Start planning your SUMMER HOLIDAY; here’s what’s on at the Cape Town Big 6 in December and January at the Cape Town Big 6 attractions: Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, and Groot Constantia.
#TravelTip this Festive Season: Book your tickets online and avoid the ticket queues!
Table Mountain Cableway
Christmas
Father Christmas and his Fairy will be at the Cableway on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, distributing gifts and posing for photos with the kids.
New Years Eve
The Table Mountain Cableway will be closing at 21:30 on the 31st of December. Their operations are weather dependent and as such there is no guarantee they will be open on New Year’s Eve.
That doesn’t mean you have to miss out on some Cableway fun during the rest of the day!
Join in the fun with some buskers and musical entertainment from 10am to 2pm at the Lower Cable Station.
Take in the last sunset of the year at the summit of Table Mountain, our New7Wonder of Nature. Please note the half-price Sunset Special is not available from 19 December 2016 to 3 January 2017.
Pop by their Wi-Fi Lounge for a cold or hot drink and to upload your final Cableway selfie of 2016 to your social media platforms, using our free and fast Wi-Fi.
Visit their Terrace Bar or the Table Mountain Café for a glass of bubbly or wine to toast to a successful year.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Summer Sunset Concerts
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are one of the best ways to spend your Sunday afternoons. Summer isn’t summer in Cape Town without the exciting lineup of Sunday sunset live music performances at the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Check out our blog for the concert line-up! Buy your concert tickets here.
(Only Tickets via WebTickets are legitimate tickets, please do not purchase tickets from any other websites as it may be a scam.)
Theme Walks
The Kirstenbosch Experience: Unique, Remarkable, Fascinating. Join special THEME WALKS with the Garden Guides on Saturday mornings. Novembers Theme is Summer Wonders
Please note: Walks are free but garden entrance fees apply.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema
Enjoy a magical movie experience on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain nestled in “the most beautiful garden in Africa”.
Entrance charge: R79 – R159
How to book: Please visit Webtickets for booking and tickets:
Event venue: Marquee Lawn
Doors open at 18:00 and the movie starts at 19:45
7 December: Amelie
14 December: Crocodile Dundee
21 December: The Holiday
25 December: Elf
28 December: Spud
4 January: Charlies Angels
11 January: Boyhood
18 January: Reel Rock 11
25 January: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Bird Walks
Stroll through Kirstenbosch with an experienced birder, and spot and identify some of the 125 bird species known to occur in the Garden. Bring walking shoes, a hat and water, as well as weather proof clothing. Binoculars will be very useful.
15 November: 8:00am – 10:00am | Venue: All bird walks start at information desk (Visitor centre) | Cost: Walks are free, but Garden entrance fee applies, if you do not have a BotSoc membership card.
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 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm – weather permitting. You can buy tickets online or in-person at the Robben Island Museum.
Cape Point
Funicular Birthday – Early Bird Deals
Between 26 November and 16 December early birds at Cape Point will be rewarded! Between 9am and 10am, visitors will pay R20 for funicular tickets, get 20% off breakfast at the Two Oceans Restaurant and 20% off at the curio shop on presentation of a funicular stub.
There will also be daily specials, giveaways and competitions on their various social media platforms well as freebies at Cape Point on selected days.
Groot Constantia
Festive Concert
Enjoy Christmas Carols on the oldest wine estate in South Africa. Bring your own picnic. Groot Constantia wines will be on sale. Buy your tickets via computicket or at the estate. Buy your tickets here.
Date: 7 December | Time: 17:00 | Venue: Groot Constantia | Cost: Adults R150; Kids 4-16 R60; Kids under 4 Free. Please note that Groot Constantia is closed on 25 & 26 December
V&A Waterfront
1%: Privilege in a Time of Global Inequality
First time in South Africa at its 55th venue world-wide. 40 images by the world’s leading contemporary photographers. Tickets available at the door and WEBTICKETS.
