Magic of Christmas lights at the V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront's iconic 20-meter-tall Christmas tree is on for the festive season.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The festive season is already in full swing at the V&A Waterfront with the highly anticipated lighting of the iconic 20-meter-tall Christmas tree on Monday, December 1.
As dusk settled over the Mother City, the illumination marked the start of the annual tradition, which brings in scores of residents and global tourists.
The Waterfront's celebration aims to spread "Joy from Africa" around the globe.
Carolers at the foot of the V&A Christmas tree.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
V&A Waterfront chief executive officer David Green said this festive season was a time for families to connect, celebrate, and create memories.
He said that the Waterfront had the perfect backdrop, from seagulls, salty air, and sightseeing boats to the dramatic “tablecloth” over Table Mountain, to restaurants, shopping, and busker performances.
Visitors can enjoy the perfect backdrop, from the mountain and sea to shopping and buskers. The new home for the Oranjezicht Farm Market and the reopened InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town add to the excitement.
"Soak up the sun, sea and sounds of summer, and discover events that make every day extraordinary at the V&A Waterfront," said Mr Green.
Meet Santa at Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, centre court, opposite H&M, where they can share their festive wishes and capture memorable photo moments, every day from Monday, December 15 until Wednesday, December 24.
Families and kids are invited to meet Santa and his Elves at Centre Court, opposite H&M, where they can share their festive wishes and capture memorable photo moments.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers.
Naledi’s Book of Magic, in collaboration with the College of Magic, kicks off to take kids of all ages on a fantastical journey through music, magic, and dance at the Amphitheatre from 5.15pm until 6.30pm from Saturday, December 20, until Wednesday, December 24, and then again from Saturday, January 3 until Wednesday, January 7. It is a wholesome, feel-good theatre show perfect for the whole family.
The stage will be at the Amphitheatre on Friday, December 26, and Sunday, December 28, from 6pm to 7pm.
New Year's Eve celebrations start at 6pm on Wednesday, December 31, and are due to end at 1am Thursday, January 1.
Silo Concert Series fill the evenings with live music under the stars, free for all to enjoy. Grab some friends, pack a picnic blanket, and settle in outside Zeitz MOCAA at 7pm to the sounds of Ami Faku, Robin Auld & Wendy Oldfield, Hatchetman, Yoav & Jabulile Majola, and James Stewart & John Ellis. They will be at the Silo District on Friday, January 2, and Tuesday, January 6 from 7pm until 8pm.
Jazzathon 2026, the people's festival, returns to the Amphitheatre from Friday, January 9, until Sunday, January 1,1, from 1pm until 7pm.
For more information, visit summer.waterfront.co.za