Christmas 2025: Where to Celebrate in + around Cape Town

Christmas has an uncanny knack of creeping up on us. Now is the time to make plans if you haven’t already… And while preparing a festive feast at home is (mostly) a pleasure, sometimes getting out of the house to a scenic spot, or gathering friends and family for a gourmet restaurant celebration (where no-one has to lift a finger) is more appealing.

The Cape is teeming with wonderful things to do this Christmas. We’ve rounded up a few suggestions (arranged in alphabetical order below). Happy holidays!

Adara

Sitting on the restaurant terrace lapped by frothy clouds of pink hydrangeas, shaded by old oak trees, and a scenic backdrop of the Drakenstein Mountains, there’s a blissful sense of escape and tranquillity at Adara Palmiet Valley – and Christmas here will be nothing short of magical. Celebrate Christmas Eve with canapés and Adara MCC before tucking into a four-course dinner packed with local and classic Christmas flavours (think Springbok carpaccio, roast leg of lamb, Eton mess, and more). On Christmas Day, their family-style lunch starts off with festive sangrias before the feast unfolds: a delectable medley of dishes from artisanal breads and antipasti to parma ham, beef tongue, honey-mustard glazed gammon and a cheerful finale of classic desserts. It’s Christmas done right in every sense.
See the Christmas Eve menu
See the Christmas Day menu
When 24 + 25 December 2025
Time Christmas Eve Dinner: 6pm – 10pm
Christmas Day Lunch/Dinner: 2pm – 10pm
Cost Christmas Eve Dinner: R975; R775 (kids under 10 years)
Christmas Day Lunch/Dinner: R895; R385 (kids under 10 years)
Where to find it 2 Sonstraal Road, Paarl
Enquire Now

Asoka

This Kloof Street hotspot already has the twinkling fairylights on its iconic old olive tree in the courtyard. Add low-lit decor filled with Eastern promise, touches of festive sparkle, and you have the perfect setting for a feast of Asian-inspired sharing plates. Head chef Nicholas Oliphant has added extra dishes to the regular menu favourites: think lamb, duck and vegetarian sharing-style plates with a festive twist. Because it’s à la carte, you can celebrate in moderation or excess, as you please! Of course, the restaurant and its staff will be dressed for Christmas, ready to welcome you with festive cheer.
See the menu
Good to know There’s live house music from 9pm every night.
When 24 + 25 December 2025
Time From 6pm
Cost R595 (deposit on booking); plates priced individually
Where to find it 68 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Enquire Now

The Blue Room

Add a little funky soul to your festive season with dinner and entertainment at this vibey live-music lounge/speakeasy on Bree Street. On Christmas Eve, usher in the celebrations in relaxed style with a four-course dinner in the comfortable New York-style lounge and cocktail bar. Great food (courtesy of chef Matt Manning of Grub & Vine), fab cocktails, an award-winning winelist and a line-up of local musos hit all the right notes for a uniquely cool celebration.
When 24 December 2025
Time Dinner from 6pm; music from 7pm
Cost R825
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Cavalli Estate

Set among tranquil fynbos gardens, with glorious vineyard and mountain views, Cavalli is the perfect setting for an elegant Christmas Eve celebration. This year, chef Lucas Carstens has prepared a menu that honours local, seasonal ingredients. Begin with an enticing spread of snacks and freshly baked bread, before moving on to mains such as peppered lamb and scallops with mango and dried olive. Conclude the evening with indulgent desserts – drunken cherry bonbons, crème fraîche with frozen whipped honey, and the quintessential Christmas trifle.
Good to know They also have a vegetarian menu available. Regular lunch service will still continue as normal on the day.
See the menu
When 24 December 2025
Time 6pm
Cost R1 600
Where to find it R44 (Strand Road) between Stellenbosch and Somerset West
Book through DinePlan

