Here’s how to spend Christmas in Cape ...
From lunches and carols to markets and meeting Santa
When it rains stay indoors … but not at home
Make your winter magical with these 20+ things to do
Last updated: Tuesday, 6 June 2023
Sure, stay indoors when it’s cold and wet... who says you have to stay home? You could play ninja or detective for the day, or try a new hobby like rock climbing, salsa dancing or Kintsugi painting. And don’t forget those lovely winter warmers you’ll find at indoor markets or cosy restaurants. Here are 20+ things to do in bad weather (for all ages).
ROAD TRIP TO THIS INDOOR MARKET
This is no ordinary farmers market. Held on the Kruistementvlei Farm outside Piketberg, you can expect to see your standard market finds like homemade pancakes, ice-cream, fresh fruits and veggies, flowers and honey. But you'll also find some sweet gems like freshly baked and braaied roosterkoek, homemade kombucha, and Cream of the Crop Micro Dairy products. During the colder months, the market is held in a large warehouse.
Opening hours: Last Saturday of every month; 9am - 12pm
Cost: Free entrance
Langeberg afdelingspad | Piket-Bo-Berg | Piketberg | @piketbobergfarmersmarket | Image: Piket-Bo-Berg Farmers Market
PLAY NINJA FOR THE DAY
Be a kid again at the largest inflatable and obstacle course in Africa. Total Ninja is a supervised activity and fitness venue inspired by the global phenomenon TV series Ninja Warrior. You can climb, balance, jump and swing across different obstacles using your ninja skills, plus there’s a dedicated section for mini warriors (5 and under). It’s a great place for family activities and for keeping fit during the colder seasons.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am - 9pm; Sat + Sun, 9am - 9pm
Cost: R80 for mini warriors, R160 for adults; book via totalninja.co.za
Black River Park | The Warehouse | 2 Fir Street | Observatory | @totalninjabrp | Image: Total Ninja
DISCOVER 15 SECRETS AT THE AQUARIUM
There’s just something about an aquarium that brings out the best in people. Adults get to be a kid again and kids get to experience a world of wonderment, sometimes for the very first time. The Two Oceans Aquarium is a beacon of joy for locals, and millions of ocean lovers around the world, and there’s so many secrets to unlock within (and beyond) the exhibits.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 6pm, Saturday + Sunday, 9am - 6pm
Cost: R235 for adults, R175 for pensioners and students, free for kids under 3
Dock Road (by the Watershed) | V&A Waterfront | @2OceansAquarium | Image: Lara van Zyl
JOIN A KINTSUGI WORKSHOP
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. On Sundays, this Asian deli in Hout Bay hosts Kintsugi workshops, teaching guests the philosophy and practice of this slow, ancient art form. All materials are included except the broken ceramic (you can bring your own or purchase from their collection). Plus, stick around for some comfort food, from dimsum to bao buns or shop for Asian essential groceries at Yesca’s Teahouse.
Opening hours: Sundays; 9.30am - 12pm (arrive by 9.15am)
Cost: R480 per person; DM or WhatsApp
35 Main Road | Hout Bay | 074 524 1727 | @yescas_teahouse | Image: Yesca's Teahouse
BRUNCH AT A COSY BISTRO
Treat your family and friends to a French affair. The Chocolat Bistro in Durbanville is lavishly decorated with antique candelabras, mirrors, sculptures and rustic leather chairs. The inside has a moody setting with a toasty fireplace, perfect for rainy days. The menu has something for every taste (even the little ones), from croque madame and savoury pancakes to pizza and gourmet sandwiches. And for dessert: Dark vanilla malva pudding, Fondant au chocolat and more (served all day).
Opening hours: Mon, 7am - 5pm; Tue to Sat, 7am - 10pm; Sun, 8am - 3pm
Cost: From R59 for lunch
46 Oxford Street | Durbanville | @chocolatbistro | Image: Chocolat Bistro
MAKE YOUR WINTER EXTRA SPECIAL
There are tons of ways to experience the city this winter: Luxury inner-city getaways (with meal and spa vouchers), date night deals at a bucket-list eatery, discounted day tours and a twilight happy hour. Explore the Western Cape with these winter specials and special things to do this winter.
Hermanus Waterfront | 028 312 1986 | Website | @chardhermanus | Image: Char’d Grill
TRY KARAOKE (REALLY TRY)
Let your inner Broadway star shine on this glimmering stage and sing your heart out. Bokeh Creative Studio hosts karaoke nights every day of the week, with a multitude of songs available for you to sing. Enjoy cocktails and wine with friends while cheering on the brave you sing. Plus, you can order food from Bokeh’s neighbours – Three Wise Monkeys, Una Mas and Only Fools – and it will be brought to your table. Over 23s only.
