The holidays are here, and the fun never stops. Inside or outside, adventure or chill times we have got something for everyone. It’s time to make some memories with #CTBig6. Here are some of the highlights for the festive season.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Sundays in Cape Town are awesome and ending off the weekend on the lawns of Kirstenbosch listening to live music while enjoying a picnic as the sun sets is a must-do Cape Town experience. 

Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts  

On Sundays up to 5 April the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts in association with Old Mutual will host live music in the beautiful Kirstenbosch Garden:
22 Dec 2019 – Shekhinah / Unathi
29 Dec 2019 – Goldfish
31 Dec 2019  – NYE: Freshlyground / Nomadic Orchestra / Native Young
05 Jan 2020 – Jimmy Nevis / Craig Lucas / Paxton Fielies 
12 Jan 2020 – Mi Casa
19 Jan 2020 – The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
26 Jan 2020 – Goodluck / Tresor

Book at Webtickets or at any Pick n Pay.

Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch
12 – 15 December at Kirstenbosch. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch and sponsored by Pick n Pay. Book at Webtickets or at any Pick n Pay.

Open Air movies 
Movies with a difference every Wednesday and Thursday at Kirstenbosch Galileo Open Air Cinema. Book at Webtickets or at any Pick n Pay.

04 Dec 19 Wednesday The Holiday 
05 Dec 19 Thursday Love Actually 
11 Dec 19 Wednesday The Secret Life Of Pets 
12 Dec 19 Thursday Confessions Of A Shopaholic 
18 Dec 19 Wednesday Spud 
19 Dec 19 Thursday Finding Dory 
25 Dec 19 Wednesday Christmas: How the Grinch Stole Christmas 
26 Dec 19 Thursday Home Alone 2: Lost In New York
01 Jan 20 Wednesday What To Expect When You’re Expecting
02 Jan 20 Thursday The Addams Family (1991)
08 Jan 20 Wednesday Mary Poppins Returns PG IAT
09 Jan 20 Thursday The Princess Bride
15 Jan 20 Wednesday Coyote Ugly
16 Jan 20 Thursday Green Book
22 Jan 20 Wednesday The Upside
23 Jan 20 Thursday Samsara
29 Jan 20 Wednesday Bollywood: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
30 Jan 20 Thursday The Sixth Sense

Daily Free Guided Garden Walks Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Monday – Friday – Leaving from Gate 1 (Visitors Centre). 90 minute walks at 10h00, 11h00 and 14h00.
Leaving from Gate 2 (Garden Centre): 90 minute walks at 10h45.
Saturday – Leaving from Gate 1 (Visitors Centre): 90 minute walks at 10h00.
Leaving from Gate 2 (Garden Centre): 90 minute walks at 10h45.
Private Guided Tours can be booked ahead at an extra R70.00 per person (min fee of R520.00 or 8 people required for a tour to take place).
Golf Cart Tours of the garden are on offer from 09h00 to 15h00 every weekday @ R80.00 per person (max 7 passengers).
To book, call the Kirstenbosch Ticket Office on (021) 799 8782 between 08h00 and 17h00.

Worried about load-shedding? This beautiful garden is happy with sunlight from nature and does not need Eskom to shine. The gift shop remains open as do the tea room and restaurant. The Galileo open-air movies and Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts proceed as normal.  

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

Table Mountain and sunset, what a combo 

Sunset Special
The Sunset Special offers half price tickets for locals after 6pm from 1 November 2019 to 29 February 2020 (excluding 19 December 2019 to 3 January 2020)

Early Access, tickets are limited. Be the early worm
Early-access tickets that allow visitors to take the first cable car up at 7:30am – before the site opens to the general public. They are only available for purchase online and are valid between 1 December 2019 and 15 January 2020.

Live entertainment
Renowned local DJ, Hilton Carlse, will keep you entertained at the Lower Station, accompanied by the vibrant Siyabuya Marimba band. Father Christmas and the Fairies will also sleigh up the mountain, making the visitor experience extra special and memorable.  

Every Thursday, the Very High Tea special
We’re always looking at ways to spice up our food offerings at the Cableway Wi-Fi Lounge, and this time, it’s the Very High Tea getting a new look, taste, time slot, and a package deal! Available each Thursday between 14h00 and 16h00 at our awesome WiFi Lounge. Visitors with a sense of adventure, and a sweet-tooth, can get a combo Cableway ticket and Very High Tea access package for just R455, directly from our Ticket Office onsite. Please download the Very High Tea menu here and book your reservation with Taryn Skuce at functions@tablemountain.net.

