The Best December Events in the Cape 2019

The Mother of all cities is heating up with a festive lineup of cool events! Here’s our pick of where to go and what to do in December 2019.

Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts: December Lineup

Ivan Hendricks

Where Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
When 1 – 31 December 2019
The lowdown The summer sunset concerts are back! And, as usual, the magnificent gardens of Kirstenbosch provide the backdrop for these open-air gigs – the perfect place to spend lazy afternoons. Running until 5 April, there’s no excuse not to go!
Cost R170 – R220
R450 (New Year’s Eve concert)
R25 – R110 (Christmas carols)
Contact 021 799 8783, kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za
Location Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town
Book Now

Moët & Chandon Golden Tree Lighting

Where The Silo District
When 6, 13 and 20 December 2019
The lowdown There’s hardly a better way to ring in the festive season than at tree-lighting ceremony – particularly when said tree is four-storeys high and made from over 2 000 recycled Champagne bottles – with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and Boity Thulo doing the honours.
Good to know The initial switch-on is on 29 November, but Moët & Chandon will be hosting Festive Fridays throughout December.
Cost Free
Contact 021 408 7600, info@waterfront.co.za
Location Silo District, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Silo Concerts: December Edition

Perron FM radio

Where The Silo District
When 6 December 2019
The lowdown The cool Silo District plays host to a series of free concerts headed by top-name musicians, with music ranging from Afro-soulful to swing and tango. The December performance features rhythmic Latin tunes with traditional Brazilian folk, Argentine tango and Cuban salsa music. And with professional dancers on hand to guide you through the moves, the dance floor is your stage!
Cost Free
Contact 021 408 7600, info@waterfront.co.za
Location Silo District, V&A Waterfront, South Arm Road, Cape Town

Notting Hill Screening at Nederburg

Where Nederburg, Paarl
When 7 December 2019
The lowdown Watch this classic 90s rom-com on the lush lawns of Nederburg, where there’ll be delicious food and a selection of wines for sale.
Please note Gates open at 5pm and the movie starts at 8.30pm. We recommend arriving early, so you can pick a spot on the lawn and bask in the festive atmosphere.
View the Galileo Open Air Cinema schedule
Cost R109 (standard entry)
R117 (includes blanket)
R125 (includes backrest)
R130 (includes blanket and backrest)
R195 (VIP)
R360 (snuggle)
Contact 071 471 8728, hello@thegalileo.co.za
Location Nederburg Wines, Sonstraal Road, Paarl
Book Now

Get Lucky Summer Cape Town Edition

Where Zevenwacht Wine Estate
When 8 December 2019
The lowdown Performances by Good Luck, Jimmy Nevis and Craig Lucas on a picturesque estate with a picnic hamper at sunset.
Cost R180 (adults); R100 (children, under 12 years); R350 (VIP); R200 (VIP children under 12 years); R360 (adults, including picnic hamper); R550 (VIP, including picnic hamper); R180 (children under 12 years, including picnic hamper); R300 (VIP children under 12 years, including picnic hamper)
Contact mgmt@goodlucklive.com
Location Zevenwacht Wine Estate, Langverwacht Road, Kuils River, Cape Town
Book Now

Somerset Fresh Fine Wine and Food Festival

Where Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate, Somerset West
When 8 December 2019
The lowdown From the people who brought you Constantia Fresh, Somerset Fresh is a foodie and wine escape (featuring over 200 varietals) on Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate, with live music enhancing the jovial atmosphere.
Cost R600
Contact 083 265 2405, somersetfresh@gmail.com
Location Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate, Vergelegen Avenue (Off Lourensford Road), Somerset West
Book Now

The Symphony Choir Festive Concert at Groot Constantia

Where Constantia
When 10 December 2019
The lowdown The magnificent lawns of Groot Constantia Wine Estate provide the setting for The Symphony Choir Festive Concert. All concert proceeds go towards improving the lives of disadvantaged children with disabilities. Bring your picnics and settle in.
Cost R140 (adults)
R50 (children 4 – 12 years)
Free (children 0 – 4 years)
Contact symphonychoircapetown@gmail.com
Location Groot Constantia, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Book Now

