If you haven’t noticed by now, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Shops are blasting Boney M on repeat, and Michael Bublé is planning his next holiday, compliments of the millions of Spotify streams.
Yep, the Mother City is slowly gearing up to welcome tourists with a local festive flourish. Soon, we’ll be knee-deep in tinsel and those fancy crackers that went to private school (Yes, Woolies, we’re looking at you). And you know the second Miss Mariah Carey sings, “It’s time!” the festive season has officially begun.
While waiting for Mariah’s whale song, you can indulge in a rusk and cookie tasting at Tannie Evita’s or start your Christmas gift shopping at the Baxter Theatre’s Gift Fair.
CBD
Confections x Collections
- Thursday 6 November to Saturday 8 November
- Venue: Mount Nelson Hotel, Gardens, Cape Town
- Cost: R995, bookings via Dineplan
CONFECTIONS x COLLECTIONS is an annual event spotlighting slow African fashion. Held on the grounds of Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, and curated by sustainability-focused platform, Twyg, the show embraces contemporary African luxury. Described as a bespoke culinary experience, CxC reimagines the hotel’s iconic Afternoon Tea.
Swing With The King
- Friday, 7 November, 7:30pm
- Venue: Artscape, Opera House, Cape Town
- Cost: R250, bookings via Web Tickets
A jazz concert with a gospel twist, Swing With The King brings big band fever, Cape Ghoema, and orchestral arrangements to the Artscape stage. Featuring Chadleigh Gowar, Muneeb Hermans, and Brathew van Schalkwyk, among others, expect a spectacular family-friendly evening.
ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Silo Concerts
- Friday, 7 November, 7pm
- Venue: Silo District, V&A Waterfront
- Cost: Free
A much-loved event, the first concert kicks off on Friday evening in front of the iconic Zeitz MOCAA Museum. Showcasing the best of Mzansi’s talent, live music fills the air as you dance to the intoxicating sounds of Afro-jazz, R&B, and jazz.
Tea Tides: A High Tea Affair
- Sunday, 9 November, 2:30pm - 5pm
- Venue: Tobago’s Restaurant, Radisson Collection Hotel, V&A Waterfront
- Cost: Between R550 and R950, bookings via the hotel on 021 441 3000
High tea with an ocean breeze, but make it Bored Housewives of the Atlantic edition, minus the drama. I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Tea Tides event, and it was a refreshing take on the typical high tea. Curated by Chef Craig Hibbert, here, tea time is nothing short of elevated luxury. Think sweet and savoury treats set to the rhythm of live music.
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
The Gift Fair
- Wednesday, 5 November to Sunday, 9 November, 9am - 5pm
- Venue: Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch
- Cost: R40, bookings via website
Here’s an idea. What if you skip the stores this year and avoid mass-produced consumerism? The Gift Fair makes it easy to give your loved ones Christmas pressies that speak to their personalities and quirks. I know Temu said you can shop like a billionaire, but these items are handmade with love.
Time Out Tip: Visit even if it’s only to see the Baxter main hall transformed into a busy market space.
CAPE FLATS
Illegal Signals
- Friday, 7 November, 8pm - 1am
- Venue: 143 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
- Cost: From R15, bookings via Quicket
Organised by Plaate Studios, the album release party for SB pack vol.2 will include live music, bands, and DJs.
Khayelitsha Maskhandi Festival
- Saturday, 8 November, 10am
- Venue: Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium
- Cost: From R150 to R350, bookings via Web Tickets
A vibrant annual music and cultural event, the Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival celebrates traditional Maskandi music, fashion, and heritage. This is peak township pride and not to be missed.
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Children and Sexuality: The Foundations, New Insights, and Recent Developments
- Friday, 7 November, 8:15am - 3pm
- Venue: First Floor, Durbanville Town Centre, Durbanville
- Cost: From R100, bookings via Quicket
Parents often shy away from topics they find taboo or controversial. Sexuality is one of them. And that’s why this CPD-accredited workshop is so crucial. Presented by Jelly Beanz, these insights will give you the confidence and tools to respond with clarity and care when the time comes to have the conversation.
Maizey Craft Workshop
- Saturday, 8 November, 10am and 2pm
- Venue: 9 Cecil Morgan St, Stikland
- Cost: From R134, bookings via Quicket
Think your little one has an undiscovered talent? They can explore the world of vinyl, sublimation, and creative DIY projects. Each session is 90 minutes, guided by Maizey Craft Division experts.
WEST COAST
IASCA at Killarney Drag Day
- Saturday, 8 November, doors open 7am
- Venue: Killarney International Raceway, 6 Potsdam Road, Table View
- Cost: From R10, children under 12 free, bookings via Web Tickets
Start your engines because Killarney’s biggest event on the drag race calendar is finally here. From short circuit to rallycross to the IASCA Sound Off, attendees get to experience all the excitement for the cost of a single ticket.
Rusk and Cookie Tasting
- Sunday, 9 November, 10am - 4pm
- Venue: Theatre at Evita se Perron, 8 Arcadia St, Darling
- Cost: From R60, bookings via Quicket
Have yourself a lekker tyd at Evita Se Perron’s Rusk and Cookie Tasting. Indulge in homemade rusks and cookies using only the finest ingredients. Group bookings are essential.
CAPE WINELANDS
Franschhoek Open Gardens
- Friday, 7 November to Sunday, 9 November, 9am - 4pm
- Venue: NG Church, 29 Huguenot St, Franschhoek
- Cost: From R180, bookings via Web Tickets
Franschhoek’s version of the Chelsea Flower Show, Open Gardens takes pride in offering a diverse and wide range of gardens. The tour includes a garden never before included, five that have not been on display for two years or more, and four favourites from last year’s festival.
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