Are you already feeling festive? Well, you’re not alone because the festive feeling is already making its way through South Africa and the line-up is looking impressive!
If you’re keen to get on your Christmas day plans, read our guide to Christmas 2019 in South Africa, featuring the best festive activities, events and festivals as they're announced throughout the year.
We've got the big day tied up in a bow and ready for you to unwrap. With our guide to Christmas lunches, buffets and markets, your Christmas and Boxing day is sure to be nothing short of special. Keep checking back to find out about the latest events as they're announced and let the good tidings roll.
Cape Town
The Mother City really knows how to celebrate the festive season in true South African style. The streets overflow with a festive feeling, the shops stock up on the favourite Christmas day treats and the people get ready for a jolly time.
Take a look at our guide to lunch buffets, parties and wine tastings happening around Cape Town this Christmas.
- Don't forget to check out what Cape Town is getting up to this New Year's Eve.
Canal Walk's Frozen Fun Slide Park in association with Ackermans
Slide into Summer at Canal Walk's Frozen Fun Slide Park in association with Ackermans and in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Africa.
This frozen fun holiday entertainment celebrates Disney's Frozen 2 in cinemas, 6 December 2019. With multiple frozen slides and an Olaf play area, the world of frozen fun will have kids and parents cool for the Summer!
- Cost:
- R100 - Full Rider 5+ years (Access to the 3 main slides)
- R80 - Mini Rider 2-5 years (Access to Toddler Slide & Olaf Play area)
- R35 - Non Rider (Access into event area but not rides)
- When: 10 - 31 December, 10am - 9pm (Closed on 25th December)
- Venue: Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Centre Court
- More Info: Facebook Event
Festive Activities
Bring the littles ones along for giant kiddies’ fun on the Piazza from 16 - 24 December and visit Vangate Mall #FestiveMarket in the Souk from 13 – 24 December.
Plus, get 2 of your gifts beautifully wrapped in the Pick n Pay and Ackermans Courts when you buy them in-centre from 20 – 24 December.
- Cost:
- When: 13 - 24 December, 9am - 7pm
- Venue: Vangate Mall, Vanguard Dr, Cape Town
- More Info: Facebook Event
A Christmas Carol - The Ballet
Cape Town City Ballet presents a special Dickens treat for all ages of the timeless classic story of the triumph of joy and the human spirit over greed.
On Christmas Eve the elderly and unpleasant old man Ebenezer Scrooge is paid a visit by the Ghost of his dead business partner Joseph Marley who tells him that three Spirits will call on Scrooge: The Spirit of Christmas Past, The Spirit of Christmas Present and the Spirit of Christmas Future.
Marley tells Scrooge that unless he listens well and changes his miserly ways he will be forever condemned to be in chains of damnation. This is the story of that night
PLEASE NOTE: Performances on 24 December includes Fairy & Prince Fancy Dress Parade after each performance
- Cost:
- From R150 - R295
- When:
- 19 December, 7:30pm
- 20 December, 7:30pm
- 21 December, 3pm & 7:30pm
- 22 December, SOLD OUT
- 24 December, 11am & 3pm
- Venue: Artscape Theatre Centre, D F Malan St, Cape Town
- More Info: Facebook Event
Christmas Eve Sunset Yoga - on Clifton 3rd Beach
Kickstart the week of festivities with The Om Revolution - Mobile Yoga! Dress up, by wearing something festive and fun, decorate your flip‑flops, paint your toe nails red or wear a Christmas hat.
Let the view of the ocean and the sound of the waves, remind you of the rhythm of your breath, the most important element of your yoga practice. Join them for sunset sessions on the beach.
- Cost:
- R50 (Cash/SnapScan/MyPay)
- When: 24 December, 6:15pm - 7:15pm
- Venue: Clifton 3rd Beach, Victoria Rd
- More Info: Christmas Eve Sunset Yoga - on Clifton 3rd Beach
Secret Santa Party
Join Gonzos this Christmas Eve as they celebrate with a secret santa themed party.
Expect a Christmas decorated pool hall with all the festive cheer. Plenty of safe parking and a variety of dishes available for sale, Gonzos has it all - pool tables galore, popular arcade games, a dance floor and a DJ!!
