Christmas Day (Public Holiday)

This is the season to be jolly in Cape Town by celebrating Christmas lunches at home or on the beach with your family

Christmas is an international public holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and Christmas Day in South Africa is not much different.

Although we are in Africa, many South Africans uphold the European traditions, including the display of Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts and cards, and the arrival of Father Christmas (Santa Claus).

Christmas lunches with the family are certainly a tradition in Cape Town and the rest of South Africa, more so then Christmas dinners.

Popular Christmas themes include the promotion of goodwill, compassion, and peace on earth. The religious attend special masses and church services, though many South African choose to spend the day with their families enjoying Christmas lunches at home (braai), at restaurants in the evening or they actually are soaking up the sun on the beach with a pick nick.

Molo Says: Whatever your beliefs, just enjoy the festive feeling that descends on Cape Town at this time and Christmas lunch is a welcome treat.

Cape Town has many festive events for you to enjoy including Carols by candle light and the turning on of the Christmas lights on Adderley Street.

Learn more about South African Public Holidays:

New Years Day
Human Rights Day
Good Friday
Family Day
Freedom Day
Workers Day
Youth Day
National Women's Day
Heritage Day
Day of Reconciliation
Day of Goodwill


There is always something special happening across the country on public holidays, so keep an eye on our events section for updates as well as other amazing events happening in and around Cape Town throughout the year.

For updates on happenings in and around Cape Town for kids, for you or for the whole family, be sure to subscribe to our free monthly Editor's Picks Newsletter and follow us on Twitter.