Culture Wine Bar

Cosy leather booths, candlelight, wooden floors, exposed brick, a marble bar and an award-winning winelist… Culture Wine Bar is a welcoming refuge on Bree Street, even more so during the festive season. For Christmas Eve, the sister wine bar to chef Matt Manning’s Grub & Vine is serving a four-course reduced tasting menu packed with unfussy, bold flavours – with an exceptional wine list to pair with each course. It’s the perfect setting for an intimate celebration.
Good to know Menus are subject to change.
When 24 December 2025
Time 6pm – 9pm
Cost R750
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa

A tranquil corner of the Helderberg Winelands, with thatched Cape Dutch-style buildings and fragrant gardens with magnolia trees, Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa gets into the joyful swing of the festive season in elegant style. Enjoy a refined Christmas Eve dinner at the intimate new Bloom Restaurant, where culinary artistry meets South African heritage and there’s a special gift for every guest. For a delicious and sociable Christmas Eve, dining à la carte, choose between the relaxed charm of Oak Terrace, with a table under the stars in the lush gardens, or the lively buzz of Magnolia Social Dining Lounge, where there’s a full bar, music playing, and a convivial hum of energy. On Christmas Day itself, gather friends and family for the lavish lunch buffet in the Camphor venue, accompanied by a live performance by violinist Karel Landman, as you tuck into a sparkling array of festive flavours (roast lamb, gammon, cherry-glazed chicken, beef Wellington and much more) over three mouthwatering courses.
See the Bloom Christmas Eve menu
See the Christmas lunch menu
When 24 + 25 December 2025
Times Christmas Eve: from 6.30pm
Christmas lunch: 12.30pm
Cost Christmas Eve at Bloom: R1 300 Enquire Now
Christmas Eve at Oak Terrace or Magnolia: à la carte Enquire for Oak Terrace
Enquire for Magnolia
Christmas lunch: R1 400 Enquire Now
R350 (kids under 12 years)
Contact 021 847 1160
Where to find it 1 Erinvale Avenue, off Lourensford Road, Somerset West

Grub & Vine

When it comes to exceptional seasonal-ingredient dining and wine-paired heaven, Grub & Vine knows a thing or two. This year chef Matt Manning’s Bree Street bistro and his Norval Foundation outpost in the Constantia Valley will be celebrating Christmas over 12 days with set multi-course tasting and sharing menus (for lunch or dinner) that capture the essence and aromas of Christmas. Think elegant dishes like sweet corn risotto, confit pork belly, slow-cooked beef short rib, and decadent desserts – with perfect wine-pairing options available (at an extra cost). Grub & Vine Norval is open on Christmas Day and will be offering a special lunch menu (welcome bubbly, canapés, amuse, starter, main course to share and dessert plate) as well as a curated Christmas picnic in the Norval Sculpture Garden.
Good to know Menus are subject to change.
When Bree Street: 19 – 30 December (closed Sunday, Christmas Day + Boxing Day)
Norval: 19 – 30 December (closed Monday + Tuesday)
Time Bree Street: 12pm – 4pm (lunch); from 6pm (dinner)
Norval: From 12pm
Cost Bree Street: R725 (canapés + two courses); R895 (canapés + three courses); R1 950 (tasting menu); R1 425 (reduced tasting menu)
Norval: R650 (sharing menu); R2 250 (Christmas Day Lunch); R995 (Christmas Day Picnic)
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Book at Bree Street
Book at Norval

Hazendal Wine Estate

The Bottelary Hills are the scenic backdrop for this historic wine estate – the first in the area and one of the oldest in Stellenbosch. This Christmas, the estate celebrates the season with festive picnics and live entertainment at The Kraal. The indulgent festive hampers will feature a selection of handcrafted canapés, carved meats and treats created with ingredients from Hazendal’s Harvest Garden. Expect summer salads, a curated cheese board, cranberry and brie truffles, Black Forest trifles, and more. On Christmas Eve, gospel group Selected Performance will charm guests with classic Christmas carols, while singer-songwriter Moneek will provide the soundtrack for the celebrations on Christmas Day.
See the menu
Good to know Adult hampers include a bottle of Hazendal Blanc de Blanc Cap Classique. Bookings are essential.
When 24 + 25 December 2025
Times Christmas Eve: 5.30pm – 8pm (carols at 8pm)
Christmas Day: 11am – 3pm (entertainment begins at 1.30pm)
Cost R1 500
R800 for children (includes admission to the Wonderdal Edutainment Centre)
Where to find it Ronelle Street, via Kruis Street, off Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch
Enquire Now

