Bernie Van Der Linde
A trip to Cape Town is on most travellers’ bucket lists as a top holiday destination and one of the best places to see Christmas light displays that celebrate unity and create a magical atmosphere.
Where else can you enjoy 300 days of sunshine, spot whales, admire penguins up close, and even hike some of the best mountain routes? But did you know that during the festive season in December, Christmas Lights in Cape Town enhance the festive cheer around the city? This article shares with you the best places to see Christmas lights in Cape Town this festive season, the admission fees and times of operation.
1. Adderley Street Festival of Lights
The most iconic Christmas lights display in Cape Town is at Adderley Street (Cape Town’s main street). Now in its 55th year, this festival of lights has become the highlight of Cape Town in December, particularly during the switch-on event. The Switch-On event is not to be missed! There will also be a grand parade and concert taking place for the Switch-on party.
The Adderley Street Festival of Lights invites people from all walks of life across the globe to share in the joy of Christmas. The festival is located near several other points of interest, such as the Old Slave Lodge Museum, Groote Kerk (one of the oldest churches in South Africa), and the Company Gardens.
When is the official switch-on for the Christmas lights in Cape Town at Adderley Street?
Sunday, the 1st of December, marks the start of the festival of lights in Cape Town. The event starts at 4 pm and ends at 10 pm.
Location of Adderley Street Festival of Lights
The Grand Parade, Cape Town (in front of the City Hall) in Adderley Street.
Is there an admission fee for the Adderley Street Festival of Lights
No, entry is free, and everyone is welcome to enjoy the Christmas lights in Cape Town.
2. Brackenfell House Christmas Lights
Brakenfell: 16 Dennegeur Street, Protea Heights, Brackenfell
Rick van der Gallien’s elaborately decorated home brings the joy of Christmas to Capetonians. The house in Brakenfell showcases some of the prettiest Christmas lights for everyone to enjoy.
What are the viewing times for the Christmas lights at Brakenfell House?
The lights are switched on from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., and the display can be admired until the 30th of December 2024.
Is there parking near Brakenfell House with Christmas lights in Cape Town?
Parking is available at the nearby church ‘Gemeente met Oop Deure’.
Is there an admission fee for the Christmas lights at Brakenfell House?
Admission is free. However, donations are welcome, either monetary, food, blankets, or materials for kennel construction.
3. V&A Waterfront Cape Town Christmas Lights
The V&A Waterfront is the most visited place in Cape Town. This year’s theme is Joy from Africa to the World. More than 130 local designers contributed to transforming the V&A Waterfront into a warm African wonderland, making this year’s show even more spectacular than the previous one. Not surprisingly, it offers a feast of activities this festive season, including a dedicated Christmas show for kids. Come and admire the giant Christmas tree and light display, including several festive waterfront activities.
Where are the festivals held at the V&A Waterfront?
The festivities take place at the Centre Court, Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, and all activities are free.
Don’t miss the 40-minute, three times a day, live theatre performance ‘Naledi’s Dream’ at the Amphitheatre of the V&A Waterfront. Tickets are available from Webtickets, with early bird tickets selling from R85. The production is on from the 14th of December until the 22nd of December 2024.
4. Canal Walk’s Festive Christmas Wonderland
Canal Walk is the biggest shopping centre in Cape Town, and it showcases the best indoor and outdoor Christmas lights displays and festivities.
Visitors are encouraged to collect their free shoeboxes from the centre’s information desk from the 1st of September to the 9th of November, to fill with Christmas goodies for less fortunate kids. More information about how to pack your Santa ShoeBox can be found on Canal Walk’s Website.
5. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: Christmas Carols and Lights
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. It is home to more than 7,000 plant species and diverse animals, birds, and reptiles. In December 2024, the gardens will again host the annual Christmas Carols and Lights event. This is the ideal event for quality family time and a picnic under the stars.
This year, the dates have been confirmed for the 12, 13, 14, and 15 of December 2024. The gates open at 5:30 pm, although the Carols start at 6 pm. Tickets will soon go on sale at Webtickets.co.za.