Gin and Live Jazz at The Twelve Apostles Hotel

Where Camps Bay
When 11 December 2019
The lowdown An evening of live jazz and gin cocktails awaits in the fynbos garden of the exquisite Twelve Apostles Hotel. On-hand to serenade the guests is The Daniel van der Walt group, performing a soothing set of fusion jazz that goes down exceptionally well with the stunning ocean views and a gin cocktail or two.
Cost R295
Contact 021 437 9029, restaurants@12apostles.co.za
Location Fynbos Gardens, 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Christmas Concert at Cape Point Vineyards

Where Noordhoek
When 12 December 2019
The lowdown Cape Point Vineyards hosts its annual Christmas concert with carols from the talented young performers of ALAS Academy and the Southside Church. Following that, acclaimed local musicians Amy Tjasink and Gavin Edwards will take the stage.
The concert coincides with the popular CPV night market, where a host of food stalls will be on offer selling refreshments and delicious food items.
Good to know Proceeds of the concert will be donated to the Valley Development Project, in aid of developing sustainable solutions for disadvantaged communities.
Cost R120
Contact 021 789 0900, info@cape-point.com
Location Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Black Coffee at Shimmy Beach Club

Where Shimmy Beach Club, V&A Waterfront
When 13 December 2019 – 5 January 2020
The lowdown Multi-award-winning beatsmith, Black Coffee returns to the decks at Shimmy Beach Club for a sizzling summer series. He’s one of the most prominent house-music producers in the world, having released five smash albums and collaborated with the likes of Usher, Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys and Drake, among others.
Good to know Parking is available at V&A Waterfront’s Clock Tower parking area. A free Shimmy shuttle service runs frequently between the parking and the venue.
Cost R200 (early bird general access)
R260 (general access)
R300 (early bird VIP)
R375 (VIP)
Contact 021 200 7778, tickets@shimmybeachclub.co.za
Location 12 South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Taalmonument Full Moon Picnics: December Edition

Where Paarl
When 13 December 2019
The lowdown Located on a hill overlooking Paarl, with some of the most unique and beautiful views in the Western Cape, the Taalmonument was built in 1975 to celebrate the Afrikaans language. Its location makes it the perfect venue for these full-moon picnics.
Good to know You can bring your own picnic or pre-order one from the Volksmond Coffee Shop (R300 for two people; R400 with a basket).
Cost R40 (adults); R10 (SA students); R5 (children); Free (children 0 – 6 years)
Contact admin@taalmuseum.co.za, 021 863 0543,
Location Taalmonument, Gabbema Doordrift Street, Paarl Mountain, Paarl
Book Now

International DJs Perform at The Grand

Where Granger Bay, Cape Town
When 14 December 2019
The lowdown There are two things that scream: “Summer!” Open-air concerts and the beach. Now, imagine combining the two. Grand Africa Café & Beach has put together an electrifying lineup of international DJs, with Manuel Tur from Germany laying down beats in December.
Cost Free
Contact 021 425 0551, celebrate@grandafrica.com, voice@grandafrica.com (to book a VIP table)
Location 1 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay Boulevard, Cape Town
Book VIP Table Now

Darling Summer Beer Festival

Where Darling
When 14 December 2019
The lowdown Darling Brew is the venue for an expansive range of beer from eight breweries, lip-smacking grub and festive live music.
Cost R80 – R120
Contact 076 092 8313, dbexperience@darlingbrew.co.za
Location Darling Brew (Tasteroom), 48 Caledon Street, Darling, Western Cape
Book Now

Bubbly and Gin Summer Festival

Where Melkbosstrand
When 14 December 2019
The lowdown Sip on craft gins, wine and MCC from selected wineries, while enjoying live music and a variety of tasty snacks on offer.
Cost R195 (includes entry, glass and tasters)
Free (children 0 – 18 years)
Contact 021 553 2223, guestservices@atlanticbeachlinks.com
Location Atlantic Beach Links, 1 Fairway Drive, Melbosstrand, Cape Town
Book Now

Paul Cluver Concerts: December Edition

Where Elgin
When 14 December 2019
The lowdown Nataniël graces Paul Cluver Wine Estate’s amphitheatre with songs and stories to delight all under the trees.
Good to know Gates open at 5pm and the show starts at 7pm.
Cost R190 – R220
Contact 021 844 0605, info@cluver.com
Location Paul Cluver Amphitheatre, De Rust Estate, N2, Grabouw, Western Cape
Book Now

