After Halloween, the atmosphere quickly transitions to the festive season, and Cape Town is filled to the brim with events celebrating the holidays. From festive light displays and colourful concerts to traditional carols and special stage shows, there’s tons of festive events for all ages in and around the Mother City.
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 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.
More than a seasonal celebration, the event has become one of the most beloved festive traditions and a symbol of the city’s resilience, creativity, and community spirit, with thousands of residents coming into the streets to watch the lights together. As with recent editions, the event promises a diverse line-up of entertainers, artists, and performers taking to the stage to celebrate the holiday season.
The star-studded musical lineup this year includes SAMA-winning duos Jazzwrld & Thukuthela and Liquideep, South African hip-hop star Nasty C, and an ensemble of various smaller acts like Woodstock’s multi-talented artist Ricky Vani Frontline, 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.
When: Sunday, 29 November 2026 | Lights turn on at 4pm | Musical acts until 10pm
Where: Grand Parade & along Adderley St, Cape Town City Centre
German Christmas Market by Yes! Exclusive Flowers
Yes! Exclusive Flowers hosts a German-inspired Christmas market on the four Saturdays before Christmas weekend at their showroom in Paarden Eiland, bringing snowy European holiday traditions to the Mother City.
The market features original German decorations, treats from a range of vendors, Christmas gifting ideas, and a choice of dried and fresh flowers. Also on offer are German Christmas trees and greens, colourful Christmas wreaths, tasty home-made Christmas cookies, nutcrackers and modern and traditional Christmas decorations.
Those wanting to immerse themselves in the German holiday experience can indulge in gingerbread, Stollen bread, and traditional sausages.
Cost: Free entry. Register entry on Quicket.
When: Saturdays between 28 November – 19 December 2026 | 9am – 3pm
Where: 33 Section Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town
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St Luke’s Tree of Lights
This festive season, celebrate the gift of life and community with St Luke’s Combined Hospices’ Tree of Lights ceremony. This annual event brings together both kids and adults for a festive celebration, complete with activities, games, live entertainment, food, and a special Tree Lighting Ceremony.
In celebration of Christmas, this much-loved event invites families and friends to come together to “Light a Light, Celebrate a Life,” honouring those we hold dear while contributing to a good cause. Each light on the tree represents a special someone, giving visitors a day to reflect, remember, and reconnect.
Attendees can also look forward to an afternoon of entertaining activities. Kids enjoy a movie screening, exciting games, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. Meanwhile, parents and friends unwind with live entertainment and music that sets the tone for an uplifting, heartwarming experience.
Cost: Free entry | From R150 (single light) | R50 (kids’ all-day access) | R50 (kids’ movie ticket + snacks). Book tickets on Quicket.
When: Sunday, 6 December 2026 | 2pm – 8.30pm
Where: 92 Harfield Rd, Kenilworth, Cape Town | Parking at Greenfields Girls’ Primary School, 3 Gwalia Rd, Claremont
South African Lipizzaners Christmas Celebration
The South African Lipizzaners invite families to celebrate the festive season with their much-loved Christmas Celebration Performances- a festive 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 per person | R150 (children under 12 and pensioners). Book tickets on Quicket.
When: 6 & 19 – 23 December 2026 | 2pm
Where: Mistico Equestrian Centre, R312, Lichtenburg Road, Paarl
Cape Town City Ballet: The Nutcracker
The Cape Town City Ballet’s season concludes with a festive favourite: The Nutcracker, running from 11 to 30 December at Artscape. Choreographed by Veronica Paeper with sets and costumes by Peter Cazalet, this much-loved production captures the magic of Tchaikovsky’s score and the wonder of Clara’s journey into the Land of Sweets.
Including classics such as Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Waltz of the Flowers and The Kingdom of Sweets and Delights, The Nutcracker remains a perennial favourite, and often acts as the curtain-closing show for ballet companies across the world.
Performances on 11th, 12th, 13th December 2026 will be accompanied by a live orchestra.
Cost: R200 – R600 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: 11 – 30 December 2026 | From 7pm | Select shows starting at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
Christmas Movie with St Lukes: Arthur Christmas
This December, little ones enjoy their own open-air movie night with a special screening of Arthur Christmas, all in support of St Luke’s Combined Hospices’ goal of raising funds for vulnerable patients and their loved ones. The whole family is invited to enjoy pre-show entertainment, snacks, beverages, and a beloved Christmas comedy this festive season.
Arthur Christmas is a 2011 animated film following Santa Claus’ son Arthur as he gets into comedic situations on Christmas Day. Featuring a stellar voice cast, including James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, and Andy Serkis, the film was produced by Aardman (known for Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run).
Santa’s clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission with Grandsanta to give out a misplaced present to a young girl in less than two hours on Christmas Day.
Doors open at 5pm, when visitors can set up their seats, get something to eat, and relax while listening to live entertainment before the screening starts. More than eight food vendors are available, offering coffee, popcorn, snacks, shawarmas, burgers, pizzas, boerewors rolls, juices, and more.
