The Famous Festive Lights in Adderley Street

Mafikizolo, local comedians & more at the Grand Parade

Last updated: Tuesday, 26 November 2024

Is there anything more festive than seeing the lights switch on in Adderley Street on 1 December? For more than 50 years, Cape Town has kicked off the holiday season by transforming its streets with dazzling lights. 

It’s something everyone remembers from when they were a kid. This year, you can party with the legendary Mafikizolo, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, and more. Below we unpack the famous (and free) Festive Lights Switch-On event.


The Festive Lights Switch-On is a celebration of Cape Town and its people. Image: Festive Lights Switch-On

COME EARLY, MAKE A DAY OF IT

The Grand Parade will come alive at 4pm with music, comedy, dance, and food vendors. There’ll be local street food like gatsbys, boeries, bunny chows, samoosas and more. 

We suggest you arrive early, bring your picnic blankets, and get the best spots at the front. 

The Festive Lights Switch-On starts at 4pm. Image: Festive Lights Switch-On

MAFIKIZOLO, DR VICTOR & THE RASTA REBELS

There’s a festive lineup of beloved South African musicians, such as the famous afro-pop duo, Mafikizolo; the vocal trio, 3 Tons of Fun; the legendary Dr Victor & The Rasta Rebels and more. 

The OG Dancers will also perform their unique freestyle boogie burn dancing, blending diverse cultural influences. 

Mafikizolo is renowned for their vibrant fusion of afrobeats, house, and traditional African music. Image: Festive Lights Switch-On

DAZZLING LIGHTS IN ADDERLEY STREET

There’ll be fireworks and the anticipated moment when Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis officially switches on the lights in Adderley Street. 

The event will end with a video mapping show on City Hall, with over 9 000 frames honouring our “People of Hope,” which is this year’s theme.

This year’s theme celebrates the diversity and spirit of our communities. Image: Festival Lights Switch-On

IT’S A FREE FAMILY EVENT

Festive Lights Switch-On is a free event, and welcomes all Capetonians (and beyond). The event is very family-focused - there’s no alcohol permitted.

The event draws thousands of families to see the magical display of lights in Adderley Street. Image: Festive Lights Switch-On

CAPE TOWN’S HUMOUR HERO

The event will be hosted by comedic stars Alan Committie and Lunga Tshuka. 

This year, the Festive Lights Switch-On held a Comedy Showdown to find Cape Town’s “Humour Hero,” where contestants competed to perform at the event. 

The winner was Prince M’baya, with Milton Gengaya and Rafique Ismail coming in second and third. 

Artists, performers, and talented comedians will light up the stage and bring the holiday spirit to life. Image: Festive Lights Switch-On

PARKING & MyCiTi BUSES

Roads will be closed close to the event precinct. See the City of Cape Town website for full details.

There will be special needs parking in designated spots on both sides of Buitenkant Street, between Darling Street and Caledon Street. 

The last MyCiTi bus from Cape Town to Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain will leave the Civic Centre Station in Hertzog Boulevard at 11.15pm. 

This year's theme, "People of Hope," honors the strength and diversity of the city's communities. Image: Festive Lights Switch-On

SEE THE ROAD CLOSURES 

All roads listed below will be closed from 5am December 1st to 5am December 2nd:

 
Buitenkant Street (Castle Street) between Darling Street and Strand Street will be closed from 12pm to 12am. 

After reading this, you’re probably gonna go (again). And if you haven't been, is this the year you’re gonna make a plan? 

SEE THE FESTIVE LIGHTS SWITCH-ON 

Festive Lights Switch-On is happening: 4pm to 10pm
Find it: Grand Parade and Adderley Street
Contact on: kaz@networxpr.co.za
Follow on:
Facebook:   CTFestiveLights
Instagram:   @ctfestivelights
TikTok:        CTFestiveLights
YouTube:     CapeTownFestiveLightsSwitch-On
X (Twitter):   CTFestiveLights

By Saarah Gierdien

---- 

FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS & THINGS TO DO

Here’s our top picks for how to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024. 

Discover our list of 7+ things to do this weekend. 

Explore 65+ things to do with kids that parents will love too.

----

Loved discovering this?  Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.