Student Special now available 7 days a week
Any local or international students with a valid student card can qualify for this discount. The special is only redeemable at our Ticket Office, and only valid to visitors over the age of 18. There is a FREE park and ride shuttle service that will take you from Lower Tafelberg Road directly to the Ticket Office.

And don’t forget, WiFi is FREE! So you can download our free audio tours and post Insta-worthy pics of your day! Don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtags #TableMountain #StudentSpecial

Every day is pensioners day
Did you know that anyone over the age of 60 with a valid South African ID, only pays R100 for a return trip on the cable car.

Audio Tour
Learn about the flora and fauna of the famous summit, at your own pace, with our free Audio Tour. Download the free application to your mobile device – using our 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.

Worried about load-shedding? The Cableway is open during load shedding as they have a backup hydraulic drive for the cars and generators for electricity. There might be a slight delay in operations as it takes a little while to switch systems. 

V&A Waterfront

Go see the unique decorations!

The theme is Joy from Africa to the World, and over 130 local designers, crafters, makers and artisans have used recycled and upcycled to decorate the V&A in a way that tells an African festive story of peace and kindness.

The installations include items made of beautiful weaved baskets to recycled metal welded into golden birds of peace and second-hand baubles papier-mâchéd using paper from our Waste Recovery Plant

Holiday Fun at Two Oceans Aquarium. 
No time to be bored, look at the great kids program on during the school holidays. 

With an Aquarium ticket, you can come in and out as much as you want on a given day. Explore the V&A Waterfront at your leisure and still make it back for all of your favourite activities. 

Meet Mother Earth & The Guardian of Joy at the Summer Palace
1 – 24 Dec: 10:00 – 18:00 at the Centre Court, Victoria Wharf Shopping centre
Entrance is free and kids can explore a magical Summer Palace where they will be welcomed by Mother Earth and the Guardian of Joy – keeper of peace and kindness. The palace is also home to enchanting beaded creatures

Galileo Open Air Cinema every 2nd Friday
At the V&A Waterfront Battery Park at 6pm. 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.

07 Dec 19 La La Land
21 Dec 19 Alice In Wonderland (2010)
24 Jan 20 Friday Yesterday
Book at Webtickets or at any Pick n Pay.

Silo District Concert 
6 Dec, This will be a night dedicated to Latin music. Hot Salsa and seductive tangos is the order for a warm sultry night this December. Cost: Free Entry. Read more.

Cape Town Comedy Club JAZZ JAM SESSIONS
The Alvin Dyers Trio every Tuesday, the trio consists of Alvin Dyers (guitar), Roy Davids (drums) and Valentino Europa (bass).

Jazz Jam Sessions.
Tuesdays from 3, 10, 17 December inviting all musicians to bring your instruments and join us for these open jam sessions. The programme is as follows: 1st set (trio performance), 2nd & 3rd sets (musicians jam).
Tickets are R60 per person – available from any Computicket outlet or Shoprite, Checkers stores, or at the door (subject to availability). No under 18’s.

WOOF PROJECT 
Pets are forever, but if you were thinking of getting adding a dog to your family, please get one from the WOOF project. These animals are looking for forever homes. Vetting, registration is all done on the same day at the V&A at Nobel Square from 1 – 23 December. https://www.waterfront.co.za/events/woof-project-5/

Astronomy Outreach 
07 December, at the Pierhead Deck from 3 -10 pm. FQ: Sun, Moon and Mar  https://www.waterfront.co.za/events/astronomy-outreach-for-the-public/

Zeitz MOCAA
Escape the madness and enter the peaceful yet thought-provoking exhibitions

1 -31 Dec  William Kentridge  https://www.waterfront.co.za/events/william-kentridge-exhibition/

Free entry for African citizens: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on presentation of an ID.
Under 18: Free entry, all year, at all times on presentation of an ID.
Everyday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Last entry: 5:30 p.m.
First Friday of the month: Extended opening hours, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Last entry: 8:30 p.m.
The museum will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.
The best way to de-stress is laughter and the Comedy Club invites you to join them for lunch and a giggle. 
Comedy Club, Silly Season lunch shows
Dec 4,5,6 and 10,11,12,13 from 11am to 4pm. R480 PER PERSON includes a 3-course meal and a 1-hour show with 3 comedians https://www.waterfront.co.za/events/silly-season-lunch-shows-2/

Kids Christmas Show 
13-24 Dec at 11h30, 13h30 and 15h30 (3 shows per day). Venue: Amphitheatre  Cost: Free

Meet Zoemba the rhino and Jelly, his Ellie sidekick. Sing along  and play festive games! Santa Clause visits Zoemba and Jelly and takes pictures with the little ones. Coloring-in competitions, sing-alongs, face painting, bauble-making with Wola Nani and more!

