As the festive season arrives, the Cape Winelands is transforming into a summer wonderland of merriment and cheer. There is simply no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than with a glass of fine South African wine in hand, surrounded by rolling vineyards and the warmth of family and friends. Whether you're looking for a soul-stirring evening of live music and good wine, an easy child-friendly picnic, or a bustling Christmas market, the Cape Winelands promises a December to remember. Read on for our top picks of enchanting events guaranteed to make your festive season sparkle.
Sunset Rouge Evenings at Klein Alto
Alto Estate's much-anticipated Sunset Rouge evenings are back and better than ever at Klein Alto for the summer season. Sip on their award-winning Alto wines, enjoy a specially curated limited menu from the restaurant, and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Helderberg. You can expect an unforgettable lineup of live music evenings featuring local artists like Dani Ville, Grace, and Timothy Monk.
- Where: Klein Alto, Bonte Rivier Vineyards, Stellenbosch
- When: Every Friday
- Time: 17h00
- Cost: Free entry
Click HERE to book.
Braai with Backsberg
Take advantage of the season and book a table for you and your family at the summer braai experience at Backsberg. Enjoy your complimentary glass of wine on arrival and the three-course braai of the day with two garden greens. Delicious and smoky vegan and vegetarian options are also on offer. While you relax around the braai with a glass of wine, the kids can go and explore the magic of the natural surroundings that envelop the Backsberg brand home.
- Where: Backsberg, Franschhoek
- When: Every Saturday
- Time: 12h30
- Cost: R350 per person
Click HERE to book.
Carols by Candlelight at Blaauwklippen
Join Blaauwklippen's annual Carols by Candlelight for a magical evening of Christmas music. Enjoy festive melodies by Niël Rademan, Janel Speelman, and Elna van der Merwe, accompanied by a live band. The market will be open before the concert, so you can grab a bite before settling down on your picnic blanket on the lawn.
- Where: Blaauwklippen Vineyards, Stellenbosch
- When: Sunday, 7 December 2025
- Time: Gates open at 16h00 | Show starts at 18h00
- Cost: R250 per person | R95 per child u12
Click HERE to book.
Christmas Decor Workshop at Babylonstoren
For this Christmas decor-making workshop, Babylonstoren's floral artist Constance starts by leading a festive garden walk where guests gather natural décor elements. Then, you'll use these to craft your own Christmas wreath. This is the perfect way to step into the season surrounded by the farm's natural beauty.
- Where: Babylonstoren, Franschhoek
- When: 10-11 December 2025
- Time: 10h00 - 15h30
- Cost: R1 500 per person
Click HERE to book.
Steenberg Christmas Carols
Steenberg is once again turning up the holiday cheer with its much-loved Christmas Carols, set against the backdrop of the estate’s rolling lawns. Kevin Abbott and his band will lead guests through Christmas favourites, setting the tone with sing-along classics. As the stars come out, Jeodhouse will take to the stage, bringing an energetic twist. Arrive early for a picnic on the lawns or a three-course dinner at tables set under the oak trees on the Tryn terrace.
- Where: Steenberg Vineyards, Cape Town
- When: 11-12 December 2025
- Time: Gates open at 17h00 | Show starts at 18h00
- Cost: From R460 per person
Click HERE to book.
A Summer Dream at Spier
Expect a night of enchantment as the "A Summer Dream" performance transforms Spier's amphitheatre into a world of fantasy. This family-friendly, open-air show weaves a tale of light and hope. Produced by Third World Bunfight, the performance brings together dancers, clowns, actors, and musicians for an unforgettable evening that will captivate viewers of all ages.
- Where: Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
- When: 12-14 December 2025
- Time: Arrival from 18h00 | Show starts at 19h30
- Cost: R200 per person
Click HERE to book.
Candlelight: A Coldplay Tribute at Cathedral Cellar
Experience Coldplay's greatest hits performed by a string quartet under the glow of hundreds of candles in the beautiful Cathedral Cellar in Paarl. Enjoy an intimate and magical evening of music in a stunning setting, perfect for getting into the festive spirit. Don’t miss this unique pre-Christmas experience.
- Where: Cathedral Cellar, Paarl
- When: Saturday, 13 December 2025
- Time: Doors open at 19h00 | Show starts at 20h30
- Cost: From R645 per person
Click HERE to book.
