CNN just released their list of great places to spend New Year’s eve and Cape Town made the list. But with a city as beautiful, exciting and diverse as the Mother City we certainly wouldn’t expect anything less. There truly is no better place in the world to celebrate the end of 2019 and welcome 2020 and the start of a new decade than right here in Cape Town.
In order to ensure you have the absolute best New Year’s Eve celebration, here are 10 great Cape Town spots to enjoy the countdown for New Year 2020.
1. The V&A Waterfront
View this post on Instagram
The vibrant V&A Waterfront located in the heart of the city is undoubtedly one of the best places in Cape Town to celebrate the New Year and countdown to 2020. Because if there’s one thing that the V&A Waterfront knows how to do, it’s to celebrate the start of a new year in style. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever before. As the Waterfront reigns in the start of a new decade in the ultimate celebration for young and old to enjoy. Besides a wide selection of sought-after restaurants, harbourfront eateries, trendy bars, hip hangouts and rooftop spots for some incredible New Year’s wining and dining, the V&A Waterfront has some spectacular surprises in store to welcome 2020.
As the sun sets on the 31st of December 2019, the V&A will come to life as trees and buildings are lit in a colourful array of light and the sounds of live performances fill the air. Besides the electric New Year’s energy, the renowned V&A Waterfront’s midnight firework display has undoubtedly become one of the greatest Cape Town New Year’s Eve highlights for locals and travellers alike. This new year will definitely not disappoint! The V&A Waterfront is one of the best places in Cape Town to celebrate the new year and welcome 2020.
2. Shimmy Beach Club
View this post on Instagram
Located at the vibrant V&A Waterfront, the iconic Shimmy Beach Club is widely known for their spectacular New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations. And this year they’re stepping their game up another notch as they’ve put together the ultimate New Year’s Eve extravaganza to welcome 2020. Undoubtedly making Shimmy Beach Club one of the best Cape Town spots to celebrate the new year and countdown to 2020. Shimmy is one of the most highly anticipated New Year’s Eve parties in town for locals and travellers alike.
For their 2020 New Year celebration they’ve collaborated with Blue Marlin Ibiza to bring the essence of Ibiza to Cape Town. Guests can expect an incredible line-up of local and international DJ’s and performers to keep you dancing all the way into 2020. The Shimmy Beach Club 2020 New Year’s Eve party is all about glitz and glam. So come dressed to impress as you celebrate the start of a new decade in true Cape Town style.
3. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens New Year’s Eve Summer Sunset Concert
View this post on Instagram
Is there any better place than one of the Great Botanic Gardens of the World, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, to celebrate 2020 and the start of a new decade? We think not! The incredible Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden’s New Year’s Eve Summer Sunset Concert is the perfect family-friendly Cape Town New Year’s Eve celebration. One of the best spots to enjoy the official countdown to 2020 in a beautiful setting in the shade of Table Mountain surrounded by friends and family.
For this year’s New Year’s Eve Summer Sunset Concert guests will celebrate the start of 2020 with live music by the local acts, Freshly Ground, Nomadic Orchestra, and Native Young. It’s a Cape Town New Year’s Eve celebration filled with incredible music, dancing, cool summer vibes, fun-filled family activities and of course a delicious picnic to top it all off. You are therefore encouraged to bring your picnic blanket and basket filled with delicious goodies, treats and drinks. Making sure you have everything you need to enjoy an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in Cape Town with all your friends and family.
Recommended Accommodation
4. Cape Point Vineyards
View this post on Instagram
The beautiful Cape Point Vineyards in not only one of Cape Town’s most sought after winelands destinations and Thursday night market hotspot, but also one of the best places to celebrate the New Year 2020 in Cape Town. Cape Point Vineyards is playing host to the iconic Grand South New Year’s Eve 2019 celebration. Where the famous DJ Rene the Frenchman will undoubtedly have you on your feet dancing the night away right into the new decade.
