The Festive Season is upon us! And, it is almost time to kick back, relax and have some fun. Here are the Top Events at the Cape Town Big 6 this December: Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, and Groot Constantia.
Cape Point
The Flying Dutchman Funicular
Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the viewing point below the old lighthouse.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 17:30 | Venue: Cape Point | Cost: R30 return Child ticket, R70 return Adult ticket
Two Oceans Restaurant
The Two Oceans Restaurant occupies an enviable position above False Bay at the southwestern tip of Africa. The restaurant is as famous for its seafood cuisine as it is for a superb wooden deck that looks out onto one of the most stunning ocean views in South Africa.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Cape Point | Cost: varies
My Green Card
The TMNP My Green Card is available exclusively to residents of Cape Town and provides the holder with 12 free entries into any of the Table Mountain National Park’s pay points: Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point), Boulders Penguin Colony, Oudekraal and Silvermine, as well as to the braai and picnic areas at Tokai, Newlands and Perdekloof.
When buying a card – you will need R135 for the card; a South African ID document; 2 ID photographs and proof of residence. Learn more here
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Western Cape Fuchsia Society Annual Show
The Western Cape Fuchsia Society will hold its annual show in the Richard Crowie Hall on Saturday the 2nd of December from 12 till 5pm, and Sunday the 3rd of December, from 9am till 4pm. Unusual fuchsia varieties will be available!
Please note: Art exhibition will be open at 9 am until 4 pm on Sunday, 3 December 2017.
Date: 2 – 3 December | Time: 12:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Richard Crowie Hall (Gate 2) | Cost: Normal gate entry fee apply! On both days there will be a raffle for only R5 , and a lucky person can win a beautiful fuchsia.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
It’s that time of the year again where we look forward to ending off the weekends with music that satisfies the most diverse tastes in the spectacularly beautiful Kirstenbosch Garden. Meet with friends and family, gather your picnic baskets and blankets to enjoy the floral heritage and the mountain and let the music end your weekend on a high note.
3 December: Mi Casa
8 December: Texas
10 December: Matthew Mole / Majozi
14, 15, 16, 17 December: Christmas Carols (sales opening soon)
23 December: Mango Groove
31 December: GoldFish / HotWater
PLEASE NOTE WHEN BOOKING TICKETS ONLINE: Only Tickets via WebTickets are legitimate tickets, please do not purchase tickets from any other websites as it may be a scam.
The Galileo Open-Air Cinema
At The Galileo, when the sun sets the stars really come out, with a glittering line-up of romantic comedies, cult classics, musicals, adventure sports and documentaries that let you cuddle up and be entertained.
So don’t delay, book today to reserve your seat among the stars.
Doors open at 6 pm, the movie starts 8 pm. | Cost: R89 – R175 | Tickets: http://thegalileo.co.za/buy-tickets/
6 December: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
13 December: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
20 December: The Secret Life of Pets
25 December: The Santa Clause
27 December: Pirates of the Carribean
Garden Walks
The Botanical Society’s volunteer Garden guides, who are brimming with amazing knowledge and insights into the Garden, lead-FREE guided walks around the Garden. They are guaranteed to fascinate you and enhance your appreciation of Kirstenbosch. Walks are approximately 50 or 90 minutes in duration and are all slightly different as they are tailored to meet the need and interests of each group and highlight seasonal interest in the Garden. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Date: Weekdays & Saturdays | Time: 10:00 | Venue: Kirstenbosch Garden ( gate 1 and gate 2 ) | Cost: Walks are free but garden entrance fee applies if you do not have a South African Botanical Society Membership card
Groot Constantia
Visitors Route Experience
Enjoy the new Visitor Route Experience where one ticket gives you entrance to the Manor House Museum, original Cloete Cellar, a cellar tour, wine tasting and Spiegelau Crystal wine glass.
Date: Daily | Time: 10:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Manor House | Cost: R95 per person or Visitors Route Experience Ticket + Chocolate & Wine Pairing: R140 per person.
Wine Tasting
Visit one of two tasting rooms to sample and purchase a selection of Groot Constantia’s award-winning wines
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Tasting Hall | Cost: 5 wines for R75
Cellar Tours
Take one of the daily guided cellar tours and tastings, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process
Date: Daily | Time: 10:00 – 16:00 | Venue: Tasting Hall | Cost: R100
4 delectable chocolates paired with 4 of their award-winning wines.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Tasting Hall | Cost: R120
Manor House Museum
Take a journey back in time and explore the grand Manor House Museum, which houses displays portraying early years on the estate.
Date: Daily | Time: 10:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Manor House | Cost: R30 for adults, R15 for students and pensioners
Fine Dining
Groot Constantia offers fine dining at Jonkershuis & Simon’s Restaurant and gourmet picnics from Simon’s Deli. Pair great meals with their amazing wines while enjoying the spectacular views of the Constantia Valley.