- Cost: FREE
- When: 24 December, 8pm - 2am
- Venue: Gonzo's Pool Bar, 203 Main Rd 1st floor Gabriel House, Plumstead
- More Info: Secret Santa Party
The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
The award-winning Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is poised above the Atlantic Ocean on Cape Town’s most scenic route. Guests are spoilt with spectacular ocean or mountain views from most of the 70 bedrooms and suites, each superbly designed to provide the utmost comfort and style.
This festive season they a very special line up that is any foodies dream come true.
- Where: 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, Victoria Rd, Cape Town
- Bookings:
- +27 (0) 21 437 9029
- [email protected]
Christmas Eve at Atlantic Terrace Marquee
During this time of tradition and family, the Christmas Eve Dinner on the 24th December will get your festive celebrations off with a bang!
Expect welcome drinks upon arrival, spectacular views and delectable servings.
- Cost: R1350 pp (3 course set menu)
- When: 24 December, from 6:30pm
- Where: Atlantic Terrace Marquee
- More Info: Christmas Eve at Atlantic Terrace Marquee
Christmas Eve at The Azure
During this time of tradition and family, the Christmas Eve Dinner on the 24th December will get your festive celebrations off with a bang!
Both the Atlantic Terrace Marquee and Azure Restaurant, will be offering a feast of festive fare...as well as a welcome drink on arrival.
- Cost: R1550 pp (4 course set menu)
- When: 24 December,
- Where: 24 December, 7:30pm - 1am
- More Info: Christmas Eve at The Azure
Christmas Day at The Azure
You are being spoilt for choice on Christmas Day, as each one of the 12 Apostles dining venues hosts a gourmet Christmas Lunch, with all the trimmings.
Includes a welcome drink on arrival.
- Cost: R1550 pp (3 course buffet menu)
- When: 25 December, from 1pm
- Where: Azure Restaurant
- More Info: Christmas Day at The Azure
Christmas Day at Atlantic Terrace Marquee
You are being spoilt for choice on Christmas Day, as each one of the 12 Apostles dining venues hosts a gourmet Christmas Lunch, with all the trimmings.
Includes a welcome drink on arrival.
- Cost: R1350 pp (3 course buffet menu)
- When: 25 December, 1pm - 5pm
- Venue: Atlantic Terrace Marquee
- More Info: Christmas Day at Atlantic Terrace Marquee
Christmas Lunch at Blue Crane
Discover traditional cuisine with sweeping mountain views at the Blue Crane Restaurant in Caledon.
This Christmas day they have spread out a scrumptious Christmas lunch buffet! The spread offers you a wide variety of delicious starters, mains and decadent desserts.
Dining at the Blue Crane restaurant this Christmas just got a whole lot more exciting - a live performance of Craig Lucas ramps up the entertainment value. And fab deals at your home away from home, The Caledon Hotel and Spa can take this festive season from festive to fabulous.
TIP: Booking is essential for this one!
- Cost:
- R450 - Adult
- R225 - Children u14 years
- FREE - Children u5 years
- When: 25 December, 1pm - 3pm
- Venue: The Caledon Hotel & Spa, 1 Nerina Ave, Caledon
- Bookings: +27 28 214 5100
- More Info: Website
Johannesburg
If you find yourself in Johannesburg in December, you definitely won't find any snowmen, but you will find festivities happening throughout the city. Whether you're looking for a place to have Christmas lunch in Johannesburg or you're on the hunt for the best Boxing Day activities on offer, this list has got it all, take a look for yourself!
- Don't forget to check out what Johannesburg is getting up to this New Year's Eve
Joburg Zoo Festival of Lights
Joburg Zoo in association with the City of Johannesburg entities; Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo and City Power are excited to announce the annual Joburg Zoo Festival of Lights featuring an enchanting collection of illuminated life-size animal characters featuring classical, harmonious entertainment, food and craft market for visitors to the Joburg Zoo.
Open from 19:00 – 22:00 daily in the evenings except on Mondays. Patrons can enjoy a tranquil walk in the zoo on a designated lit route away from the animals under trees decorated in enchanting lights. The Joburg Zoo Festival of Lights will kick off with a classical performance of The Nutcracker by Joburg Ballet at the Bandstand in the zoo. The entertainment will vary on a daily basis, offering a night out in the zoo for all ages.
