This festive season all lights lead to the V&A Waterfront

9 FREE and 3 affordable things for the whole family to do

Last updated: 12 December 2024 

Every festive season, the famous V&A Waterfront welcomes millions of locals and visitors to its neighbourhood – spreading Joy from Africa to the rest of the world. 

There’s something happening all over the neighbourhood: The children's play Naledi’s Festive Dream, stunning visual installations created by local artists and crafters, meet-and-greets with Santa, a picnic and open-air screening of The Great Gatsby, a Jazzathon at the Amphitheatre… 

See more of what’s happening all over the V&A. Plus, win prizes.

This year, the V&A has taken its Joy From Africa festive campaign to another level. Image: V&A Waterfront 

SEE INSTALLATIONS FROM LOCAL ARTISTS  

Now in its sixth year, Joy From Africa’s vibrant installations celebrate the beauty of the Mother City. Local artists and crafters have created sustainable installations like the Table Mountain-inspired cable car in the Victoria Wharf, Bo-Kaap houses, protea lampshades, and a magical fynbos forest in Centre Court. See how V&A Waterfront is spreading Joy for Africa to the world. 

Date: Until mid-January 2025
Venue: All over the mall
Time: Mall is open daily, 9am to 9pm
Cost: Free

Joy from Africa to the World celebrates local artists and businesses, promotes sustainability and highlights African talent. Image: V&A Waterfront 

WATCH A CHRISTMAS CHILDREN’S PLAY

Naledi’s Festive Dream follows 10-year-old Naledi as her wish to meet Santa’s crew comes true, with visits from a cheeky shelf elf, Nutcrackers, hip-hop elves, and more. Get all the details on how the play blends music, dance, rhythms, and highlights the good that Cape Town (and Africa) brings to the world. 

Date: 14 - 22 December 2023
Venue: Amphitheatre (outside the food court and kids play area)
Time: Monday to Thursday; 2pm and 3.30pm, Friday to Sunday; 12pm, 2pm and 3.30pm
Cost: R100pp, book via Webtickets

Naledi’s Festive Dream is a Christmas play that celebrates the vibrant Cape Town spirit. Image: V&A Waterfront 

VISIT THE ICONIC CHRISTMAS TREE  

The V&A’s famous Christmas tree is adorned with stunning locally-crafted decorations. 

The giant tree has colourful proteas and pincushions, starfish, musical notes made from seashells, twinkling fairy lights, and more. It’s a popular spot for visitors and locals to snap their festive photos. 

Date: Until mid-January 2025
Venue: Outside Entrance 4, by Paul’s Bakery and Tang
Time: Mall is open 9am to 9pm
Cost: Free

The giant Christmas tree is decorated with locally-inspired decorations. Image: V&A Waterfront 

SAY HI TO SANTA & HIS ELVES  

Nothing lights up little faces quite like a visit from Santa. Every year, families gather at the V&A to welcome Father Christmas and his little elves. Santa arrives on 15 December at 3pm. He’ll be doing daily meet-and-greets between 16 to 24 December. 

Date: 15 - 24 December, 11am to 5pm
Venue: Centre Court, V&A Mall (in front of H&M)
Time: Santa arrives at 3pm; Daily meet-and-greets from 11am to 5pm
Cost: Free

You’ll find Santa and his elves in the Centre Court, by the H&M. Image: V&A Waterfront

COOKING CLASSES FOR KIDS  

Makers Landing is hosting Mini Makers, a series of festive food workshops for kids ages 5 to 11. They’ll make treats like reindeer marshmallows, candy cane milkshakes, gingerbread houses, and Christmas breakfasts. There are also workshops for teens (ages 12 to 16), where they will whip up cinnamon bun wreaths, lasagne, focaccia, and more. 

Date: 12 December 2024 - 12 January 2025
Venue: Makers Landing Demo Kitchen
Time: 10am to 11:30am
Cost: From R350, visit the Makers Landing website for more details


Mini Makers workshops have arrival snacks, kitchen safety instructions, and a recipe to take home. Image: V&A Waterfront

3 000+ VINYL AT A MUSIC FAIR

The Watershed will turn into a vinyl lover’s paradise with over 3 000 records, along with a great selection of CDs, music books, band merch, tees, and cassettes. The V&A’s Record & Music Fair will also have live DJs playing throughout the day. This is a great event to find your next vinyl treasure. 

Date: 14 December
Venue: Watershed
Time: 10am to 2pm
Cost: Free

There’ll be records, band merch, tees and cassettes on sale. Image: V&A Waterfront 

SEE A GLOBAL BREAKDANCING COMPETITION 

Undisputed Masters: Breaking Boundaries is a global dance competition that focuses on the athleticism and creativity of breakdancing or breaking. You can experience how breaking combines physical skill with artistic expression in a high-energy competition at the Amphitheatre. 

