Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, music, or festive celebrations, Cape Town has it all this weekend.
From Phillip Dikotla’s one-man comedy show to the soulful beats at Cape Open Air and the enchanting A Summer Night’s Dream at Spier, the city is alive with events for every taste. Indulge in a unique dining experience at Leopard’s Leap, explore creative wonders at the Cloudigital Art Café, or shop for festive treasures at the Cape Gate and German-inspired Christmas markets.
Here’s your go-to list for a weekend filled with fun, culture, and connection in the Mother City.
Phillip Dikotla LIVE(HERE) in Cape Town
Phillip Dikotla delivers his one-man stand-up show, blending sharp wit with relatable holiday moments for a memorable night of laughter.
Phillip Dikotla’s LIVE (HERE) is a one-man comedy show designed to help audiences shake off the holiday blues. With his signature observational humour, Dikotla reflects on family gatherings, the challenges of holiday expenses, and the quirks of navigating a South African December.
Known for his raw and honest style, he masterfully combines storytelling with comedy, ensuring each laugh resonates with the audience.
Cost: R250pp | Tickets available here
When: Thurs 12 to Sat 14 Dec 2024, at 7pm
Where: Homecoming Centre, 15 M59, District Six, Cape Town
Sizzled Presents ‘The New Good Old Days’ Music Festival
Sizzled returns this festive season with The New Good Old Days, a two-day outdoor celebration filled with electrifying music and authentic South African flavour.
This summer food and music festival in Cape Town brings together the city’s best DJs to create the ultimate party atmosphere. Expect a nostalgic musical journey through 90s Hip-Hop, R&B, Disco, House, Deep House, and everything sizzling in between. Food lovers can also look forward to perfectly braaied cuts of meat infused with traditional spices. Whether you’re here to groove to the beats, simply soak up the summer sun, or enjoy the festive feast, Sizzled has something for everyone.
Cost: R200pp, book via Computicket
When: Sunday, 15 December and Friday, 27 December, from 12pm till late
Where: Fort Wynyard, Granger Bay Boulevard, Green Point, Cape Town
Cloud Cafe (located inside the gallery)
The in-gallery cafe and 0% bar serve up beautiful aromas of coffee and matcha as well as specially designed gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan bites prepared by our experienced chefs and patisserie.
Cloud Café presents a diverse menu of holistic food options made from natural, nourishing ingredients. Their consumable creations are mindfully crafted to enhance your wellness. Within the café and gallery, regular Cloud Events take place that revolve around sustainability, awareness, social activism and conservation. These gatherings serve as platforms for thought-provoking immersions, discussions and community engagement, featuring music and entertainment.
Cost: Free entry
When: Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 5pm
Where: Cloudigital Art, The Old Foundry, 74 Cardiff Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town
The Addams Family Musical
MotherCity Theatre Productions presents the professional South African premiere of The Addams Family musical, a comic feast, with appeal for children and adults alike.
Whether a lover of comic books, the movies, or the TV series, ‘Wednesday’, this is a theatrical treat for the audience. Featuring a talented cast of well-known South African actors, this spooky, wickedly funny show is for all ages.
This Broadway and international hit features a world-class cast, including Samantha Peo (Chicago, Cabaret), Tiaan Rautenbach (We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia), Bethany Dickson (Matilda, The Sound of Music), Brendan van Rhyn (Cathy Specific, The Rocky Horror Show), Chad Baai (Buddy Holly), and Jordyn Schaefer as Wednesday Addams.
Cost: From R350 to R580 | Tickets available via Webtickets
When: Sat 14 Dec 2024 to 2 Feb 2025 | Times vary according to days
Where: The Homecoming Centre (The Old Fugard) Cnr Caledon & Buitenkant street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town
Cape Gate Festive Market
The Cape Gate Festive Market is an annual gift-shopping event that takes place in Cape Town during the holiday season.
It is a highly anticipated market that attracts both locals and tourists alike, offering a unique and festive shopping experience. The market is held at the Cape Gate Shopping Centre, which transforms into a vibrant and bustling hub of activity. With its beautifully decorated stalls and lively atmosphere, the Cape Gate Festive Market creates a magical ambience that captures the spirit of the season.
Cost: Free entry
When: Running untill Tues 24 Dec
Where: Cape Gate Shopping Centre, Cnr. Okavango Rd &, De Bron Rd, 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
Magnet Theatre’s Summer Season
The last weekend of the Magnet Theatre’s Summer Season is here, offering three shows of family-friendly performances for all ages, daily.
Exploring community and human connection through song, dance, and shadow puppetry, the first show, Mina Thina (ages 3–7), starts at 10am. Directed by Jennie Reznek, it stars 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
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to Theatre on the Bay having played to sold-out audiences for many years now.
This beloved classic transports audiences into the heart of Victorian London to follow the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas, kindness, and the importance of giving back.
Audiences can expect a sensory delight for any tired soul, with innovative storytelling, vivid animation and spectacular performances from the dedicated cast.
Cost: R150 to R280pp | Tickets available via Webtickets
When: Tues 10 to Sat 14 December 2024, at 7pm
Where: Theatre on The Bay, Link Street, Camps Bay, 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
A unique blend of handcrafted gifts at The Gift Market in Hermanus
The Gift Market offers a diverse selection of products, ranging from handmade crafts and artwork to locally sourced food and beverages.
