Are you looking for something completely different this Christmas? How would you feel about celebrating the holidays in flip-flops on the beach instead of making a snowman? Celebrate Christmas in Cape Town and discover why South Africa’s Mother City is one of the most amazing cities in the world. Expect to find a variety of events ranging from Festival of Lights and Carols by Candlelight to shopping for gifts at Christmas markets and having a holiday lunch at a wine estate. Here are our tips on how to celebrate Christmas in Cape Town.
1 Carols by Candlelight
Image:Flickr.com
Head out to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden between 15th and 18th of December for the annual Carols by Candlelight holiday celebrations. This 26-year-old tradition is one of the most popular Christmas events in Cape Town and offers plenty of activities including live music performances, Christmas carolers singing in the street, and lighting up glow sticks instead of candles. You can also sing along to some of the most famous Christmas songs that are performed by soloists and the festival choir. Make sure to book your tickets early, as this event attracts around 20,000 visitors every year.
2 Festival of Lights
Image:capetownmagazine.com
Every December, Adderley Street in the Mother City gets lit up by festive lights and transforms into a great party place with dozens of stalls selling twinkling lights, delicious food, and Christmas gifts. There are also live concerts that start in the afternoon. If you are planning to celebrate Christmas in Cape Town, going to Adderley Street to witness the Festival of Lights is definitely one of our top suggestions.
3 Christmas Markets
Image: Flickr.com
Instead of visiting huge shopping malls that are usually super crowded during the holidays, shop for presents at a Christmas market. The good news is that there are dozens of pop-up Christmas markets in the city and you can find everything from handmade gifts to awesome holiday decorations for your home. Some of the most popular Christmas markets in the Mother City include Cape Gift Market at the Sea Point City Hall, Stellenbosch Kersmark, Lourensford Christmas Market, and Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair.
See Also: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Christmas in Cape Town
4 Christmas lunch at Webersburg Wine Estate on 25th of December
ImageLfoodandchatter.co.za
Go to the Webersburg Wine Estate and enjoy a mouth-watering three-course lunch prepared by the famous Chef Nadia Roux. The three-course meal will include dishes such as Norwegian salmon bouillabaisse, brandy and fig pork belly, and red wine peaches and cinnamon. In case you prefer having lunch outside, the Webersburg Wine Estate is also hosting a special Christmas picnic basket. There will be cheese platter, homemade pastries and rolls, slice gammon, pates, and more on the menu. Keep in mind that lunch will be served between 12 pm and 3 pm.
5 Christmas brunch for the Homeless on Hope Street on 25th of December
Image:capetownmagazine.com
If you wish to help and support the homeless population of the Mother City, go to Hope Street on Christmas Day and join the team of volunteers who will be serving a meal to the homeless folks in Green Point. The event starts at 10 am sharp and the lunch is served between 10 am and 12 pm. In case you can’t make it but still wish to help, you can send a donation.
If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Cape Town and you need ideas on where to stay, get in touch with our team.