- Cost:
- R60 - Kids
- R120 - Adults
- When: 10 - 31 December, 7pm - 10pm
- Venue: The Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Avenue and Upper Park Dr. Johannesburg
- More Info: Facebook Event
Christmas Gift Wrapping
The SPCA are raising funds at Park Meadows Shopping Centre this festive season.
Have your gifts wrapped by their team at Park Meadows Shopping Centre. Your support will assist animals in need. We care and so do you!
- Cost: Donation based
- When: 14 - 24, December, 10am - 6pm
- Venue: Park Meadows Shopping Centre, C/o Cumberland & Allum Roads, Bedfordview
- More Info: Facebook Event
Flames - Christmas Eve Dinner
The Four Seasons Hotel festive celebrations kick off with a family-style dinner at Flames, which includes an à la carte with festive classics like traditional roast turkey with chipolatas, cranberry stuffing and Cumberland sauce.
Plus, enjoy an entertaining performance by Johannesburg’s very own Grammy award-winning “Voices of Heaven”, Soweto Gospel Choir!
- Cost: R1200 pp
- When: 24 December, 5pm - 8pm
- Venue: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg, 67 Jan Smuts Ave
- Bookings:
- 011 481 6000
- [email protected]
- More Info: Flames - Christmas Eve Dinner
SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM
SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM, the highlight of Gauteng’s festive calendar - featuring a stellar cast of SA’s top artists - will be coming to Joburg on the 7th of December 2019 at St. Stithians College and Pretoria on the 10th of December 2019 at Loftus Versfeld.
Swing City, Rubber Duc, Lira, Roan Ash, Tarryn Lamb, Matthew Mole, Paxton, and the Soweto Gospel Choir will bring in the festive cheer to St.Stithians.
Bringing the Christmas spirit to Loftus Versfeld will be Jo Black, Swing City, Early B, Riana Nel, Roan Ash, Joshua Na Die Reën, Tarryn Lamb, and the Soweto Gospel Choir.
The SPAR kiddies’ entertainment area will have the little ones thoroughly entertained with play areas, games, crafts, buskers, movies, and more!
- Cost: FREE (Donation of a Toy)
- When: 7 December, from 4pm
- Venue: St. Stithians College, Johannesburg
- More Info: Facebook Event
Pretoria
Pretoria is a vision of purple, even during Christmas time! If you’re looking for something to do in this Jacaranda City during the festive season, take a look at what we’ve got listed for you. From Christmas eve events to Boxing Day lunches, you'll be spoilt for choice. Keep an eye out on this list, because it will keep growing as we get closer to the time.
- Don't forget to check out what Pretoria is getting up to this New Year's Eve
Breakfast with SANTA
Treat your little ones to breakfast with Santa at Kolonnade Shopping Centre.
Book to have an exclusive Breakfast with Santa at Mugg & Bean in exchange for a toy donation towards charity and stand a chance to win a Festive Hamper on the day.
- Cost:
- Donation - Breakfast with Santa for Children 4 - 7 years old
- When: 18 December, 8am - 10am
- Venue: Kolonnade Shopping Centre, C/o Dr. van der Merwe Ave & Zambesi Dr, Montana Park
- Bookings: [email protected]
- More Info: Breakfast with SANTA
SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM
SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM, the highlight of Gauteng’s festive calendar - featuring a stellar cast of SA’s top artists - will be coming to Joburg on the 7th of December 2019 at St. Stithians College and Pretoria on the 10th of December 2019 at Loftus Versfeld.
Swing City, Rubber Duc, Lira, Roan Ash, Tarryn Lamb, Matthew Mole, Paxton, and the Soweto Gospel Choir will bring in the festive cheer to St.Stithians.
Bringing the Christmas spirit to Loftus Versfeld will be Jo Black, Swing City, Early B, Riana Nel, Roan Ash, Joshua Na Die Reën, Tarryn Lamb, and the Soweto Gospel Choir.
The SPAR kiddies’ entertainment area will have the little ones thoroughly entertained with play areas, games, crafts, buskers, movies, and more!
