December in Cape Town has a way of pulling you in with long warm evenings, mountain-and-ocean backdrops that feel almost unreal, and a festive atmosphere that settles over the whole city. If you’re looking for things to do in Cape Town in December, or you’re visiting for the festive season and want to make the most of your time here, this guide brings together all the highlights for December 2025.
Kirstenbosch & Outdoor Concerts
December’s biggest live music moments in one of the world’s most beautiful venues.
Festive Season Activities & Christmas Events
Carols, outdoor screenings and holiday-themed evenings across the Cape.
Theatre, Musicals & Ballet
A strong December programme at Artscape and iconic classics returning to the city.
Summer Festivals & Nightlife
Electronic music, beach parties and disco nights to celebrate the season.
Major Sports Fixtures
Cricket, rugby and the legendary Cape2Rio race.
Industry Events
Including Africa Games Week at the V&A Waterfront.
RY X’s music already feels ethereal, but hearing it live against the backdrop of Kirstenbosch Gardens elevates the experience entirely. His sound blends ambient textures with delicate electronic layers and emotive vocals, creating an atmosphere that feels almost meditative. This performance promises a slow-build intensity, the kind of concert where the sun sets behind the mountain while the crowd collectively settles into a quiet, immersive listening experience. If you’re after something reflective and beautiful this December, this is the one.
Cost: R695 – R995 | When: 12 December 2025 at 6pm
This ballet adaptation of Alice in Wonderland offers a magical, visually rich reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic. Instead of spoken dialogue, movement and choreography bring each character to life, from the jittery energy of the White Rabbit to the whimsical mischief of the Cheshire Cat. It strikes a balance between playful fantasy and clear storytelling, making it easy to follow whether you’re familiar with the original tale or not. With imaginative costumes, vibrant staging and a runtime that suits adults and children alike, it’s a lovely festive-season outing.
Cost: R200 – R400 | When: 12–28 December 2025 | Where: Artscape Theatre Centre
If your idea of a festive-season celebration includes sandy feet, good music and a dance floor overlooking the ocean, Paradisco at Grand Africa Café & Beach is made for you. Expect a full night of disco and house with top DJs, a sunset that usually looks painted on, and a crowd ready to enjoy one of the biggest December parties in Cape Town. The atmosphere tends to be energetic but still relaxed, a quintessential Cape Town summer night out.
When: 26 December 2025, 16:00–02:00 | Tickets: From R1000
After a successful debut, the GO! Festival returns with a strong electronic and house lineup featuring Carlita, Samm, Blaqkongo, Fraser Jones, Housewife and Talia Zaken. Held at Cabo Beach, it’s a celebration of the start of Cape Town’s summer, an easygoing mix of warm weather, good beats and a lively crowd. If you enjoy day-to-night festivals that keep the energy high without feeling overwhelming, this event sits in the sweet spot.
When: 15 December 2025, 16:00–02:00 | Tickets: R250
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Carols at Kirstenbosch, families with picnic blankets, the smell of summer grass, candles flickering as dusk settles, and familiar Christmas melodies echoing through the gardens. It’s the kind of tradition that feels both comforting and celebratory. With food stalls, Christmas goodies and upgraded seating options for Pick n Pay Smart Shopper members, it’s a simple but memorable way to ease into the festive spirit.
When: 18–21 December 2025 | Tickets: From R125
The Silo District turns into an open-air stage for a free evening with Ami Faku, one of South Africa’s most powerful contemporary voices. With the Zeitz MOCAA as a backdrop and the Waterfront’s energy around you, the setting alone is worth the outing. Ami Faku’s music blends soulful vocals with warm, modern South African soundscapes. Expect a performance that feels intimate despite being outdoors.
When: 5 December 2025 at 7pm | Cost: Free
Sunset Tango is one of those uniquely Cape Town experiences, an informal Argentine tango social held right on the Waterfront. There’s no stage or choreography; dancers simply gather, move as the music guides them, and invite newcomers to join or watch. With the harbour as the backdrop and the sun slipping behind the city, it’s a surprisingly captivating way to spend a Sunday evening.
