It’s that time of year again: the tinsel is out, and the trees in the Cape Town CBD are up! Come into town to check them out and enjoy what’s on offer during the festive season.
CONCERTS/THEATRE/SHOWS
ST GEORGES UNPLUGGED
The final concert in this series of free classical-music lunchtime concerts is not to be missed! The informal Tuesday concert in the iconic St George’s Cathedral will be introduced by the musicians themselves, and patrons are invited to “unwind, unplug and contemplate through music” in beautiful surroundings. The final concert for the year on 2 December will feature Albert Combrink and Friends, with the pianist presenting pieces from classical to tango. The concert is free but donations are very welcome to help raise funds for the cathedral’s building repairs and maintenance as well as running costs.
Where: St Georges Cathedral, 5 Wale St
When: 2 December 2025
Time: 13h15-14h00
More information: info@ctconcerts.co.za
WHO AM I?
This show stars Nadine Manuel as a woman searching for her purpose and original identity. Fourteen years ago, Taryn Little-Viglino spent two nights at the Mater Domini Home, a treatment centre in Claremont for pregnant women in crisis. Grateful for the support she received, Little-Viglino wrote this play to give back to the charity, with all proceeds donated to Mater Domini. Who Am I? tells her story through dance, song and spoken word. (Note: No under 18s.)
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 5-6 December 2025
www.artscape.co.za/event/who-am-i-2/
MISS DRAG SOUTH AFRICA 2025
Miss Drag South Africa’s annual national pageant aims to advance LGBTQ rights and serve as an aspirational goal for the community. The non-profit company’s mission statement is “Drag with a purpose”, and to promote inclusivity this year, the pageant is open to contestants who were assigned male at birth and identify as non-binary, gay and/or transgender, as well as those who love to take part in the art of drag. (Note: No under 12s.)
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 6 December 2025
www.artscape.co.za/event/miss-drag-south-africa-2025/
ZAWADI: NGIMUHLE ALBUM TOUR
Musician and singer Zawadi YaMungu is performing at the District Six Homecoming Centre’s Star Theatre as part of her tour to promote her new album, Ngimuhle. YaMungu was taught to play several indigenous instruments such as the umakhweyane and ugubhu stringed bows by her late mother and grandmother, and combines them with powerful vocals to create a deeply felt musical experience. Her aim is to heal, empower and encourage her audience to find their own voice.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre, c/o Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When:17 December 2025
www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR
You don’t want to miss the return of the internationally recognised Ndlovu Youth Choir to Cape Town! Since it was founded in 2009, the choir has become one of South Africa’s best-loved choral groups known for its unique musical arrangements, vocal talents and infectious energy. Fifteen choristers and a three-piece band will perform six shows in the Mother City from their 2024 repertoire, including their version of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, and a South African medley that honours icons such as Johnny Clegg and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 5-8 February 2026
www.artscape.co.za/event/14512/
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Book your tickets now for this ballet inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Alice through the Looking Glass and prepare to follow Alice and the White Rabbit on an enchanting adventure. The production, targeting everyone from young dancers to lifelong ballet afficionados, promises outstanding choreography and storytelling and quirky characters. (Note: no under-fives at evening performances.)
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 12-28 December 2025
www.artscape.co.za/event/alice-in-wonderland/
CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS
Candlelight concerts are multisensory musical experiences that take place under the glow of candlelight, so get your tickets for what promises to be a magical Christmas Classics show at the District Six Homecoming Centre’s Star Theatre. The Thandeka String Quartet will be performing all your favourite Christmas songs – from O Holy Night and Carol of the Bells to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You. This is perfect festive-season joy for anyone aged eight and older.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre, c/o Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When: 18 December 2025
www.feverup.com/en/cape-town-south-africa/candlelight
CATS
Don’t miss your chance to see one of the festive season’s standout theatrical highlights: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical CATS, presented in association with Cape Town Opera. Pieter Toerien’s cast will deliver all the magic, energy and nostalgia that make this family-friendly spectacle unforgettable. Be mesmerised by the mischievous Jellicle cats and iconic songs, including Memory, Macavity: The Mystery Cat and Magical Mr Mistoffelees.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 10 December 2025-11 January 2026
www.artscape.co.za/event/cats/
EXHIBITIONS/EVENTS
KUIER@THECASTLE
This affordable and family-friendly event is returning to the Castle of Good Hope for a holiday market. Kuier@TheCastle is a full-day experience that brings people together through food, design and live entertainment. Beyond the market, visitors can also step into history and explore the castle’s world-class museums and exhibitions.
