The festive season has officially begun in Cape Town – and with it comes an array of Christmas-related events and light spectacles.
Here are some to add to your holiday bucket list:
Festive Lights on Adderley Street
A beloved Cape Town tradition, the festive lights in Adderley Street between Strand and Wale Street bring joy to both locals and visitors. The season begins with the Festive Lights Switch-On on 1 December, treating you to an evening of entertainment, dance, and dazzling festive displays. The event ends with the switching on of the Christmas lights on Adderley Street. The lights will remain on display until January and are switched on around sunset every day.
Visit: www.instagram.com/ctfestivelights/
Lighting up Lives R&P
Rick van der Galien and his family bring Christmas cheer to life each year by transforming their home into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. Head over to 16 Dennegeur Street, Protea Heights in Brackenfell to witness this magical display, available to view until 30 December 2024. The lights are switched on daily between 8pm to 10pm, weather permitting. Convenient parking is available at the church, Gemeente Met Oop Deure.
All donations, whether monetary or in the form of food, blankets, kennels, or other items, go toward supporting their chosen NPO animal shelters.
Visit: www.facebook.com/RPLightingUpLives/about
The Grinch House
Don’t let the name fool you – the Grinch House at 35 Gelb Crescent in Brackenfell is anything but grumpy. It started with spreading some cheer for her daughter and the children in the neighbourhood, the Grinch House is a celebration of Christmas. And if you’re lucky, both the Grinch and Santa may make an appearance.
According to owner Antonette Bradshaw, they hope to continue this tradition for the next 20 years, with a fresh new theme next year. The lights are switched on daily between 8pm to 10pm until 2 January 2025.
Visit: bit.ly/41dsAnP
Joy from Africa, V&A Waterfront
Joy From Africa to the World (JFA) is the V&A Waterfront’s unique and sustainable celebration of the festive season. Each year, they collaborate with a community of artists, makers, and illustrators to create stunning large-scale installations that transform the precinct.
These installations pay tribute to Cape Town’s most cherished icons, including Table Mountain and its cable cars, the Cape Wheel, the historic Clock Tower, the colourful Bo-Kaap, the Mouille Point lighthouse, and the region’s distinctive fauna and flora.
Visit: www.joyfromafrica.co.za/
Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch
It wouldn’t be the festive season in Cape Town without Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
This highly anticipated event returns from Thursday, 12 December, to Sunday, 15 December 2024. The area will be filled with Christmas magic, set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the world’s most magnificent gardens.
From Christmas songs and stories to delicious food, and stalls with Christmas goodies, it is worth a visit. Entry to the garden is free on the date of your ticket. The concert area opens at 6pm.
Visit: bit.ly/4icRRVg
