For those who celebrate during the festive season, here are three family friendly activities in Cape Town to stir your heart with the festive spirit.
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With December just around the corner, there’s nothing more exciting than preparing for the holidays and celebrating with family. The memories we make in life is everything. Cape Town in December boasts many inspiring activities for family and friends to make some memories.
Check out some of the best family friendly activities you can do with your family this festive season in Cape Town.
Watch the festive lights turn on in Adderley Street
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The mother city comes alive during December and every year a celebration is in order when the festive lights are switched on in Adderley Street. 2019 is a special year, as it is the 50th anniversary of this tradition.
What you can expect:
The festive lights market is open from 16:00 in Adderley Street and the lights are usually switched on around 8:30pm. The public can join this event for free. All ages are welcome. Come early with the family to enjoy the street market, festive spirit and live music. Once the lights are switched on you can go see the lights any evening, as they will be switched on for the rest of the month.
When: 1st December 2019 at 16:00
Where: Grand Parade in Adderley Street
The local line up for the festival is:
● Sho Madjozi
● Ndlovu Youth Choir
● YoungstaCPT
● Early B
● Andries Vermeulen
● Theo Watt
● The Unknown Dance Crew
● Chad Chitter aka DJ Skouers
Check out the Facebook event here.
To make your transport experience ease free, jump on the City Sightseeing Bus. Make sure it’s the red line and hop off at stop 5 in Long Street. From there you can walk around Green Market Square before heading to Adderley Street for the festival.
Book a seat on the Sunset bus tour during the festive season and you will enjoy an evening tour to Signal Hill to watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean, when travelling back to the Waterfront via the City Centre, the bus will take you on a unique trip up Adderley Street to see the festive season lights from the top of an open top bus. Don’t forget to bring along a picnic and a warm jacket in case the weather turns.
For more information, check out the City Sightseeing timetable and ticket costs here. Buy your tickets online and receive a discount.
Listen to Carols by Candlelight in Kirstenbosch Gardens
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For a scenic activity, take some time with the family to have a picnic in nature, listening to carols. Every year Kirstenbosch gardens hosts a carols by candlelight event. This is truly a spectacular experience and people from all over Cape Town come to join in on the experience. Enjoy the sounds of music, sense the calming effect of nature and enjoy watching the kids play in the gardens. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family.
What you can expect:
When: 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th of December 2019
Doors open from 5:30pm, but carols only start after 6:00pm.
Prices: Tickets are only available via Webtickets.co.za. Find out prices and purchase tickets here.
As a family you can easily jump on the City Sightseeing Bus and enjoy a scenic route to your destination - Kirstenbosch gardens. Jump on the blue line and hop off at stop 20. If you choose to stay for the concert please make sure to arrange return transport.
For more information, check out the City Sightseeing timetable and ticket costs here. Buy your tickets online and receive a discount.
Enjoy the Oranjezicht night market at the V&A Waterfront
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If you’re visiting Cape Town or you’re a local, the V&A Waterfront always makes for a special time. From eating tasty food to walking along the quay for sea views, you’ll find a taste for every family activity. For a festive experience, swing past the Oranjezicht market at the V&A Waterfront. Enjoy the atmosphere and locally produced foods, while the family relax. You may also find some cool Christmas gifts for the family while you’re there.
The Oranjezicht market is open on the following days:
● Saturdays, 8.15am – 2pm
● Sundays, 9am – 3pm
● Wednesdays, 4pm – 8pm
With the City Sightseeing Bus you can jump off at the Waterfront on the red line at stop 1. For more information, check out the City Sightseeing timetable and ticket costs here. Buy your tickets online and receive a discount.
During this time of the year the best memories are made with family and friends. Take some time to spend with the ones you love and make some special memories. If you don’t have family in Cape Town, why not give up your time giving back to a cause. There’s always something to be done and love to be shared.
Check out these other family friendly activities: