Cape Town Gets Ready to Shine, Sing and Dance with the Festive Lights Switch-On

Cape Town is set to light up once again this holiday season with the annual, family-friendly Festive Lights Switch-On ceremony on 29 November. Once again, the day is filled with a dynamic roster of exciting, award-winning musical acts, honouring all parts and generations that call the Mother City home.

Here’s everything you need to know.

All About the Festive Lights Switch-On Celebration

This year’s headlining act brings the summer tunes, with SAMA-winning duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, two Amapiano heavyweights who continue to define the popular music scene with songs like uValo, Uzizwa Kanjan, and Isaka.

Following on from them is the recently reunited Liquideep, another SAMA-winning duo that has shaped a generation, with hits like Still and Alone among the most successful local tracks of the 2010s. Their other chart-topper, Fairytale, was recently remixed by Tyla for her latest album.

Nasty C, often regarded as the king of South African hip hop, brings his multi-platinum-selling records and beloved stage presence to the show. He burst onto the scene over a decade ago, winning Best Freshman at the South African Hip Hop Awards 2015, and has grown into one of the country’s biggest stars ever since.

This year’s Festive Lights lineup highlights our country’s diversity, with Woodstock’s multi-talented artist Ricky Vani Frontline joining Khayelitsha’s exciting hip-hop talent Dee Koala, Afrikaans singer & Idols alum Monique Steyn, feel-good pop singer Ben Rodrigues, HeartFM’s DJ Dre, and multilingual vocalist Vernon White.

Other variety acts include the visual spectacle of Neon Pulse’s high-impact LED drumming, the West London All Stars’ celebration of Cape Town culture, and the return of the Festive Lights Switch-On’s annual dance competition, where the top three finalists from the Move with Melody Dance Competition compete for a grand prize.

HeartFM’s beloved presenter Tyrone Paulsen and award-winning comedian Dalin Oliver act as the MC’s on the day, hosting the evening’s proceedings and keeping spirits high.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to join in the spirit by dressing up in their brightest festive outfits to celebrate the start of summer, sunshine and togetherness. From sequins to Santa hats, island shirts to glitter and glow, the Mother City is ready to shine.

How to Attend the Festive Lights Switch-On

The City invites everyone to come early, bring their festive spirit, and join thousands of Capetonians as Adderley Street lights up with that unique Cape Town atmosphere. The event is completely free to join.

When: Sunday, 29 November 2026 | 4pm – 10pm
Where: Grand Parade and Adderley Street, Cape Town City Centre

Instagram: @ctfestivelights
Facebook: Cape Town Festive Lights