New Year's Day: Kick off the New Year fresh today

From family picnics to an afrobeats party at Rands

Last updated: Monday, 15 Decemebr 2025

If you’d rather miss the traffic and celebrate on New Year’s Day (or party on both days!), Cape Town is hosting some diverse events. Like beachside parties packed with international DJs, kid-friendly picnics, glamorous events at wine estates, and even a swim race.

Plus, if you haven't got plans yet, check out these unique things to do on New Year's Eve.

BEACHSIDE FESTIVAL IN GRANGER BAY

Sexy Groovy Love’s first event of 2026 will be at Grand Africa Café & Beach, with white and gold accents, superb food and drink options, and an impressive lineup of international DJs. You can book tables cinema-style, relaxing into the day as you watch the giant disco ball and the boats go by at Sexy Groovy Love New Year’s Day.

Time: 2pm to 2am. No under-21s
Where: Grand Africa Café & Beach
Cost: R1 350 for Sexy Bird tickets, R1 650 for Late Bird tickets. Book via Howler

1 Haul Rd | Granger Bay Boulevard | Image: Sexy Groovy Love

FAMILY-FRIENDLY AT PAARLCHELLA 

Set on the grounds of Paarl’s Nelson Creek Wine Farm, New Years in the Vines is a kid-friendly picnic event with live entertainment, food for sale, and activities for kids. The DJ lineup includes Kelvin Momo, Mr. Thela, and Cairo CPT. There’s a fully stocked bar on site and there’s an option to bring your own cooler box of drinks for an additional R100.

Time: 10am to 11.45pm
Where: Nelson Creek Wine Farm
Cost: Under 6 free; kids 6 - 17 R150; adults R280. Cooler box “corkage” R100. Book via Webtickets

Nelson Wine Estate, R44 | Paarl | Image: Paarlchella

NOSTALGIC TUNES OVERLOOKING THE GRAPEVINES

Groovers Prayer is a Groove Africa festival series known for its beautiful outdoor locations, elegant dress themes, and nostalgic music (90’s R&B, house and more). The New Year's Day Experience is held at Nederburg Wine Estate with views of the Groot Drakenstein mountain range and vineyards. This year’s dress theme is butter yellow.

Time: 12pm to 12am
Where: Nederburg Wine Estate, Sonstraal Rd, Paarl
Cost: R450 - R750. Book via Howler

Sonstraal Rd | Paarl | Image: Groovers Prayer

AFROBEATS PARTY IN KHAYELITSHA

Rands in Khayelitsha is known for its popular DJ and rapper lineups (gqom, amapiano, afrobeats and hip hop), premium shisanyama and impressive VVIP table options (which can even include a chauffeur). The New Year’s Day party promises to deliver along the same lines; keep your eye on their socials for lineup announcements and tickets. 

Time: 12pm to 11pm. Over 21’s only
Where: Rands Khayelitsha
Cost: Free entry before 2pm, R100 entry thereafter. Tickets will be available via Webtickets the week before

6 Makhabeni Road, Khaya Bazzar | Khayelitsha | Image: Rands

SWIMMING RACE FROM CLIFTON

Dive into 2026 with The 36ONE New Year’s Day Mile Swim at Clifton 4th Beach. Started in the 1960’s as a "regmaaker" for volunteer lifesavers who had pulled duty on the 1st of January, this now monthly race invites swimmers to a moderate-level swim of 1600m. Early-bird entries close 25 December, standard entries close 29 December.

Time: From 11am to 12.30pm
Where: Clifton 4th Beach
Cost: R200, book via email support@the36oneswim.co.za

59 Fourth Beach Promenade, 55 Victoria Rd | Clifton | Image: 36ONE Swim

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MAKE MEMORIES IN 2026

Every week we update our guide of things to do this weekend. 

Explore over 100 items on our bucket list this summer.

Find lots of free and cheap things to do with kids.

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