December has a way of softening the year’s edges. Diaries loosen, streets brighten and the country slips into that unmistakable South African year-end rhythm - slow mornings, golden afternoons and evenings that somehow smell like braais and possibility.
Whether you’re packing for the coast, staying close to home or plotting the perfect New Year’s Eve, here’s your curated look at what’s still to come this December.
🎄 Johannesburg: A City in Full Festive Glow
11 December - 4 January | 7pm – 10pmAs dusk settles over the Zoo, lanterns bloom across the pathways in a radiant celebration of art, wildlife and colour. Wander through glowing animal sculptures, dine from artisanal food stalls and let the soft hum of live entertainment carry you into the night. A Joburg holiday tradition for families, couples and anyone who enjoys a little magic after dark.
13 & 14 December - Saturday at 11am & 4pm | Sunday at 11amA seasonal favourite pirouettes back onto the stage, complete with twirling snowflakes, glittering costumes and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. A magical introduction to ballet for children - and a nostalgic delight for adults.
3 - 31 December I 2pm – 10:30pmA winter wonderland-style Christmas market right in Kempton Park. Expect twinkling lights, festive stalls, gourmet treats and an atmosphere that makes you want to hum carols under your breath. Perfect for last-minute gifting (even for yourself - no judgement).
Running until 24 December If your December includes entertaining children (or escaping heat waves in cool, air-conditioned theatres), this laugh-out-loud musical is the perfect treat. Expect colour, comedy and plenty of dancing.
🎅 The Vaal: Riverside Festivities for the Whole Family
December on the Vaal River is all warm breezes, sparkling water and festive excitement drifting along the riverbanks. The scene is lit with a line-up of holiday favourites that bring together families, travellers and teams looking to close off the year in true South African summer style.
Here’s what’s happening on the Vaal this festive season:
14 December I 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
A magical favourite for families at Stonehaven, Father Christmas on the Vaal River returns with Santa arriving by boat to the delight of children waiting along the banks. Expect an afternoon filled with festive treats, laughter, riverside photo moments and joyful memories for little ones. It’s the kind of easy, sunlit holiday outing that defines the spirit of a South African December.
21 December I 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
As dusk settles over the river, Stonehaven’s lawns light up for Carols by Candlelight - a serene evening of music, community and festive charm. Families bring blankets and settle under the open sky while candlelight flickers, voices rise and the river reflects the glow. It’s a gentle, beautiful celebration that captures the true warmth of the season.
3. New Year’s Eve on the Vaal – Loch Vaal Fireworks
31 December
New Year’s Eve along the Vaal River is always a spectacle and the annual Loch Vaal fireworks display remains one of its most loved traditions. Hundreds of boats gather on the water as friends, families and holidaymakers come together for an unforgettable countdown marked by shimmering reflections, festive energy and a truly unique atmosphere. For the best views, you’ll want to be out on the water - If you don’t have your own boat, make sure you find a friend with one before 31 December!
🌿 Garden Route: Sunlit Markets, Carols & Beach-Town Charm
12 December I Gates Open – 4pm, Celebration Commences – 6pm, Lighting of The Tree – 7:45pmAn evening wrapped in music, community spirit and generosity. Enjoy the beauty of an early summer evening before the concert begins. All proceeds support Hospice Plett, making this one of the season’s most meaningful events.
12, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 26, 29 & 30 December & 3 January
Knysna’s Better Live Summer Season kicks off with an outstanding line-up of South African artists at the award-winning Blend Country Restaurant, with performances from favourites such as Matthew Mole, The Parlotones, Prime Circle, Will Linley, Majozi, Watershed and more. A vibrant festive highlight for music lovers in the Garden Route.
16 December | 11:00 - 19:00Food, art, live music and a warm holiday buzz - this market is a favourite for families and holidaymakers wanting a relaxed, festive day out.
18, 22 & 30 December & 6, 7 & 8 January I 10am
A relaxed, family-friendly creative workshop where guests can paint their own masterpiece with all materials provided, plus a glass of wine or beverage included. A charming holiday activity for travellers looking to unwind and try something new.
19 December | 7pm - 9pmThere’s something undeniably magical about singing carols with your feet in the sand and a salty breeze drifting through the crowd. Free entry, candlelight and one of the best beach settings in the country.
22 & 23 December | 9:30am - 4pmA curated selection of local fashion, lifestyle and luxury brands, paired with delicious appetisers, Aperol spritzers and live music under the summer sky. A stylish, sun-drenched shopping experience with serious festive flair.