- Cost: FREE (Donation of a Toy)
- When: 10 December, from 4pm
- Venue: Moreletapark Gemeente, De Villebois Mareuil Dr, Pretoria
- More Info: Facebook Event
Santa's Village @Play Containers Montana
Play Containers Montana and Yami Rib & Burger have organised an awesome evening with Santa.
Moms and Dads are asked to wrap and bring along a gift for Santa to present to their children. Booking is essential for this one.
- When: 20 December, 6pm - 10pm
- Venue: Play Containers Montana, C/o Veda & Enkeldoring St, Montana, Pretoria
- Bookings:
- 087 654 8709
- [email protected]
- More Info: Facebook Event
Durban
Christmas and Boxing Day in Durban promises to be as eventful. From casual luncheons, to hearty buffets and delicious dinners, Durban has pulled out all the stops to make this festive season one to remember.
- Don't forget to check out what Durban is getting up to this New Year's Eve
Christmas Market at The Pearls Mall
Are you making that Christmas list and checking it twice? It’s time to fill those Christmas stockings at The Pearls Mall Christmas Market!
Explore over 40 stalls stocked with Christmas cheer, jingle your bells to live music, indulge in artisan food and sip on local brews at our pop up bar.
Santa’s helpers will be all hands on deck at our kiddies play area, and we have word from Rudolph that Santa might be there too! It doesn’t matter if you are on the naughty or nice list, There is something for everyone at The Pearls Mall Christmas Market!
- Cost: FREE
- When: 20 December, 4pm - 9pm
- Venue: The Pearls Mall, 6 - 8 Lagoon Dr, Umhlanga Rocks
- More Info: Christmas Market at The Pearls Mall
DJ FRESH Christmas Party 20 Dec
We're getting FESTIVE with DJ FRESH and HUNTERS DRY on Friday 20 Dec!
Join Kingston Beach Club as they set the festive season on FIRE!
- Cost:
- R60 - Entrance
- FREE Ladies before 10pm
- When: 20 December, 8pm - 4am
- Venue: Kingston Beach Club - Ramp 3 Jonsson Kings Park Stadium, Durban
- More Info: DJ FRESH Christmas Party 20 Dec
Christmas in Paradise with Veranda Panda
Greetings from Hawaiian Santa Claus; Cruising just below the speed limit on a lounger. His Reindeers have taken a brief vacation in Margate... Why Margate? I dunno. They must have some deep Benoni in them.
But have no fear! Magical flamingoes whip across the sky and Pineapples adorn every Tree. It's time for Christmas in Paradise! The annual Jingle Bell and Bass ball held by: VERANDA PANDA & S43
This is the 3rd ever Xmas party. They are super proud of what they stand for. Because it's not just about eating good chow and chugging high quality drank... It's about gathering after almost a full year of nonsense and kissing the past on the lips; GOODBYE!
Line Up:
- Veranda Panda
- DJ Kevin louw
- Colin Peddie
They are doing a full live set, followed by a DJ mix of everything from House to Glitch, Hip-Hop, Drum & Bass, Trance and everything else in-between.
Theme: 🌴 Tropical 🥥
- Cost: FREE (bookings is essential)
- When: 20 December, 7:30pm - 12:30am
- Venue: S43 Home to That Brewing Co., 43 Station Dr, Durban
- Bookings:
- 031 303 2747
- [email protected]
- More Info: Facebook Event
FREE ENTRY Happy Hour 4 - 6pm
Christmas at Moyo Ushaka
Bring your loved ones together for a Christmas day feast, welcome drink and live entertainment.
Join Moyo uShaka for a fabulous Christm,as Day feasT for the whole family, lunch will be served between 12:00 and 16:00.
View the Lunch Menu -> Here
- Cost:
- R375 - Adult
- R195 - Kids
- Free - Kids 3 years & younger
- When: 25 December, 12pm - 4pm
- Venue: Moyo Ushaka, Ushaka Marine World, Durban
- Bookings:
- 031332 0606
- [email protected]
- More Info: Christmas at Moyo uShaka
Christmas Day Lunch at The Royal Hotel, Durban
After hosting a very successful Christmas Day lunch at The Royal Hotel Durban, they have decided to make this year's event even bigger and better.