Black Coffee Summer Residency
13, 20 and 27 December. Creative musical visionary turned global music icon, Black Coffee returns to Shimmy Beach Club. Goldfish at Shimmy Beach Club on 15 December. Read more.

V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre Shows

Mass pipe and drums band on 16 December 2019, Day of Reconciliation.A short march from behind Ferryman’s Tavern around a block to the Amphitheatre.  The performance will consist of 40 minutes of Bagpipe music as well as Highland dancing. Time: 17h00 to 17h40 at the Amphitheatre, V & A Waterfront. Read more.

Salvation Army Christmas Carols
On 20 December  The Salvation Army will be playing Christmas Carols at the Waterfront on Friday 20th December 2019 @7.00pm at the Flag Pole Terrace. Come along and join in the singing of Christmas Carols as you prepare for the Christmas.

V&A Waterfront New Year’s Eve
2020 Will be Luminous throughout the V&A Waterfront. 31st December. Cost: Free. The sun will set, and the magic will begin! Expect an immersive wonderland of glowing colours as magical light installations come to life, illuminating the buildings and trees, with an integrated soundtrack to tell a story that celebrates our community. The famous fireworks will follow, of course!

College of Magic
2-7 Jan: Imagine: 15:30 – 16:15 at the Amphitheatre. Prepare to keep asking ‘how did they do that?’ This show has the wow factor, with lots of tricks up its sleeve. Cost: Free.

This Thing called Swing Concert
3 Jan at the Silo District. Salsa and seductive tango tunes takes listeners through traditional Brazilian folk music, Argentinean tango and Cuban salsa. There’ll be a dancefloor… of course. Cost: Free.

 Jan Jazzathon
9-11 December from 11:00 – 19:00 at the Amphitheatre. A highly anticipated, landmark annual event that features fabulous jazz artists bringing their best to the V&A. Cost: Free.

Worried about load-shedding? Trading at the main attractions of the V&A Waterfront remains unaffected by the load-shedding. All shops and restaurants in the V&A Waterfront remain open during load shedding. 

Cape Point 

Hop in for a ride which will take you all the way to the top station, whilst enjoying the amazing Cape Point views. Once you’ve built up an appetite, head on down to the Two Oceans Restaurant. Kids receive a FREE dessert with every sit-down adult main meal ordered for kids 12 years and younger. Simply advise your waiter you’d like to claim the kids winter special – it’s that simple!

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.

Worried about load-shedding? The views do not change when the power is out, but hopefully, you will find extra power in your legs to climb the stairs to the lighthouse as the Funicular tram to the top does not run during power outages. The curio shops, Two Oceans Restaurant and food shops remain open for trade, however, their services are limited during load-shedding.

Groot Constantia

Every Wednesday is International #WineWednesday making it a good day to visit South Africa’s oldest wine producer for award-winning wine enjoyed by those who know how to make the most of the year’s best season.

Visitors Route Experience

Enjoy the Visitors Route Experience where one ticket gives you entrance to the Manor House Museum, original Cloete Cellar, a cellar tour, wine tasting, and a souvenir Spiegelau Crystal wine glass.

Date: Daily | Time: 10:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Manor House | Cost: R105 per person or Visitors Route Experience Ticket + Chocolate & Wine Pairing: R155 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 R90

Chocolate and Wine Pairing

5 delectable chocolates paired with 5 of their award-winning wines. 

Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 18:00  | Venue: Tasting Hall | Cost: R140

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.

Worried about load-shedding? Fortunately, electricity is not required for wine tastings or pairings. The bottom cellar and Cloete Cellar are open as normal, as is the museum at the Manor House. 

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 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.

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.

Worried about load-shedding? Load shedding does not have an impact on this historic attraction.

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ONE DESTINATION, SIX UNFORGETTABLE 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.

Buy tickets online