It is that time of year where one of the main discussion topics is what to do in Cape Town for New Year’s Eve.
If you are a local, chances are fair that you have yet to decide how to spend the final night of 2012. And if you are visiting Cape Town during this time, you may be wondering where to find the hottest, most amazing year-end count down event.
Whatever the case, we have searched high and low to find out what is happening in and around the Mother City, to help you make this NYE the best ever.
14 Awesome Ideas for New Year’s Eve in Cape Town
From trance parties to rock festivals; international DJs to formal dinner and dance events, we bring you 14 amazing ways to spend your New Year’s Eve in Cape Town. Our top suggestions are as follows:
1. Rock the River SA 2012/2013, Savannah Farm, Boland – 28 December 2012 – 1 January 2013 (R400p/p from Computicket or R450p/p at the gate)
2. New Year’s Eve at the V&A Waterfront, Waterfront – 31 December 2012 (tickets from Computicket at R380p/p for general access and R580p/p for VIP access)
3. New Year’s Eve Concert at Kirstenbosch, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Newlands – 31 December 2012 (R270p/p from WebTickets.co.za or Kirstenbosch Visitor Centre)
4. New Year’s Eve Party at Polana, Kalk Bay – 31 December 2012 (R100 per person before the time and R150 at the door – for bookings call +27 (0) 82 578 4888)
5. Nederburg New Year’s Eve Concert, Nederburg Estate, Paarl – 31 December 2012 (bookings via Computicket at R200 p/p for adults and R100 p/p for children)
6. NYE Pacha Ibiza Party at the Grand Café & Beach, Granger Bay – 31 December 2012 (R750p/p through Webtickets)
7. Fire & Ice NYE Street Party, Fire & Ice Hotel, City Bowl – 31 December 2012 (tickets starting from R130p/p and R160p/p at the door – available directly through the hotel)
8. Out of this World Dinner Party at Raddison Blu, Granger Bay – 31 December 2012 (all ages welcome – tickets available from the hotel at R1795p/p)
9. New Year’s Eve Masked Ball at Five Flies Restaurant and Bar, Keerom Street, City Centre – 31 December 2012 (tickets available at the restaurant for R600p/p, inclusive of four-course meal and bubbly)
10. New Year’s Eve Dinner at Rick’s Café Américain Restaurant & Bar, Park Road, Gardens – 31 December 2012 (R145p/p from Rick’s – call +27(0)21424 1100 for bookings)
11. Formal Dinner and Dancing at Planet Restaurant, Mount Nelson Hotel, City Bowl – 31 December 2012 (six-course set menu at R1950p/p – contact +27 (0) 21 483 1948 for bookings)
12. Table Bay Hotel’s Arabian Nights NYE Dinner Party, V&A Waterfront – 31 December 2012 (R2100p/p for dinner, welcome drinks, midnight glass of bubbly and entrance to after party)
13. 5fm End of the World Party, Portswood Close, V&A Waterfront – 31 December 2012 (R250p/p – R800p/p tickets, available from Computicket)
14. 3-Course Dinner and Live Music at The Lookout Deck, Hout Bay – 31 December 2012 (R395p/p – contact +27 21 790 0900 for details)
Free New Year’s Events in Cape Town
Keen to enjoy the celebrations, but prefer not to break the bank? There are a few ways that you can get in on the action without spending much. Long Street is a great place to enjoy a festive vibe, with many popular clubs and bars celebrating in their own unique way. You could also try Bree Street, where trendy hotspots such as Orphanage Bar are found, or head up to Kloof Street to see what is happening at spots like Asoka and Van Hunks.
For something more laid back, the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay are beautiful after dark, and may even give you the chance to see fire throwers and drummers if you’re lucky.
Additional Cape Town NYE 2012 Tips
Remember however that things tend to get pretty busy on New Year’s Eve in Cape Town. Book as early as possible (whether for an official event or informal dinner) and wear comfortable dancing shoes.
Last but not least, stay safe during your festivities. Call a cab, don’t drink and drive, and stay hydrated if you are indulging in NYE bubbly.
Looking for other festive events and ideas? Check out our Festive Season Guide for Christmassy events such as markets and carols, as well as our general December Events Guide for everything else happening this month.
How are you planning on spending your New Year’s Eve in Cape Town this year? Share your thoughts below and let us know!