Kloof Street House

The multiple dining rooms and gorgeous courtyard garden of the The Great Gatsby-esque Kloof Street stalwart will be decked out in tinsel and Christmas cheer, with Polaroid-snapping elves capturing every merry moment! There are daytime and evening sittings, with the team laying on a four-course set menu of festive flavours, accompanied by a welcome glass of bubbly and canapés.
See the menu
Good to know There will also be an à la carte brunch.
When 24 + 25 December 2025
Time Lunch: 12pm – 4.30pm
Dinner: 5pm – late
Brunch: 10am – 12pm
Cost R1 550 per person (lunch or dinner)
Brunch dishes priced individually
Where to find it 30 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Enquire Now

One&Only Cape Town

There’s an abundance of holiday magic in store at this world-class Waterfront resort, with a tree-lighting ceremony and the Vista Lounge’s renowned afternoon tea to mark the wonder of the season. With grandstand views of Table Mountain and classic carols that fill the air, guests are welcomed with a festive drink before the decadent afternoon tea unfolds. Expect beautifully crafted pastries, savoury treats and lavish desserts (think smoked salmon blinis, classic scones with whipped cream and jam, macarons and mince pies – just to name a few). It’s a shimmering (and delicious) celebration of the warmth and unity of the season.
See the menu
When 15 – 30 December 2025
Time 2pm – 5pm
Cost R650
Where to find it Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Enquire Now

The President Hotel

Christmas comes alive at this resort-style hotel in Bantry Bay with a trio of memorable celebrations. Gather the family for the Christmas Eve Carol experience, a joyful evening that begins with bubbles and canapés, followed by an elegant buffet of gourmet mains and decadent desserts, before welcoming in the magic of Christmas with a round of carols. On Christmas Day, celebrate the season with the Christmas Lunch, where guests are welcomed with bubbles and fresh West Coast Oysters before tucking into a festive buffet accompanied by live music. Families with younger children can opt for the Family Festive Lunch, featuring welcome drinks of bubbles and eggnog, a harvest table feast, and a line-up of festive activities and dessert stations for the kids (think pizza-making, gingerbread cookie decorating and more) – all beneath the hotel’s magical Christmas tree.
See the Christmas Eve Carols menu
See the Christmas Lunch menu
Good to know Bookings are essential. The Christmas Eve Carol dinner has a separate kids’ buffet with interactive experiences.
When Christmas Eve Carols: 24 December 2025
Christmas lunches: 25 December 2025
Times Christmas Eve Carols: arrival 6pm – 6.15pm
Christmas lunches: 1pm – 3pm/1.30pm – 3.30pm
Cost Christmas Eve Carols: R1 295
R595 (kids 4 – 11 years)
Christmas Lunch: R2 095
Family Festive Lunch: R1 795
R650 (kids 4 – 11 years)
Contact 071 368 9529 (Whatsapp), [email protected]
Where to find it 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Enquire Now

The Radisson Collection Hotel

With its unrivalled location on the Atlantic coastline and an elevated events lineup, Tobago’s Restaurant at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town is a wonderful place to gather for the festive season. This year, they’ve got a trio of events to celebrate Christmas. Christmas Eve comes alive with a refined three-course feast, while Christmas Day is dedicated to togetherness with a lavish buffet lunch designed for sharing. Both events kick off with a welcome drink and are accompanied by live entertainment. Continue the festivities on Boxing Day with a braai-inspired culinary journey and live music, perfect for a sophisticated summer’s day out.
See the menus
Good to know The hotel is also offering exclusive seasonal accommodation, a host of summer events and spa packages.
When 24 + 25 + 26 December 2025
Times Christmas Eve Dinner: 6.30pm
Christmas Lunch + Boxing Day Braai: 1pm
Cost Christmas Eve Dinner: R1 450; R725 (kids under 12); free (kids under 5) Enquire Now
Christmas Lunch: R1 950; R975 (kids under 12); free (kids under 5) Enquire Now
Boxing Day Braai: R850; R425 (kids under 12); free (kids under 5) Enquire Now
Where to find it Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town, Beach Road, Granger Bay

