Visitors from the northern hemisphere have one idea of what a White Christmas should be like, but on this side of the world, we do things a bit differently. With summer in full swing, the festive season in South Africa is 100% unique, giving you the chance to enjoy everything from beaches to wine tasting, gift shopping and even witnessing the age-old tradition of the Adderly Street Christmas Lights being switched on. Here are some of the things to see and do in Cape Town this festive season…
Festive Shopping and Markets
Most large malls such as the V&A Waterfront and Canal Walk extend their shopping hours until 8pm or even later during the peak festive rush. But if you want to search for one-of-a-kind gifts and goodies, your best bet is to try these markets:
- Carols by Candlelight and Night Market at Laborie, Paarl – 7 December
- French Christmas Market, Gardens – 8 December
- Pure Boland Christmas Market, Worcester – 14 December
- Santa’s Village, V&A Waterfront – 15 – 25 December
- Cobble Walk Christmas Market, Durbanville – 16 – 24 December
- Kloovenburg Christmas Market Day, Riebeek Kasteel – 17 December
- Blaauwklippen Vineyards Family Market & Christmas Fair, Stellenbosch – 17 – 23 December
- Adderley Street Night Market, City Centre – 17 – 31 December
- Earth Fair Christmas Market, Tokai – 19 December
Festive Events in Cape Town
Shopping aside, there are also an abundance of events taking place in and around the city to help bring on that seasonal cheer. Here is a snapshot of upcoming events:
- Malmesbury Christmas Light Festival, Malmesbury – 7 December
- Paarl Festival of Lights, Paarl – 8 December
- AquaFestival, V&A Waterfront – 15 December – 6 January 2012
- Hermanus Christmas Concerts, Hermanus – 19 – 22 December
Other on-going events that take place throughout the summer include Kirstenbosch Summer Events and many others.
Other Ideas for Christmas in Cape Town
Looking for other ideas to help you eat, drink and be merry this summer? Here are some uniquely African ways to enjoy the year-end holidays…
- Head to the beach – from Clifton 4th to Camps Bay, Boulders and many others, sand is the new snow in Cape Town this Christmas.
- Take a safari – there are many game reserves just a few hours outside of the city, where you can wish the Big 5 a happy holiday season.
- Cruise around the open seas – a boat cruise is the best way to take in the beautiful coastal views, with a variety of cruises offered from the V&A Waterfront.
- Get festive on Long Street – bars, restaurants, clubs and more await on this busy, vibrant street that keeps going until the early hours of the morning.
- Drive down Adderly Street – here in Cape Town, our lights are something special to see, featuring African inspired magic that is sure to get you into a festive mood!
How do you plan to celebrate the festive season in Cape Town? Share your ideas below and let us know!