
Colleen the Musical
“If you don’t give your heart away, it will never be broken”. That is the motto of Colleen The Cashier, until Randall the Shelf-Packer comes along to steal her heart. But true love does not sail smoothly in the fast-paced world of cashiers, customers, cigarette counters and supervisers. We can only patiently wait in that till queue to find out whether Colleen has any regrets about breaking her own rules.
Colleen The Musical is comedian Marc Lottering’s fourth musical comedy, following hot on the stilettos of the critically acclaimed Aunty Merle trilogy. Produced by Anwar Mc Kay, Colleen The Musical is directed by Lara Foot, with a stellar cast includes David Chevers, Carlo Daniels, Jill Levenberg, Marc Lottering, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Kate Normington, and Anzio September.
Cost: R200 – R380. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 27 November 2025 – 7 February 2026 | 7.30pm | Sat matinee at 3pm
Where: Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Naledi’s Book of Magic
V&A Waterfront is keeping both kids and grown-ups entertained over the summer holiday break with Naledi’s Book of Magic, an exciting live musical show. This production will be staged inside a purpose-built theatre over the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre for an immersive indoor theatrical experience.
Meet Naledi, a bright-eyed young explorer whose special holiday wish brings joy, laughter, and surprises for everyone. From sparkling music to dazzling magic tricks, joyful dancing, and heartwarming moments, this enchanting experience turns every corner into a place of wonder. Join Naledi as she discovers the spirit of the season and celebrates the holidays in a world full of fun, excitement, and festive cheer!
Cost: Free
When: 20 – 24 December 2025 and 3 – 7 January 2026 | 5.15pm
Where: Amphitheatre, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
More About Naledi’s Book of Magic
V&A Waterfront New Year’s Eve Celebration
Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration with the V&A Waterfront New Year’s Eve party! Enjoy an exciting lineup of musical artists and book a table at one of the surrounding restaurants to fully encapsulate the NYE energy.
Join Emo Adams and Loukmaan Adams, Zoë Modiga, GoodLuck, DJ Shezzy K and the Starlight Band for an unforgettable evening.
Celebrate with sparklers, bubbles, and delicious food all the way to midnight and beyond!
When: 31 December 2025
Where: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
All About the V&A Waterfront NYE Celebration
South African Lipizzaners Christmas Celebration Performances
The South African Lipizzaners invite families to celebrate the festive season with their much-loved Christmas Celebration Performances — a magical live equestrian show featuring the famous Dancing White Stallions.
These performances combine classical riding, festive music, elegant choreography, and powerful traditional movements, creating a unique Christmas experience that appeals to families, children, animal lovers, and tourists alike.
The Christmas Celebration Performances is a feel-good, family-friendly outing that combines heritage, entertainment, and holiday spirit. The performances give guests a unique experience, blending classic riding with graceful movements and sprinkled with festive cheer. Attendees can also feed the horses carrots after the performance, or even visit the on-site restaurant for refreshments before or after the performance.
Cost: R200 | R150 (children under 12 and pensioners). Book tickets on Quicket.
When: 6 – 7 and 20 – 23 December 2025 | 2pm
Where: Mistico Equestrian Centre, R312, Lichtenburg Road, Paarl
More About the South African Lipizzaners
Brackenfell Christmas Lights
Every year, residents of Brackenfell open their gardens to the public for a beautiful Christmas light display, creating festive cheer and bringing residents together for a festive celebration.
Entry is free, but donations towards the owner’s chosen charities of various animal shelters are appreciated. Popcorn and cooldrinks are also on sale, with proceeds also going towards the animal shelters.
When: 2 – 30 December 2025 | 8pm – 10pm
Where: 16 Dennegeur Street, Protea Heights, Brackenfell
Alan Committie: AV-A-LAUGH-TA
Much loved South African comedian, Alan Committie, returns in his 28th brand new solo show – AVALAUGHTA: standup comedy to keep the blues away!
Committie is back for the festive season and to see us into 2026. This all new solo show features his usual witty wordplay, fast paced japes and jibes, madcap physical hi-jinx and a comic look at events and madnesses from 2025.
Cost: R200 – R350. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 18 December 2025 – 7 February 2026 | 8pm
Where: Theatre on the Bay, Link St, Camps Bay
FlySafair Get Lucky Summer
South Africa’s multi-award-winning electronic band GoodLuck is thrilled to announce the return of their annual Flysafair Get Lucky Summer concert series, taking over Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna this December and January 2026.
Now in its 12th year, Get Lucky Summer has become an unmissable part of the country’s festive calendar – combining world-class live music, beautiful coastal settings, and pure summer, family energy.
The full festival schedule is as follows:
20 December 2025: Constantia Sports Field, Cape Town. Featuring GoodLuck, Matthew Mole, Will Linley, Majozi & Freddy L. Tickets available here.
21 December 2025: The Beacon Island Resort, Plett. Featuring Prime Circle & friends. Tickets available here.
28 December 2025: The Beacon Island Resort, Plett. Featuring GoodLuck & Grassy Spark. Tickets available here.
29 December 2025: Loerie Park Fields, Knysna. Featuring GoodLuck, Will Linley, Freshlyground, Ben Rodrigues & Steve Umculo. Tickets available here.
31 December 2025: Robberg Rugby Field, Plett. Featuring Jeremy Loops, Ben Rodrigues, Me & Mr Green, Veranda Panda & Steve Umculo. Tickets available here.
4 January 2026: The Beacon Island Resort, Plett. Featuring GoodLuck & Easy Freak. Tickets available here.
All About Get Lucky Summer
