Day of Goodwill in Cape Town

Formerly known as Boxing Day, the Day of Goodwill on 26 December 2008 holds plenty of opportunity for things to do in Cape Town

The Day of Goodwill is a South African public holiday on the 26 December each year. This day was formerly known as Boxing Day, but was changed to make the meaning of the day more widely applicable to modern South African culture and society.

The meaning of the day has its roots in British culture and dates back as far as the Middle Ages, when the tradition was to give gifts (in boxes) to less-privileged members of society. These boxes would be placed in shops in the weeks before Christmas, and people would make place monetary or other donations into the boxes.

This sense of goodwill has continued up until the present day, and the new name for this public holiday in South Africa - the Day of Goodwill - aptly reflects the essence of what the day is meant to be about: sharing the festive cheer.

As a public holiday, the Day of Goodwill is an opportunity for families and friends to extend their Christmas celebrations and relaxation, and there are a number of ways to do this in Cape Town in 2008.

Things to do in Cape Town on the Day of Goodwill 2008

What: Peter Hoven Concert
Time: 17h00
Venue: V&A Waterfront Ampitheatre
Cost: Free

What: Christmas Mountain Biking Nightride: A loop of 13km. The climb will give you rewarding singletrack sections. Coke at finish and lucky draw afterwards. Maybe you get a little xtra xmas gift! We do rent out Trail Rat lights for R40 with mounting on handlebar. This is for fun, but you will get timed as well…
Time: 19h45
Venue: Dirtopia, Delvera Farm, Delvera Agri-tourism complex, R44 between Klapmuts & Stellenbosch
Cost: R36 per person (includes permit to Conservancy)
More info: 021 884 4752

What: Tokai Manor House 16km Run. Guest towels to the first 900 finishers. Come and work off the extra Kilojoules running through the beautiful Tokai Forest, and bring the family and supporters along for some good healthy FUN!
Time: 07h00
Venue: Chrysalis Academy, Porter Estate (Old Porter School rugby field,Tokai)
Cost: Licenced Athletes R36, Unlicensed Athletes R57
More info: 082 892 3772 or 083 987 9665

What: Old Skool Party @ The Basement
Time: 19h30
Venue: Cnr Voortrekker & 15th Avenue, Maitland
Cost: Free entry until 22h00

What: Anything Goes Street Party
Time: 19h00
Venue: The Bang Bang Club
Location: Loop Street | Cape Town

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