Opening hours: Tue - Sat, 8am - 2am; Mon + Sun, 6pm - 2am
Cost: Free entrance, DM or call 082 973 4673 to book
84 Regent Road | Sea Point | @bokehvenue | Image: Lara van Zyl
TASTE AN ANCIENT DRINK
Have you ever tasted mead? At Cape Town Meadery, you can learn about the history of mead while tasting this ancient African beverage with a modern twist. The intimate tasting room can take up to 10 guests at a time. The tasting includes 10 different kinds of mead, including sparkling mead, gluhwein, lager and Viking-style mead straight from the fermenting tank. It’s currently being offered every second Saturday until 24 June 2023.
Opening hours: 11am - 1pm; 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Cost: R120pp; book via Quicket
Unit 27 | The Old Timber Yard | 7th Avenue | Maitland | @cape_town_meadery | Image: Cape Town Meadery
VISIT A WONDERLAND OF ANTIQUES
Tucked away at the top of a long, narrow staircase in Simonstown is a treasure trove bursting with retro memorabilia, collectables and quirky statues. All with a sea view of Simonstown Harbour from the cafe deck. Plus, it’s pet-friendly. See a large red London phone booth, a dinosaur fossil, a gigantic electric guitar, miniature cars, comic book memorabilia and an entire hot pink room dedicated to vintage clothing.
Opening hours: Friday to Monday, 10am - 5pm
Cost: Free entrance
98 St George’s Street | Simon's Town| @collectables_hub_and_cafe | Image: Collectable’s Hub and Cafe
PAIR CHILLI OIL WITH…EVERYTHING
Looking for the perfect backdrop for your next meal or mini weekend road trip into the winelands? Located at the base of Helshoogte pass, Banhoek Chilli Oil Company is a family-friendly space with a kids play area, stunning views and Banhoek Valley wine. Enjoy a vista lunch and try out the paired menu inspired by the Banhoek Chilli Oil (think chilli oil over pizza and drizzled on pasta).
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 9am - 5pm; Thursday to Saturday, 9am - 8.30pm
Cost: From R80 for mains; book via Dineplan
Old Banghoek Road | Kylemore | Stellenbosch | Image: Banhoek Chilli Oil Company
PLAY AN ESCAPE GAME
Launch a torpedo, escape from prison, break a curse or uncover the truth behind Mr O’s mysterious disappearance. You’ll be locked inside a themed room (2 to 6 players) with only 60 minutes to escape. Whether you’re a wannabe sleuth, logical thinker or creative genius, you might enjoy the thrill of unlocking one clue after another to solve HuntHunt’s escape-room games.
Opening hours: Mon to Wed, 10am - 7pm; Thur to Sat, 10am - 8:30pm; Sun, 10am - 5pm
Cost: R1,890 for a group of 6; book via HintHunt
Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | @hinthuntafrica | Image: HintHunt
LEARN THE ART OF TEA MAKING
It’s all about the culture of tea making and drinking at Nigiro Teacafe. This Plumstead gem holds 130 varieties of tea, including Piña Coladas or French Kisses (yes, those are the names of the tea), and some favourites like Cederberg Highveld Rooibos. Learn the art of tea making, share a pot with the owner and enjoy the tea-inspired food menu.
Opening hours: Monday to Sundays, 7am to 10pm
Cost: Varies depending on tea; book via Nigiro
71 Gabriel Road | Plumstead | 021 671 2850 | @nigiroteacafe | Image: Nigiro Tea
GO TO A SALSA CLASS
Learn the Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Lindy Hop or Swing with Que Pasa Dance Co. This dance school hosts dance classes every weekday, from beginners Kizomba to advanced salsa. And every Friday night there’s a salsa party open for all at the Que Pasa Latin Lounge in Mouille Point. Main classes are held at the Arstcape Theatre (studio 552). They also offer private classes, group classes and workshops, great for your next team building.
Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays, 4pm - 9pm
Cost: WhatsApp 074 199 0918 to book
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24 Bay Road | Mouille Point | Cape Town | @quepasalatinlounge | Image:
READ IN A COSY BOOK NOOK
Spend a rainy day browsing through a cosy bookstore and add to your to-be-read list. From cosy book nooks and storytime sessions to shops with antiques and comics, here are some of the new, curious and quintessential bookstores in Cape Town.
Peregrine Farm Stall | N2 & R321 Elgin | 021 671 9551 | Image: Tasneem Kadwa (@thegirlwhoatetheworld)
MAKE YOUR OWN GIN
This working distillery in Woodstock offers a truly unique experience even non-gin drinkers will enjoy. You don’t only taste award-winning gins at this working distillery, you also get to create your very own. Choose the percentage of alcohol, flavour profile, colour and even design the label. There's also wood-fired pizzas at Distiller’s Union.
