Christmas Day (Public Holiday)

‘Tis the season to be jolly, celebrating with family and friends


An international public holiday marking one of the Christian religion’s central events – the birth of Jesus Christ – Christmas Day has become a day where people from all religious and cultural backgrounds come together in the spirit of giving.

While the actual date of Christ’s birth remains up for heated debate, Christians and people all over the world have accepted December 25 as Christmas day, and most still celebrate with a coming together of families at the lunch table, the pulling of crackers and the carving of roasts.

Even though we’re in the hottest hemisphere, many South Africans still uphold the European traditions, including the display of Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts and cards, warm drinks and puddings at the lunch or dinner table and the arrival of Father Christmas or Santa Claus.

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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN SOUTH AFRICA
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JANUARY

1 January

New Year's Day

MARCH

21 March

Human Rights Day

APRIL

18 April

Good Friday

21 April

Family Day

27 April

Freedom Day

MAY

1 May

Worker’s Day

JUNE

16 June

Youth Day

AUGUST

9 August

National Women's Day

SEPTEMBER

24 September

Heritage Day

DECEMBER

16 December

Day of Reconciliation

25 December

Christmas Day

26 December

Day of Goodwill

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Cape Town Events Calendar
June 2026
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Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

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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

rooikat new(Y)our Secret Season: Have a better ...

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Cape Town Backgammon /weekendWhen it rains stay indoors … but not ...

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