27 December | 2pm - 9pmCap the holiday season with an upbeat island-style music event - perfect if you like your December celebrations with rhythm, sunshine and a touch of tropical energy.
15 December | 6pm
On the grassy riverbanks between Knysna and Sedgefield, this gorgeous riverside concert opens the festive season with warmth and community. Bring your family and settle beneath the trees for an evening of carols sung by the beloved Afroquartez Quartet.Tickets support the Peak Foundation Skills Centre sponsoring two community girls for accredited wellness training and full-time employment opportunities next year
24 December | Tent opens 5pm | Carols until 8pmA magical open-air carol concert beneath the summer stars, hosted by Freedom Church Knysna and the Knysna Summer Festival. Think twinkling lights, classic Christmas melodies and a family-friendly atmosphere just perfect for little ones with early bedtimes. Every rand from ticket sales goes directly to local Knysna charities - ensuring your festive night out becomes someone else’s Christmas miracle.
🌊 Cape Town: Summer Culture, Carols & Fireworks on the Horizon
11 December I 4pmPicnic blankets on lush lawns, ocean views and candlelight drifting across the Noordhoek valley set the scene for one of Cape Town’s most beloved festive traditions, made even more enchanting this year by a stellar line-up featuring Ithemba Youth Choir, Taryn Lamb,Timothy Moloi and Alas Academy, all in aid of MasiCorp, an educational nonprofit organisation based in Masiphumelele Township.
12 December I 6pmThe Waterfront comes alive with the sound of brass band harmonies and Christmas classics. A beautiful moment of festive simplicity in one of Cape Town’s most iconic locations.
18 - 21 December I 5pm - 7pm
This flagship festive charity event of the Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch, transforms the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens into a glowing, music-filled haven for four unforgettable evenings. The event is accompanied by the Cape Town Concert Brass Band - a tradition of over 20 years - joined more recently by the Friends Swing Choir. Gather with picnic blankets on the lawns, lighting up the twilight with candles as the sun slips behind Table Mountain.
16 December I 6pmThis stirring musical celebration featuring some of the country’s top orchestral talent will be held at Cape Town City Hall and is a proud, powerful showcase of local artistry.
27 December I 8amThe iconic transatlantic race kicks off from Cape Town’s shores - a thrilling spectacle for sailing lovers and a highlight on the city’s festive calendar, with origins dating back to 1971 when the first Cape to Rio fleet set off across 3 000+ nautical miles, cementing its place as one of the southern hemisphere’s most storied and strategic ocean crossings.
31 December I 7pm - 12:15amWelcome the new year under the trees with South African legends Mango Groove and a vibrant tribute to Billy Joel. Picnic baskets, blankets, music and midnight fireworks - classic Cape Town energy. This is a continuation of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden’s strong tradition of hosting the best acts in a setting like no other, with the majestic Table Mountain as the backdrop.
12. H2O’s The Ostrich NYE – GoldFish Live
31 December I From 5pm
For those seeking a high-energy, world-class New Year’s Eve experience, The Ostrich Farm hosts one of Cape Town’s most iconic celebrations. Expect a night of massive production, open-air dancing, cutting-edge sound, premium bars and as Goldfish returns alongside a line-up of top local DJs delivering the kind of festival-scale countdown only H2O can create, set against the wide-open landscape of The Ostrich.
13. V&A Waterfront New Year’s Eve Celebration – Cape Town
31 December
For a refined yet vibrant New Year’s Eve, the V&A Waterfront delivers an effortlessly family friendly luxurious experience, with premium dining, live entertainment and Cape Town’s most iconic harbour views. As the precinct comes alive with music, curated performances and a dazzling midnight moment over the water, guests can welcome 2026 in a setting that blends elegance, atmosphere and world-class hosting - an unforgettable finale to the year.
🍇 The Cape Winelands: Summer Evenings, Open-Air Concerts & Vineyard Magic
December in the Winelands arrives with soft sunsets, music lingering between the vines and long, balmy evenings designed for open-air concerts, twilight markets and leisurely picnics. From Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, Paarl to Wellington, the festive season unfolds with live music, theatre, outdoor feasts and golden-hour experiences that capture the region’s signature charm.
- Mamma Mia at Blaauwklippen, Stellenbosch
13 December I 5pm
ABBA fans can rejoice - this open-air performance of Mamma Mia brings musical theatre energy to the historic Blaauwklippen estate. Expect sunshine, wine and a joyful sing-along atmosphere.