Jonkershuis: Sunday – Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00, Fridays and Saturdays: 09:00 – 21:00 and Breakfast: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 11:30
Simon’s Restaurant: Open 7 days a week: 09:00 – 21:00 (except Wednesdays and Sundays – close at 17:00) and Breakfast – Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 12:00
Robben Island
Explore South Africa’s political past with an informative tour at the maximum security prison. But Robben Island isn’t just about the political past of our country, keep an eye out for the African penguins that are on the island.
The ferry ride to Robben Island is an adventure in itself, enjoy spectacular views of Table Mountain from the upper deck of the ferry if you are lucky, you may even spot some dolphins or seals frolicking in the waves.
Tour the Robben Island surrounds in a guided bus tour and view the Robben Island shipwrecks, 19th-century Lighthouse; the only lighthouse in South Africa to use a flashing light instead of a revolving light.
A former Robben Island inmate will guide you while on the island, and you’ll receive unparalleled insight into the significant role that each of the Robben Island’s inmates collectively played throughout apartheid. You will be guided to the maximum security prison, various Robben Island exhibition displays and a visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell.
You will also be able to visit the World War 2 canons and a limestone quarry where Madiba, and so many others, crushed limestone.
To conclude the day buy a souvenir at the Robben Island Curio shop.
The Robben Island Museum App was developed to offer users around the globe an opportunity to experience and explore the Island’s multi-layered history and sites. Download it from the Google Play Store here.
Ferries depart 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm – weather permitting. You can buy tickets online or in-person at the Robben Island Museum.
Table Mountain Cableway
Sunset Special
This just in – the Cableway’s awe-inspiring half-price Sunset Special returns from 1 November 2017, and this year it’s for locals only!
– Locals only: Your valid SA ID gets you 50% off the Cableway ticket, a five-minute ride in a state-of-the-art cable car, and access to the summit of Table Mountain and the opportunity to see the most spectacular sunset views of Cape Town.
– Buy anytime: Take your SA ID along to the Ticket Office any time of the day to purchase your half-price tickets and use them from 6pm onwards.You can also book your half-price Sunset Special tickets online at www.tablemountain.net.
– Costs to know: Adults pay half price, at R137.50 per ticket.Children pay half price at R67.50 per ticket (Children do not need an ID number to qualify for this special).
The fine print:
– This not-to-be missed half-price deal is available from November 1 to December 17 2017 and again from January 4 to February 28 2018.
– it is not advisable to use the free park-and-ride MyCiTi bus service for the Sunset Special, as the bus service runs until 7pm only.
Seniors Special
South African senior citizens over the age of 60 years qualify for discounted rates on return tickets every Friday, upon producing a valid South African ID. They also have a meal special for pensioners at the Table Mountain Café on Fridays. Chat to a cashier about redeeming your meal special.
Date: Every Friday | Time: 08:30 – 17:30 | Venue: Lower Cable Station Ticket Office | Cost: R100 return or R53 one way on Fridays only | Weather Permitting
Guided Walks
Thirty-minute guided tours happen on the hour from 09:00 to 15:00 daily, departing from the Twelve Apostles Terrace (below the Café). These are free, family-friendly walks conducted by our staff, who will share the story of Table Mountain and the Cableway, and provide any assistance you may require.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 15:00 | Venue: Twelve Apostles Terrace | Cost: Free
Audio Tour
Learn about the flora and fauna of the summit, at your own pace, with our free Audio Tour. Download the free application to your mobile device – using out free Wi-Fi – plug in your earphones and begin your self-guided tour at the Lower Cable Station. For a step-by-step guide on how to download the VoiceMap application to your mobile device, click here.
V&A Waterfront
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Summer Attraction
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Comes To The V&A Waterfront The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!’s Summer Attraction is the hottest ticket in Cape Town this season and opens to the public on 1 October 2016 at the V&A Waterfront.
Date: Until 31 March 2018 | Time: 09:00 – 21:00 | Venue: Clock Tower | Cost: R150 – R175
Future Park
Let your creativity send you across boundaries between art, science, and technology
Date: 23 September – 31 January 2018 | Time: 10:00 – 19:00 | Venue: Watershed | Cost:
R130 per person (all ages – children under one year free), R460 for four tickets.
TICKETS: Computicket
Volvo Ocean Race 2017 Cape Town Stopover
For the eleventh time, the V&A will be hosting the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) in Cape Town. The 17 day event is a platform to showcase the South African Maritime and Ocean sectors to both local and international audiences.
Date: 24 November – 10 December | Time: TBC | Venue: Throughout the V&A Waterfront | Cost: Free
Smart Car Presents: V&A Waterfront Sessions
A highlight on the events calendar in Cape Town is the V&A Waterfront’s Summer Concerts, presented by the new smart car, are back to liven up the summer. Taking place at the Amphitheatre, the musical event offers acoustic performances by well-known names against views of Table Mountain and the city – making this the perfect way to spend a summer’s evening.
