CHRISTMAS IN CAPE TOWN

The lights, decorations, carols and special edition chocolates have been circulating for months – and now Christmas day is just around the corner. You undoubtably have your Christmas plans all set, but what about before then?

If you are one of the lucky ones, you are already on holiday, and have plenty of time to explore the Mother City. Maybe you have the family down, and want to take them out for a treat.

Luckily there is always plenty to do in Cape Town. So instead of our usual news post, we put together a Pre-Christmas guide, to help you decide on what to do:

FOR THE LAST MINUTE SHOPPERS

There are those of us who are convinced we have more time to do our holiday shopping. Before you know it, it’s four days before Christmas and you haven’t bought all your gifts yet. Luckily, extended shopping hours exists, so you can still pick something up at your favourite mall. If you do not want to deal with the festive season crowds at the mall, here are some alternative options for you:

Markets: Kill two birds with one stone at the Company’s Gardens Summer Market, by enjoying the flora and buying gifts. The market is on until Tuesday 22 December, so be sure to check it out before then. You can also check out the I Love Big Bay market in Big Bay, Blouberg. The market is on until Wednesday 23 December.

Online Shopping: There is so many incredible local retailers who sell the coolest stuff online. Most recently we featured Fox & Heroine, who make stunning, proudly South African wrapping paper among other things and cute snack bowls from Love Milo. To see what other great things you can check out online, check out our Style Blog for great gift ideas.

FOR THE KIDS 

Keeping the kids entertained is easier than ever. The Ice Galaxy Playground at Canal Walk is a winter wonderland your kids will thoroughly enjoy. For something a little more educational, the Rondebosch Library is holding a holiday programme on Monday 21 December (it continues until next year too.)

You can also take them for a Full moon hike in Stellenbosch. You can picnic, enjoy the beautiful scenery and if the kids get tired, there is a shuttle for them. The hike is happening on 24 December so book beforehand if you are interested. You can book here. 

FOR THE NIGHT OWLS

There are plenty of parties and shows to keep you entertained when the sun goes down. Long Street is always a winner, but you you are looking for something specific here are some events that are going down:

Live Music: Jesse Clegg will be performing at Café Roux on Wednesday 23 December as part of his #EastWestTour. See here for more info. You can also see a multi-lingual, jazz, cabaret and world music show, by urban gypsy performance artists, Aletia Upstairs and Ster Sigrun Paschke. This will be on Wednesday 23 December at Alexander bar. See here for more info.

Parties: Shimmy Beach Club will have a #LadiesBeLike party onWednesday 23 December, and a Push Play party on Thursday 24 December.

Shows: The Cape Town Comedy Club is having a Christmas eve show that will add some humour to your festive season. The line-up features comedian, KG as the headline act, as well as Carl Weber, Devin Gray, Gino Fernandez and DJ Aaron. For something a little more adult, check out the Late Night XXXmas Boylesque Show at Alexander Bar, Café and Theatre, where you can enjoy a burlesque comedy and striptease show.

There are a variety of plays, exhibitions and shows happening right throughout the holidays. To see what’s on, check our Events section on the site. On thing is certain, you will never be bored while you spend Christmas in Cape Town!