Where: Castle of Good Hope, Castle St
When: 13 December 2025
Time: 10h00-16h00
www.instagram.com/p/DQmdDYVDS8H/?img_index=1
MOTHERHOOD: PARADOX AND DUALITY
This large art exhibition offers a fascinating look at the complexities of motherhood in an evolving world as seen through the eyes of 70 diverse South African artists across different media and time periods – from acclaimed painter Penny Siopis and the late photographer David Goldblatt to renowned Venda sculptor Noria Mabasa. Also on show is the Keiskamma Art Project’s much-lauded Rose Altarpiece.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery
When: Ongoing until 23 February 2026
www.iziko.org.za/exhibitions/motherhood-paradox-and-duality/
ARTBEAT FIRST EDITION
Red! The Gallery is launching ARTBEAT to coincide with First Thursdays in the CBD. The event combines live painting with DJ performances while guests can sip on cocktails, premium spirits and local craft beers from a fully stocked bar. Described as a “boiler-room style” party – which features a DJ at the centre of a small crowd instead of separated from the audience on a stage or in a booth – the event is free until 22h00.
Where: Red! The Gallery, 76 Wale St
When: 4 December
Time: 17h00-04h00
www.instagram.com/p/DQ3sCpziInU/
THE SEA AND US
Cape Town and its people are inextricably linked to the ocean, and The Sea and Us illustrates the many different facets of this connection. Come to meet the ocean’s creatures, from its smallest organisms to its giants, and see the museum’s vast two-centuries-old collections, complemented by traditional knowledge from coastal communities. You’ll be reminded of the importance of protecting our oceans and its habitats, reflect on ways to become a champion for the sea – and be inspired.
Where: Iziko South African Museum
When: Ongoing exhibition
www.iziko.org.za/exhibitions/the-sea-and-us/
FESTIVALS
SHEER CITY BLOCK PARTY
Sheer City – a diverse group of underground music collectives including Tropical Disko and Sub Sahara – will be hosting a block party in the East City district across multiple venues. One ticket will grant you access to all the venues – TEXAS, The Electric, Harringtons, District and SurfaRosa – where more than 50 local and international DJs will perform, starting in the afternoon until the early hours of the next day.
Where: East City
When: 17-18 January 2026
Time: 14h00-04h00
www.instagram.com/p/DQePtUliInT/
BUDDIES STREET PARTY
Buddies Night Out – one of South Africa’s leading LGBTQ pop-up events companies – is closing off Constitution St to host its annual December street party at Harringtons Cocktail Lounge and District Night Club. The event will feature multiple bars to hang out with friends, and dancefloors where you can groove the night away. Buddies Night Out was established in 2013 to offer safe, inclusive night outs for the LGBTQ community.
Where: Harringtons, 61B Harrington St, and District, 61c Harrington St
When: 27 December 2025
Time: 18h00-03h00
www.instagram.com/p/DQofjQ2DLpJ/
THE REMEDY BREE STREET SUNDAY MARKETS
Bree St is going car-free on Sundays throughout the summer, creating a family-friendly pedestrian area where visitors can hang out, soak up the sun and engage in community activities. For the festive season, the street is also playing host to The Remedy Market, a curated selection of local makers and designers as well as those who sell thrift and vintage items. On 30 November, 7 December and 21 December, The Remedy will host a Christmas market in front of Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room. Shop for great gifts that support local designers and artists while enjoying live music and then popping in at Clarke’s for a bite to eat.
Where: 133 Bree St
When: 30 November, 7 & 21 December
Time: 10h00-15h00
www.instagram.com/p/DQ9MSjqCLL5/
REGULAR EVENTS
Knit & Natter Group
First Sunday of the month
Enthusiastic about knitting and crocheting? Join the members of the Knit & Natter Group, who meet on the first Sunday of every month to share their stories and love for their craft. Women from all walks of life are invited to join and bring yarn and needles, ideas, current projects – and snacks.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre (Marble Foyer), D.F. Malan St
When: 15h00-17h00
Cost: Free
www.artscape.co.za
Cape Town Craft Club
Twice a month, and special pop-up events
This craft circle, founded by a textile artist and teacher specialising in sewing, embroidery, weaving and crochet, aims to unite creative people with a mutual love of making things in a laid-back, fun space. Everyone is welcome, from seasoned makers to those who haven’t made a thing since childhood. Bring whatever you’re working on and join the circle.