Picnic under the Stars at Nederburg
Picture it: the sun dipping behind the mountains, soft music in the background, laughter carrying through the warm air. You’re stretched out on a blanket beneath the trees, a glass of Nederburg wine in hand. This December, Nederburg Wines will open its lawns for a series of relaxed evenings that capture the easy magic of a South African summer. Each picnic basket is thoughtfully curated to showcase local, seasonal flavours. Expect a feast of local cheeses, artisanal bread, grilled free-range chicken, peppermint crisp tart, and more.
- Where: The Manor at Nederburg, Paarl
- When: 13, 20 and 27 December 2025
- Time: 18h00
- Cost: R385 per person
Click HERE to book.
Vibes in the Vines Concert Series at Diemersfontein
This December, the Vibes in the Vines concert series will fill the Diemersfontein farm with lekker local music. Enjoy an afternoon of live music, great food from SMUL Restaurant, and your favourite Diemersfontein wines. The lineup of artists includes locals like Wesley Clarke, Renier Greeff, Marius Swanepoel, Burger le Roux, Henco Du Toit, and Dewald Dippenaar. Entry is free, and there's a dedicated kiddies play area, so it's the perfect outing for the whole family.
- Where: Diemersfontein Wine Estate, Wellington
- When: 14, 16, 20, 21, 27 and 28 December 2025
- Time: From 12h30
- Cost: Free entry
Click HERE to book.
Boschendal Wine and Christmas Market
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Wine and Christmas Market at Boschendal Estate. Enjoy the festive cheer, taste Boschendal wines, indulge in gourmet treats, and shop artisanal gifts from local brands. Newton and Co will be performing live, setting the mood with festive tunes. Kids enter free; they need only bring a Santa Shoebox as their "ticket", helping spread joy to those in need this Christmas.
- Where: Boschendal Estate, Franschhoek
- When: Monday, 15 December 2025
- Time: 17h00 - 21h00
- Cost: R220 per person
Click HERE to book.
Blaauwklippen's Twilight Christmas Market
There’s something special about a Christmas market; even more so when it takes place at twilight! The Blaauwklippen Twilight Christmas Market has become a firm favourite because of its charming atmosphere. Imagine a beautiful summer’s evening with loved ones under a canopy of century-old wild fig trees, mistletoe and fairy lights everywhere. Visitors can expect a wide variety of stalls offering local wines, handmade crafts, artisanal food, unique gifts, and more.
- Where: Blaauwklippen Vineyards, Stellenbosch
- When: 16-21 December 2025
- Cost: Free entry
Click HERE to book.
Jazzy Sundowner Session at Van Ryn's
Soak up infectious grooves with a craft brandy cocktail in hand as the sun sets over the winelands. This is exactly what you can expect at the Jazzy Sundowner Session at Van Ryn's, with a live performance by Cape Town-based jazz collective The Ploemies – delivering a vibrant mix of Cape Jazz, original compositions, and proudly South African sounds. Your ticket includes entry, live music and a picnic, with craft brandy and other drinks available to purchase.
- Where: Van Ryn's Distillery, Stellenbosch
- When: Friday, 19 December 2025
- Time: 18h00
- Cost: R275 per person
Click HERE to book.
Sunset Smooth Event at Leopard's Leap
Unwind with a sunset celebration at Leopard's Leap featuring live music by Rhythm Divine, a collective known for their jazzy, soulful, electronic sound. Think Café Del Mar, Saint Germain, and the softer, more soulful edge of Daft Punk and Laurent Garnier. Sip wines, enjoy easy eats, and dance as the sun dips behind Franschhoek’s mountains.
- Where: Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards, Franschhoek
- When: Saturday, 20 December 2025
- Time: 16h00 - 20h00
- Cost: R350 per person
Click HERE to book.
Big Christmas Africa Concert at Muratie
Join Sit the Folk Down for a fun-filled outdoor Christmas concert at Muratie Wine Estate, celebrating the release of their Christmas compilation album, Big Christmas Africa. The Misty Cliffs will be holding down the fort as the house band, with special guest appearances from some of the talented musicians featured on the album. Expect all your favourite Christmas tunes but with a uniquely South African flavour.
- Where: Muratie Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
- When: Sunday, 21 December 2025
- Time: Gates open at 16h00 | Show starts at 17h30
- Cost: R220 per person
Click HERE to book.