Date: 17 - 18 January 2025
Venue: Amphitheatre
Time: 12pm to 6pm
Cost: Free

Undisputed Masters is an international dance-breaking competition. Image: V&A Waterfront 

PICNIC & WATCH THE GREAT GATSBY 

The open-air screening of the classic The Great Gatsby is at Battery Park. The park’s lawn will be transformed for the experience. Bring along a picnic basket and blanket, or explore the mini market (there’ll be food and non-alcoholic drinks on sale). 

Date: 12 December 2024
Venue: Battery Park
Time: Doors open at 6pm, movie starts at 8.30pm
Cost: From R145, book via Webtickets.

Battery Park has a skate park, picnic areas, shops and a canal. Image: V&A Waterfront

LOCAL TALENT AT THE AMPHITHEATRE 

The V&A Waterfront Take the Stage series offers emerging musicians a chance to showcase their talent through pop-up performances from November 2024 to March 2025. One of the featured artists is Candice Thornton, known for her smooth, sultry voice.

Date: November 2024 - March 2025
Venue: Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Cost: Free 

The V&A Waterfront Take the Stage series spotlights emerging South African musicians. Image: V&A Waterfront 

NYE WITH FIREWORKS & MATTHEW MOLE

One of Cape Town’s most iconic NYE celebrations happens at the V&A. Expect an exciting lineup of local artists like Matthew Mole, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, BlackByrd, Mi Casa, and more. The night wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display (for five minutes only). 

Date: 31 December 2024
Venue: V&A Waterfront
Time: From 3pm to midnight (larger artists take the stage from 6pm onwards)
Cost: Free (Make your restaurant and accommodation bookings early)

The V&A is home to some of the city's top restaurants, perfect for grabbing a bite before the festivities begin. Image: V&A Waterfront 

FREE CONCERTS IN THE SILO DISTRICT  

There are free concerts at the V&A’s arts and culture hub, the Silo District. The concert series includes Nduduzo Makhathini in January and a Puesta Del Sol concert in February (where there will be a dance floor for the audience to join in, plus a free salsa class before the show).  

Date: 3 January 2025; 7 February 2025
Venue: In front of the restaurants by the Zeitz MOCAA
Time: 7pm to 8pm
Cost: Free

The Silo District is home to Africa’s largest art museum and plenty of upmarket restaurants. Image: V&A Waterfront

THREE DAYS OF LIVE JAZZ  

There’ll be three days of pure jazz magic as The Cape Town Jazzathon returns to the Amphitheatre, filling the air with the vibrant sounds of live music from both local and international artists.

Date: 10 - 12 January 2025
Venue: Amphitheatre
Time: 12pm to 8pm
Cost: Free

Known as the “People’s Festival,” this event is all about celebrating soulful jazz. Image: V&A Waterfront 

WIN A GETAWAY WORTH R100 000 (& MORE)

Make a purchase of R350 or more at any V&A shop or eatery between 6 to 22 December 2024 and you’ll be in the running to win an ultimate weekend getaway for two. 

All you have to do is scan your receipt and fill out the digital form. 

The Grand Prize includes: 

• Luxurious stay at Radisson RED with stunning balcony views

• The North Face travel gear

• Personal Verve Voyage shuttle

• Shopping spree at Karl Lagerfeld

• PlayStation 5 Slim set by Game 4U

• Elegant watches from The Watch Boutique

• Rejuvenating treatments at Glasshouse Rejuvenation 

• Chic eyewear from Kapten & Son

• Experiences like the Cape Wheel and boat rides

The Grand Prize draw takes place on 26 December 2024 at the Amphitheatre.

Brand ambassadors will also hand out scratch-and-win cards to visitors who make a purchase of any amount. There’ll be prizes like parking tickets, Cape Wheel tickets, coffee vouchers, fashion vouchers, and experiences. 

T&Cs

• The Grand Prize draw is running from 6 - 22 December 2024 

• Open to all South African residents 

• Must be 18+ years old 
  
  

EXPLORE THE V&A THIS FESTIVE SEASON  

Waterfront festive season is on: December 2024 to February 2025
Waterfront shopping mall is open: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm
Find it: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Read more: via the Joy From Africa website 
Contact them on: 021 408 7600, enquires@waterfront.co.za @vandawaterfront

By Saarah Gierdien

---

FIND MORE FESTIVITIES 

Do you know you can play the Amazing Race in Cape Town?

Explore our list of free and affordable things to do with kids.

Here’s our guide on how to spend Christmas in Cape Town. 

Discover 7+ things to do this weekend.

---

Loved discovering this?  Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.