Festive season in the winelands: A curated guide to magical December events

Thursday, 4 December, 2025
wine.co.za
From carols under starlit skies to long table dinners, discover how some of the Cape Winelands' most loved farms are ringing in the season.

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 classical music, a relaxed picnic under the stars, 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.

Christmas Classical Music Concert at La Motte

Celebrate the magic of Advent with the Christmas concert at La Motte. The Songmaker’s Guild presents a moving "Evening of Word and Song" featuring soprano Magdalene Minnaar, alto Minette Du-Toit Pearce, and pianist José Dias. Join them for a celebratory glass of wine in the gardens before the concert begins in the historic Parshuis. Afterwards, treat yourself to an exclusive three-course dinner at L’Ami Family Brasserie.

  • Where: La Motte, Franschhoek
  • When: Saturday, 6 December 2025
  • Time: Arrival from 17h00 | Concert starts at 18h00
  • Cost: Concert: R 350 pp | Optional dinner: R595 pp

Click HERE to book.

Bellevue Christmas Long Table

This Saturday, Bellevue Wine Estate is hosting a one-of-a-kind, story-driven festive dinner in collaboration with Verfynd – an experience you won’t find anywhere else. A curated journey, each course is paired with a selection of three to four of Bellevue's hero wines. Every pairing will be brought to life through personal insights, stories, and estate history shared by Wilhelm Kritzinger and Dirkie Morkel.

  • Where: Bellevue Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
  • When: Saturday, 6 December 2025
  • Time: 18h00 - 22h00
  • Cost: R900 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.

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. This year’s programme promises an unforgettable blend of nostalgia and celebration. Kevin Abbott and his band will lead guests through Christmas favourites, setting the tone with joyful melodies and sing-along classics. As the stars come out, Jeodhouse will take to the stage, bringing an energetic twist.

  • 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 and featuring the haunting melodies of Jak Tomas, 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.

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.

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, marinated olives, artisanal bread, grilled free-range chicken, milk 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.

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.

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Bellevue Christmas Long Table
Bellevue Christmas Long Table

Carols by Candlelight at Blaauwklippen
Carols by Candlelight at Blaauwklippen

Steenberg Christmas Carols
Steenberg Christmas Carols

A Summer Dream at Spier
A Summer Dream at Spier

Boschendal Wine and Christmas Market
Boschendal Wine and Christmas Market

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