More information will be made available soon. This event promises a family-friendly environment that everyone can enjoy.
6. Cape Point Carols by Candlelight
Christmas is a time for giving, and what better way to do it than to attend Cape Point Vinyard’s highly anticipated Carols by Candlelight fundraising event? The event takes place on the 12th of December 2024.
Look out for more information on their Instagram profile @capepointvineyards.
The Red (Hop-on-hop-off) Bus Christmas Tour
Every year, the Red Citysightseeing bus offers two unique trips, one on Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas Day, to welcome the festive cheer. Several harbour or Canal Cruises are also available on these days.
Best Christmas Markets in Cape Town
- Tyger Valley Festive Market starts on the 16th of November until the 29th of December. The market is closed on Christmas day. There is no admission fee. Location: Tyger Valley Centre – Food Court. Entrance 3, Lower Level.
- Edgemead Christmas Market starts from the 29th of November until the 24th of December. The market is open from 10 am to 8 pm daily. There is no admission fee.
- The Cape Gate Festive market starts from the 22nd of November until the 24th of December.
- All Star Christmas Market in Durbanville opens the 13th of December until the 22nd of December. There are more than 220 stalls where you can find unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Location: The Meridian Independent School, 6 Campus Way, Pinehurst Drive, Durbanville.
- The Pinelands Craft & Gift Fair is a family-run market by Mother Jenny and her two daughters, Sarah and Emma. The market offers the perfect opportunity to shop for locally produced gifts and a family-friendly environment. Here, you can stroll over 200 crafter stalls with everything from handmade jewellery to ceramics, soaps, traditional treats and much more. This is a cashless venue, so make sure you bring your plastic cards with you. Find out more about this market on their Instagram page @pinelandscraftandgiftfair. The market opens on the 8th of December and operates daily until the 23rd of December. Location: Pinelands High School, Forest Drive, Pinelands.
- South Market is a festive, family-friendly Christmas market held annually in the Southern Suburbs. The market opens on December 12th and operates until December 23rd, 2024. Here, you can shop for unique gifts, crafts, handmade items and delicious festive foods. Operating hours during the week are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are no entrance fees, and parking is available nearby.
- The Melkbosstrand Christmas market at the Melkbos Country Club, 1 robben Road, Melkbosstrand. The is open for three days only, from the 14th to the 16th of December 2024, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pro Tips for Viewing Christmas Lights in Cape Town
Before you go, check out the operating times and, if possible, take public transport to the venues. Many venues offer free parking but can be difficult to find due to popularity.
With Cape Town being voted the World’s Best Food City in 2024, you don’t need an excuse to enjoy an exhilarating Christmas Lunch at one of the below venues in Cape Town.
Best places to enjoy Christmas lunch in Cape Town
- Celebrate the spirit of Christmas and the joy of family at Cape Point Vineyards’ heartwarming Christmas day lunch. Bookings are essential.
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offers the best scenery to enjoy a picnic while admiring the floral Kingdom around you. The Christmas 3 Course Set Menu for only R675 at Jack@SKYE Rooftop Bar is one of the best places to enjoy Christmas lunch. The menu and bookings are available on Webtickets.
Kloof Street House (20 Kloof Street, Cape Town) will be open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is the place to be for a four-course delicious set menu in a beautiful setting.
The Taj Cape Town, located at 1 Wale Street, Corner St George’s Mall, cape Town, is preparing for a glittering gourmet-style Christmas lunch like no other. Here, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly.
Conclusion
Christmas is a time to rejoice with friends and family, to reconnect over scrumptious meals and festive music. There are many other fun Christmas events in Cape Town, such as the Family Christmas Extravaganza in Stickland, The Somerset West Christmas Market (The first three Fridays and Saturdays in December from 4 pm to 10 pm), and Tygerberg Children’s Choir Christmas Concert, which can be booked from Webtickets.
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Your travel buddies, Bernie and Petra
