Here’s how to spend Christmas in Cape Town

Free market, city concert, ballet, and Christmas lunch buffet

Last update: Friday, 5 December 2025

Christmas in Cape Town is more than just classic lunches and gift-giving. It’s the most wonderful time of the year where you can browse a free Christmas Eve market, settle in for a ballet performance inspired by Alice in Wonderland, or watch a gospel performance in one of the city’s most historic buildings.

FREE XMAS EVE MARKET

The Edgemead Christmas Market is a northern suburbs favourite. The market brings together over 450 local makers selling everything from handmade gifts, jewellery, and jams to ceramics, candles, toys, and Christmas decorations. You can also spoil yourself and buy sweet treats like cookies and meringues while you shop.

Date: Wednesday, 24 December; 10am to 8pm
Cost: Free

100 Edgemead Drive | Edgemead | Cape Town | @capecrafts | Image: Cape Crafts

CLASSIC THEATRE PRODUCTION

At the Artscape, Cape Town City Ballet’s new Alice in Wonderland brings Lewis Carroll’s dreamworld to life with vivid costumes, flashing lights and playful animated effects. It’s an enchanting family production where audiences follow Alice as she meets the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts.

Date: Wednesday, 24 December; 12pm
Cost: From R200 to R400, book via Webtickets

D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town | @artscapetheatre | Image: Artscape Theatre

CHRISTMAS BUFFET LUNCH

Served long-table style at Makers Landing, SMJ Catering is cooking up a Christmas feast. Think mains like slow-roasted leg of lamb, glazed gammon and crispy fried chicken, with garlic roast potatoes, couscous, and roasted butternut and beetroot salad as sides. For dessert, there’s tiramisu, berry panna cotta and carrot cake.

Date: Thursday, 25 December, 2pm to 8pm
Cost: R750pp, book via Quicket

The Cruise Terminal | Victoria & Alfred Waterfront | Cape Town | @smjcateringandevents | Image: SMJ Catering

GOSPEL CONCERT FOR R140

Now in its 20th year, Christmas in the City gathers leading gospel artists for an evening of music, shared stories and communal celebration inside Cape Town’s historic City Hall. This year’s lineup includes The City Choir, Anslin Gysman (The Voice South Africa finalist) and New BIRTH (a gospel group known for praise music and ministering).

Date: Thursday, 25 December; 7pm
Cost: R140pp, book via Webtickets

City Hall | Darling Street | Cape Town | @cityofct | Image: @maryann_west_1 on Instagram

FESTIVE LIGHTS DISPLAYS

Every year, Adderley Street transforms into a glowing celebration of colour, culture and Christmas cheer with bright installations and festive displays. In the northern suburbs, Bothasig attracts a crowd of its own; a beloved local tradition where dozens of homes become a festive wonderland complete with thousands of lights, themed displays and photo ops.

Date: 25 December; all day
Cost: Free

Grand Parade and Adderley Street | Cape Town | @ctfestivelights | Image: Festive Lights

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CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON

Find our recommendations for a Christmas gift guide. 

Check out these events happening for New Years Eve.

Treat your staff with these year-end ideas and activities.

Discover things to do in and around Cape Town this weekend.

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