Opening hours: Wednesday + Thursday, 8am - 6pm; Friday + Saturday, 10am - 9pm
Cost: R595 for gin making experience
156 Victoria Road | Woodstock | 021 447 2517 | @distillersunion | Image: Distiller’s Union
VISIT AN OLD CINEMA AND ANTIQUE STORE
Think olden day knick knacks like tins and tea sets, vintage records, old books and a 60s-inspired diner with a candy counter. Romantiques in Hermanus has a range of vintage items, including an entire section dedicated to period clothing. There’s also a coffee shop in the garden and an intimate olde-worlde theatre where you can enjoy movie afternoons every Saturday at 3pm.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm; Saturday, 9am - 3pm
Cost: Free entrance
14 Aberdeen Street | Hermanus | @romantiques_store | Image: Lara van Zyl
SPIN AROUND A DISCO JOINT
Roller skate with your best mates in an emptied-out parking garage at Battery Park. There’s plenty of space – over 2000 square metres to be exact. Pink, blue, green and yellow disco lights, along with groovy tunes, create a vibrant atmosphere. You can also play arcade games, air hockey and pool at Rollercade. Find more winter activities at V&A Waterfront.
Opening hours: Wed to Fri, 1pm - 6pm; Fri, 1pm - 9pm; Sat, 10am - 9pm, Sun, 10am - 6pm
Cost: R150; book via Rollercade
Rollercade | V&A Waterfront | 072 064 3963 | @rollercadeza | Image: V&A Waterfront
PAIR MUSIC AND WINE
You won’t find traditional cheese-and-wine pairings at Black Elephant Vintners. Every Saturday this eccentric cellar offers a silent disco wine pairing to the rousing sounds of rock ‘n roll. It’s held in the tasting room, where the tables are wine barrels and the black walls are painted with colourful murals of iconic rock stars like Freddie Mercury, ACDC, The Rolling Stones and more.
Opening hours: Saturdays, from 11am
Cost: R150 - R300pp; book via bevintners.co.za
Black Elephant Vintners | 40a Uitkyk Street | Franschhoek | @bevintners | Image: Tasting Cape Town (@tastingct)
TRY ROCK WALL CLIMBING
This one is for the adrenaline junkies. Get your climb on at CityROCK in Paarden Island, a huge indoor climbing gym and training spot. You can work on your strength, get fit or just climb for fun. Tip: There are good beginner options. Go with someone who has climbed before to give you some guidance.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 11am - 9pm; Friday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm
Cost: R180 day pass
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9 Milner Street | Paarden Eiland | Website | @cityrock_cpt
VISIT A MARKET IN AN OLD APPLE WAREHOUSE
Everybody loves an old steam train...and most people love a market. Put those two things together and you’ve got the Elgin Railway Market. Set in an old apple warehouse, this converted steampunk, art deco market boasts local food and craft vendors, live music and is the gateway to the beautiful Elgin Valley. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the steam train arrive with eager guests.
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm; Saturday + Sunday, 9am - 4pm
Cost: Free entrance
Oak Avenue | Elgin | 021 204 1158 | @elginrailwaymarket | Image: Elgin Railway Market
SPEND THE DAY PAINTING CLAY
Take your family or friends to a place dedicated to serene creativity (and you can paint on the tables). There are three Clay Cafés, in the city, Hout Bay and Paarl. Try your hand at painting: Choose any piece of ceramic, up to 3 colours and any design of your choice and let your creativity shine. Plus, enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch while painting.
Opening hours: Mon + Tue, 10am - 5pm; Wed - Fri, 10am - 10pm; Sat, 9am - 10pm; Sun, 9am - 6pm
Cost: R45 pp for studio fee; book via Clay Cafe
199 Bree Street | Cape Town City Centre | @claycafe_inthecity | Image: Clay Café
PLAY PUTT PUTT IN A CAVE
It’s raining, the kids are bored and you were hoping to play 18 holes. Kill all these birds with one stone at an indoor 18-hole putt putt haunt. Just next to the V&A Waterfront’s Scratch Patch, this venue is designed like a cosy cave, keeping players on their toes with tricky angles, uneven surfaces, steep hills and awkward obstacles.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.45pm; Sat + Sun, 9am - 5pm
Cost: R35 per player
1 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | @scratchpatchsa | Image: Scratch Patch
KEEP WARM WITH HOT CHOCOLATE
This wholesome deli and cafe covers all your daily needs, with some sweet treats on the side. Norfolk Deli, located on the ground floor of Six on N in Sea Point, serves everything from cakes and pastries to warm ready-made meals, like vegetable and coconut curry or a classic bobotie. You can buy staples like freshly-baked bread, honey and granola, as well as stay for a sit-down meal (the hot-pressed sandwiches are a must-try). Plus, the hot chocolate is a must.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7am - 6pm; Saturday + Sunday, 8am - 3pm
Cost: From R30 for pastries; from R60 for meals
6 Norfolk Road | Sea Point | 065 617 7129 | @norfolk.deli | Image: Norfolk Deli
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DISCOVER MORE IN WINTER
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Discover 7+ things to do this weekend.
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