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Here’s how to spend Christmas in Cape Town
From classic lunches to outdoor movies, concerts, parties + more
Last update: Monday, 12 December 2022
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, there’s plenty of reasons to love the season. We’ve selected a range of activities that you can enjoy with family, friends or a partner. Enjoy an outdoor festive movie with the fam, picnic on a wine estate with a Christmas basket, feast on a traditional lunch or party on Kloof Street.
PICNIC AT A DAM
If you’re looking for an easy Christmas lunch option that’s a bit different, visit Alluvia Boutique Winery in Stellenbosch and have a picnic. A picnic basket includes a range of starters, mains and desserts such as cherry tomato and bacon flatbread, buttermilk-paprika chicken kofta and berry pavlova. You’ll also receive a bottle of Alluvia Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé.
Where: Alluvia Boutique Winery, Stellenbosch
When: 25 December, 12pm
Cost: R695 for a basket for two. Call 021 885 1661 or email restaurant@alluvia.co.za to book
Glen Arum Road | Helshoogte Pass | Stellenbosch | 021 885 1661 | @alluviaboutiquewinery | Image: Alluvia
BE MERRY AT THE WATERFRONT
During Christmas, there's plenty to do in the Waterfront. Take a selfie with the massive Christmas tree, which was created in collaboration with at-risk youth, or see the colourful decorations inspired by African heritage and hope. Up until Christmas Eve, kids can visit Santa at the mall's Centre Court. They could also play in the Waterfront Wonderland, a playground inspired by the festive season. Visit the Waterfront and stand a chance to win R100 000 in prizes like Smeg and designer clothing.
Where: V&A Waterfront
When: The attractions are open until various dates; latest 1 January. Find more details here
Cost: Free entry; some activities charged
V&A Waterfront | 021 408 7600 | @vandawaterfront | Image: The V&A Waterfront
WATCH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
Over the Christmas weekend, the Galileo Open Air Cinema is showing a line-up of festive movies. Soak up the spirit – and the smell of popcorn. Plus, on the 24th and the 25th, your movie hamper will include a candy cane and Christmas hat.
Friday 23 December: Love Actually at Kirstenbosch Garden
Sunday 25 December: Arthur Christmas at Kirstenbosch Garden
Monday 26 December: Home Alone at Stellenbosch Vineyards
Cost: From R129, book here
Various locations | 071 471 8728 | @thegalileo | Image: The Galileo Open Air Cinema
BRING THE KIDS TO AN OUTDOOR CONCERT
Cafe Roux in Noordhoek is hosting a Christmas Eve concert. With its large lawns, the restaurant is a great spot for the kids to run around and play while you sing along to classic Christmas music performed by local artists. There will also be a Christmas gift drive for underprivileged children, so if you would like to donate, please make sure to bring a gift.
Where: Cafe Roux, Noordhoek
When: 24 December, 4pm to 7pm
Cost: Seated (R120) or grass (R80), book here
Chapman’s Peak Drive | Noordhoek | @caferoux1 | Image: Cafe Roux
DINE IN A TRANQUIL COURTYARD
A ticket for the Misfits Christmas party will get you a welcome drink and a three-course meal (with vegan options, like creamy broccoli with fusilli and berry panna cotta). Enjoy your meal in a peaceful courtyard under the shade of trees. Or, if you’d prefer something more vibrant, Misfits also has a quirky interior with a bar and an indoor golf simulator.
Where: Misfits, De Waterkant
When: 25 December, 12pm
Cost: R500pp
74 Prestwich Street | De Waterkant | 072 127 6332 | @misfits.ct | Image: Misfits
DESIGN YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS SPREAD
Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Foreshore is doing something a little different for Christmas this year. Guests will be able to build their own Christmas plates with choices of meat and fish (like glazed gammon, basted pork ribs and seafood paella) and sides (such as seasonal veg lasagne, butter prawn curry and savoury rice). There will also be a dessert table with treats like cinnamon buns and trifle cups.
Where: Park Inn by Raddisson Cape Town Foreshore
When: 25 December, 12pm to 3pm
Cost: Dependent on your spread choices. Call 021 427 4800 or info.capetown@parkinn.com to book, find more details here
29 Heerengracht Street | Foreshore | 021 427 4800 | @parkinncapetown | Image: Park Inn by Radisson Foreshore
PARTY ON KLOOF STREET
Looking for a more vibey way to spend Christmas? Visit Asoka. Built around an old olive tree, this Kloof Street staple is known for its tantalisingly tasty food and electro beats. Celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with Asoka’s newly refreshed a la carte menu, chefs’ Christmas specials, and a DJ.
Where: Asoka, Kloof Street
When: 24 and 25 December, 6pm until late
Cost: R400 deposit, email info@asoka.za.com to book
Asoka | 68 Kloof Street | Cape Town | @asokakloofstreet | Image: Asoka
ENJOY A FARM BREAKFAST
Anna Beulah Farm is hosting a Christmas breakfast. There will be a variety of food on the menu, including plant-based options. After breakfast, you can take a walk in the gardens and visit the resident horses, donkeys, lambs, bunnies and alpacas.
Where: Anna Beulah Farm, Durbanville
When: 25 December, 08:30am to 11am
Cost: From R145 for adult options, R75 for kids. Call 082 296 9601 or email events@annabeulahfarm.co.za to book
Cnr Vissershok & Contermanskloof Road | Durbanville | 066 476 5951 | @annabeulahfarm | Image: Anna Beulah Farm
SIP COCKTAILS AT A ROOFTOP BAR
Rick’s Cafe Americain has become a favourite in Cape Town and it has recently moved to Kloof Street. Pop in to this Casablanca-inspired restaurant and try the Moroccan menu for Christmas Eve lunch, or count down to Christmas with a cocktail on their rooftop bar. Make sure to take advantage of the twilight happy hour – you can get discounted cocktails and beer between 10pm and midnight.
Where: Rick’s Cafe Americain, Gardens
Rick’s Cafe Americain is open: 11am to 2am, daily
Cost: Varies
Corner of 101 Kloof Street and Weltevreden Street | Gardens | 021 822 1100 | @rickscapetown | Image: Ricks Cafe Americain
WATCH GLITTERING CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Take a drive (or walk) down Adderley Street and admire the iconic Christmas lights. The light display on Adderley has become a Cape Town festive season tradition. It’s a great way to feel the Christmas spirit, however you’re spending the holiday.
Where: Adderley Street
When: 24 and 25 December
Cost: Free
Christmas lights display | Adderley Street | Cape Town CBD | Image: @capetown.travel
DANCE AT A FESTIVAL
Have a groovy psychedelic experience with Hidden Leaf’s Christmas festival. Held at Castle Night Club, you can expect trance music, dancing, awesome visual experiences and deep conversations.
Where: Castle Night Club, Cape Town CBD
When: 25 December, 7pm to 2am
Cost: From R80, book here
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DISCOVER MORE OF WHAT CAPE TOWN HAS TO OFFER
Discover more events happening this weekend.
Go big with one of these events on New Year’s Eve.
Jump into the new year with one of these New Year’s Day activities.
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