Besides some cool beats and epic performances to celebrate the starts of 2020, the venue features a big hall, with beautiful large rolling lawns overlooking a dam. Making it great for the kiddies to run around and have some fun, as there are some awesome play facilities for them to enjoy. Which means the kids will definitely we well looked after and entertained. Thereby allowing you to sit back, relax and have an incredible evening all while keeping a watchful eye. This year’s theme is “dressed to the nines”, so be sure to step out dressed in your New Year’s best. And just as a little extra motivation, there will be some amazing prizes up for grabs for the best dressed. This is your time to shine, so go ALL out!
5. LIFE Grand Café
View this post on Instagram
LIFE Grand Café brings you the freshest, brightest New Year’s Day bash in the country with their 2020 Party on the Pier celebration. Making it a sought-after Cape Town spot to reign in the New Year in true Mother City style. Jam-packed with everything you could ever want in a New Year’s Eve event, this is one you don’t want to miss. LIFE Grand Café has gone above and beyond to secure the ultimate line-up of the hottest DJ’s on the circuit straight from their international gigs. Who will undoubtedly keep the beats chill from the day, seductive into sunset, and party perfect deep into the night. Celebrate the last day of 2019 straight into 2020 with the coolest sounds and epic beats in one of the most beautiful settings in the city.
In addition to an epic jam-packed line-up of DJ’s and performers, the LIFE Grand Café 2020 Party on the Pier is all about cool cocktails, delicious food, and decadent décor. All set in a grand heritage house with expansive open-air terraces and spectacular views. What more could you ask for? This year’s theme is none other than all white, 20’s Gatsby Glam and metallics. So, don’t be afraid to go all out and let your inner Gatsby glam shine through.
6. Grand Province, Franschhoek
View this post on Instagram
Why not celebrate the start of 2020 in one of the most spectacular Cape Winelands destinations, the magical Franschhoek? The captivating and charismatic Franschhoek is widely known as one of the most beautiful and sought-after Cape Winelands’ gems. It’s a perfect setting to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Cape Town. This year promises to be extra special as the Grande Provence plans to whisk you away into 2020 and a new decade with a lavish six-course dinner and all-night entertainment to toast the New Year in true lavish Franschhoek style. Guests can expect to enjoy the sweet sounds of Winston Siljeur and his band as well as some incredible fire performers that will undoubtedly up the tempo at this grande affair. Thus, keeping guests well entertained, loving life and having a grand ol’ time right throughout the night. All the way until the magic hour where the clock strikes 12 and the new year begins!
In addition to a lavish setting, vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, incredible live entertainment and a stunning backdrop, Chef Marvin Robyn sure has some exceptional culinary creations and dishes in store for you. Guests can expect to enjoy an exceptional selection of festive dishes with his signature heritage twist. All bound to tantalise your taste buds and give you the extra fuel you need to celebrate a spectacular New Year’s Eve in Cape Town.
7. New Year’s Eve at the Azure Restaurant at the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
View this post on Instagram
Based right in the heart of Cape Town, Azure Restaurant at the renowned 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa has established itself as one of the most sought-after dining experiences in the Mother City. Undoubtedly making it one of the top places to spend your 2020 New Year’s Eve in Cape Town. This year Azure is spicing things up with a memorable rollocking evening with music from the ‘swinging 60’s, seductive 70’s and over-the-top 80’s’. Sounds like the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration, right?
Besides some rocking classic hits and throwback tunes that will definitely get you out of your chair dancing the night away, guests can expect a jam-packed evening full of surprises. The five-course set menu includes a drink on arrival, a glass of French Champagne at midnight and access to The Leopard Bar for the after party. Besides an indulgent culinary experience, the terrific music line-up and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond Azure and the Twelve Apostles have become known for, this is one Cape Town New Year’s Eve celebration you’ll undoubtedly remember for many years to come.
