Christmas in Cape Town 2013
Unlike what most of us are used to, Christmas in Cape Town is in the middle of summer thus visitors can spend Christmas and the festive season basking under the sun on some of the city’s most beautiful beaches. The Capetonians celebrate Advent and Christmas Day, however they have their own traditions and festive Christmas celebrations unique to them which you can find about here.
3 things to do at Christmas at New Year in Cape Town
Kirstenbosch: Carols by Candlelight Concert– From the 12th to the 15th of December 2013, visitors will be able to enjoy festive concerts featuring the Cape Town Concert Brass and the Cape Town Male Voice Choir. They will be singing traditional Christmas carols from 8pm in the evening in the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town. Please note that tickets for the event are available from Pick n Pay store in the Western Cape or online.
Christmas Day on the Beach- Christmas in Cape Town is celebrated on its many beautiful beaches. Take advantage and top up on your tan in time for the New Year. There are a number of eligible beaches, however we recommend the following blue-flag winners; Muizenberg, Strandfontein, Mnandi, Bikini, Camps Bay and Clifton’s 4th beaches. Please note that alcohol is strictly prohibited for user safety. Aside that from that, enjoy!
New Year’s Eve on Table Mountain- The Table Mountain organisers offer visitors the chance to welcome in the New Year on top of this fabulous Cape Town landmark. You will get the chance to savour the sight of a thousand stars and the view over the bay whilst sipping on a glass of champagne accompanied by your loved ones. A rotating gondola will carry you to the top of this declared World Wonder of Nature. Clearly not something you can do everyday.
Cape Town Christmas and New Year Customs
Christmas Day – Capetonians celebrate the 25th of December with their families and enjoy a typical South African braai. During Christmas Day in Cape Town , everything will be closed.
Typical South African braai – The Word braai is Afrikaans for grilled and refers to a social custom amongst the Afrikaner people. However it has been adopted by South Africans and regarded as another word for Barbecue. They are usually celebrated on special occasions and given the hot weather they are perfect for your Christmas celebrations.
Day of Goodwill – Formerly known as Boxing Day, Day of Goodwill is celebrated on the 26th of December and the locals spend the day with their families and friends. The shops also open on this day where you can bag yourself some Christmas bargains and admire the festive lights hung up on Adderly Street in the city centre, or the V&A Waterfront.
Kaapse klopse, Cape Town Minstrel Carnival at New Year
Kaapse klopse or Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year) is celebrated on the 2nd of January so if you missed out on the first, you get a second chance. As many as 13,000 minstrels don their sequined uniforms, painted faces and make their merry way through the streets of the city. They traditionally carry colourful umbrellas or musical instruments for onlooker entertainment and march along to the Kaapse (Cape) beats. It comprises a tradition that dates back to the 19th century amongst Afrikaans coloured families and the musicians are grouped into Klopse (clubs) or troups. Festivities include street parades, lots of singing and dancing, costume contests and marching through the streets.
