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.


Read about all the other South African Public Holidays:

Day of Goodwill 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

 


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Cape Town Events Calendar
 
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Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

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Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

Bespoke menus, wine pairings, and timeless interiors

Light House Holistic 2026Rooftop clubhouse with yoga, sauna, ...

It’s open from 7am to 5.30pm. 5 reasons to go Light House Holistic

mischu new breakfast 2026Breakfast at mischu: R119 special with ...

Eggs benedict & flat white for R119, + try the viral crookie

Milk on the beach wafflesWaffle Shack is the ultimate ...

Waffle crocs on a blue flag beach near Hermanus

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Pear Tree 2024Pear Tree, the tiny Hermanus bistro ...

Breakfast poké bowls, egg and kimchi tacos, and fresh juices

Dutchies recurring event Free jazz nights at Dutchies by Grotto ...

Sushi platters, crisp wine, and jazz in the sea breeze

Filini interiorFilini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore

Tiramisu martinis, lasagne crocchetta and more

WB TAPSBrewery with food specials every single ...

Daily deals on classic comfort meals like burgers, schnitzel, ribs, steaks…

Woodstock Brewery Taproom NEW 4Cool taproom with amazing happy hour & ...

Craft beer tasting trays, burgers for just R60, R35 happy hour pints

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Two Oceans Aquarium 2024Leadership, scuba diving, concerts + ...

Plus markets, fun runs and youth-led conversations (June 16)

NYE 2023 Benguela CoveUnique things to do for Father’s Day

Stargazing tour, racing simulators, vineyard lunches + more

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