As the year draws to a close, we delight in the simple joys of the season – time with loved ones, water on warm skin, and the sweet satisfaction of summer fruit. Babylonstoren is humming – along the walkways, in the gardens and restaurants and in every bud and tree – yet there’s a softening in the air. Smiles linger a little longer and laughter carries through the leaves.
The only way to gift
Babylonstoren might just be the most delightful place to shop for gifts. Browse the Farm Shop’s oils, wines and preserves, then step into the fragrant Scented Room. Pause at the wrapping station while your gifts are wrapped in Babylonstoren magic.
If you fancy a quiet browse, Jonkershuis Farm Shop at Soetmelksvlei is balm for the soul. Step back in time for slow-crafted treasures that last – embroidery, leathercraft, ironware, books – plus a handcrafted nativity scene with handstitched figures and farm animals, a calm antidote to fast festive trinkets.
And for anyone who can’t visit the farm, Babylonstoren brings the farm to you. Browse the festive selection online: whether choosing curated hampers or assembling a collection of exquisite treats, shop.babylonstoren.com delivers beautifully wrapped gifts, complete with a handwritten note – anywhere in South Africa, for FREE.
Visit the Babylonstoren garden
Let the children play – and join them. The Babylonstoren garden is a joyous space where screens are soon forgotten, from the Old Bullfrog’s hidden waterspouts to the newly opened Byzantium, the temple to bees located behind the Moestuin (kitchen garden).
C’est si bon-sai! Bonsais are a captivating sight, especially the mighty African baobab in miniature. On display in the Babylonstoren Puff Adder walkway this December, these living sculptures reflect decades of South African bonsai craft using exotic and indigenous trees such as white stinkwood and baobab.
Guests are invited to the daily garden tours, led by knowledgeable gardeners. The team shares their expertise with enthusiasm, ensuring the experience is both enriching and inspiring. To book your spot, click HERE.
Experience Soetmelksvlei
Soetmelksvlei, just a short shuttle ride from Babylonstoren, offers old-fashioned, sensory play. A life-size indoor dollhouse and an outdoor play area with wooden cows to “milk” keep little explorers busy. Choose from holiday workshops and daily activities like kite making and survival skills to arts and crafts.
Bookings for visits to Soetmelksvlei are essential. Click HERE for opening times and fees.
A season of abundance
In summer, tomatoes take centre stage at Babylonstoren – especially the heirloom varieties grown on the farm. Blue Beauty, Berkeley Pink Tie Dye, Copper River, Orange Flute and Brad’s Atomic are as diverse and flavourful as they are beautiful. December also brings a riot of cherries, apricots and peaches, along with pears, apples, grapes and mangos, while lavender and elderflower come into full bloom.Look out for these seasonal treasures in the restaurants, or find select harvests in the Farm Shop or online.
A feast for the seasons
Only once per season, Babylonstoren gathers guests around a long table hidden deep within the farm. The Summer Harvest Table on 6 December 2025 is a celebration of the earth, abundance and sensory immersion. Guests can expect a generous feast that goes beyond a meal – it’s an experience that nourishes and inspires.
Tickets sold out in a flash, so visitors are encouraged to explore the Babylonstoren events page to secure a seat at one of the seasonal long tables in 2026.
Click HERE to book.
A Christmas stay to remember
Christmas comes early with an overnight escape at the Babylonstoren Farm Hotel – book two nights between 1 and 16 December and get 20% off. More than just a luxurious stay, it’s an invitation to anchor yourself to the land. Join guided garden or farm tours, visit the water buffalo and unwind with stretching classes. Explore fragrant pathways from soil to essential oil, savour farm-to-table dining, relax at the spa and end your day with a mountain drive on the slopes of Simonsberg.
Click HERE to book your stay.
December workshops
Weave wonder with Babylonstoren’s floral artist Constance Stuurman as she leads you through the garden to gather seedheads, flowers and foliage, then create a festive piece to take home or gift. Still unsure what to get that one person for Christmas? A workshop at Babylonstoren or Soetmelksvlei, of course!
Babylonstoren
- 2 Dec – Christmas decor from the garden
- 3 Dec – Christmas decor from the garden
- 9 Dec – Lavender and essential oils
- 10 Dec – Christmas decor from the garden
- 11 Dec – Christmas decor from the garden
Soetmelksvlei
- 4 Dec – Pickle and preserve the season’s abundance at Soetmelksvlei
- 5 Dec – Everything’s better with butter: Make farm butter and bake buttermilk rusks
- 11 Dec – SoetmelksvleiFamily fun: learn how to make sun prints
- 12 Dec – Hands-on kids: bake and ice festive biscuits at Soetmelksvlei (kids aged 6-12)
Click HERE to book a workshop.