Date: 3 November 2016 – 17 February 2017 | Time: Mon – Wed: 9am to 4pm / Thu – Sun: 9am to 6pm | Venue: Chavonnes Battery Museum | Cost: R70 Adults, R50 Seniors, students, Redbus ticket holders, R30 kids (6-16yrs) FREE under 6
The Galileo Open Air Cinema
The Galileo Open Air Cinema creates an elevated movie experience on the Croquet Lawn at the V&A Waterfront, bringing you all the best entertainment under a canopy of stars and city lights. Buy tickets: ww.thegalileo.co.za/buy-tickets/
1 December: The Conjuring
8 December: View From A Blue Moon (Documentary)
15 December: Snatch
22 December: Home Alone
29 December: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
5 January: Lord of the Flies
12 January: Matrix Reloaded
19 January: (500) Days of Summer
26 January: Birdman
Chris Werge – V&A Waterfront Summer Sessions presented by SMART
In a very short space of time, 24-year-old Cape Town based singer-songwriter, Chris
Werge (pronounced Vir-ga), has released his debut album, opened for James Blunt and become a contestant on the first season of The Voice South Africa talent show.
Date: 2 December | Time 18:00 – 19:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Richard Stirton – V&A Waterfront Summer Sessions presented by SMART
chard Stirton, 22, hails from the vibrant suburb of Rondebosch, Cape Town. Richard poured all of his focus into sport before turning to music after several sporting injuries halted his sporting progress.
Date: 2 December | Time 19:15 – 20:15 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Korean Cultural Festival
The Korean culture, from the traditional to the modern will be on display. Come and see the dancing, singing, martial arts, games and fashion, all combine to give a unique cultural experience.
Date: 3 December | Time 10:00 – 21:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Oxford vs. Cambridge Dragon Boat Regatta
Need a yearend team building event or just want to have some fun? Then join our first Dragon Boat Regatta for an uplifting experience.
Date: 3 December | Time 08:00 – 13:00 | Venue: North Wharf, V&A Waterfront | Cost: TBA
Standing Strong Against Abuse
Lieesl Schoonraad will flip a 100kg tyre 500 times, total of 50 tons to show her support to the Reeve Steenkamp Foundation as an Ambassador. SA’s strongest men will compete doing events such as
Atlas Stones, Log Lifts, Car Lifts etc. These Strength Athletes are Standing Strong Against Abuse.
Date: 3 – 4 December | Time 10:00 – 16:00 | Venue: North Wharf, V&A Waterfront | Cost: TBA
Pump Track
Pumptrack is the result of many years of design experience in the bike structure and infrastructure field.
Date: 8 – 9 December | Time 10:30 – 17:00 | Venue: Quays Deck | Cost: R30
Christmas Lights Show
Christmas Light Show will be marked by a Christmas Light Show to dazzle Victoria Wharf shoppers with a beautiful display of coloured light patterns, all set to Christmas-themed music, carols and performances to instil traditional Christmas cheer.
Date: 9 – 17 December | Time 20:30 – 21:30 | Venue: Vic Wharf and Flagpole Terrace | Cost: Free
Carols with Buskers around the tree
Join the buskers of the V&A Waterfront as we celebrate and get into the Christmas spirit with a joyful carols experience around the V&A Waterfront Christmas Tree.
Date: 9 – 19 December | Time 10:30 – 14:30 | Venue: Flagpole Terrace | Cost: Free
Tom James Duo – Take The Stage
Growing up Tom James divided his time between surfing the coastline of Cornwall, UK, and jamming on his guitar.
Date: 10 December | Time 19:00 – 20:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Terracotta Army and the first emperor of China
Discover the secrets of Ancient China. The country’s greatest army was immortalised in clay in 209BC. Now, the world’s most painstaking recreation of the original exhibition is in SA.
Date: 10 December – 12 February 2017 | Time 09:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Watershed, Jublee Hall | Cost: R85 -R140
FPI – Kaleidoscope Christmas Concert
Family Policy Institute in collaboration with Kaleidoscope Café presents the annual free Christmas Concert at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheater.
Date: 11 December | Time 14:00 -14:45 & 19:00 -19:45 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Zip Zap presents Upside Down Town
This holiday season Zip Zap Circus School presents Upside Down Town , a fun filled high paced energetic show that will keep you hanging on to the edge of your seats. Experience the usual thrills from the school and watch acts like juggling , triple trapeze and plenty more
Date: 12 – 20 December | Time 16:00 – 17:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Growthpoint Properties Sundowner
A scenic 10km run starting and finishing at the V&A Waterfront. Tickets: www.topevents.co.za
Date: 14 December | Time 12:00 – 21:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront | Cost: 10km senior licensed R40 / 10km senior unlicensed R65 / 10km junior R25 / 10km Junior unlicensed R40
Rudimentals – V&A Waterfront Summer Sessions presented by SMART
The Rudimentals started in 2001 and have evolved and morphed from the original SKA band that they started out as, through the Reggae, African Music, rock, dancehall, ragga genres, to where they are today.