8. Kinky Summer New Year’s Eve party
View this post on Instagram
This one is dedicated to all the party-loving souls out there! Kinky Summer is Cape Town’s longest-running New Year’s Eve festival. Which undoubtedly makes it one of the best ways to celebrate your 2020 New Year’s Eve in Cape Town. Taking place on one of Franschhoek’s most beautiful estates, this boutique-themed New Year’s Eve party has been known to attract party-loving souls from around the world.
With an incredible line-up of both local and international DJ’s and performers, Kinky Summer is one Cape Town New Year’s Eve party that will have you dancing the night away well into the 2020 morning hours. But hey, there’s no better way to celebrate the start of a new decade. Described as a place where imagination and whimsical delight are cherished and nurtured, the Kinky Summer New Year’s Eve party promises to be a New Year’s celebration unlike any other.
9. New Year’s Eve celebration on the ocean waters with Tigger 2 Boat Cruises
View this post on Instagram
Is there any better place to countdown the New Year and arrival of 2020 while cruising the waters of the Atlantic Ocean? Tigger 2 Boat Cruises is a 55-foot catamaran that cruises out of Cape Town harbour to the magnificent Clifton Beach. Thereby giving you the incredible opportunity to celebrate the arrival of 2020 in true lavish Cape Town style on a luxury catamaran. In order to ensure there’s something for everyone, guests can choose between 2 amazing cruise options. You can either choose to enjoy an earlier departure at 19:00. This option invites you to sit back, relax and admire the magnificent last sunset of 2019. You will then return to the harbour for an on-board dinner of canapés, sushi platters, fresh oysters and Wagyu beef. After an indulgent on-board meal, guests will disembark to watch and enjoy the iconic midnight firework display at the V&A Waterfront.
The second cruise option involves guests boarding the a 55-foot catamaran at 10:00. After which they will enjoy a delightful dining experience at the mooring and then cast off, setting sail on the glorious Atlantic Ocean. Guests will then have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching the renowned and highly anticipated V&A Waterfront fireworks display from the ocean waters. How spectacular is that? Undoubtedly making it a bucket-list worthy Cape Town 2020 New Year’s Eve celebration you’ll cherish for many years to come. In addition to a spectacular experience, both options include bubbly and vibey music by DJ Didier.
10. Boschendal Wine Estate
View this post on Instagram
The beautiful Boschendal Wine Estate has fast become one of the Western Cape’s favourite and most beloved Wine Estates for locals and travellers alike. Now they’re hosting a very special 2020 Cape Town New Year’s Eve event to welcome the start of a new decade in true Cape Winelands style. Featuring a lively sunset and night market, Boschendal’s Olive Press promises a magical ending to 2019 and a vibrant beginning to 2020. This family friendly Cape Town New Year’s Eve event welcomes the whole family to join in on the New Year’s festivities and fun. From a variety of incredible food stalls, exceptional selection of fine Boschendal wines and a vibrant laid-back atmosphere to an amazing performance by one of Cape Town’s popular bands, Hot Water, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Boschendal has also made extra provision to ensure that moms and dads can have an equally memorable evening. By inviting kids between 4 and 14 years to sign up for some amazing supervised fun and their very own party at The Tree House (the estate’s outdoor adventure zone), means parents can rest assured that their kids are very well taken care off. Thereby giving them the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy a truly memorable New Year’s Eve in Cape Town.
These great Cape Town spots to countdown for New Year 2020 will undoubtedly make your New Year’s Eve in the Mother City one to remember. May your New Year 2020 celebration be filled with all the excitement, fun and memorable moments with friends and family you desire. Make it a year to remember and have a fantastic time welcoming 2020 in true local Cape Town style.
Planning on celebrating New Year 2020 in Cape Town? Learn more about the Mother City, how to get around, things to do in Cape Town, and more from our blog. We can help you find the perfect place to stay. Get in touch if you’d like help finding accommodation or Cape Town tours to indulge in when you are around.
