Cape Town’s Festive Lights Switch-On returns this Sunday, 30 November 2025, and the City is getting ready to welcome the crowds to the Grand Parade for the free open-air concert.
The much-anticipated event is expected to draw over 80 000 people this year and is considered the mark of the official start to the holiday season.
Festive Lights Switch-On returns
This year’s headline act is DJ Zinhle, supported by a full local lineup that includes GoodLuck, Kurt Darren, Tarryn Lamb, Karabo Mogane, Early B & Justin Vega, DJ Masoodah and Heavenly Quartez.
The event will also feature a special tribute performance led by Emo Adams, Loukmaan Adams, Alistair Izobell, Jody Abrahams, Fancy Galada and the Street Stylers, celebrating Cape Town’s cultural history and spirit of resilience.
The six-hour show will include the lighting of Darling and Adderley Streets and a video mapping display on City Hall.
Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said the event requires months of planning across logistics, production, transport and security. He noted that teams will be working on the ground and in the air to ensure a safe and smooth event for residents and visitors.
What to expect on the day
The concert, hosted by Carl Wastie, Joe Barber, and Bubblegum & Boere Jules, will kick off at 16:00 and end at 22:00.
The event footprint opens at 13:00 with 13 access points located along Adderley, Castle, Lower Plein, Shortmarket, Longmarket, Hout, as well as Church streets.
Roads around City Hall will also be affected before, during and after the event.
On event day, several key roads, including Darling, Adderley and Longmarket Streets, will close from 05:00 on Sunday, 30 November and reopen at 05:00 on Monday, 1 December. Motorists and residents are advised to plan ahead and expect delays.