Goldfish Submerged at Shimmy Beach Club

Where Shimmy Beach Club, V&A Waterfront
When 15 December 2019 – 3 January 2020
The lowdown Cape Town’s holiday season would not be the same without Goldfish performing at this hot seaside spot.
Good to know If you miss the December installations, catch the final event on 3 January 2020.
Cost R150 – R250 (general access)
R250 – R300 (VIP)
Contact tickets@shimmybeachclub.co.za (to enquire about VIP ‘couch pockets’)
Location 12 South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book Now

Love & Light

Where Cape Town Ostrich Ranch
When 21 December 2019
The lowdown Love & Light’s full-day psytrance and techno festival at the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch is a daytime dance party that brings people together in a single space of beautiful energy and amazing music. With four international acts headlining this year, it’s the biggest international showcase for a 12-hour trance festival in South Africa. The incredible performances are supported by world-class production and a huge dancefloor.
Cost R400
Contact loveandlightmusic@gmail.com
Location Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia, Cape Town
Book Now

Pacha Plett Boxing Day

Where Plettenberg Bay
When 26 December 2019
The lowdown The famous Pacha Ibiza party once again makes its way to the seaside resort of Plettenberg Bay, as part of the Pacha Worldwide Tour. And with the newly refurbished Grand Africa Lookout Beach as the gorgeous venue, revellers can expect a heady mix of seaside bliss and dazzling disco lights. The energetic beats of Pacha Ibiza’s legendary resident, Danny Wade, will get the party started – with killer sets from Ryan Murgatroyd, Sacred Sun, DJ Karoo and Antic that’ll have you grooving late into the night.
Cost R800 (general admission)
R12 000 – R20 000 (VIP tables)
Contact wearemusicpeoplesa@gmail.com
Location Grand Africa Lookout Beach, Hill Street, Plettenberg Bay
Book Now

Alcazar New Year’s Eve Experience

Where Cape Town
When 31 December 2019
The lowdown Brought to you by Bazique Festival and Wolfkop Weekender, this Disco Amazonia bash is sure to welcome the new era with a bang. The beautiful indoor and outdoor venue will host three experiential party stages running from 4pm until late, where the intricate architecture alongside 3D audio-visual effects will guarantee a party for the senses. And to keep you going all night, there will be plenty of food and beverage stalls.
Good to know Don the tropicana-themed outfits that you’ve been hiding, or come as you are – whatever your mood!
Cost R390 (early bird)
R490 (phase 1)
R590 (phase 2)
R690 (phase 3)
Contact 011 880 2199 (tickets queries); 079 521 1995 (VIP tables); hello@alcazarenye.co.za
Location 105 Hatfield Street, CBD, Cape Town
Book Now

Kinky Summer NYE Festival

Vacation Events

Where La Paris Estate, Franschhoek
When 31 December 2019
The lowdown Immerse yourself in Outer Space to welcome the new year with headliner acts, and an energetic yet relaxed vibe at the beautiful La Paris Estate.
Cost R680 – R790 (general entry, from phase 3)
R890 (general entry, final phase)
R999 – R1 450 (VIP entry)
Contact gal@vacationevents.co.za (table package)
Location La Paris Estate, R301, Franschhoek
Book Now

Pacha NYE at The Grand

Where Granger Bay, Cape Town
When 31 December 2019
The lowdown If you like your beats burning-hot and your drinks ice-cold, then head to Grand Africa Café & Beach in Granger Bay for an all-night summer soirée on New Year’s Eve. The legendary Pacha Ibiza official residents, Danny Wade and Kenn Colt, will be laying down the party tracks to get you in the mood. Stellar international acts, Anstascia and Bloem, are on the bill alongside Temba, who is sure to bring the house down. See you on the beach to ring in the new decade!
Cost R1 000 (general admission)
R9 000 – R15 000 (VIP tables, phase 2)
Contact wearemusicpeoplesa@gmail.com
Location Grand Africa Café & Beach, 1 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay Boulevard, Cape Town
Book Now

Compiled by Bianca Hausle