Time: 19:00 – 20:00 | Venue: Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront | Cost: Free
18 November: Majozi
16 December: Prime Circle
28 January: Judith Sephuma
Take the Stage
Providing a platform for emerging South African musicians and musical ensembles to showcase their talent, emerging artists will take to the stage from October for a series of free-to-attend performances at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre.
Time: 19:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
1 December: The Soldier
2 December: Easy Freak Duo
3 December: Jack Mantis Band
21 December: The Salvation Army Band
22 December: Donveno Band
23 December: Christmas with Gerschen Thys and the Cape Town Gospel Choir
The Innovation Station: Ocean Plastics
The See Saw Do Innovation Station is an interactive platform that introduces and explore various tools and materials to innovate and create with.
Date: 28 November – 3 December | Time: 10:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre | Cost: Free
The Galileo Open-Air Cinema
At The Galileo, when the sun sets the stars really come out, with a glittering line-up of romantic comedies, cult classics, musicals, adventure sports and documentaries that let you cuddle up and be entertained.
The doors swing open every Thursday at the V&A Waterfront at 6 pm onto a festive market of mouth-watering artisanal food and drinks on sale, interactive games, lively music and an unforgettable vibe. It’s the perfect setting (and excuse) for a memorable evening with friends, a ridiculously romantic date, intimate birthday party or work social. So don’t delay, book today to reserve your seat among the stars.
Doors open at 6 pm, the movie starts 8 pm. | Cost: R89 – R175 | Tickets: thegalileo.co.za/buy-tickets
7 December: Finding Dory
14 December: Elf
19 December: Terminator 2
21 December: Just Go With It
28 December: Joy
Future Park
Let your creativity send you across boundaries between art, science and technology. Play in a digital universe that evolves in front of your eyes.
Date: until 31 January | Time: 10:00 – 19:00 | Venue: Watershed, Jubilee Hall | Cost: R130 per person (all ages – children under one year free), R460 for four tickets. Tickets
Zip Zap Circus
The Zip Zap Circus returns to the V&A Amphitheatre with a thrilling and whimsical show – the acrobatic artists are sure to keep you spellbound. Acts include jugglers, trapeze artists, contortionists and many more.
Date: 15 – 20 December | Time: 16:00 – 17:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Festive Season at the Cape Town Comedy Club 2017 – 2018
Cape Town Comedy Club is pleased to announce that we will be open 7 days a week from Monday 18 December 2017 to Sunday 7 January 2018 and then as usual from Wednesday to Sunday thereafter.
Bookings opening shortly at Computicket.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY at Cape Town Comedy Club
Join us for our annual New Year’s Eve (NYE) party at Cape Town Comedy Club on Sunday 31 December 2017 at The Pumphouse, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
Your ticket price includes a welcome drink on arrival, a 4-course meal and wine-pairing, and a glass of bubbly for the countdown at midnight. The show will feature comedian Kurt Schoonraad as the Host with well-known Cape Town band, Airborne.
What better way to end 2017 and start 2018 with a fabulous party at Cape Town’s only dedicated comedy club – listed as 1 of the Top 10 comedy clubs in the world!
Tickets are R1,500 per person and available from any Computicket outlet or Shoprite, Checkers stores. The event starts 7 PM and doors open 6 PM. The dress code is SMART. Programme/Menu will be announced on our website – capetowncomedy.com/new-years-eve-party
Date: 31 December | Time: Doors open at 6 pm, event starts at 7 pm | Venue: The Pumphouse | Cost: R1500
New Year’s Eve at the V & A Waterfront
The five hour festivities include an array of activity and entertainment zones together with food trucks across the property for visitors to grab a quick bite on the go. From a laid back local vibe at Nobel Square to a marvellous mixed taste of Europe at Alfred Mall. The Amphitheatre will continue its entertaining combination of dance and music, and the new Silo courtyard will be the perfect place to chill out with some smooth vocal stylings and ambient jazz.
Pop up performances to look forward to include: the Fat Italian Opera Chef, Big Mama Africa, The Fab Four acapella group, The Jazz Cats jazz trio, Afro Jazz Guitar hero, and a bit of sax and violin.
As a kids safety feature on one of the busiest nights on our property, you will find the V&A Waterfront kids crew in blue around the property handing out location assist bracelets to your children – be sure to grab one.
For those wanting to unwind with retail therapy or a sit-down dinner – there are over 450 stores & 80 restaurants to explore whilst awaiting the arrival of 2018. In annual tradition, the sky will light up at midnight with a beautiful fireworks display, ringing in the first few minutes of the New Year in festive colour.
Date: 31 December | Time: 19:00 until late | Venue: Throughout the precinct, V&A| Cost: Free
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One Destination, 6 Unbelievable Experiences
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.
Buy tickets online