The holiday season is upon us and the Mother City is an ideal destination for Christmas celebrations. South Africa’s Cape Town is well-known for hosting many interesting events during the holiday season. From concerts and picnics to Christmas markets and craft beer festival, there is something for everyone. Here is our list of 8 iconic things to do in Cape Town this holiday season.
1 Pinelands Craft & Gift Fair
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One of the most popular things to do in Cape Town during the holidays is visiting the annual Pinelands Craft & Gift Fair which is held at Pinelands High School. If you are looking to purchase gifts, this amazing fair houses around 160 crafters selling everything from Christmas decorations, tasty treats, and handcrafted cards to clothing, plants, glassware, and vintage furniture. The entrance is free and secure parking is available in front of the school.
2 Edgemead Christmas Market
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One of the largest indoor Christmas markets in the Mother City, Edgemead Christmas Market attracts over 240 crafters who come all the way from places like Riversdale and Mossel Bay to Cape Town to sell unique gifts and Christmas decorations. Make sure to the check the section with handmade products. The entrance is free of charge and Edgemead Christmas Market is open during the holidays daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
3 We Love Real Beer Fest
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The We Love Real Beer Fest returns to the Mother City on 15th of December. Expect to see a number of food trucks that offer delicious foods, live music performances, and of course, a variety of craft beers. This festival celebrates South Africa’s craft-beer industry and attracts hundreds of both tourists and locals.
4 Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight Concert
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Sing along to classic Christmas songs together with the Cape Town Concert Brass and the Male Voice Choir at the Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight Concert. This event will run from Thursday, 14 to Sunday, 17 December 2017. Besides the main concert attractions, visitors will also have an opportunity to hear hot local talents as opening acts. Tickets will be released 30 days before the event.
See Also: 10 Things to Do in Cape Town for Under R100
5 RCS Gugulethu Reconciliation Day Race
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Taking place at the NY49 Stadium, RCC Gugulethu Reconciliation Day Race will start on Saturday, 16 December 2017. You can also sign up for a 10 km race, as well as for a child-friendly 4.2 km long race. Travelers who wish to participate can register for the race online or at the NY49 Stadium early in the morning on the day of the race. Expect to pass by dozens of popular monuments and landmarks of the Mother City.
6 Cape Minstrel Carnival
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There are many iconic things to do in Cape Town this holiday season and the world famous Cape Minstrel Carnival is one of the most anticipated events this year. Kaaapse Klopse also known as the Cape Minstrels dressed in minstrel outfits will parade through the main streets of the city. The parade starts at Zonnebloem and goes through the central business district of Cape Town. Cape Minstrels will be singing and playing various instruments like drums, tambourines, trumpets, etc.
7 MCQP Party in Cape Town
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Shine your shoes and put on your favorite party dress/suite for one of the coolest events in December, MCQP Party in Cape Town. This year, the theme will be “Dungeons and Dragons”, so make sure to dress appropriately for the event which will take place on 16th of December at the Castle of Good Hope. If you’ve never heard about this holiday event, it is probably the biggest transgender, lesbian, bisexual, and gay event in all of Africa.
8 Picnic Under a Full Moon
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If you are staying in the city during the holiday season, one of the most iconic things to do in Cape Town is to visit a full-moon picnic at the Taalmonument. This event lasts throughout the summer and is located on a hill that overlooks Paarl and offers spectacular views of the surrounding areas. You can bring your own picnic or make a reservation for a picnic from the nearby Volksmond Coffee Shop. There are also guided tours that start at 6.30 pm and the Taalmonument is open until 10 pm. Keep in mind that smoking is not permitted on the lawns.