Every ticket purchased supports St Luke’s goal of raising R250,000 for vulnerable patients requiring palliative care this festive season. All profits help St Luke’s Combined Hospices provide care, counselling, food parcels, social workers, and overall support to patients and their families when they need it most.
Cost: R130 per person (kids u12) | R160 per adult. All tickets including a backrest & blanket for the evening. Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 12 December 2026 | 5pm – 10pm
Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
Festival of Lights at Meerendal
The Northern Suburbs get their own festive lights show, as the scenic Meerendal Wine Estate is illuminated with a Tunnel Of Lights, Santa’s Village, and a giant Christmas Tree. Guests slowly walk through the dazzling displays, listen to festive music, meet roaming Christmas characters, and take part in activities before watching short light shows and getting dinner from a host of food vendors.
The Festival of Lights invites families, couples, and individuals of all ages to join in the festive cheer and holiday celebrations. The event is presented by We Are The Miracle Foundation, a non-profit organisation.
If the one date of the festival is cancelled due to severe weather, tickets for the affected date may be rescheduled to another available date.
Cost: From R150 per person (adult) | R400 for a family of four. Book now on Quicket.
When: 4 December 2026 – 3 January 2027 | 7pm – 11pm
Where: Meerendal Wine Estate, Vissershok Rd, Durbanville, Cape Town
Gingerbread Circus at Willowbridge
Kids become Santa’s little elves with this Christmas experience, where everyone decorates their own gingerbread house with colourful sweets, creative details, and festive cheer. Each gingerbread house becomes a tasty creative project that kids can take home, and parents & guardians can join on select days to make it a family affair and make Christmas memories.
Each ticket holder receives their own gingerbread decorating kit, filled with a cake tray, gingerbread walls and rooftop tiles, snowflake sugar glue, candy cane confetti, a paper chef hat and disposable apron, and a brown gift box to take each creation home.
Sessions run for 45 minutes, with the experience limited to children between 3 and 12 years old. Adult participation is only available when accompanying a child. All children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. All ingredients are Halaal-friendly.
Cost: R195 per person (child ticket) | R390 (parent + me ticket). Book now on Quicket.
When: 12 – 20 December 2026 | 10am – 2.45pm (45-minute slots)
Where: The Circus PNP Court, Willowbridge Shopping Centre, 39 Carl Cronje Dr, Tygervalley, Cape Town
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story for Christmas
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ iconic novella and adapted for the stage by local theatre-maker Jeff Johnson, A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story for Christmas brings the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to Cape Town, this time with a touch of South African flair.
Johnson returns to the Masque Theatre after his acclaimed production of Little Shop of Horrors, with Richard Higgs starring as Scrooge and 28 young performers bringing the rest of the beloved story to life.
Ebenezer Scrooge has little patience for Christmas, and even less for the people who celebrate it. But on Christmas Eve, an unexpected visitor sets in motion a strange and extraordinary night. Three spirits will take him on a journey through his past, present and future, confronting him with the life he’s lived and the one he might still choose.
No entry is allowed after the show starts, latecomers can only join after the interval. No flash photography or videography is permitted during the performance. Disabled parking is available on request.
Cost: R160 – R180 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 11 – 20 December 2026 | 1pm – 3.20pm | 5pm – 7.20pm
Where: Masque Theatre, 37 Main Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town
Carols in the Valley
Everyone is invited to celebrate the season with Protea Valley Church, the Cape Town Gospel Choir and Orchestra, and Origin South Africa and their Christmas Carols event. Participants learn new Christmas music and sing along to familiar, timeless carols that have stood the test of time.
Participants can join either the afternoon or evening show, and invite family, friends, and loved ones to this joyful celebration in the Northern Suburbs.
Cost: R150 per person (adult) | R125 (pensioners & children under 16). Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 12 December 2026 | 2pm – 3.30pm | 5pm – 6.30pm
Where: Protea Valley Church, 47 Van Riebeeckshof Rd, Van Riebeeckshof, Cape Town
Santa & His Elves at the V&A Waterfront
Santa and a group of his elves take up residence at Victoria Wharf’s Centre Court for the run-up to Christmas, giving families the chance to meet Santa in person and take festive photographs. The activation runs across nearly two weeks in the lead-up to the holiday, timed to coincide with the V&A Waterfront’s broader festive season programming.
The appearance is aimed squarely at younger children and families, forming part of a wider slate of holiday-season activities the Waterfront runs each December across its various precincts. No performance or show is included, with the visit centred on meeting Santa and his elves directly rather than a scripted production.
When: 13 – 24 December 2026
Where: Centre Court, Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Love & 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. As it celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2026, renowned artists from across the globe take to the stage, delivering mind-bending sets that push the boundaries of sonic exploration.
With affordable tickets, sought-after DJs, and a massive dancing area for one night only, Love & Light is one of the best bang-for-your-buck music festivals on the circuit. VIP tickets are available and include private toilets, lounge pockets, lazy hammocks, a private bar and a raised viewing space.
Cost: From R480 per person. Book now on Howler.
