Greetings, earthlings. If you’re reading this, it means comet 3I/ATLAS hasn’t crashed into the Earth’s orbit and obliterated humankind. So much for conspiracy theorists getting that one wrong.
On the other hand, if it is the case, auf wiedersehen. See you in the next lifetime. But let’s go with a dash of optimism and that ‘ol Christmas feeling because this weekend we’re going full on ding dong merrily on high.
Don't miss: Our Daily Cape Town Advent Calendar reveal!
The annual Love and Light Christmas Fest will have you feeling all the feels. Cape Town City Hall also gets into the festive spirit with Christmas with Bach.
Show your support for our queens at Miss Drag South Africa. Talking about royalty, this year’s Muddy Princess event will be hosted at Sandringham Estate, Stellenbosch. Don’t forget to play nice, ladies!
Shifting gears to indie gaming, the Playtopia Festival at the Homecoming Center showcases interactive gaming experiences and immersive art exhibitions. And then end the weekend with classic Afrikaans rock bangers, compliments of Karen Zoid and Francois van Coke.
CBD
The Love and Light Christmas Fest
- Friday, 5 December, 6pm
- Venue: St George’s Cathedral, 5 Wale St, Cape Town City Centre
- Cost: R100 - R200, bookings via Quicket
The Heartsong Collective, the Cape Town Children’s Choir, and Usapho Creatives will fill St George’s Cathedral with festive favourites like Silent Night and Feliz Navidad for one night only. Presented by the Heartsong Collective, a portion of the proceeds will support Salt River Secondary School.
Playtopia Festival
- Friday, 5 December and Sunday, 7 December, 9am - 2am
- Venue: Homecoming Centre, 15 M59, District Six
- Cost: R250 - R450, bookings via AirDosh
Indie gamers will be stoked with this year’s event offering. The indie games and arts festival connects global creators and players over two days. Expect interactive gaming experiences, immersive art exhibitions, and a rooftop lounge and bar.
Miss Drag South Africa 2025
- Saturday, 6 December, 6pm
- Venue: Artscape Theatre, the Foreshore
- Cost: R195 - R250, bookings via Web Tickets
Advocating for queer liberation and freedom of expression, Miss Drag South Africa has moved beyond the conventional beauty pageant. Come and show your support for the community at the Artscape Theatre on Saturday.
Christmas with Bach
- Saturday, 6 December and Sunday, 7 December, 7pm and 3pm
- Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St, Cape Town City Centre
- Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket
A fitting start to the festive season. Led by conductor Levi Alexander, the Symphony Choir of Cape Town, alongside soloists Elsabe Richter, Antoinette Huyssen, and Lente Louw, Christmas with Bach is a visual and auditory feast for the spidey senses.
ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Zeitz MOCAA: December Family Learning Workshop - Awards of Appreciation
- Saturday, 6 December, 10:15am
- Venue: Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Cost: Free, bookings via Web Tickets
Created by George and Amal Clooney, Zeitz MOCAA replicates the Albie Award in The Art & Life of Albie Sachs. Families are invited to a special Family Learning Workshop celebrating the life and legacy of Albie Sachs, activist, writer, and former Constitutional Court judge.
The Next Act
- Saturday, 6 December and Sunday, 7 December, 6:30pm and 4:30pm
- Venue: The Lane Theatre, Waterfront Theatre School, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Cost: From R200, bookings via Quicket
The Waterfront Theatre School has talent, and they’re putting it on display in The Next Act. Showcasing a variety of dance genres and musical theatre, the show pays homage to On Broadway.
Bollywood Soirèe: The Festive Edition
- Sunday, 7 December, 5pm
- Venue: Pigalle, 57a Somerset Road, Greenpoint
- Cost: R300 - R800, bookings via Web Tickets
Bollywood Soirée: The Festive Edition is a dining and entertainment experience blending the sparkle of Christmas with the vibrant soul of India. Zerina Sablay brings her powerhouse vocals, and DJs Ray and Shivs Shuffler will be spinning the best in Bollywood and Bhangra. Come hungry to get your fill of the Indian-inspired buffet.
Time Out Tip: The dress code is elegant, with a touch of festive flair or Bollywood glam, so bring your A-game.
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Nik Rabinowitz - Geriatric Millennial
- Friday, 5 December - Saturday, 20 December, 7pm and 4pm
- Venue: Concert Hall, Baxter Theatre Centre, Ronderbosch Main Road, Ronderbosch
- Cost: R225 - R300, bookings via Web Tickets
Comedian Nik Rabinowitz is a Geriatric Millennial, and he wants everyone to know. His new comedy special will make you laugh until “the apocalypse comes, the messiah comes back, or your back goes out.” Boomers, proceed with caution. Joking, not joking.