One of the highlights of the Gift Market is the emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly products as well. The market prides itself on supporting local artisans and small businesses, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and connect with a wider audience.
The Gift Market also offers a range of entertainment and activities for visitors of all ages. Live music performances, festive decorations, and interactive workshops create a lively and joyful atmosphere. Families can enjoy face painting, storytelling sessions, and even meet Santa Claus himself.
Cost: Free entry
When: 13 to 29 December 2024 | 10am to 6pm daily
Where: Curro Hermanus, 1 Curro Road, Sandbaai, Hermanus
Cape Open Air
This December, Muizenberg Park is hosting a fun-filled one-day music experience, Cape Open Air. The event features Jeremy Loops along with an exciting lineup of some of South Africa’s most beloved artists, set against the beautiful coastal backdrop of the park’s open-air stage.
Additional acts on the lineup include folk group Hot Water, indie folk singer-songwriter Sean Koch, Afro-Blues band Warongx, and alternative/indie singer/songwriter Carla Franco.
Bring along a picnic, some dancing shoes and friends to celebrate summer, music, and community at the Cape Open Air.
Cost: From R295pp | Free (kids u/6)
When: Sat 14 Dec from 12 noon
Where: Muizenberg Park, City Park Depot, Camp Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town
A Philharmonia Christmas
Richard Cock leads the Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town and the Philharmonia Brass and Percussion Ensemble for a night filled with the sounds of the season.
From cherished carols to modern renditions, the talented choir and brilliant brass ensemble takes the audience on a captivating musical journey that celebrates global holiday traditions, infused with a uniquely South African twist.
Sing along to Christmas carol favourites and share in the beauty of the season, coming together in a joyful and harmonious celebration. Celebrate the true essence of Christmas—hope, unity, compassion, and boundless love.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every Saturday | 7, 14 and 21 December | 9am to 3pm
Where: 33 Section Street, Paarden Eiland Cape Town
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: R180pp | R144pp (group bookings of 5 or more)
When: Fri 13 and Sat 14 December 2024 | From 7.30pm to 9pm
Where: Groote Kerk, 43 Adderley St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
A Summer Night’s Dream at Spier
A Summer Night’s Dream is an enchanting family-friendly show, staged outdoors in a magnificent natural amphitheatre on the farm.
The event starts on the Werf with a feast. The hour-long performance features a cast of dancers, musicians, singers, and actors, and is directed by the incomparable playwright, Brett Bailey. As the light of the day moves slowly into darkness, guests can join the procession and make their way to the arena and settle down on the lush green lawn.
Celebrate the festive season this year by doing something different with the whole family. There is a 5-minute walk to the performance area and seating is outdoors on the grass.
Cost: R200pp (show only) | R270pp (show and a burger) | R500pp (show and Spier picnic) | R100pp (Kids u/12) | Free (kids u/2)
When: Fri 13 to Sun 15 December | 6pm for meal | Show starts at 7.30
Where: Spier Werf Lawns, Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch
RAW: Fresh Faces
Get ready for a night of extraordinary talent and creative brilliance as Real Art World (RAW) and Eighteen Entertainment join forces to present Fresh Faces 2024.
This highly anticipated event returns to The Roxy Revue at GrandWest, promising an unforgettable evening featuring 16 of Cape Town’s most gifted emerging artists. The night is headlined by the incredible Darryn Govender, a performer renowned for his remarkable musicality and effortless vocal ability.
Adding to the excitement, special guest performers take the stage alongside 10 undiscovered stars competing for the coveted Fresh Faces 2024 title and a grand prize valued at R12,000. This prize package is designed to catapult the winner’s career in the music industry.
From singers and musicians to comedians, poets, and rappers, this celebration of Cape Town’s finest emerging talents will leave you inspired and entertained.
Cost: From R175pp (general) | From R200pp (VIP)
When: Sat 14 December, 7pm
Where: Roxy Revue Bar, 76 Grens Street, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, Ruyterwacht, Cape Town
My Fair Lady
Pieter Toerien with Cape Town Opera presents the world’s most loved musical – Lerner and Loewe’s musical theatre masterpiece, My Fair Lady.
My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, who receives elocution lessons from Henry Higgins, a phonetics professor, so she can pass as a lady in early twentieth-century England. As Eliza transforms, a complex relationship develops between them as she grapples with her class, identity and the power of language.
Cost: From R140 to R580 | Tickets available via Webtickets
When: 12 December 2024 to 12 January 2025
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Simon Stone at SMAC Cape Town
Simon Stone’s solo show ‘Mid Stream’ offers a powerful look into fragmentation.
In a world saturated with so many images, Stone offers painted compositions of different elements in a single picture, in order for viewers to reconnect and balance them for themselves. Through this, there are opportunities for great self reflection too.
Simon Stone is a prolific painter who lives and works in Cape Town. He has exhibited with SMAC multiple times, including at a collection of prestigious art fairs across the world.
Cost: Free entry
When: Until 23 Jan 2025 | Mon to Fri 10am to 5pm | Sat 10am to 3pm
Where: SMAC Cape Town, 25 Church Street, Cape Town CBD
See Other Festive Highlights in Cape Town This Season
