Here’s how to spend Christmas in Cape Town

Picnics, concerts, theatre and classic lunches

Last update: Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Christmas is about spending time with the ones you love (and it doesn't have to be at Christmas lunch).  You could also picnic on a wine farm or at a luxury boutique hotel, see Matthew Mole in concert, watch a classic theatre show and more. See our full guide to celebrating Christmas in Cape Town.

LEBANESE XMAS EVE DINNER

Ghenwa hosts Lebanese cooking classes from her home, and on Christmas Eve, she’s throwing a Lebanese feast. The menu includes lamb shank (cooked with saffron, pomegranate molasses and lebanese rice), honey zaatar salmon (with a tahini pine nuts sauce and asparagus), and more. Ghenwa's Culinary Club takes place in Lourensford Wine Estate.  

Date: 24 December 2024 at 6pm

Cost: R900pp. Book via bookings@ghenwasculinaryclub and 072 952 3348

 House 11 | Lourensford Wine Estate | Somerset West | @ghenwas_culinaryclub | Image: Ghenwa's Culinary Club

GOURMET PICNIC AT A WINE FARM  

Spier’s festive picnic baskets include rolled ham hock terrine, rotisserie chicken, braaied leg of lamb, and a decadent drunken cherry and chocolate trifle. Every dish is made using produce from Spier’s food garden and local suppliers, and there’s plenty of rolling lawns with play areas.  

Date and times: 24 and 25 December

Cost: R995pp. Book via Spier’s website

R310 Baden Powell Dr | Stellenbosch | @spierwinefarm | Image: Spier

LUNCH AT A NEW ITALIAN RESTAURANT 

This new restaurant in the CBD evokes feelings of a laidback Italian summer with limoncello cosmos and tiramisu martinis. For Christmas lunch, Filini is taking it traditional with an Italian twist (think arancini balls, focaccia, Tuscan bean soup and tiramisu). Kids under five eat for free on Christmas Day at Filini, on the ground floor of Radisson Cape Town Foreshore. 

Date: 25 December 2024, 12.30pm to 3.30pm

Cost: R745pp, book via info.capetown@radisson.com 

29 Heerengracht Street | Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore | 021 427 4800 | @radissonhotelcapetown | Image: Radisson Cape Town Foreshore

PICNIC ON THE LAWN IN WYNBERG 

This luxe boutique hotel has two options to choose from on Christmas Day. A three-course lunch at Palm Terrace (including a stunning harvest table starter selection), and a picnic on the lawn with sparkling wine and a wicker hamper. See what else you can expect at the grand Palm House Boutique Hotel in Wynberg. 

Date and times: 25 December

Cost: Lunch is R950pp and R450 per child; Picnic is R495pp and R195 per child. Book via Whatsapp 076 487 2016, explore@palmhouse.co.za

10 Oxford Street | Wynberg | 076 487 2016 | info@palmhouse.co.za | @palmhousehotel | Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel

VEGAN CHRISTMAS LUNCH 

Radisson RED’s vegan lunch menu includes creative starters like vetkoek with wild garlic oil and balsamic, and mains such as wild mushroom dumplings in soy broth. Dessert includes strawberries with coconut gel and crumble. There’ll also be live music, Santa hats and crackers. 

Date: 25 December 2024, 12pm - 4pm

Cost: R780 per person; R440 for kids 5-10; free for kids under 5, book via Quicket

 Silo Square | Victoria & Alfred Waterfront | Cape Town | @radissonredcpt | Image: Radisson RED

MATTHEW MOLE & FRIENDS CONCERT

Beloved local artist Matthew Mole is visiting Stanford as part of his Summer Tour. Expect a laidback outdoor concert with supporting acts Droomsindroom and KOAL. It’ll be at Stanford Hills Estate, a hidden gem with sprawling lawns and mountain views along the Whale Coast. 

Date: 26 December 2024, doors open at 3pm, show starts at 6pm

Cost: From R325 for adults and R150 for kids under 10. Book via Webtickets

 Off R43 | Overstrand | @standfordhills | Image: Matthew Mole Summer Tour

WATCH A CLASSIC THEATRE SHOW 

Artscape Opera House brings you Pieter Torien Productions’ My Fair Lady. Boasting a bouquet score with timeless songs like “I Could Have Danced All Night”, “Get Me to the Church on Time”, “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly”, this grand production will entertain both Ouma and the kids. 

Date: 12 December 2024 – 12 January 2025

Cost: From R140, via Quicket

Get a taste of what to expect below:

D.F. Malan St  | Foreshore | @pietertoerienproductions | Image: Pieter Torien Productions 

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CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON

Check out these events happening for New Year's Eve.

Celebrate New Year's Day at a 12-hour beach party.

Treat your staff with these year-end ideas and activities. 

Discover a guide for things to do in and around Cape Town this weekend.

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