![Cape Town, South Africa sparkles at any time of year, but especially at Christmas. [Image Wesley Nitsckie/Flickr]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/11/22/660x290/b_502x220x82/cape-town-south-africa-sparkles-at-any-time-of-year-but-especially-at-christmas-image-wesley-nitsckieflickr_2149691.jpg "Cape Town, South Africa sparkles at any time of year, but especially at Christmas. [Image Wesley Nitsckie/Flickr]")
While Christmas falls in the middle of summer in South Africa, Cape Town still has a wonderfully festive air.
The main event is the Festival of Lights held in Adderley Street, where there is a free concert as well as the spectacular lights. Enjoy Carols by Candlelight and an open-air cinema in the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Try your hand at yoga on Christmas Eve on Clifton's 3rd beach, or simply head to the markets to buy those last minute gifts.
Festival of Lights, Adderley Street, Cape Town
Adderley Street in Cape Town turns sparkling and festive as hundreds of lights are turned on during the first Sunday of December. Not only are the lights turned on, but there is also a great free street party. In the afternoon, a live concert is held and stalls line Adderley Street selling the perfect Christmas gifts and tasty food. Just as the African sun sets, Cape Town’s mayor turns on the lights. The displays reflect some of Cape Town’s history, as well as the usual Christmas theme.
Carols by Candlelight - Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town
Held for a four night period in the middle of December in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Carols by Candlelight is a charming annual tradition. The event is a fundraising initiative for the Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch and has been going for 26 years. People picnic on the lawns while several popular musicians entertain them. As soon as the sun sets, everyone grabs a glow stick and the carol singing begins.
Get into the spirit of Christmas with The Carols by Candlelight concert sessions in the Cape’s beautiful century-old historical botanical gardens. 🎄🎶🕯
— Rockwell (@RockwellHotelCT) December 15, 2017
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden pic.twitter.com/fGhbBh78DP
Galileo Open Air Cinema - Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town
Remember the old days at the drive-in cinema? Well, you can experience it again, except there are no cars. Over the season, you can enjoy some of the best Christmas films, while relaxing on a picnic blanket on the grass with a comfy backrest. Bring a picnic, or buy burgers, burritos, vegetarian food and pizza on site. Buy your ticket online at thegalileo.co.za. According to Come To Cape Town, the screenings continue until April 2019.
Girls date night at the @Galileo_Cinema was exactly what the doctor ordered! 🍿#coyoteugly #WednesdayVibes #Kirstenbosch pic.twitter.com/PrhPT7Mx0Q
— Jamey Du Plessis (@JameyDuPlessis) November 15, 2018
Christmas Eve Yoga Class on Clifton Beach, Cape Town
The Om Revolution yoga mobile studio has been going since 2014. The team is planning an amazing event for Christmas Eve – yoga on Clifton’s 3rd Beach at sunset. What better way to get relaxed and ready for the holiday?
Christmas markets in Cape Town
As noted by Love Cape Town, when not lying on the beach or enjoying spectacular gardens, Cape Town’s Christmas markets are a definite draw. Early in December the Cape Gift Market is on at the Sea Point City Hall. Alternatively head to Kommetjie for the Fab Ideas Christmas Market or the Lourensford Christmas Market, where you can browse for gifts while enjoying a good glass of wine. The Pinelands Craft and Gift Fair offers hand-crafted gifts, jewellery, cards and decorations.
