Knysna, but not the Knysna you think
Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem
Our Unique Picks: Have the New Year’s Eve 2025/2026 you always wanted
From castle and beach festivals to family dinners, here’s where to spend your NYE
Last updated: 10 December 2025
New Year's Eve in Cape Town just hits different. There’s a castle party headlined by Zakes Bantwini, rodeo disco across two venues, multi-course dinners with flowing bubbly and cocktails, and family feasts. Here are the most exciting ways to close out 2025 and roll in 2026.
DINNER WITH COCKTAILS & BUBBLY
One of Cape Town’s best cocktail bars has food that’s just as superb. For fable’s NYE celebration, a booking gets you a welcome cocktail, 5-course dinner and a midnight Moët & Chandon toast. Courses include beef flatbread, hot honey chicken sliders, and your choice of steak or line fish.
Time: 6pm or 9pm seating (runs till late)
Tickets: R750pp (includes welcome cocktail, Moët & Chandon midnight toast, & dinner)
fable | @fablect | Image: fable Cape Town
JUNGLE BEACH PARTY WITH ZAKES BANTWINI
Alcazar is back, and for the first time ever, it’s happening at the Grand Africa Café & Beach. There’ll be over 12 hours of non-stop music across three huge stages (including a beach stage with sand and ocean views). Expect jungle-themed stage architecture and an unforgettable night of celebration. Alcazar is known as THE New Year’s Eve festival to go to in Cape Town.
Time: 4pm to 2am
Tickets: From R650 for General and from R1 500 for VIP via Howler
Cabo Beach Club | @alcazarnye | Image: Alcazar NYE
FESTIVAL IN A HIDDEN CASTLE
Sexy Groovy Love’s NYE bash might have the most curious festival venue. Hidden in the mountains in Hout Bay, Lichtenstein Castle has gothic walls, gargoyles, dragons, a heated pool, and luxe lounge, with stunning sunset views over the harbour. See all the details for New Year’s Eve with Sexy Groovy Love.
Time: 3.30pm (gates open) to 2am
Tickets: R1 650 Early/Sexy Bird | R1 950 Late Bird | R3 250 All-Inclusive via Howler
Lichteinstein Castle | @sexygroovylove | Image: Sexy Groovy Love
WILD NYE AT GENTLEMEN’S CLUB & REVUE BAR
Mavericks Revue Bar is closing out 2025 with their “Girls Gone Wild” NYE party. There’ll be live performances from over 100 dancers, food, and drinks all night, and a countdown to 2026 you won’t forget. Tables are available across the Main Floor, VIP lounges, Mezzanine and the exclusive Library.
Time: 7pm to 4am
Cost: General admission starts from R100. Book a table via Dineplan
Mavericks Cape Town | @mavericks_capetown | Image: Mavericks
SADDLE UP FOR A RODEO DISCO
At Harrington’s Rodeo Disco, expect glitter-soaked dance floors, neon lights, metallic boots, sequin fringe, two levels of music, and flowing cocktails. Your ticket also gets you into District. The dress code, of course, is Western Glam (think cowboy boots and sparkles).
Time: 6pm to late
Tickets: From R250 via Harrington Street website
Harringtons Cape Town | @harringtonsct | Image: Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge
ALTERNATIVE 80s PARTY AT A BREWERY
Happening at Woodstock Brewery, a cult favourite venue, this is your invite to a darker, cooler, and far more rebellious New Year's Eve. There’ll be live covers from The DeadBeats (think The Cure, Depeche Mode, and Joy Division), three-course meal and a rebel dress code. Come in your best moody black, oversized blazers, ripped jeans, and chunky boots.
Time: 8pm to 2am
Tickets: From R595, via Quicket
Woodstock Brewery | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery
FAMILY TURKISH FEAST
Saray, right next to the Clock Tower’s kids playground, is offering a New Year’s Eve Special Menu. You get to choose one meze, main dish, dessert and a drink or mocktail. The menu has loads of options with some of their most popular dishes like et sote (beef cooked in a tomato sauce and served in a clay pot with veggies and bread), lamb shank, and more.
Time: 11am to 11.30pm
Cost: R1 000pp
Saray | @saray_restraunt_ct | Image: Saray
4-COURSE DINNER IN LAGOON BEACH
Lagoon Beach Hotel is hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner with ocean views and a set menu. It’s ideal if you want something festive without the party madness. The menu includes items such as confit duck with plum sauce, mint and garlic pot-roasted leg of lamb, goat's cheese arancini and milk tart bombs.
Time: From 7pm
Cost: R800 per adult, R180 for kids under 12, kids under 6 eat free
View this post on Instagram
Lagoon Beach Hotel | @lagoon_beach_hotel | Image: Lagoon Beach
FREE PARTY WITH A BAXTER SHOW
You get free entry to the Baxter’s New Year’s Eve party when you watch any of their shows on the night. Enjoy theatre, comedy or live performance first, then join the NYE celebrations in the foyer with music, drinks and a festive countdown. One of the shows in the evening include Mark Lottering’s Colleen the Musical.
Time: After the evening shows (around 10pm to midnight)
Cost: Free with any show ticket
View this post on Instagram
Baxter Theatre | @thebaxtertheatre | Image: Baxter Theatre
FAMILY ABBA NIGHT
Café Roux is hosting a family-friendly outdoor concert with an ABBA tribute band, perfect for an early evening out with the kids. The show runs from 6pm to 9pm, with bar specials the whole evening and countless classics from ABBA.
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Cost: Free entry; mains from R120 each
View this post on Instagram
Cafe Roux | @cafe_roux | Image: Cafe Roux
---
MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON
Keep the party going with these plans for New Year’s Day.
Make a list of summer activities as you explore new places.
Discover activities to do this week(end).
We’ve put together a list of 100+ bucket list experiences.
---
Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter.
Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
