Cape Town is set to shine today, Sunday 30 November, as the City hosts the much-loved Festive Lights Switch-On on the Grand Parade, Darling Street and Upper Adderley Street from 16:00 to 22:00. Thousands of residents and visitors are expected to gather under this year’s theme, “United in Hope,” as the City officially opens the 2025 festive season with a night of music, colour and community spirit.
Leading the entertainment charge is DJ Zinhle, one of South Africa’s most influential DJs, who will bring her signature house and Amapiano sound to the heart of Cape Town. She joins a high-energy line-up featuring GoodLuck, Kurt Darren, Tarryn Lamb, Karabo Mogane, Early B, Justin Vega, The Heavenly Quartez and crowd-favourite DJ Masoodah — ensuring a vibrant mix of genres for all ages.
“This is one of our biggest and most fun celebrations of the year as we switch on our festive lights and declare our city open for the best festive season ever,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Keeping the momentum going throughout the evening are popular hosts Joe Barber and Carl Wastie, with special appearances by Bubblegum and Boera Jules. Audiences can also look forward to performances by the SVNS dancers, the D6 Hanover Minstrel Group, and the winners of the Dance Challenge and TikTok Family Dance competitions.
Highlights of the event
One of the highlights returning this year is the Mayor’s festive jersey moment, where he steps onto the stage wearing the community-designed jersey — a tradition eagerly awaited by fans each year. Residents and visitors are encouraged to dress in their brightest festive outfits and join in celebrating the start of summer, sunshine and togetherness.
For more than five decades, the Festive Lights Switch-On has transformed Adderley Street into a sparkling avenue of light, marking the official start of Cape Town’s festive season and drawing thousands to this free annual gathering.
