With Christmas less than two months away and the festive season already upon us, many tourists find themselves drawn to the beautiful city of Cape Town over the December holidays. With the summer sunshine and beautiful beaches, joyous vacation atmosphere and abundance of attractions and restaurants in and around the city, it is no surprise that many choose to spend their vacation here.

There are a number of unique events, festivities, marketplaces and concerts planned in December to commemorate Christmas. Whether your time spent in Cape Town over the festive season is to reconnect with the family or to get away with friends, the Mother City of Cape Town offers a cornucopia of events to enjoy over the holidays, as well as a few splendid Christmas Day or Christmas Eve celebrations.

Christmas Celebrations in Cape Town:

3 Days of Celebration at Tobago’s – Enjoy a divine Christmas eve dinner in a festive setting (R795 pp), a scrumptious Christmas day feast with live entertainment (R965 pp) or a South African style live grill station planned for boxing day (R425 pp), overlooking the ocean from a gorgeous terrace. Tobago’s restaurant is located within the Radisson Blu Hotel at the V&A Waterfront. Kids between the ages of 5 – 12 cost half price, and kids under 5 can join in for free. For more info, call: 021 441 3414

Fine Dining at Dash Restaurant – Promising an exquisite Christmas lunch or dinner, the Dash Restaurant in the V&A Waterfront puts an elegant spin on things by serving up a sensational 5 course menu (R850 pp) and welcoming guests with a glass of sparkling wine. This sophisticated setting will make this year’s festivities unforgettable. For more info, call: 021 418 1466

Isola’s Pool Side Christmas Braai – Celebrate in style at the beautiful Isola pool side restaurant, located on a private island at the One & Only Hotel in Cape Town. Bubbly, live music, desserts, Christmas crackers and a stunning seafood braai that can appeal to all tastes will be the order of the day this Christmas, for R1 500 pp, R750 for kids under 12 and free for kids under 4 years old. For more info, call: 021 431 4511

3 Course Feast at Sevruga – The luxurious Sevruga restaurant at the V&A Waterfront invites one and all to enjoy a Christmas Feast that will be like no other. At the great price of only R350 pp, this 3 course festive lunch will consist of hearty and scrumptious meals prepared by a Michelin Star Chef, and is truly value for money. Enjoy a delicious menu of options with loved ones this Christmas. For more info, call: 021 421 5134

Seaside Christmas Buffet at Shimmy’s – Worth every penny, spend this Christmas day eating to your heart’s content and being swept away by the famous Shimmy dessert table and perfect setting. At R950 pp and R275 for kids aged 4-11, guests can enjoy live music, Christmas crackers and the full buffet. A designated kids play area will keep children busy and everyone will appreciate the swimming pools and outstanding ocean views, as well as the festive spirit on the day. For more info, call: 021 200 7778

A Mount Nelson Christmas – From a stylish 5 course Christmas Eve dinner and live entertainment (R1 825 pp) to a lavish Christmas day lunch buffet (R1 325 per adult, R610 per child) or set menu (R990 pp), spend a merry day at Mount Nelson and dress smart for this festive occasion. The Planet Restaurant in Mount Nelson is grand and intimate, perfect for a Christmas with loved ones over delectable dishes. For more info, call: 021 483 1000

Other Christmas Festivities not to be missed:

Carols by Candlelight: Pack a picnic this December and appreciate the hymns of Christmas carols as the summer sun sets in the background. Carols by Candlelight has been a long standing tradition at Cape Town’s alluring Kirstenbosch Gardens for 26 years, attracting thousands of visitors over a period of four days and featuring a number of popular musicians. Those attending this years Carols at this beautiful botanic garden can also pre-order a lovely picnic basket. For more information, call: 021 799 8783

Festival of Lights: On the 3rd of December 2017, Capetonians, tourists and anyone at all can view the official switching-on of the Adderley Street festive lights in the city centre, taking place at 8:30 pm, with festivities carrying on until later in the evening. What makes this open-air event more appealing is that it is free for all and there will be a live concert featuring some of SA’s best musicians from 4 pm onwards. Groups of families and friends can enjoy this traditional occasion and kick of the spirit of the season in a memorable way.

Where to stay while in Cape Town for the Holidays?

Victorian Cottage, Vredehoek: This beautiful self-catering holiday home is located in the quieter city suburb of Vredehoek, with stunning views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lions Head. Accommodation here allows holiday guests to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this suburb, while only being a short drive from the more lively city centre. Up to 4 guests can enjoy a vacation in this charming 2 bedroom holiday home, which combines modern touches with a rustic and homely feel. Natural light and fresh ocean air flows in from the wide windows and sliding doors. Wi-Fi and DStv connection are also included. For more information on Victorian Cottage or to book, click here. 

1104 The Fountains, City Centre: Live it up in the city by staying in this bright and colourful self-catering apartment, located close to a number of exciting attractions and restaurants. This funky 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment is perfect for the full “Mother City experience”  and is air-conditioned, while also boasting a fully equipped, open-plan kitchen and a stylish living area with a retro vibe. Views of the surrounding city and Table Mountain can be admired from a lengthy deck area, and secure parking is available for 1 car. For more information on 1104 The Fountains, click here.

Bella Montagna, Oranjezicht: Experience a unique holiday in the heart of Oranjezicht, a small suburban area in the city centre of Cape Town. This beautiful 4 bedroom villa can sleep up to 8 guests and is surrounded by a lush garden, with views of the mountains and ocean in the distance. With all the excitement of the vibrant city, guests can expect their time here to be filled with discovery and adventure. This villa is perfect for those who enjoy an elegant setting and also has a private swimming pool, cozy fireplace and a gas weber. For more information on Bella Montagna in Oranjezicht, click here. 

27 Burnside, Tamboerskloof: This lovely Victorian style home has been restored with modern amenities and is both elegant and rustically charming. With high ceilings, striking chandeliers, fireplaces and a pleasant outdoor BBQ area and swimming pool, guests are sure to enjoy every moment of their stay in this 6 sleeper (3 bedroom) holiday home in the city. The fully equipped kitchen offers a gas hob, coffee machine and ice-maker, while the bathrooms have heated towel rails. A small family or a group of friends will he enchanted by this home and are sure to enjoy the surrounding attractions of the Mother City. For more information on 27 Burnside, click here.  

Enjoy Holiday Apartments full selection of accommodation options in Cape Town’s City Bowl by clicking here. From luxurious villas with spacious gardens to modern apartments in the heart of the city, we offer self-catering accommodation to suit everyone;s taste. Loved ones can experience a wonderful vacation together in the Mother City to ensure that this year’s festive celebrations will be magical and special.