Events in December 2019

What's On in Cape Town this December?

Are you looking for great events in December? Then have a good look at our events calendar for Cape Town and the Cape Winelands and see what’s on in Cape Town this month. You will find many exciting events happening in the Mother City in December, and we are sure you will love to join in the seasons festivities.

Have you ever enjoyed Christmas in summer? If not, this is quite an experience! Christmas at the beach and Santa with dancing shoes and the Cape carnival around the corner. The atmosphere during the festive season in South Africa is lively and happy and very much captured at the many outdoors markets and festive concerts.

Remember, there are several public holidays in December: 16 December is Day of Reconciliation which this year falls on a Monday and will thus warrant for a long weekend or the start of the holiday season for most South Africans. 25 and 26 December are celebrated by many as Christmas. Read more about public holidays in South Africa here.

What to See? What to Do? - Best Events and Activities in December 2019

December is among our favourite times in Cape Town and the cheerful vibe at the many colourful festivals and events in and around Cape Town is something we do not want to miss. Let's start with the festival season specials and then read through our detailed Cape Town guide: Events in December 2019. 

Events in December 2019 - Festivals in and around Cape Town

Cape Town Festival of Beer

  • Lifestyle Festival
  • 29 November - 1 December 2019
  • Cape Town, Greenpoint
  • Tickets: From R99. More info.

Cap Classique & Champagne Festival

  • Lifestyle Festival
  • 30 November - 1 December 2019
  • Franschhoek
  • More info.

The Greatest Love of All

  • Whitney Houston tribute show
  • 20 November 2019 - 1 December
  • Cape Town: Artscape Theatre
  • Tickets: R150. More info.

Francofesty

  • Music and Lifestyle Festival
  • 1 - 15 December 2019
  • Cape Town: CBD
  • More info.

European Film Festival

  • Film Festival
  • until 8 December 2019
  • Cape Town: Labia Theatre
  • More info.

Community Chest Twilight Run

  • Community Festival
  • 3 December 2019
  • Cape Town: CBD
  • Tickets: R100. More info.

Wavescape Film Festival

  • Filmfestival
  • 5 - 9 December 2019
  • Cape Town, CBD: Labia Theatre
  • More info

The Rocky Horror Show

  • Musical show
  • 6 December 2019 - 12 January
  • Cape Town: Artscape Theatre
  • Tickets: From R150. More info.

Light Art Festival

  • Lifestyle Festival
  • 6 - 7 December 2019
  • Stellenbosch: Spier Wine Estate
  • Tickets: From R75. More info.

The Songmakers' Guild 

  • Classical music performance
  • 7 December 2019
  • Franschhoek: La Motte Wine Estate
  • Tickets: R230. More info.

Ripped Genes Concert

  • Music, Arts & Dance Performances
  • 7 December 2019
  • Cape Town: Artscape Theatre
  • Tickets: R120. More info.

More Adventures of Noddy

  • Family show
  • 7 - 21 December 2019
  • Cape Town: Artscape Theatre
  • Tickets: From R90. More info.

Kirstenbosch Concerts - Watershed

  • Open-air musical concert
  • 8 December 2019
  • Cape Town: Kirstenbosch Gardens
  • More info.

Othello - A Woman's Story

  • Drama Play
  • 10 - 21 December 2019
  • Cape Town: Artscape Arena
  • Tickets: R50. More info.

Cape Town Rugby Sevens.

  • Sports and Lifestyle Festival
  • 13 - 15 December 2019
  • Cape Town: Greenpoint
  • More info.

A Christmas Carol - The Story of Scrooge

  • Cape Town Ballet | Family show
  • 14 - 24 December 2019
  • Cape Town: Artscape Theatre
  • Tickets: From R150. More info.

African Angels

  • Festive gospel concert | Cape Town Opera 
  • 19 - 21 December 2019
  • Cape Town: Baxter Theatre
  • Tickets: From R150. More info.

Mother City Queer Project - MCQP 2019

  • Community and Lifestyle Festival
  • 21 December 2019
  • Cape Town: Greenpoint, Stadium
  • More info.

Platinum Jukebox

  • Musical Show
  • Throughout December 2019
  • Durbanville: Barnyard Theatre
  • Tickets: From R175. More info.

Galileo Open Air Movies

  • Lifestyle | Open Air Cinema
  • Throughout December 2019
  • Cape Town: various venues
  • Tickets: From R99. More info.

Aunty Merle - It's a Girl

  • Comedy show
  • Throughout December 2019
  • Cape Town: Baxter Theatre
  • Tickets: From R125. More info.

More Events in December

December is the perfect time at the Cape. Not only expats know that, also South Africans from all over the country flock to the famous beach resorts such as Camps Bay, Muizenberg and Blouberg to enjoy summer, sand and sea. 

There are fun events happening all over town and in the near Cape Winelands to enjoy the holidays and of course, the festive season. Just know that the shopping centres the last days before Christmas as parking gets crazy and you will hit queue almost everywhere. Be aware that at the more popular city beaches you will struggle to find much quiet, as they will be brimming full with locals and tourists. Finding parking can be a nightmare so bring patience and goodwill and then you will find a vibrant atmosphere with lots of smiles. So enjoy the great Cape Town events in December, visit the beautiful beaches and the fabulous Cape Winelands and have a wonderful festive season in Cape Town.

Cape Town Events in December for Families

December is the a great time to enjoy the freshest fruits, so plan to go strawberry and cherry picking and to harvest tasty blueberries and apricots which are in season now too. The fresh local fruits and veggies will make for a very special and delicious Christmas feast if you are used to celebrating the holidays in the colder climates. Read more about the South African food in season and where to get it.

More info on events in Cape Town in December can be found on the Computicket website: www.computicket.com or www.webtickets.co.za, where you can find more info on location and pricing and can make your bookings. For more events in December all over South Africa, see our special page here.

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Living in South Africa - Expat Guide Book by Regina Graeff and Derryn Campbell