Christmas Day (Public Holiday)

‘Tis the season to be jolly, celebrating with family and friends


An international public holiday marking one of the Christian religion’s central events – the birth of Jesus Christ – Christmas Day has become a day where people from all religious and cultural backgrounds come together in the spirit of giving.

While the actual date of Christ’s birth remains up for heated debate, Christians and people all over the world have accepted December 25 as Christmas day, and most still celebrate with a coming together of families at the lunch table, the pulling of crackers and the carving of roasts.

Even though we’re in the hottest hemisphere, many South Africans still uphold the European traditions, including the display of Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts and cards, warm drinks and puddings at the lunch or dinner table and the arrival of Father Christmas or Santa Claus.

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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN SOUTH AFRICA
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JANUARY

1 January

New Year's Day

MARCH

21 March

Human Rights Day

APRIL

18 April

Good Friday

21 April

Family Day

27 April

Freedom Day

MAY

1 May

Worker’s Day

JUNE

16 June

Youth Day

AUGUST

9 August

National Women's Day

SEPTEMBER

24 September

Heritage Day

DECEMBER

16 December

Day of Reconciliation

25 December

Christmas Day

26 December

Day of Goodwill

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For more hot and happening things to do, check out the annual events in Cape Town or use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!

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Cape Town Events Calendar
December 2023
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Distillers Union Recurring Event 2Book out this distillery for your next ...

Gin-making, tasting and pizza when you have your function at Distiller’s Union

Distillers Union Recurring Event 1Make your unique brand of gin

Gin-making, gin tasting and pizzas at Distiller's Union

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Bombay BrasserieSumptuous Indian set menu for two

10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie

mischu breakfast specialWeekends are for mischu

Where else do you get brunch for under R100 in Sea Point?

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Cheverells FarmGo for a drive to this apple farm in ...

From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings

Excentric Hair camera diagnosisHow healthy is your hair, really?

How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

Woodstock Brewery beer tastingLocal craft beer tasting even ...

Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners

Taj Whiskey LoungeIntroducing the Whiskey Lounge

Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Mountain MarketAffordable healthy food at this city ...

Organic fruit and veg, smoothie bowls + small-scale clothes

Cheverells FarmAll the seasons of Cheverells Farm

Apple picking in summer and winter stay special

Honeybee Heroes Be a beekeeper for a day at Honeybee ...

Adopt a hive, learn about bees, take a beekeeping course, buy honey

Klein Roosboom tasting caveTaste wine in a cave

Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

mischu breakfast specialWeekends are for mischu

Where else do you get brunch for under R100 in Sea Point?

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Cheverells FarmGo for a drive to this apple farm in ...

From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Cape Town Heritage ToursTour the peninsula on foot and learn ...

Heritage Tours tells gripping stories on walks from the city to Simon’s Town

Cheverells FarmAll the seasons of Cheverells Farm

Apple picking in summer and winter stay special

Klein Roosboom tasting caveTaste wine in a cave

Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails

Blue Bay LodgeWest Coast beach resort fit for family ...

Tennis, playgrounds, cocktail bar and even a bird hide

Sexy Groovy Love New Years Eve The CastleCelebrate New Year’s Eve with Sexy ...

International headliners in a mythical mountainside castle

Sexy Groovy Love New Year's Day The BeachCelebrate New Year’s Day with Sexy ...

Say hello to 2024 with a 12-hour beach party and local & international DJs

Stoep at Laborie Heritage Wine EstateDay trip: Family lunches at an elegant ...

Dine at Stoep overlooking 30 hectares of vineyards

Sirocco Cafe Kalk BayPerfect summer: Eat Napoli pizza under ...

Sirocco also has a veggie market, vinyl DJs and more

HintHunt escape planGet over the midweek hump with a ...

Launch a torpedo, escape prison, solve a murder – all in your lunch hour

Judd's Local wineFree wine tastings in the city

What’s on offer: Wines from Darling to Hermanus, all at Judd’s Local

Hint Hunt torpedoPlay Cape Town’s original live escape ...

Be a pirate, detective or prisoner at HintHunt Africa every Friday (closes late)

GiveawaysTravel Tips