1. Festive Lights Switch-On
- Date: Early December 2024
- Location: Adderley Street, Cape Town CBD
- Cape Town’s festive lights switch-on event is a grand affair, featuring live music performances, food stalls, and a dazzling light display throughout the city. Thousands gather for this community celebration.
2. Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
- Dates: Sundays in December
- Location: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- The summer concert series returns in 2024, offering live performances by top South African artists in a stunning natural setting. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music while relaxing on the lawns of Kirstenbosch.
3. Mother City Queer Project (MCQP)
- Date: Mid-December 2024
- Location: Various venues
- MCQP is Cape Town’s biggest LGBTQ+ festival, with each year’s event featuring a unique theme. Expect vibrant costumes, music, dancing, and a lively crowd celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
4. Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (Kaapse Klopse)
- Date: December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Location: Bo-Kaap and various locations in Cape Town
- A long-standing Cape tradition, this carnival marks the beginning of the New Year. Hundreds of performers in bright costumes parade through the streets, dancing and playing traditional music.
5. Christmas Markets
- Dates: Throughout December
- Locations: Various (Cape Point Vineyards, Bay Harbour Market, etc.)
- Cape Town’s Christmas markets offer unique gifts, crafts, and festive foods. Popular markets include the Cape Point Vineyards Market and the Bay Harbour Market, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with artisanal products and local delicacies.
6. Carols by Candlelight
- Date: Various dates in December
- Location: Venues like Kirstenbosch and V&A Waterfront
- A favorite holiday tradition, these events feature choirs and musicians leading audiences in singing Christmas carols under the stars. The Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight is one of the most popular, with a stunning backdrop of the gardens.
7. V&A Waterfront Festive Celebrations
- Dates: All of December
- Location: V&A Waterfront
- The Waterfront is abuzz with holiday activities throughout December, featuring festive decorations, live entertainment, pop-up markets, and a beautifully lit Christmas tree. Santa’s workshops and kids’ activities are also a highlight.
8. New Year’s Eve Celebrations
- Date: December 31, 2024
- Location: Various locations (V&A Waterfront, Long Street, Camps Bay)
- Cape Town’s New Year’s Eve parties are legendary, with options ranging from fireworks at the V&A Waterfront to beach parties in Camps Bay and rooftop events along Long Street. Whether you want a casual night out or a glamorous event, there’s something for everyone.
9. Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day) Beach Celebrations
- Date: December 26, 2024
- Location: Cape Town Beaches (Clifton, Camps Bay, Muizenberg)
- Capetonians head to the beach for picnics, braais, and beach games, enjoying the summer weather. The beaches are packed with families, and the atmosphere is lively and festive.
10. Beach and Park Festivals
- Dates: Various throughout December
- Locations: Camps Bay, Clifton, Muizenberg, Green Point Park
- Beach and park festivals, featuring live DJs, beach sports, and family-friendly activities, are common during the festive season. These events are perfect for enjoying Cape Town’s summer.
With warm weather, scenic spots, and festive activities, Cape Town is a vibrant destination in December. Whether you’re looking for Christmas cheer, music festivals, or outdoor celebrations, the city has it all!
Volunteer with Greater Good and help spread the festive cheer to those who need it most. Visit our website for more information on how you can be a part of making a difference.