Why slave in from of the stove on Christmas Eve when you can leave all the nitty-gritty's to us while you can spend a wonderful Christmas Day with your family and loved ones. A live performance will complement the delicious buffet style Christmas lunch, set in a beautiful and safe environment. Make sure to book in advance as this event has become so popular and tickets sell out in advance.
- Cost:
- R499 - Adults
- R270 - Children u12 years
- When: 25 December, 12pm - 4pm
- Venue: The Royal Hotel, 267 Anton Lembede St, Durban
- Bookings:
- 031 333 6000
- More Info: Christmas Day Lunch at The Royal Hotel, Durban
Christmas Day Lunch & Dinner
Take it Easy this Christmas and celebrate with friends and family at one of the Times Square SA branches.
Set Menu on Offer for the day. BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
- Cost: R350 - Adults
- When: 25 December, 12:30pm - 5pm
- Venue:
- Florida Road, Durban
- The Pearls, Umhlanga
- Bookings:
- Florida Road, Durban - 031 303 1371
- The Pearls, Umhlanga - 031 561 9134
- [email protected]
- More Info: Christmas Day Lunch & Dinner
Christmas Lunch 5 Course Extravaganza
The Terrace Tea and Beer Garden are very excited to announce that they will be open for Christmas lunch on Wednesday 25th December 2019.
They will be hosting a 5 course extravaganza set menu along with welcome drinks.
What's included?
- A bottle of sparkling wine alcoholic or non-alcoholic (1 bottle per 4 guests), 5 course meal, Christmas crackers and a lot of fun and celebrations.
Seating times will be staggered for ease of service and so that you can have the best experience. Time slots are: 11:30am, 12:30pm and 13:30pm. As the restaurant is a 150 seater you can be assured they will fill up quickly, so to avoid disappoint please book early (50% deposit secures your booking)
- Cost:
- R385 - Adults
- R192.50 - Children 12 years and younger
- When: 25 December, 11:30am - 6pm
- Venue: The Terrace Tea & Beer Garden, 40 Elizabeth Avenue, Illovo Beach, Durban
- Bookings:
- 0319166212 / 0715361736
- [email protected]
- More Info: Christmas Lunch 5 Course Extravaganza
Christmas Day Luncheon
Join Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel for a sumptuous Christmas lunch.
You'll be greeted with a welcome appetiser, followed by 3 delicious courses of festive favourites. This is one not to be missed!
- Cost:
- R490 pp plus 10% service gratuity
- When: 25 December, 12pm - 4pm
- Venue: Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel, 108 Umhlanga Rocks Dr, Durban North
- Bookings:
- +27 (31) 564 0360
- [email protected]
- More Info: Christmas Day Luncheon
Christmas Day Lunch at Coastlands Musgrave Hotel
Leave the Christmas Day feast cooking to Coastlands Musgrave Hotel and join them at their Christmas Day lunch which has proven to become a very popular event during the Festive Season.
With two venue offerings and menus to choose from, they will ensure that you and your loved ones spend a magical day together with a delicious Christmas lunch buffet, exceptional service, unmatched live entertainment and great prizes to be won.
- Cost:
- 315 Restaurant
- R515 - Adults
- R295 - Children (under 12 years)
- 6th Floor Banqueting Venue
- R545 - Adults
- R295 - Children (under 12 years)
- 315 Restaurant
- When: 25 December, 12pm - 3pm
- Venue: Coastlands Musgrave Hotel, 315-319 Peter Mokaba Ridge, Durban
- More Info: Christmas Day Lunch at Coastlands Musgrave Hotel
Christmas at Tiger's Milk Suncoast
Happy Holidays party people! We invite you to celebrate Christmas the Tiger's Milk way.
Join Tiger's Milk on Christmas day at Tiger's Milk Suncoast for celebratory drinks and of course their legendary dude food.
- Cost: Varies - depending on menu choices
- When: 25 December, 8:30am - 2am
- Venue: Tiger's Milk Suncoast, Suncoast Casino, Durban
- More Info: Facebook Event
Christmas day in South Africa is a magical time of the year. A time where the streets fill with colour, music and light. A time where families, friends and strangers come together to celebrate, eat, laugh and give in abundance.
To make sure you get the most of your Christmas holiday, take your pick of top things to do in a city near you and make sure you celebrate in style.
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