Volunteer Wildfire Services Open Day
- Saturday, 6 December, 9am - 4pm
- Venue: Newlands Fire Base, Table Mountain National Park
- Cost: Free, bookings via Quicket
A fun day out while raising awareness around wildfires and fynbos, the Volunteer Wildfire Services Open Day will feature firefighting displays, demonstrations from the SANParks Honorary Rangers K9 anti-poaching unit, and lots of kid-friendly activities.
Tree of Lights
- Sunday, 7 December, 2pm - 8:30pm
- Venue: 92 Harfield Rd, Kenilworth
- Cost: Free entry, kids’ movie tickets are R70; all-day rides: R50, bookings via Quicket
The much-loved annual event signals the start of Christmas. Think Home Alone, but without Macaulay Culkin setting booby traps for the baddies. St Luke’s Combined Hospices’ Tree of Lights 2025 is a heartwarming celebration of community spirit. There’ll be movies for kids, fun activities and games, and live entertainment and music for all ages. Event attendance is limited to 350, so book your tickets fast.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts - Karen Zoid & Francois van Coke
- Sunday, 7 December, 5:15pm
- Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens, Kirstenbosch
- Cost: R255 - R360, bookings via Web Tickets
The poster kids for Afrikaners is plesierig, expect nothing less than banger after banger from rock royalty Karen Zoid and Francois van Coke. You don’t want to miss two iconic voices singing to a crowded sea of fans.
CAPE FLATS
G-Squared Annual Showcase 2025
- Friday, 5 December, 7pm - 9pm
- Venue: Every Nation Retreat, Retreat Rd and Prince George Dr, Retreat
- Cost: From R60, bookings via Quicket
The G-Squared Annual Showcase 2025 is a special celebration honouring a decade of inspiring performances. Each performance reflects the learner’s hard work and their journey of growth and discovery that G-Squared has championed over the past decade.
Hell’s Bells
- Friday, 5 December, 6pm - 11pm
- Venue: The Armchair Theatre, 135 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
- Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket
Hell’s Bells presents the Mistress for Christmas Tour at The Armchair Theatre. Buckle up for an epic night of guitars, heavy grooves, and raw, edgy rock.
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Canal Walk Holiday Slides inspired by Disney
- Friday, 5 December - Sunday, 11 January, 10am
- Venue: Canal Walk Centre Court, Canal Walk Shopping Centre
- Cost: R35 - R390, bookings via Web Tickets
The annual Canal Walk Holiday Slides inspired by Disney features two incredible slides and a brand-new dry slide for little Evel Knievels.
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Christmas Spectacular 2025
- Saturday, 6 December - Sunday, 7 December, 12:30pm, 2:30pm and 4:30pm
- Venue: Edge Church, Edgemead, 16 Anton Anreith Ave, Edgemead
- Cost: From R25, bookings via Quicket
The Christmas Spectacular tells the story of Fizzle and Pop, two mischievous Elf on the Shelf friends, who are stuck in a Christmas rut. Bring the kids along; they’ll absolutely enjoy the show.
WEST COAST
Christmas Carols and Night Market at Revive Church
- Saturday, 6 December and Sunday, 7 December, 5:30pm - 9pm
- Venue: Sunningdale Primary School, Sunningdale Dr and Tryall Road, Sunningdale
- Cost: Free, bookings via Quicket
Two festive evenings filled with music, food, laughter, and community. Revive Church’s Carols & Night Market is the perfect way to kickstart the festive season.
Best Of British
- Saturday, 6 December, 6pm - 10pm
- Venue: Reload Flamingo Square Centre, Shop 10 Flamingo Square Centre, corner of Blaauwberg Road, Study St, Table View
- Cost: From R120, bookings via Quicket
Billed as a live music experience with a twist, the Vintage Vinyl Band blends live performances of legendary British hits with fascinating stories, visuals, and narration.
CAPE WINELANDS
Classic Carols By Candlelight
- Sunday, 7 December, 6pm - 9pm
- Venue: Blaauwklippen, Strand Rd, R44, Stellenbosch
- Cost: R95 - R250, bookings via Quicket
Featuring acclaimed singer and stage personality Niël Rademan, Classic Carols By Candlelight has all the ingredients to make your heart merry and bright.
Muddy Princess
- Sunday, 7 December, 8am - 4pm
- Venue: Sandringham Estate, Stellenbosch
- Cost: R499, bookings via website
An outdoor 5km obstacle mud run for women only, Muddy Princess is designed for princesses of all sizes, ages, and fitness levels. Be prepared to run, walk, crawl, climb, slide, balance, and laugh through the entire course during an amazing “girls dirty day out.”
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