Festive Werf Picnics at Boschendal
Gather your loved ones and celebrate the festive season with a leisurely Boschendal picnic beneath their oaks. Each basket brims with locally inspired delights, from freshly baked breads and handcrafted spreads to tender roasts, seasonal greens, and traditional festive treats. Live music will also be playing from the picnic pavilion. It's a true taste of the holidays, thoughtfully prepared!
- Where: Boschendal Estate, Franschhoek
- When: 24 and 25 December | 31 December and 1 January
- Time: From 12h00
- Cost:
- 24 and 25 Dec: R1 540 for 2 | R795 for 1 | R250 for kids
- 31 Dec and 1 Jan: R1 050 for 2 | R525 for 1 | R250 for kids
Click HERE to book.
Christmas Celebrations at Mont Rochelle
This festive season, Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek is hosting an assortment of festive events. On Christmas Eve, savour seasonal, creative dishes at MIKO while the air comes alive with the sounds of Leigh Hondy performing under the stars. Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive picnic at The Country Kitchen, or a family-style feast at MIKO with live jazz music by Lionel Beukes. Finally, welcome the new year in unforgettable style with dinner, exquisite wines and bubblies, and live music at MIKO.
- Where: Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek
- When: 24-25 December and 31 December 2025
- Cost: From R840 per person
Click HERE to book.
Spier Christmas Picnic
This Festive Picnic offers a relaxed way to celebrate Christmas Day in the winelands, with lavish gourmet baskets designed for outdoor enjoyment beneath the ancient oaks or along the riverbanks. Spier's festive picnic baskets showcase the best of the season's harvest, containing traditional favourites with a modern twist. Think lamb sosaties with smoked raisin chutney, ham hog rillettes and ricotta, creamy potato salad, Amarula tiramisu, and, of course, Christmas mince pies. Vegetarian and vegan baskets are available, too.
- Where: Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
- When: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Time: From 12h00
- Cost: R995 per adult | R350 per child u12
Click HERE to book.
Christmas Lunch at Vergenoegd Löw
Christmas carries a familiar magic, the comfort of traditions old and new. At Vergenoegd Löw, this magic is part of the landscape itself, woven into historic Cape Dutch buildings, farm gardens and shared tables. On 25 December, they invite you to experience a Cape Christmas on the farm. Choose between a family-style Cape Christmas Feast at Geuwels or a refined six-course Christmas Lunch at Clara's Barn.
- Where: Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate, Faure
- When: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Time: 11h30
- Cost: Geuwels: R850 pp | Clara's Barn: R1 250 pp
Click HERE to book.
Perdeberg's Festive Family Braai
Ready for a family day filled with tasty food and incredible wines? Come and braai with Perdeberg. Enjoy a warm, ready-made braai feast for two with lamb chops, wors, kebabs, salads, and desserts, plus kids' boxes for the little ones. This is the ultimate way to enjoy a braai without lifting a finger and unwind after a busy Christmas period.
- Where: Perdeberg Cellar, Paarl
- When: Saturday, 27 December 2025
- Time: 12h00
- Cost: R545 per box for 2 | Kids u12: R145
Click HERE to book.
New Year's Eve at Brookdale Bistro
Brookdale Estate is ringing in 2026 in style with a decadent dinner and entertainment by Enrico from Let’s Journey Together on the eve of 31 December 2025. Each guest will get a 6-course dinner, a welcome drink upon arrival, and a glass of Cap Classique at midnight to bring in 2026!
- Where: Brookdale Estate, Paarl
- When: Wednesday, 31 December 2025
- Time: 18h00
- Cost: R1 750 per person
Click HERE to book.
Quoin Rock New Year's Eve Celebration
Welcome 2026 with a glamorous celebration at Quoin Rock! Nestled in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands, the estate offers a luxurious evening of exquisite cuisine, fine wines, and breathtaking views. The night will sparkle with entertainment – from live jazz and opera to trapeze artists – before ending with a DJ set by DJ Dino Moran and a spectacular fireworks display. It promises to be a NYE party you won't forget.
- Where: Quoin Rock, Stellenbosch
- When: Wednesday, 31 December 2025
- Time: 18h30 - 01h00
- Cost: Classic ticket: R4 500 pp | VIP ticket: R7 500 pp
Click HERE to book.
