Ready for this weekend in Cape Town? From festive Christmas markets to thrilling rugby matches, there’s something for everyone.
Dive into the holiday spirit with a variety of seasonal markets or explore unique experiences like Africa Games Week, captivating live performances, and exclusive culinary pairings. Whether you’re after family fun, artistic inspiration, or a taste of South Africa’s finest, this weekend has plenty to offer.
The Stellenbosch Christmas Market aka Stellenbosch Kersmark
This annual festive market event is held in Stellenbosch until this Saturday.
Join the last weekend of this exciting Christmas market, featuring top quality art and handwork from 211 stalls of sought after artists and craftsmen, as well as a cosy restaurant and a wide variety of excellent baked foods and confections. The whole family can expect to be delighted by the variety and high standard of craft, art, and delicious homemade foods.
Cost: Free entry
When: Runs until Saturday 7 Dec
Where: Martinson Rd, Uniepark, Stellenbosch
Africa Games Week
Join Africa Games Week, a premier business event for the video game industry this weekend. Developers and industry leaders come from across Africa and the globe to connect, engage and grow the African Game Industry.
The event features talks from leading industry speakers offering their valuable insights and expertise, interactive workshops offering practical skills and knowledge in game development, and b2b meetings and matchmaking opportunities aiding in cultivating vital connections with key players in the gaming market, fostering collaboration and business opportunities.
Cost: From R500pp | R1 495pp | R500pp (student pass) | R11 895 (VIP and Networking Pass) | Tickets available via Quicket
When: Runs until 7 December 2024
Where: Watershed, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
A Lipizzaner Christmas
The South African Lipizzaners present A Lipizzaner Christmas, a jaw-dropping performance of horses.
The experience is a festive journey filled with the grace and beauty of some majestic horses, adorned in holiday finery that sparkles under the twinkling lights.
Marvel at the timeless artistry of riding set against the backdrop of a world class venue, where every stride and leap embodies the spirit of the season. Delight in the harmonious partnership between horse and rider, a testament to dedication and precision that will leave you spellbound.
After the performance, mingle with the Lipizzaners and their riders, and capture unforgettable moments with these gentle giants. It’s a perfect way to create cherished memories with loved ones this holiday season.
Cost: R200 (Adults) | R150 (Pensioners & Children under 12) | Tickets available here
When: Sat 7 Dec, Sun 8 Dec, Fri 20 Dec to Mon 23 Dec
Where: Mistico Equestrian Centre, R312 Lichtenburg Rd, Paarl Farms, Paarl
German Inspired Christmas Market
Yes! Exclusive Flowers hosts a German inspired Christmas market on the four Saturdays before Christmas weekend in at their showroom in Paarden Eiland.
The market features original German decorations and delights with a range of vendors. Guests have access to 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 bread, German sausages and rolls are also available.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every Saturday | 7, 14 and 21 December | 9am to 3pm
Where: 33 Section Street, Paarden Eiland Cape Town
‘South African Table’ at Leopard’s Leap
Sharing the diversity of South African food, the Leopard’s Leap South African Table invites guests to taste authentic South African dishes and learn more about our food heritage while sharing a meal.
A nibble platter welcomes guests to the table, followed by a three-course meal celebrating the typical dishes, ingredients and wine that contribute to South Africa’s rich culinary tradition.
Spend a relaxed hour of food and wine conversations around the generous kitchen table, with Chef Christiaan Visser preparing the food and sharing the stories and history of the dishes. A well-informed Wine Tasting Ambassador will join the meal to introduce guests to Leopard’s Leap wines and their unique South African attributes.
Cost: R570 | Bookings available here
When: Runs until 19 December 2024 | Wed to Sat 1pm – 3.30pm
Where: Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, R45, Main Road, Franschhoek
HSBC SVNS
Join the HSBC SVNS party as the ultimate festival of rugby, music and entertainment comes to Cape Town!
See Olympic medalists South Africa Men in action on their home turf as two days of action-packed rugby sevens, featuring the 12 best men’s and women’s teams, comes to the DHL Stadium.
Some events offer fans VIP packages allowing them the opportunity to have a unique live experience. From front-row seats to soundchecks and meet-and-greets, every package is tailored, ensuring you have a truly memorable time.
Cost: R350 to R800pp (general admission) | R8 250 (VIP package) | Tickets available via Ticketmaster
When: Sat 7 Dec | From 9am
Where: DHL Stadium, Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point, Cape Town
Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Gala
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s flagship youth orchestras and training ensembles soothe the audience’s souls in their annual showcase.
The first half of the show, starting at 2.30pm is free to enter. Here, audiences get to see performances by the strings ensembles and junior wind band musicians.
