Summer is in full swing and it’s time to walk off the Christmas munchies.
From beachside music festivals and outdoor markets to festive family activations and immersive pop-ups, the weekend between Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest on South Africa’s events calendar. Whether you are travelling, visiting family, or looking for something fun to do close to home, here is a curated selection of what’s happening around the country from 26 to 28 December.
Cape Town and the Western Cape
GoldFish Submerged Party – Cabo Beach Club
📅 Saturday, 27 December
⏰ Afternoon to late evening
📍 Cabo Beach Club, V&A Waterfront
One of Cape Town’s most anticipated summer parties returns, combining electronic beats, sunset views and a barefoot-on-the-sand atmosphere. Expect a high-energy crowd and classic festive-season vibes.
Link: https://www.capetown.travel
Oscar Mbo’s Grxxvy Escape – Paarden Eiland
📅 Sunday, 28 December
⏰ From 14:00
📍 Transvaal Park, Paarden Eiland
This soulful house event offers a laid-back alternative to night-time partying, with groove-driven sets and a relaxed daytime energy.
Link: https://www.webtickets.co.za
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
📅 Ongoing through December
⏰ Gates open from around 16:00; concerts begin early evening
📍 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
The beloved outdoor concert series continues through the weekend, offering live music in one of the most scenic settings in the country. Picnics are encouraged and tickets sell quickly.
Link: https://www.webtickets.co.za
Friday Night Market – Hermanus
📅 Friday, 26 December
⏰ 17:00–21:00
A festive evening market with food stalls, crafts and live music.
Link: https://www.whalecoast.info
Danger Point Lighthouse Open Day – Gansbaai
📅 Saturday, 27 December
⏰ 10:00–14:45
A rare opportunity to explore the historic lighthouse and surrounding coastline.
Link: https://www.whalecoast.info
Live performances also take place across the region, including gigs at Stanford Hills Estate and coastal venues such as Hangklip Hotel.
Johannesburg and Gauteng
Skhumba’s Big Banger Comedy – Gold Reef City
📅 Saturday, 27 December
⏰ 19:00
📍 Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City
A festive-season comedy showcase featuring Skhumba Hlophe, ideal for a night out between family gatherings.
Link: https://www.webtickets.co.za
Candlelight Concert: Best of Hans Zimmer – Shepstone Gardens
📅 Saturday, 27 December
⏰ Evening performance
📍 Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg
An atmospheric outdoor concert illuminated by candlelight, featuring orchestral arrangements of iconic film scores.
Link: https://feverup.com
Johannesburg Festival of Lights
📅 Ongoing until early January
⏰ Evenings
📍 Johannesburg Zoo
This annual favourite transforms the zoo precinct into a glowing festive attraction, ideal for families and evening strolls.
Link: https://www.joburg.co.za
Festive Family Experiences and Pop-Ups
Mall of Africa/Supplied
Mall of Africa – Zootropolis 2 Inspired Mini Golf
📅 26 & 27 December
⏰ Daily, 09:00–20:00
📍 Waterfall City Park, Mall of Africa
A nine-hole mini golf experience inspired by Disney’s Zootropolis 2, bringing the animated metropolis to life through themed holes designed for all ages.
Cost: R85 per person
Link: https://mallofafrica.howler.co.za/events/zootropolis-2-inspired-mini-golf-28-nov-5-dec-e41c
Melrose Arch/Supplied
Destination Christmas Fun Zone
📅 26–31 December
⏰ Daily, 18:30–22:00
📍 Melrose Arch (basement below Moove Motion Fitness Gym)
Melrose Arch’s famous Christmas lights shine brighter than ever this year, joined by a neon-lit festive fun zone featuring the Retro Rolla roller-skating rink and glowing Glo Riders quad bikes.
Cost: Free entry; Glo Riders from R50
Link: Booking at the venue
Sandton City/Supplied
Sandton City – City of Enchantment
📅 26–28 December
⏰ During shopping centre hours
📍 Centre Court, Sandton City
An immersive festive world where children can decorate cookies, doughnuts, baubles and trees, write letters to Santa and enjoy whimsical installations including a reindeer merry-go-round.
Cost: Activities range from R50 to R200
Link: Booking at the venue
KwaZulu-Natal
Image: Supplied
Gateway Theatre of Shopping – LEGO® F1® Experience
📅 26 December 2025 – 5 January 2026
⏰ 09:00–20:00 (closed 1 January)
📍 Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Durban
This free festive activation invites visitors to build and race LEGO cars, test reaction times and admire a life-size LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 car.
Cost: Free
Link: https://www.gatewayworld.co.za
Eastern Cape
Live Music in Gqeberha
Wonderboom Live
📅 Friday, 26 December
⏰ 19:30
📍 The Music Kitchen
Link: https://www.allevents.in
Jack Parow Live
📅 Saturday, 27 December
⏰ 19:30
📍 The Music Kitchen
Link: https://www.allevents.in
Prime Circle Live
📅 Saturday, 27 December
⏰ 16:30
📍 Bridge Street Bistro & Smokehouse
Link: https://www.allevents.in
These gigs draw holiday crowds and add to the coastal city’s summer energy.
Plan Ahead
Many events and activations are weather-dependent or operate on limited capacity during peak season. Booking ahead where possible and arriving early is recommended, particularly for outdoor concerts and popular family attractions.
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