Cape Town is a year-round tourist destination, but the festive season is probably one of the best times to visit the Mother City. The weather is great, there are a number of interesting events worth visiting, and the whole town comes alive over the festive period. What’s not to like?
From Christmas celebrations and summer attractions to breathtaking surroundings and an array of events, the festive period in Cape Town caters to tastes and there is something for everyone. So, what can visitors expect in the Mother City this festive season? Let’s find out!
1 Visit the Cape Minstrel Festival
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Cape Town is probably one of the only cities in the world where a celebration on the 2nd of January is more popular than the actual New Year’s Eve. The celebration of Tweede Nuwe Jaar also known as the “Second New Year” takes places in Adderley Street where thousands of Cape Minstrels in colorful outfits sing, dance, and play instruments. It is one of the most anticipated celebrations in the city and the locals love every part of it.
2 See the Adderley Street Festive Lights
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In early December, both tourists and locals flock to the CBD’s main road to witness one of the best-loved traditions in the Mother City. It is a time when the festival lights in Adderley Street get switched on and the festive season can start. This 40-year-old tradition attracts thousands of visitors and it’s definitely an event worth checking out if you are in town during the festive season.
3 Head out to the Top of Table Mountain
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Visiting Table Mountain may be the most popular activity for tourists, but the 360-degree views of Cape Town during the festive season are definitely worth the trip. The good news is that you don’t actually have to climb up to the top of the mountain, as there is a cable car that transports passengers up the mountain. Once you reach the summit, you can grab a refreshing drink at the café or go for a short walk and enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town.
4 Check out the Galileo Open Air Cinema at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
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Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful destinations in the city and an ideal place for long hikes and picnics. There are a bunch of festive season concerts and other events that take place during the holidays at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and a Christmas movie screening at the Galileo Open Air Cinema is one of those events. Put on your favorite holiday sweater, pack some snacks, and enjoy this amazing outdoor moving experience. In case you didn’t bring food, there are dozens of merchants who sell drinks and food at the open-air cinema.
5 Go to the Deer Park Café
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Conveniently located on the slopes of Vredehoek, Deer Park Café is an ideal destination for all the locals who wish to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the festive season in the center of Cape Town. This lovely café is a few steps away from a gorgeous park that boasts jungle gyms, well-maintained lawns, and a children’s playground. It’s also a popular place for birthday celebrations and other events. While the children are playing, you can sit on the terrace of the Deep Park Café and choose from a variety of mouth-watering dishes such as falafel salad, chilli popper starter, or ravioli filled with sundried tomato and rocket and ricotta in creamy tomato sauce with calamata olives and rocket. They also have a nice selection of cakes including baked lemon cheesecake and dark chocolate brandy cake.
Have great ideas about how to do Cape Town like a local this festive period? Share your thoughts below and let us know. If you’re looking for places to stay in Cape Town, please let us know. We offer a wide range of places to stay in the City Centre at the best prices… guaranteed. Contact us today and let us help you plan the perfect holiday that allows you to discover how you can enjoy Cape Town like a local.
