It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 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
#BeTheFirst
No queues – that’s right, no queues. One of the joys of being the first at Cape Point is that everyone else is still asleep. You snooze, you lose.
Cheaper funicular rates – from 1 November they’re launching differential rates for the funicular. If you ride the funicular between 9 am and 12 pm, you pay R70 for a return ticket (normally R80).
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 12:00 | Venue: Cape Point | Cost: R30 return Child ticket, R70 return Adult ticket
The Flying Dutchman Funicular
Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the viewing point below the old lighthouse.
Date: Daily | Time: 12:00 – 17:30 | Venue: Cape Point | Cost: R35 return Child ticket, R80 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
Groot Constantia
Groot Constantia Festive Concert
Save the date and book now! Join us as the lawns of Groot Constantia Wine Estate resound with the uplifting voices of the Symphony Choir of Cape Town’s annual festive concert under the baton of maestro and choir director Alex Fokkens. Invite your family, friends to grab their picnic baskets and join us in this glorious setting for a performance of traditional favourites and new surprises. A great family favourite event. Bookings at Quicket and at the gate.
Date: 11 December | Time: 17:00 | Venue: Lawns | Tickets: Quicket
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: 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.
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
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch Craft and Food Market
Proudly South African, this is a genuine craft market with 250 stallholders selling hand-crafted goods of all descriptions. Choose from the many food stalls and enjoy craft beer or wine at the Slug and Fynbos while listening to the smooth vibes of Mike Campbell’s jazz quartet. Free entry, loads of free parking and a laid back atmosphere!
Date: 9 & 23 December | Time: 09:00 – 15:00 | Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens | Cost: Free Entry
Western Cape Fuchsia Society Show
The Western Cape Fuchsia Society invites you to attend our annual show at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Please come and see the beautiful plants and flowers on show and there is a beautiful plant that will be raffled.
Date: 1 – 2 December | Time: 1 December: 12h00 – 17h00/2 December 09h00 – 16h00 | Venue: Richard Crowie Hall / Gate 2 Kirstenbosch | Cost: Normal entrance fee payable for the garden
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
2 December 2018 | Lady Zamar / Black Motion | R150/p – R190/p | BOOK NOW |
9 December 2018 | Mi Casa | R150/p – R190/p | BOOK NOW |
13, 14, 15, 16 December 2018 | Kirstenbosch Carols | Prices to be confirmed | BOOK NOW |
23 December 2018 | Boney M. featuring Liz Mitchell | R290/p – R350/p | BOOK NOW |
30 December 2018 | Lira | R150/p – R190/p | BOOK NOW |
31 December 2018 | NYE: Jeremy Loops / Crimson House | R415/p | BOOK NOW |
Times: Gates open 16h00, concerts start time varies between 17h00, 17h15 and 17h30, concerts end at 19h00.
Book tickets online on www.webtickets.co.za. Please note that Webtickets is the ONLY online ticketing partner. Kirstenbosch cannot guarantee that tickets purchased from third parties will be valid.
Galileo Open Air Cinema
The Galileo Open Air Cinema welcomes you to a magical movie experience of cinematic delights, tantalizing treats and breath-taking scenery under a canopy of stars.
Doors open at 6 pm. Arrive early to reserve your seat under the stars and enjoy a magical market experience of delicious artisanal food and beverages, interactive games, music, and fun.
The movie starts after sunset.
5 December: A Good Year
12 December: Rocky Horror Picture Show
19 December: Mrs Doubtfire
26 December: My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Buy your tickets here: http://thegalileo.co.za/buy-tickets/
Cape Bonsai Kai Show
More than a 100 excellent Bonsai Trees will be on display. Lots of Trees; Equipment and Tools on sale. Daily demonstrations will be held.
Date: 14 – 17 December | Time: 09:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens | Cost: Normal entrance fee payable for the garden
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 lekker deal sees South Africans with valid IDs get a 50% discount on our tickets AND allows you to experience an African sunset from the summit of Table Mountain, our New 7 Wonder of Nature, this summer. The Sunset Special is available from 1 November 2018 to 28 February 2018 (excluding 20 December 2018 to 2 January 2019).
We know you are as excited as we are for this must-have experience, so here are some tips to ensure you enjoy our Sunset Special:
– Book your tickets online or onsite: as Sunset Special tickets will be available in limited supply when you book online or onsite at our Ticket Office. Please remember, though, that you may only use them from 6 pm every evening.
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 with a cashier about redeeming your meal special.
Date: Every Day | 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
WOOF Project
WOOF Project is ‘pop – up’ mobile dog adoption initiative by Oscars Arc, a NPO born to inspire dog adoption and to save dogs’ lives. WOOF Project invites you to pop by and meet these wonderful healthy shelter dogs and adopt one if you are ready to acquire a great dog.
Those interested in adopting a dog complete a brief application and each dog is ready to go upon a brief home check. Every dog is microchipped, vaccinated and sterilized and WOOF Project also includes a Name Your Price Adoption Fee – and the guarantee that the adoption is a ‘perfect match’.
Date: until 28 December | Time: 09:00 – 18:30 | Venue: Nobel Square | Cost: Donations
Silly Season Lunch Shows
The countries most prestigious live comedy venue, Cape Town Comedy Club is opening its doors for lunch! SA’s favourite comedians are gearing up for this year’s Silly Season Lunch Shows.
