The V&A Waterfront plays host to arguably the biggest New Year’s Eve party in South Africa. This year they’ve introduced several outdoor entertainment zones and a variety of carnival-themed performances to keep partygoers entertained throughout the night. From 5pm onward, each zone will come alive with circus performances, roaming musicians, bands, dancers, floats and carnival characters, while more than 80 restaurants and food trucks will be on hand for a midnight snack. We recommend that you either walk to the Waterfront from your hotel (if nearby), or take a MyCiti bus there as traffic becomes gridlocked around the Waterfront on NYE.
Entry: Free
Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, +27 21 408 7600
If you’re keen on watching the fireworks but don’t want to end up sitting in traffic for hours, consider driving up to Signal Hill or Table Mountain where you can watch the display from the comfort of your car. Make a night of it by packing a picnic basket, and be sure to get there early for a good spot. If you’d prefer to skip the city center altogether, you can also watch the fireworks from Milnerton Beach.
Entry: Free
Ring in the new year in a majestic setting at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden where renowned South African musician Johnny Clegg will get you dancing. Mr Clegg will be joined by Slow Jack, a new Cape Town pop rock band whose debut single ‘Love to Dream’, recently made it to number one on the SA charts.
Entry: R375 ($27)
Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 21 799 8783
Kirstenbosch Summer Concert © Warren Rohner/Flickr | © Warren Rohner / Flickr.com
Laugh and party your way into the new year at the Cape Town Comedy Club, the city’s only dedicated comedy club. The CCC’s New Year’s Eve line-up of top South African and international acts will have you doubled over with laughter before the clock strikes 12. After the countdown, DJ Godfrey will keep the party going until the wee hours of the morning.
Entry: R350 ($25) — includes a welcome drink
The Pumphouse, 6 Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 21 418 8880
Sip on sparkling wine as you cruise about Table Bay Harbor on board a stylish catamaran or schooner, and watch the spectacular fireworks display at midnight.
Entry: From R750 pp ($53,5)
If you’d prefer to get away from the city, consider heading to the mother of all trance parties at the Pat Busch Mountain Reserve in Robertson. Rezonance is returning with a bang to help you welcome in the new year. The festival promises four days of stomping madness, crazy beats and a stellar line-up featuring local and international psytrance, dub, techno and electronica acts. Revelers can choose to pitch their own tents, or rent one of the pre-pitched tents or teepees available for the long weekend.
Entry: From R620 to R680 pp ($44 – $48)
Bergendal Farm, Bergendal Road, Klaasvoogds West, Robertson, South Africa, +27 21 705 0720
For a more relaxed New Year’s celebration, head to the beautiful Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl where the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and a host of popular local singers will deliver a night of laid-back classics. Bring your own picnic basket, grab a spot on the lawn and sample the estate’s award-winning wines while you enjoy the concert under the stars.
Entry: R300 per adult ($21); R175 per child ($12,5)
Sonstraal Rd, Paarl, South Africa, +27 21 862 3104
The Barnyard Theater is paying tribute to six of the greatest pop icons from the last four decades — Freddie Mercury, Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf, Billy Joel, Cher and Pink. Get ready to have your mind blown as the show features an 11-member cast who make their way through a repertoire of the artists’ number one hits.
Entry: R395 pp ($28)
LG 01, Tsonga, Willowbridge Centre, Carl Cronje Dr, Tygervalley, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 914 8375
Discover the colorful history of the Cape and its vibrant people at Richard’s Supper Stage. The musical revue restaurant is presenting ‘Kaapse Stories from the Mother City’ — a one of a kind musical dinner show featuring humorous storytelling, songs and talented performances by Capetonian artists. Guests will also be treated to a delicious four-course dinner and other entertainment, including Richard’s resident jazz band and a Kaapse Klopse (Cape Minstrels) procession at midnight.
Entry: R1850 ($132) — includes a welcome drink on arrival, dinner and entertainment; children between 3 and 12 pay half price
229 Main Rd, Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 76 144 4809