Cape Town: Festive Lights Switch-On gathered over 100,000 Capetonians to celebrate the annual festival. They showed amazing unity and Christmas spririt by joining the Grand Parade, Adderley Street and Darling Street.
The festival goers united at the Festive Lights Switch-On to enjoy the warm weather, clear skies and an electrifying programme of live entertainment. The final Sunday of November delivered a celebration worthy of its theme: United in Hope.
Mayor Geordin Hill Lewis appreciated the great cooperation and stated that the crowds who filled the Grand Parade, Adderley Street and Green Market Square were treated to one of the best Festive Lights Switch-On celebrations, they observed yet.
In 2025, they had one of the highest attendances ever as more than 100,000 people and came to enjoy the music spreading the incredible vibe. It was truly a joy to spend the evening with so many Capetonians, especially the families who had a great time there.
Lewis highlighted that this is a tradition going on for 56-years in Cape Town and the one that they will celebrate forever. These festive lights are so much more than just decorations, they symbolise the hope, joy, unity and potential of being the beautiful city.
At the festival, everyone gathered together, from families to friends and visitors, all streamed into the city centre to enjoy a vibrant show of music, dance and culture. The festive energy spilled far beyond the Grand Parade as crowds gathered in surrounding streets to soak up the atmosphere. It created one of the most memorable opening nights to the festive season in years.
The festival energy was uplifted by the stars who lit up the stage with their stunning performances. Some of the biggest names of South Africa delivered their unforgettable performances, with the crowd singing and dancing from start to finish. This year’s line-up featured DJ Zinhle, GoodLuck, Early B & Justin Vega, Kurt Darren, Tarryn Lamb, Karabo Mogane, The Heavenly Quartez, District Six Hanover Minstrel Group and SVNS dancers along with the Bubblegum & Boera Jules.
The shows also observed an array of comedic and dance performances including moves from the FLSO 2025 Move with Melody Dance Winners.
Not just an annual festival but the 2025 Festive was a magical Switch-On moment. As twilight settled, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis appeared wearing his newly revealed Festive Season jersey designed by Wear the Hope Challenge winner Marnus Botha and stepped up for the magical switch-on moment of the festive lights.
It was one of the most powerful moments of the evening that projected mapping on City Hall. Through striking 3D visuals, music and historical storytelling, the installation paid homage to the resilience, memory and spirit of Cape Town in all her forms.
The officials thanked the Safety and Security teams of the City of Cape Town, supported by SAPS and event personnel as the celebration unfolded smoothly. Public transport services were extended to ensure that the families could travel safely to and from the city centre.
Cape Town welcomed the Festive Season exactly as it should be joyful, vibrant and United in Hope. The festival became more enthusiastic with star performances, glowing lights, fireworks and over 100K people joined the celebration.