Get Ready for Festive Fun: 6 Family-Friendly Activities to Prepare for This Christmas Season

As the festive season approaches, Cape Town transforms into a playground of holiday magic, offering events and activities for all ages. Let us help you get prepared for a Christmas season filled with festive fun! If you start planning now, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re planning a full day out with the kids or craving a cozy Christmas family lunch, here are some top family-friendly events we’ve discovered to help you make the most of this holiday season.

Kickstart the Festivities with live performances, music, and Cape Town’s dazzling Lights Display

We couldn’t start this list without the iconic Festive Lights Switch-On!

Get ready to kick off your festive season with one of Cape Town’s most beloved traditions: the Festive Lights Switch-On. For over fifty years, the City of Cape Town has been illuminating its streets with stunning themed displays, and this year is no exception! Bring the whole family for an evening filled with live performances, music, and a joyful atmosphere. As the star-studded concert leads the countdown, the city will transform into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights, officially ushering in the holiday season. Don’t miss this festive spectacle!

Cost: Free

When: 1 December 2024 | From 4pm to 10pm
Where: Grand Parade

A Christmas Carol at Theatre On The Bay: A Festive Must-See!

This holiday season, step into the world of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at Theatre On The Bay for a magical, immersive experience like no other. Perfect for families and fans of all ages, this timeless tale of redemption, kindness, and generosity is brought to life in a 360-degree, on-your-feet retelling that will truly transport you into the heart of the story.

The beloved production returns to Cape Town for a limited run, from 10 December to 14 December. Now in its seventh year, the show promises to be more enchanting than ever, featuring vivid storytelling, stunning performances, and mesmerizing visuals that will leave audiences of all ages spellbound.

Cost: R180pp to R280pp | Tickets available via Webtickets

When: Tues,10 Dec to Sat,14 Dec |
Where: Theatre On The Bay, 1 Link Street, Camps Bay

Celebrate Christmas with a Festive Three-Course Lunch at Jack@SKYE Rooftop Bar

For a special Christmas Day treat, reserve a seat at Jack@SKYE Rooftop Bar and enjoy a festive three-course lunch with breathtaking Atlantic views. On 25 December, Jack@SKYE is offering an indulgent set menu, perfect for adding to your Christmas plans. With a diverse range of options to suit every palate, this unique dining experience combines gourmet cuisine with stunning views of the Cape Town skyline. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with family, making your Christmas truly memorable.

Cost: R675 | Book here

When: 25 December
Where: SKYE Rooftop Bar, 13 London Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town

Let the kids meet Santa at Victoria Wharf

Children will love the chance to meet Santa and his elves at Victoria Wharf’s Centre Court. From 16 to 24 December, you can snap memorable family photos and enjoy the festive ambiance of Cape Town’s favorite shopping destination.

Cost: Free

When: Sat,16 to Wed, 24 December 2024
Where: Victoria Wharf, Centre Court, Waterway House, 3 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Carols at Kirstenbosch: A Magical Festive Tradition

No festive season is complete without carols under the stars, and Kirstenbosch Gardens is the perfect place to experience this beloved tradition. Join in for an enchanting evening filled with sing-alongs, picnics, and the breathtaking night views of one of Cape Town’s most iconic locations. Grab your glowsticks and head out for a day and night of family-friendly fun.

Pack your own picnic or let Pick n Pay make your experience hassle-free by pre-ordering a ready-made picnic for two. Enjoy a sumptuous selection of festive treats, waiting for you when you arrive. Concert area gates open at 6 PM, so come early, settle in, and immerse yourself in this joyful celebration of Christmas under the stars.

Cost: From R50 to R830 | Tickets available via Webtickets

When: Tues, 12 to Sun, 15 December | From 6pm

Where: Kirstenbosch Gardens,Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town

The Galileo Open Air Cinema: Christmas Specials

What’s festive season fun without a movie night under the stars? For a magical evening this Christmas, head to The Galileo Open Air Cinema, which has made its big return with new venues and exciting holiday specials. Cozy up with blankets, indulge in gourmet snacks, and enjoy classic Christmas films like The Polar Express and Home Alone 2 in the open air. With scenic backdrops and a heartwarming holiday vibe, it’s the perfect way to bring the family together for a festive movie night under the stars.

Cost: From R285pp (includes entry, Christmas hat, and treats) | Tickets available here

When: 24 Dec and 25 Dec
Where: Kirstenbosch Gardens,Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town