Winter experiences at the V&A ...
Live jazz, date ideas, themed markets in the Waterfront
This festive season all lights lead to the V&A Waterfront
Things to do at the V&A. Plus how to win over R100 000 in prizes
Last updated: 12 January 2023
This festive season is the first without restrictions in two years, and the V&A Waterfront neighbourhood is maybe one of the best places to soak up happy holiday vibes, discover local treasures and find entertainment for the whole family. Plus, you stand a chance to win more than R100,000 in prizes when you shop at the V&A every day of December.
Local artists show off their talents at the V&A this festive season. Image: V&A Waterfront
SEE THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Now in its fourth year, the Waterfront’s festive theme, Joy from Africa to the World, is about African heritage, hope and inspiring shoppers and shop owners to buy local products.
As it’s been since 2019, the Waterfront teamed up with local artists and crafters to create the most delightful festive décor installations, made with homegrown, sustainable materials. The Waterfront’s collaboration with creatives has created 155 jobs since 2019 and now supports many small local design and craft businesses, the majority of which are owned by women.
Go see the colourful creations hanging from the ceilings and dotted throughout the V&A.
Date: Until mid January 2023
Venue: All over the mall
Time: Mall is open 9am to 9pm
Cost: Free
Check out more ways the V&A is spreading African joy to the world in their V&A Festive Gig Guide.
Support local artists and crafters at the V&A this festive season. Image: V&A Waterfront
INTRODUCE THE KIDS TO SCIENCE
Experi-Buddies is a free educational programme that introduces kids to the basics of science through fun experiments, demonstrations and interactive projects. Kids will be able to wear their own lab coats and learn about Chemistry, Meteorology, Geology, Astronomy, Physics and Biology.
Date: 8, 14, 21 & 29 January 2023
Venue: The Watershed
Time: 10h00 – 10h30, 10h45 –11h15, 11h30 – 12h00 and 13h30 – 14h00
Cost: Free
Kids wear their own lab coats and play scientist. Image: V&A Waterfront
PLAY AT A MEGA PLAYGROUND
This play park is a dream for kids: it has a half pipe, 3D maze, climbing equipment, zip line, obstacles, giant Lego, a high-line rope course and more. PlayDate SuperPark offers both fun and fitness to kids under 12 years old.
Date: Open daily
Venue: The Watershed
Time: Doors open at 10am
Cost: From R95 per hour (cheaper for adults and under 2's), book your slot here
PlayDate SuperPark can also be booked for parties. Image: V&A Waterfront
VISIT AN INDOOR ROLLERSKATING PARK
Rollercade is Cape Town's first indoor rollerskating park. Skate, play pool, compete in the arcade and listen to music. Adults can have fun too: between Thursday and Saturday, the evening session is only for 16 years and up.
Date: Open daily
Venue: Parking floor three, Battery Park
Time: 10am - 12pm; 1pm - 3pm; 4pm - 6pm; 7pm - 9pm
Cost: R150 for a 2 hour session, skates and safety gear; book here
Rollerskate under the disco balls at Rollercade. Image: V&A Waterfront
SEE SANTA AT THE MALL’S CENTRE COURT
Make Christmas memories and take the little ones to meet Father Christmas, who will arrive at the V&A at 3pm daily to say hi to his fans. (Make sure you have lots of space on your phone to capture the moment.)
Date: Thursday, 15 December to Saturday, 24 December 2022
Venue: Centre Court, V&A Mall (near the new H&M)
Time: 3pm
Cost: Free
Find more things to do with kids in the V&A Festive Gig Guide.
Catch Santa at Centre Court at the V&A this December. Image: V&A Waterfront
TAKE A SELFIE WITH A GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE
It might just be the biggest Christmas tree in Africa, plus it celebrates young people. This year, the Waterfront’s giant tree has been created in collaboration with Lalela, an arts education programme for at-risk youth. Lalela commissioned their young students to draw self-portraits, which you can see as decorations on the tree.
Date: Tree comes down 1 January
Venue: Outside the mall, near the Amphitheatre
Time: All the time
Cost: Free
Discover where else you can take a selfie in the V&A Festive Gig Guide.
This year’s giant tree is super IG-worthy. Image: V&A Waterfront
ENCHANT THE KIDS AT WATERFRONT WONDERLAND
There’s always something entertaining for families at the V&A. This year, the kids get to experience the Waterfront Wonderland – a fantasy journey through a rocket ship, a sleigh pulled by beaded reindeers, a pirate ship and Father Christmas’s own festive taxi.
There are also three 2m-tall story books to discover, and a giant hot air balloon with colourful characters leaping out of it.