When: 7 December 2025, 5pm–8pm | Cost: Free
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS returns with full staging, colourful costumes and that unmistakable score that has captivated audiences for decades. The show blends poetry, dance and theatre in a way that still feels fresh, with standout moments like “Memory” reminding you why it became a global icon. This revival stays true to the original while offering enough visual spectacle to feel contemporary — a great choice for theatre lovers or anyone wanting an iconic night out.
Cost: R180–R580 | When: 10 Dec 2025 – 11 Jan 2026 | Where: Artscape Opera House
This double-bill features two of South Africa’s most recognisable modern voices. Bongeziwe Mabandla brings a haunting, introspective Xhosa folk sound that tends to settle quietly but powerfully into the crowd. Matthew Field, known for his work with Beatenberg, offers a melodic, storytelling style that complements Bongeziwe beautifully. Together, they create an evening that feels warm, gentle and quintessentially South African, perfect for a December sunset.
Cost: R255 – R360 | When: 14 December 2025 at 5.15pm
There’s something special about watching a Christmas classic under the stars, and the Galileo does this brilliantly. With venues ranging from Kirstenbosch Gardens to the V&A Waterfront, each screening combines food stalls, blankets and beanbags with a relaxed summer atmosphere. From Love Actually to Elf, these festive screenings suit families, couples, and anyone looking for a cosy, feel-good evening. It’s one of the most reliable December traditions in Cape Town.
When: 15–25 December 2025 | Film lineup varies by venue
Hosted at Cape Town City Hall, A Philharmonia Christmas brings together the Philharmonia Choir and a brass and percussion ensemble for a concert that blends traditional carols with modern arrangements. It’s heartfelt, joyful and beautifully performed — the kind of event where even the non-singers in the audience find themselves joining in. If you’re after something atmospheric that still feels festive but not overly commercial, this is a lovely choice.
Cost: R190 – R215 | When: 12 & 13 December 2025
The SA20’s Boxing Day opener is fast becoming a Cape Town summer tradition. MI Cape Town vs Durban’s Super Giants promises fireworks both literal and sporting, with a lively atmosphere that suits families, cricket fans and holidaymakers looking for something upbeat and affordable. Newlands is one of the world’s most scenic cricket grounds, and a warm summer evening match is a quintessential Cape Town experience.
When: 26 December 2025 – 25 January 2026 | Tickets: From R135
Cape Town’s Sevens weekend is equal parts sport, festival and fancy dress spectacle. The Blitzboks return to defend their title, and the event brings together the world’s top teams for two days of fast-paced matches and all-day entertainment. If you're looking for something lively, colourful and unashamedly fun, this is one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
When: 6–7 December 2025 | Tickets: From R250
The Stormers close out 2025 with a high-stakes derby against the Lions at DHL Stadium. With strong home support and summer weather settling over the city, this fixture tends to feel bigger than an average league match. Whether you’re a rugby fan or simply enjoy the atmosphere of a stadium packed with energy, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon in Cape Town.
When: 20 December 2025 at 15:30
The Cape2Rio start is one of the most striking sporting moments of the year. Watching dozens of boats depart Table Bay for a 3,300-nautical-mile journey is both visually dramatic and surprisingly moving, especially with the mountain as a backdrop. Blouberg, Granger Bay and Sea Point offer some of the best vantage points, and because it’s free to watch, it’s a brilliant December activity for families or morning walkers.
When: 27 December 2025 at 14:00 | Cost: Free for spectators
Africa Games Week returns to the V&A Waterfront as one of the continent’s biggest gaming industry gatherings. Developers, publishers and creative studios come together for talks, workshops, networking sessions and discussions about the future of gaming in Africa. Whether you’re industry-based or just curious about the creative and tech space, it’s an inspiring and fast-growing event.
When: 1–4 December 2025 | Tickets: From R500
December in Cape Town brings out the very best of the city, outdoor concerts framed by mountain silhouettes, festive traditions, theatre classics, lively night markets, big sporting moments and long warm evenings that make even everyday outings feel special. Whatever brings you here this season, you’ll find no shortage of memorable things to do.
And if you're planning your itinerary or want recommendations close to where you’re staying, we’re always happy to help point you in the right direction. Looking for Cape Town accommodation? Look no further! At Nox Cape Town, we've got plenty of villas and apartments across the Atlantic Seaboard to pick from.