Switching on of the Adderley Street Lights

It’s that time of the year again…


---

Click here for information about the 2014 switching on of the Adderley Street lights

---

South Africa’s biggest free open-air event, the City of Cape Town’s annual switching on of the festive lights, will this year be held on Sunday, 4 December.

The City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Patricia de Lille, will kick off the summer Festive Season with the official switch on, when over 80 000 people are expected to descend on the city centre.

The event will see a range of entertainment including a carnival parade with floats, live performances and appearances by some of the leading television and radio personalities from Cape Town and South Africa.

With Cape Town announced as the World Design Capital for 2014, residents and visitors will see three new festive lights crossings designed under the themes ‘Cape Town – Africa’s Greatest City’, ‘The Musical City’ and a ‘Bird’s Life’, which speaks to the City’s commitment to the preservation of the environment through the Green City and Global Warming awareness campaigns.

One of the central pieces of this year’s installation and always a favourite with children, is the six metre high Christmas tree with gifts, while South Africa’s national flower the Protea has been modified to depict our country’s sporting heritage.

The switch on concert will take place at the Cape Town Station Forecourt from 15:30 – 20:00 on Sunday 4 December with an entertainment line-up that includes Hip Hop Pantsula, Jozi and the Festive Lights Showcase – an ensemble featuring leading Cape Town musicians and vocalists including Karen Kortje, Camillo Lombard, Alistair Izobell and Loukmaan Adams.

For all Christmas lunches and dinners as well as New Years and New Years Eve parties and celebrations happening throughout Cape Town and surrounds in December, be sure to check out our overviews for Christmas Eve and Christmas as well as New Years Eve and New Years in Cape Town.

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 newsletter and follow us on Twitter.

Cape Town Events Calendar
July 2026
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31

Bothey2026Perfect winelands hideaway for small ...

The Bothey is “spoiled self-catering” in spacious suites

Makers Landing live jazz FridaysYour winter bucket list at the V&A ...

Aquarium sleepover, cruises, parties & 10+ food specials

West Coast Safaris 2025A seasonal guide to West Coast Private ...

Flowers in spring, whales in summer and wildlife all year

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

Char'd tasting 2025Brandy, tequila & gin tastings with ...

Steaks are the main event. The tastings complete the experience

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

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

DAY TIIME EXTRAAFamily eatery with buffet brunch on ...

Brunch is served until 2pm, and kids under 10 eat for half price

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

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

Bothey2026Perfect winelands hideaway for small ...

The Bothey is “spoiled self-catering” in spacious suites

Makers Landing live jazz FridaysYour winter bucket list at the V&A ...

Aquarium sleepover, cruises, parties & 10+ food specials

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

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

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

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

Bothey2026Perfect winelands hideaway for small ...

The Bothey is “spoiled self-catering” in spacious suites

Shanti Festival Try wellness your own way at Shanti ...

Classes, markets, music, workshops, in Cape Town & for a fair price

conservio 2Travel feels good, looks good and does ...

The founder’s fave listings and see how to get up to 55% off

Makers Landing live jazz FridaysYour winter bucket list at the V&A ...

Aquarium sleepover, cruises, parties & 10+ food specials

mischu 2026 This corner coffee shop is a ...

Story of community, connection and the people behind the counter

vw_museum15 Inner-City Discoveries You Need To ...

You don’t need to go far  – or spend much money or time ...

buffetA bevy of buffets, all-you-can-eat ...

A bounty of breakfast and lunch buffet – from country cooking and sushi ...

Café Extrablatt 2025 photoshopCity café is easy, affordable and open ...

Coffee, cocktails, and food served from sunrise to last call

GiveawaysTravel Tips