- Kurt Darren Live at Diemersfontein, Wellington
13 December I 3pm
South African favourite Kurt Darren takes the stage at Diemersfontein for a festive outdoor concert filled with local flavour, vineyard views and a vibrant crowd.
13, 20 & 27 December
Lay out your blanket, pour a glass of wine and watch the stars emerge over the Paarl mountains. Each date offers a beautifully curated open-air picnic experience with great food and easy summer ambience.
12 - 14 December I 18:00 for Pre-Show Meals. 19:30 show
A poetic blend of performance, storytelling and summer magic under the Stellenbosch skies. Spier rarely does anything by half measure - expect artistry, atmosphere and a serene, family-friendly evening.
- Vibes in the Vines at Diemersfontein, Wellington
14 December I 12:30pm
A lively music event set among Wellington’s rolling vineyards, complete with wine, food and a festive community spirit.
19 December I 5pm
A luxurious golden-hour session at one of Franschhoek’s most scenic estates. Expect breathtaking views, fine wine and effortless summer elegance.
19 & 20 December I 12pm
A culinary pop-up pairing artisan dishes with premium Flagstone wines - perfect for food lovers seeking a stylish, small-batch tasting experience.
20 December I 4pm
A mellow, music-filled evening at Leopard’s Leap, designed for slow sipping, relaxed company and Franschhoek sunset perfection.
- Blaauwklippen Twilight Christmas Market, Stellenbosch
16 to 21 December I 4pm
One of the Winelands’ most beloved festive markets returns with handcrafted gifts, gourmet food stalls, live entertainment and twinkling fairy lights beneath the trees.
- Big Christmas Africa Concert at Muratie, Stellenbosch
21 December I 4pm
An evocative musical celebration hosted at the historic Muratie estate, blending African rhythms, heritage storytelling and the estate’s signature rustic charm.
26 to 28 December
A three-day gravel cycling adventure set against Franschhoek’s breathtaking mountain scenery. Perfect for active travellers looking to challenge themselves while soaking up one of the Cape’s most beautiful valleys.12. A Winelands New Year’s Eve Celebration - Camphor, Stellenbosch
31 December I 7pm
A refined New Year’s Eve celebration set beneath the ancient camphor trees of Vergelegen, offering an elegant evening of gourmet dining, fine wine and live entertainment by RAAF in one of the Winelands’ most atmospheric garden settings. Expect beautifully plated dishes, world-class hospitality and a serene, timeless backdrop as you count down to midnight in true Stellenbosch style - a luxurious and unforgettable way to welcome 2026.
And across the Winelands…
Almost every wine farm hosts its own Christmas Day lunch, each offering unique menus, farm-to-table cuisine, festive décor and vineyard views for a refined, memorable holiday feast.
🌊 Eastern Cape: Coastal Festivals & Summer Nostalgia
Live at The Backyard – December Line-Up
18 December - 2 January
An open-air summer music series in Kenton-on-Sea featuring some of South Africa’s most-loved performers, including Rubber Duc, Freshlyground, Prime Circle, Watershed and Jeremy Loops. Expect relaxed coastal vibes, golden-hour sunsets and intimate, high-energy performances that turn every evening into a holiday highlight.
60s & 70s Revolution: Relive the Masters of Rock
29 Dec I 8pm
A high-energy concert celebrating the icons of the 60s and 70s - perfect for holidaymakers craving nostalgia, music and a night of retro fun.
Kenton Seagull Regatta 2025
30 Dec I 8am - 8pm
A beloved coastal tradition, the Seagull Regatta brings sailors, spectators and families to the water’s edge for a day of racing, sunshine and classic seaside camaraderie.
Wherever You Are, December Has a Story to Tell
December in South Africa is more than a calendar of events - it’s an invitation to wander, taste, listen and lose yourself in the easy rhythm of summer. Travellers will find a true flavour of the local here: lantern-lit gardens, oceanside carols, sun-drenched markets, vineyard sunsets and performances that showcase the very best of our home-grown talent.
Many of these celebrations carry a charitable heartbeat too, offering a chance to give back while soaking up the season’s joy. So whether you’re exploring quietly or diving into the festivities with full-hearted cheer, expect to be bedazzled by South Africa’s creativity, generosity and unmistakable warmth - the perfect way to close the year and welcome the one ahead.
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication. As event information is subject to change, readers are advised to verify final details, line-ups and ticketing directly with the respective organisers.
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