Radisson Red

The Red Rooftop at Radisson Red is ditching the turkey this festive season and throwing a 100% vegan family-style Christmas lunch in three courses of summery, seasonal fabulousness. For starters, enjoy a vibrant bread board with steamed corn bread, roti, teriyaki aubergine and crisp breyani balls. Mains feature roast baby marrow with skordalia, pesto and fermented vegetables; or organic baby carrots with summer pea purée and carrot-curry sauce. End on a sweet high with pumpkin tart with ginger crumble, pumpkin fritters and roast pineapple. This cool and trendy spot in the V&A’s Silo District will be channeling the festive spirit with live music, Santa hats, crackers, jolly juice and a whole lot of sparkle.
See the menu
When 25 December 2025
Time 12pm – 4pm
Cost R780
R400 (kids 5 – 10 years; under 5s eat free)
Contact 087 086 1578, [email protected]
Where Radisson Red, Silo District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book Now

Steenberg Wine Farm

Old oaks, green vines, glorious gardens, mountain views and a serene wine farm ambience, Christmas at Steenberg is a relaxed and deliciously indulgent affair. Chef Kerry Kilpin and team have pulled out all the stops with special six-course Christmas menus at both of the Constantia wine farm’s restaurants. Choose between the elegant heritage charm of Tryn adjoining the historic werf, or the contemporary buzz of Bistro Sixteen82, set beside the wine cellar with tranquil water features and mountain views.
Good to know There are fun, multi-course children’s menus at both restaurants so this is one for all the family to enjoy.
See the Tryn menu
See the Tryn children’s menu
See the Bistro Sixteen82 menu
See the Bistro Sixteen82 children’s menu
When 25 December 2025
Time 12pm – 3pm
Cost Tryn: R1 595 (food only); R2 095 (with wine pairing); R695 (child under 12)
Bistro Sixteen82: R1 495 (food only); R1 995 (with wine pairing); R695 (kids under 12)
Where to find it Steenberg Wine Farm, Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Book Tryn
Book Bistro 1682

Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town is pulling out all the stops for their Christmas lunch buffet. With a whopping eleven spreads to feast on, it’s a festive foodie dream come true. While the accent is on Indian food (with a tandoori, biryani and curry buffet), there are also exciting global and local flavours, as well as the traditional Christmas favourites. The dessert selection alone includes no less than 20 tempting treats – did we mention the churro station! Indulge to your heart’s content as melodies from a live band fill the air.
See the menu
Good to know All guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel. Children are catered for with an assortment of activities, including cookie decorating, face painting, a juggler, and popcorn and Slush Puppy machines.
When 25 December 2025
Time 12.30pm – 4pm
Cost R1 950
R975 (kids 12 years and under)
Where to find it 1 Wale Street, corner St George’s Mall, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Terrarium

In the midst of city sparkle, Chef Chris Erasmus keeps his roots firmly in the soil. Christmas at this intimate space hidden away above the V&A Waterfront (with stunning views and a kitchen garden of indigenous plants and herbs) promises to be nothing short of memorable. They’re celebrating with a three-course feast of seasonal classics – expect dishes like biryani spiced aubergine, slow-roasted lamb shoulder dumplings, crispy pork belly with warm potato and caper salad, and crown-roast free-range chicken with potato pavé. Dessert features an indulgent selection of South African favourites: koesisters, milk tart pasteis de nata, malva and caramel blondies… It’s reimagined fine-dining through sustainable artistry – with bold, comforting Christmas flavours.
See the menu
When 25 December 2025
Time 12pm – 3pm (lunch); 6pm – 8.30pm (dinner)
Cost R895 (adults); R450 (kids)
Where to find it Queen Victoria Hotel, off Portswood Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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