Join them for side-splitting stand-up comedy and a mouthwatering 3-course meal – the ideal package to make planning your last company “hoorah” a breeze!
R450pp (3 course meal and 1-hour comedy show, drinks excluded)
Dates: 28-30 November, 5, 6, 12-14 December (subject to change)
Date: until 14 December | Time: 12:00 – 16:30 | Venue: The Pumphouse | Cost: R450pp
#ginhightea at Ginja
Think “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” – a buffet of sweet and savoury treats to choose from and a gin table which allows you to build your own bespoke cocktails with all the complimentary Fitch and Leedes tonic you need. This month we feature Musgrave Pink Gin.
Date: 1 December | Time: 15:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Ginja, Alfred Mall | Cost: R160 per person excluding gin
Springbok 7s Signing and Interactive Session
The Blitzboks will be participating in the HSBC World Sevens Series taking place at Cape Town Stadium on the 8-9 December 2018.
Come and meet the Rugby World Cup Sevens Bronze medallists & 2017-2018 World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series Champions, Philip Snyman and his team. Have an opportunity to get your memorabilia signed and interact with the players. CT 7s tickets up for grabs along with other spot prizes. An action packed program will keep you entertained.
Date: 5 December | Time: 13:00 – 14:30 | Venue: Amphitheater | Cost: Free
Galileo Open Air Cinema
The Galileo Open Air Cinema welcomes you to a magical movie experience of cinematic delights, tantalizing treats and breath-taking scenery under a canopy of stars.
Doors open at 6 pm. Arrive early to reserve your seat under the stars and enjoy a magical market experience of delicious artisanal food and beverages, interactive games, music, and fun.
The movie starts after sunset.
7 December: La La Land
21 December: Alice in Wonderland
Buy your tickets here: http://thegalileo.co.za/buy-tickets/
Free Astronomy Outreach
Astronomy is not only about star gazing, one can also view the sun, with sunspots, if any, through special telescope filters and can discuss our nearest star with any of the Cape Centre members. One can also calculate the distance from the earth to the sun by measuring the length of certain shadows. The moon (First Quarter) is also visible in the afternoons of our outreach days and becomes increasingly spectacular through a telescope as the night becomes darker. Approximately four billion years of astronomical history are etched on its battered surface which raises the question of why the earth does not appear to be so pitted with craters and dark volcanic ‘seas’. Lastly, there is usually at least one planet visible in the night sky, the most exciting being Jupiter with its four Galilean moons and Saturn with its rings.
Date: 25 February – 15 December | Time: 15:00 – 21:30 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Pierhead, between wooden deck & chess board | Cost: Free
V&A Waterfront Magic of Christmas Show
This year we once again continue the magical celebration of Christmas and its festivities at the V&A Waterfront. Our special and unique Christmas show is filled with a combination of wonderful Christmas music, songs, dance and other festive surprises for the whole family to enjoy.
So come and join the naughty elves and don’t forget to take a pic with our other well know Christmas characters like Merry Clause and her Candy Cane dancers, as well as our traditional Christmas Carollers, Toy Soldiers, Jingle Bells, and the beautiful Snow Fairy.
The show begins at on the first floor between YDE and Mr. Cobbs at 20:15 and moves down to Santa’s Village in Centre Court where it finishes at 20:40. So be sure to get there early so you can get whisked away on a wonderful journey filled with the joy and celebration of all that is Christmas.
Date: 15 – 17 December | Time: 08:15 – 20:40 | Venue: Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre | Cost: Free
Peppa Pig’s Sing-along Surprise
Peppa Pig’s Sing-along Surprise will take place daily at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre from 15 – 30th Dec (excluding Christmas Day). Performance times are as follows:
15th Dec 11 am
16th Dec – 29th Dec 11 am & 2 pm
30th Dec 11 am
Meet & greet from 12h00 – 14h00 at Lampside Court from 15 – 24 Dec, & 26 – 30 Dec (excludes Christmas day).
After the show – Peppa will be meeting her young fans and be available for photos from 12 noon – 2 pm at the Lampside Court (opposite Col’cacchio) inside the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre!
Performances and meet & greet are free of charge but numbers will be limited with meet & greet vouchers available on the day at the Lampside Court from 12 noon on a first-come, first served basis. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy all the muddy puddle excitement!
Date: 15 – 30 December | Time: 11:00 – 14:00 | Venue: Amphitheater | Cost: Free
Silo Concerts are back
7 December – Cape Town Folk Fest
Get Covered by Stars when the musicians from the Cape Town Folk Fest perform their favourite songs at the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District on Friday, 7 December. The free two-hour concert will be performed outdoors from 7 pm.
14 December – National Youth Wind Orchestra
The green-and-gold National Youth Wind Orchestra, made up of our country’s leading young musicians from across the nation, is coming to the V&A Waterfront this December. The free concert starts at 7 pm.
New Years Eve Celebration
The V&A is once again bringing you the biggest NYE celebration in South Africa, another NYE experience you will not forget. The property will be a bustling colourful experience loaded with pop up performances, fun characters and delicious food in all the main areas throughout the night. From Nobel Square to Alfred mall, the Amphitheatre and Silo courtyard there will be non-stop entertainment and dynamic visuals that you don’t want to miss. If you have children with you please be sure to look out for the V&A kids crew – they will be handing out location assist bracelets to you and your children to aid with kids safety on the busy property.
Date: 31 December | Time: 18:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront | Cost: Free
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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. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.