Date: Thursday, 8 December to Thursday, 29 December 2022
Venue: Centre Court, V&A mall
Time: 9am to 10pm
Cost: Free
There’s loads more happening for kids at the V&A – find more activities in the V&A Festive Gig Guide.
The V&A is a kid’s dream this festive season. Image: V&A Waterfront
CHECK OUT A FESTIVE MARKET AT MAKERS LANDING
A great place to get your last-minute Christmas shopping done is the Makers Market at Makers Landing, happening every Saturday and Sunday until the end of December. Along with the usual line-up of small businesses selling amazing food, there’ll be handmade wares, music and even more food and drinks to try.
Date: Saturday, 26 November to Saturday, 31 December 2022
Venue: Makers Landing
Time: 10am to 5pm
Cost: Sale prices for items vary
Discover more markets and merriment in the V&A Festive Gig Guide.
Makers Landing has even more food to try over the festive season. Image: V&A Waterfront
BAKE FESTIVE TREATS AT MAKERS LANDING
Calling all budding bakers, big and small. Learn to bake Christmas tree cupcakes with The Charming Chef at the Makers Landing Enchanted Kitchen until 23 December. Book through Quicket.
Find out what else you could be creating this festive season with the V&A Festive Gig Guide.
Date: Saturday, 26 November to Friday, 23 December 2022
Venue: Makers Landing Demo Kitchen
Time: Times may vary
Cost: From R325
Learn to bake at Maker’s Landing this festive season. Image: V&A Waterfront
GET CREATIVE AT THE ZEITZ MOCAA CENTRE
There are a variety of kids’ workshops happening at the Zeitz MOCAA until Saturday, 24 December. Let them explore colour, 2D and 3D mediums, new materials and techniques, all under the guidance of museum educators. Book through Webtickets.
Date: Friday, 16 December to Saturday, 24 December 2022
Venue: Zeitz MOCAA
Time: 10am
Cost: Free
Need more ideas to entertain the kids? Check out the V&A Festive Gig Guide.
Let the kids get creative. Image: V&A Waterfront
STAND A CHANCE TO WIN SMEG GEAR + SHOPPING VOUCHERS
Stand a chance to win your share of over R100 000 in prizes, including designer SMEG appliances, V&A vouchers and daily spot prizes.
How to enter to win:
-
Spend R250 or more at any V&A shop, restaurant, attraction this festive season
-
Write your name, cell number on the back of the till slip (so they can call you if you win)
-
Drop your till slip in the entry boxes at the info kiosk inside the V&A Waterfront mall
That’s all you need to enter. If you’re feeling lucky, comment, “Pick Me!”
Until 30 December 2022: Come to the V&A Amphitheatre for live activations, DJs and the announcement of the amazing daily prizes and grand prize at 5pm daily.
The daily and spot prizes up for grabs are:
R7 999 prize from @game4u.co.za, includes XBOX Series S 512GB Console
R1 500 @capeunionmart fashion voucher
R2 500 @wellnesswarehouse hamper
R1 250 @oldkhaki fashion voucher
R2 500 @faithfultonature voucher and @smegsouthafrica retro mini kettle
R2000 @hamleys_south_africa voucher
R2000 @toykingdomsouthafricavoucher
R2 450 upcycled Dune duffel bag from @sealandgear
Competition closes 30 of December 2022 and is open to South African and international residents.
Enter Now.
Spend R250 at the V&A and win. Image: V&A Waterfront
6 MORE THINGS TO DO AT THE V&A WATERFRONT
|
EVENT |
WHERE |
DATE/S +TIMES |
|
Summer Magic – A family-friendly illusion show |
Amphitheatre from 5:30pm
|
20 – 24 December 2022 2 – 6 January 2023 |
|
HintHunt – An Amazing Race style contest |
The Watershed, 10am |
December 2022 & January 2023 |
|
Take the Stage – A series of concerts by young artists |
Amphitheatre, 6pm |
4, 11, 18 and 26 December 2022 |
|
V&A Kids Market – Where kids showcase their talents |
Outside the mall close to the Amphitheatre, 10am to 3pm |
17 December, 28 January, 25 February to April 2023 |
|
New Year’s Eve – Countdown to 2023 |
Across the V&A, from 7pm |
31 December 2022 |
|
Jazzathon 2023 – featuring jazzy artists and bands |
Amphitheatre, 12 to 8pm |
Thursday, 12 January to Sunday, 15 January 2023 |
WHEN + WHERE TO GO
Waterfront festive season is on: December 2002 to mid January 2023
Waterfront shopping mall is open: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm
Find them: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book: (if there’s a booking site, ticket link)
Contact them on: (021) 408 7600, enquires@waterfront.co.za, Instagram
By Lee-Anne Spurdens
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We’ve got the list of things you have to try this week(end).
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