When: Saturday, 19 December 2026
Where: Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia, Cape Town
SARM Holiday Club
Young bakers and decorators get to take part in this Christmas Cupcakes and Cookies Decorating Workshop in the scenic Arderne Gardens in Claremont. Each participating child gets two cupcakes and six cookies to decorate with red, white & green icing, festive sprinkles, and a cake box. Each young baker is also given a chef hat, apron, and a Junior Christmas Baker certificate to take home.
Cost: R250 per child (2-13). Book now on Webtickets.
When: Saturday, 19 December 2026 | From 2pm
Where: Arderne Gardens, 222 Main Rd, Claremont, Cape Town
Unity on the Square
The annual festive concert returns to Greenmarket Square in 2026, bringing a diverse lineup of musical acts to City Centre. Presented by Loukmaan Adams, brother of famous singer and actor Emo Adams, the show regularly brings many of the city’s soulful singers and live bands for a family-friendly concert. The lineup is yet to be announced.
Those getting general access tickets are encouraged to bring camping chairs, while VIPs get their own dedicated seated area close to the stage, with private bathroom facilities.
Cost: R150 per person (adults) | R75 (kids 4-16) | R300 (VIP). Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 19 December 2026 | 2pm – 11pm
Where: Greenmarket Square, Burg St &, Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre
Carols with Majozi
Everyone is invited to join beloved South African singer-songwriter Majozi for an afternoon of sing-alongs, storytelling, and a festive atmosphere that brings the whole family together. Participants learn to sing familiar Christmas favourites, and even a few of Majozi’s own tracks (like Darling & Fire) in a unique, intimate concert-like setting.
The event is open to little ones, grandparents, those celebrating friendsmas, and anyone who wants to join in the festive spirit with the power of song.
Cost: R100 – R250 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: 22 – 24 December 2026 | From 2.30pm
Where: Baxter Studio, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Galileo Open Air Cinema: Home Alone
Home Alone is a ’90s Christmas comedy classic following eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left home alone over the holidays and must outsmart two bumbling burglars determined to break into his house.
Families can get in the holiday mood with this feel-good festive favourite starring Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci. Book now via Webtickets.
When: Thursday, 24 December 2026 | Doors open at 5pm | Movie starts at 8.30pm
Where: Kirstenbosch Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
Christmas Dinner at Cape Grace
For a Christmas Day dinner experience, look no further than the decadent Heirloom Restaurant at the Cape Grace Hotel, where a warm atmosphere, festive flavours and a live pianist come together for a truly special evening.
Starters include premium Cape Grace favourites like Saldanha oysters, roasted quail, and live sushi. Mains include pistachio free-range turkey, glazed gammon, beef Wellington, and wild mushroom tortellini. Finally, dessert is a truly festive feast, featuring mince pies, summer fruit trifle, and Christmas pudding served with brandy butter.
Those who prefer a more traditional Christmas Day lunch can enjoy the exact same menu earlier in the day, opening Heirloom’s doors open to many guests wanting to make the most of the holiday season.
Cost: R2500 per person, excluding beverages (dinner) | R3000 (lunch). Enquiries can be made on the website.
When: Friday, 25 December 2026 | 12pm – 3pm (lunch) | 6.30pm – 9.30pm (dinner)
Where: Cape Grace Hotel, V&A Waterfront, W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
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Galileo Open Air Cinema: Klaus
Klaus is a 2019 animated Christmas adventure comedy with a heartwarming message about kindness. When Smeerensburg’s new postman, Jesper, befriends mysterious toymaker Klaus, their acts of generosity begin to melt an age-old feud and create some magical Christmas traditions.
One of the latest additions to the Christmas movie rotation, this Netflix animation stars beloved voices like Jason Schwartzman, J. K. Simmons, and Rashida Jones. Watch the trailer on YouTube. Book now via Webtickets.
When: Friday, 25 December 2026 | Doors open at 5pm | Movie starts at 8.30pm
Where: Kirstenbosch Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
Secrets of Summer
Secrets of Summer is South Africa’s premier New Year’s Eve festival, returning each year bigger and better than the last.
The festival is a convergence of music, dance, and unforgettable moments, offering an extraordinary way to welcome the new year. This year, it features South Africa’s first-ever 180° main stage, stretching 80 metres wide, designed to wrap the crowd in a fully immersive audio-visual experience with LED arenas and cinematic soundscapes.
Each year artists range from some of the best local acts to international greats. This year’s line up is still to be announced.
Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy a variety of food and drink options, including a variety of vendors in the food village. Tickets range from general entry to the VIP Village experience, which offers an exclusive experience with a dedicated stage, multiple bars, chill zones, and premium amenities.
Attendees can also book private tables offering prime main stage views, a private lounge area, dedicated waitstaff, an exclusive bar, VIP restroom access, and direct backstage entry. Limited backstage tickets are also available for those who wish to meet their favourite acts exclusively.
Cost: From R520 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Thursday, 31 December 2026 | 3pm – 3.30am
Where: Black River Park Sports Complex (Opposite Amazon), Fir St, Observatory, Cape Town
Check out what’s happening in & around Cape Town this December