Where: Various venues across Cape Town
When: Check the website for details on upcoming events
www.capetowncraftclub.com/
Sunday Jazz Jam
Every Sunday
Wrap up your weekend with an evening of live jazz, improvisation, good company and fine wine at Openwine’s weekly Sunday Jazz Jam. The vibe is warm and vibrant – get ready to soak in the rhythm.
Where: Openwine, 72 Wale St
Time: 17h00
Cost: No cover charge
www.instagram.com/p/DFPhBSaMnDC/
East City Sessions
Every Thursday
Harringtons Cocktail Lounge offers a changing line-up of established jazz acts and up-and-coming experimental acts on Thursday nights, so join the party. While entry is free until 22h00, it’s a good idea to book via bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za.
Where: Harringtons Cocktail Lounge, 61B Harrington St
Time: 19h00
Cost: Free until 10pm; R50 thereafter
www.instagram.com/eastcitysessions/
Sky-Hi Ride
Every Tuesday to Sunday
Adrenaline junkies can experience a bird’s-eye view and massive thrill on the Sky-Hi Ride from the 28th floor of the Hotel Sky, 146 m above the city. Weather permitting, the ride is open to hotel guests and visitors, and you can purchase a ride or observer ticket. The breathtaking drop reaches a free-fall speed of up to 100 km per hour.
Where: Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St
Time: 12h00-20h00
Cost: R200 per person via Webtickets
www.sky-hiride.capetown/
Free CBD Walking Tours
Ongoing
If you’re keen to have a fun time exploring the CBD, take in some history and culture, and meet nice people, join a free daily walking tour. Organisers are keen to make Cape Town walkable for everyone and the guides are knowledgeable and ready to entertain and inform. Options include a Historic City and Apartheid to Freedom Tour, Apartheid to Freedom and Bo-Kaap Tour, and the Bo-Kaap and Historic City Tour. For more information, email info@freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za.
Where: Twice a day departing outside Motherland Coffee, St Georges Mall
When: 11h00 & 16h20: Historic City Tour; 11h00 & 14h00: Apartheid to Freedom Tour
Cost: Free
www.freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za/
Third House Poetry
Last Tuesday of the month
Third House is a community and open-mic poetry event where both novice and established poets are supported and inspired, invited to share their work, exercise their creative voice and network with other writers and creatives.
Where: Selective Live, 189 Buitengracht St
Time: 19h30
Cost: R50 at the door
www.instagram.com/thirdhousepoetry/
Live jazz at The Athletic Club & Social
Every Wednesday to Saturday
The Athletic Club & Social is a cool venue with food, cocktails and splendid views from its balcony. It also has a great line-up of regular live-music performances in the basement bar, from Cape Town and African jazz to folk music, soul and other genres.
Where: The Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht St
Time: 21h30
www.quicket.co.za/organisers/34189-the-athletic-club-social
The Blue Room at Grub & Vine
Every Tuesday to Saturday
The intimate Blue Room live music lounge at the Grub & Vine hosts top local and international talent, as well as emerging artists, covering a wide range of genres. Guests can also enjoy delicious food, wine and cocktails during shows, which range from soulful melodies and acoustic sets to electrifying riffs. It’s a good idea to book.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
Time: 19h00-10h30
Cost: Cover charge of R200 per person (may differ for some artists)
www.theblueroomza.com/home/
Diptyque Tea Experience
Daily
If you’re searching for the ultimate calming and relaxing experience, the elegant Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel’s beautiful Diptyque Boutique serves delicious artisanal sweet treats such as delicate finger sandwiches, dainty scones and macarons, luxurious teas and bubbles. Book ahead to enjoy this indulgent experience, enhanced by gorgeous scents.
Where: 5 Church Square
Time: 08h00-20h00
www.labotessa.com/boutique/
Storytime for children at the Book Lounge
Every Saturday
On Saturday mornings, a Book Lounge staff member reads two or three picture books, followed by a fun activity. These events are suitable for three- to eight-year-olds. Sometimes there are also book launches or special story times.
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
Time: 11h00
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
First Thursdays
First Thursday of every month
Where: Cape Town CBD, including inside galleries and restaurants
Time: 17h00 till late
Cost: Free
www.first-thursdays.co.za