For the second half of the show, which costs R150pp, the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble (CPYWE) and Youth Orchestra (CPYO) perform.
Cost: R150pp | Tickets available via Webtickets
When: Sun 8 Dec | 2.30pm (free entry half) | 4.30pm (paid entry half)
Where: Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, 20 Picton St, Parow, Cape Town
Schalk Bezuidenhout’s Krismis Bonanza
Santa’s little helper, Schalk Bezuidenhout, puts on a Christmas variety show for the holiday season.
The show features some holiday hilarity and Christmas shenanigans that are guaranteed to get the audience in the holiday spirit. The entire line-up is a surprise with some big names set to grace the stage, along with some brand-new acts that hope to make their own comedic stamp.
Note that no under 16s are allowed entry.
Cost: R200 to R250pp | Tickets available via Webtickets
When: Runs until Sat 21 Dec | 7pm each night
Where: Baxter Studio – Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Norman Seeff at Norval Foundation
South African-born and internationally-acclaimed photographer Norman Seeff’s work is showcased at a new exhibition titled ‘Homecoming’ at the Norval Foundation.
The artist is widely recognised for his features of global stars, from Cher to Steve Jobs.
Cost: Student Opening Passes R100 | African Nationals ages 25+ R200 | International ages 25+ R300
When: Runs until 5 Feb 2025
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Wine, Food, and Art Pairing Experience
Benguela Cove’s Wine, Food, and Art Pairing Experience is a sensory journey of exploring the connection between wine, food, and art with three distinct estate wine and canapé pairings, each inspired by a unique artwork from the gallery’s collection.
Chef Annie Badenhorst, Art Curator Nika, and Benguela Cove’s sommeliers have meticulously crafted each pairing to reflect the essence of the artwork. Uncover the stories behind the wine, the culinary creations, and the artists whose works have inspired this extraordinary tasting experience.
Each session takes about 60 – 90 minutes with a group size of a minimum of four and a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring an intimate experience.
Cost: R350pp | Bookings available here
When: Every Saturday | From 11am
Where: Benguela Cove Art Gallery, Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate R43 Bot River Lagoon Walker Bay, Hermanus
Royal Enfield Coffee Ride
Motorcycle enthusiasts – Riders and Non-Riders – are all invited to join a leisurely morning coffee ride along Cape Town’s breath-taking coastline on each Saturday.
The Royal Enfield Coffee Ride is a great opportunity to step out of one’s comfort zone for an unforgettably thrilling experience. There are two tour routes that attendees could enjoy, alternating weekly between The Coastal Ride and the Harbour Ride.
Cost: R350pp to R850pp | Bookings available here
When: Runs every Sat until 12 Apr 2025 | 9am to 11am
Where: RETZA Classic Enfield Tours & Rentals, 9 Factory Road, Brickfield Rd, Salt River, Cape Town
Magnet Theatre’s Summer Season
Magnet Theatre’s Summer Season offers two weeks of family-friendly performances for all ages, with three shows daily.
The first show, Mina Thina (ages 3–7), sets off at 10am exploring community and human connection through song, dance, and shadow puppetry. It is directed by Jennie Reznek, starring Melusi Molefe, Yvonne Msebenzi, and Lusanda Soboyise. The second show, Glimmer, tackles online pressures for teens and young adults.
The final evening show, comprises of four solo acts that have been created specifically for the season by different emerging playwrights and theatre-makers. From toddlers to teens, parents and grandparents Magnet Theatre’s Summer Season offers family fun theatre for everyone.
Cost: R30 to R50pp (Mina Thina) | R80 – R120pp (Glimmer and solo shows) | Tickets available via Quicket
When: Sat 30 November to Fri 13 December 2024 | Monday to Saturday at 10am, 12.30pm and 7.30pm
Where: Magnet Theatre, 1 St Michaels Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
The Symphony Choir of Cape Town’s presents their Christmas concert: Born This Day
‘Born This Day’ is a delightful mix of well-known and lesser-known works by famous composers and comprises including ‘Sleigh Ride’ by Leroy Anderson, ‘The Nutcracker Suite (Op. 71a)’ by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and ‘Hodie (This Day) A Christmas Cantata’ by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
The Symphony Choir of Cape Town is delighted to be collaborating with the Cape Town Children’s Choir as well as some fantastic soloists – William Berger (baritone), Elsabe Richter (Soprano) and Arthur Swan (Tenor).
They are also accompanied by a full symphony orchestra of talented musicians all under the baton of Levi Alexander.
Cost: From R200pp | Tickets available here
When: Sat 7 December | From 7pm to 9.30pm
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St, CBD, Cape Town