Date: 16 December | Time 19:00 – 20:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
NSRI Table Bay Summer Open Day
Meet the heroes who save lives at sea! The NSRI Table Bay crew are opening the doors to their base all day.
Date: 16 December | Time 09:00 – 17:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront | Cost: Free
Lana Crowster Band – Take the Stage
Lana is emerging as one of Cape Towns most sought after performers, regularly sharing the stage with Toya Delazy, Arno Carstens and Goodluck, to name but a few.
Date: 17 December | Time 19:00 – 20:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Christmas Special – Apostle Choristers
The Apostle Choristers was established in 1995 to enhance choral music within our community. The choir is managed by the Ithemba Cultural Society, and musically directed by Camillo Lombard. The choir is divided into 3 regions: Cape Metropole, Boland and Swartland.
Date: 21 December | Time 19:00 – 20:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Jonathan Rubin – Take the stage
Jonathan Rubain is a bass player who heads up The Jonathan Rubain Band, an already established contingent that is headed for great success.
Date: 22 December | Time 19:00 – 20:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Cape Town Gospel Choir
Not your ordinary Gospel choir, the Cape Town Gospel Choir is run by Origin South Africa and aspires to the best in Gospel Music in the Western Cape.
Date: 23 December | Time 19:00 – 20:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Carols for African Skies – Amaza Ensemble
Great music and the perfect way to spend a summer’s evening on the water’s edge.
Date: 24 December | Time 19:00 – 20:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
BK PRO
BK Pro ft. Brandon Ruiters , Lee-Ron Malgas & Deslynn Malotana, is a hip, groove, afro-funk band from Cape Town. The members of the band comprise of Eugene Ackerman [Bass], Adrian Abrahams, [Drums], Ruchen Christians [Keys/Synth], and Nathan Carolus [Guitar]
Date: 26 December | Time 19:00 – 20:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
New Years Eve
The V&A Waterfront is continuing to raise the bar on its annual New Year celebration.
Date: 31 December | Time 21:00 – 01:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront | Cost: Free
Mpho Uvemba V&A Waterfront Summer Sessions presented by SMART
Popular Afro-Jazz band Mpho & Uvimba was formed in 1994 and its members all hail from Guguletu and Nyanga townships in Cape Town. The 7-piece band which initialy performed under the name “Mpho and Friends”, is headed by well-known Jazz singer Mpho Methane, who has performed with Stimela, Women Unite, Rebecca Malope, Jonathan Butler, an others. In 1998 the group was selected as the best Afro Jazz band in Cape Town by a Danish radio station which visited South africa to record some local groups.
Date: 1 January | Time 21:00 – 01:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Monark – V&A Waterfront Summer Sessions presented by SMART
Without a doubt one of the most exciting to break out from 2013, Monark are changing the face of pop music in South Africa. Mixing Eugene Coetzer’s uniquely character vocal delivery polished with its distinctive falsetto and Ewald Jansen van Renerberg’s unmatched, global production style, Monark craft songs rich in meaning and soul stirring hooks.
Date: 6 January | Time 21:00 – 01:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Black South Easter – Take the stage
Black South Easter is a well-established band based in Cape Town that fuses elements of African music, Funk, Blues, Jazz and Reggae. With infectious grooves and soaring melodies, the band’s live shows generate a powerful energy that transports their audience from the calm to the heart of the storm.
Date: 7 January | Time 21:00 – 01:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Jazzathon
Cape Town Carnival strives to be a sustainable street parade that showcases and celebrates the diversity of Cape Town and South Africa. Cape Town Carnival will be showcasing some of their most exciting acts in the lead time to the annual showcase. Catch a glimpse of the best Cape Town has to offer at the Waterfront’s Amphitheatre
Date: 12 – 15 January | Time TBA | Venue: V&A Waterfront | Cost: Free
Cape Town Carnival Teaser Shows
The teaser activations at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre take place on the following dates:
14 January 16:00 – 17:00
21 January 17:00 – 18:00
29 January 16:00 – 17:00
Share your Cape Town Big 6 Summer Fun with us!
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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.