ON Sunday, 30 November 2025, Cape Town will light up the summer sky as thousands gather on the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street for the 56th edition of the festive lights switch-on. This free, family-friendly celebration takes place this year under the theme: “United in Hope.”
More than just a seasonal celebration, the festive lights switch-on has grown into one of Cape Town’s most beloved traditions and a symbol of Cape Town’s resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Building on the success of recent hope-themed editions, this year’s event takes that message one step further – recognising hope not simply as an emotion, but as a unifying civic value that connects us all.
Headlining the 2025 celebration is none other than DJ Zinhle, one of South Africa’s most influential DJs and producers, bringing her signature house and amapiano beats to the heart of the city.
“I look forward to one of our biggest and most fun celebrations of the whole year as we switch on our festive lights and declare our city open for the best festive season ever, said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. “We have a lineup of musicians that has something for everyone, together with dancers, minstrels, dance competitions and much more. This event really is where Capetonians come together from right across the city and turn the Grand Parade and Adderley Street into one big celebration of lights, music, friendship and everything that makes Cape Town the best city in the world.”
The line-up will also features an incredible mix of home-grown talent, including GoodLuck, Kurt Darren, Tarryn Lamb, Karabo Mogane, Early B & Justin Vega, The Heavenly Quartez, and crowd-favourite DJ Masoodah, ensuring something for everyone. Hosts Joe Barber and Carl Wastie will keep the energy flowing, along with a special appearance by Bubblegum and Boera Jules.
The SVNS dancers, the spirited D6 Hanover Minstrel Group, and winners of the Dance Challenge and TikTok Family Dance competitions, will light up the stage with high-energy moves and performances.
The festive lights switch-on offers something rare and vital in this digital-driven world: the chance to connect face to face, to dance, to laugh, with one another and to celebrate Cape Town’s unique culture under the summer sky. It is a gathering where neighbours meet, families bond, and visitors experience the warmth and energy of the Mother City at its most joyful. The concert programme builds up to the switch-on moment of the festive lights, a lighting display of lasers, lights and pyrotechnics. followed by a highlight of a colourful video mapping display on the façade of the City Hall, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Another highlight to look forward to is the Mayor’s official festive jersey stage appearance – fast becoming a beloved Cape Town tradition. Each year, the Mayor’s jersey captures the festive season feeling, and this year’s new community-designed garment promises to be the most festive yet.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to join in the spirit by dressing up in their brightest festive outfits to celebrate the start of summer, sunshine and togetherness. From sequins to Santa hats, island shirts to glitter and glow, Cape Town is ready to shine. The City invites everyone to come early, bring their festive spirit.
- Instagram, TikTok, X: @CTFestiveLights
- Facebook: Cape Town Festive Lights
- YouTube: Cape Town Festive Lights Switch-On
- Hashtags: #CTFestiveLights #UnitedInHope #FLSODance #WearHope
