I have rounded up some fun activities you might want to do if you are in Cape Town around Christmas time. Given that the weather around this time of year is great the obvious beach trip is included along with a few other lesser-known activities.
Go to the Ballet
Every year the Cape Town Ballet Company holds a Christmas themed ballet performance. Last year the Nutcracker was performed this year the Christmas Carol will be on show.
Go to the beach
Christmas time coincides with summer in Cape Town. The first official day of summer is on my birthday, the 22nd of December. This means that families often eat their Christmas lunch and go to the beach afterwards. Some of the beaches get crowded because of this. I often go on my birthday as it’s usually a good weather day.
Braai
A barbecue is a braai in South Africa with meat, chicken, sausage and fish being roasted on a fire. Gas is never used. The sides are things like bread roasted over the fire (roasterbrood), three-bean salad, noodle salad and more. Some families choose to skip traditional Christmas meals and brain instead. With the sunny weather outside a brain is the perfect way to bond with family and friends.
Christmas Carols
Every year Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens hosts a Carols by Candlelight event. You can go to webtickets to book your ticket. Alternatively, check out the V& A waterfront’s website as they often hold free Carols by Candlelight events.
Christmas markets
All over Cape Town, there are pop up markets and Christmas markets held around this time. I recently bought a second-hand shirt at a Vintage pop-up held at Good Woodstock. I got a shirt for only R100. My sister also bought my mom an angel Christmas tree decoration for my mom made by an NGO called Souper troupers who help uplift homeless people.
Donate, volunteer and give back
This time of year there is many organizations such as Santa’s shoe box which seek to help those less fortunate. Good Woodstock is currently collecting donations of food and other items. You can also support Souper troupers like my sister did. No matter where you are in the world I’m sure you will be able to find an organization to help out.
Go watch a movie
Kirstenbosch and the V& A Waterfront along with other places host the Galileo Theatre which runs during summer in Cape Town. There are often nostalgic films screened amongst beautiful outdoor settings. One year Elf was played and it is a lovely thing to do with loved ones. Just remember to check the weather and take warm blankets and jackets. The weather in Cape Town can be fickle at times.
Visit the Moet Champagne tree
This tree made entirely of Champagne bottles is massive and stunning. The switching on of the tree ceremony already took place on the 29th of November but, it’s something to diarize for next year.
Festive lights
If you walk down Adderly street you will get to see the City’s Christmas lights illuminated at night. You can also view pretty Christmas lights in Strand which is also where the pristine Strand beach is located.
Santa’s Workshop
If you have children Santa’s Workshop is a cute place to visit at the V&A Waterfront. There are activities for kids and they can have their photo taken with Santa.
Switching on the Festive lights
Another one that has already passed however remember that on the 1st Sunday of December every year the Festive lights are switched on. A huge free concert is held and afterwards, the lights are turned on. It is lots of fun and the acts are all big South African artists.
Eat and be merry
There are many places which host Christmas lunches for those of you who don’t feel like cooking. I tend to cook a big lunch with my mom we start on Christmas Eve already. Whatever you eat or do just remember to enjoy it. Christmas only comes once a year and should be fun and memorable.
Happy festive season to everyone whether you are celebrating or not and I hope you stay safe. If you have anything to add please feel free to comment. I love reading comments on my blog.
Happy festive season
Nikki xx
Nikkidiscovers 