The City of Cape Town is counting down to one of its most beloved annual traditions — the Festive Lights Switch-On — set to take place on Sunday, 30 November 2025 on the iconic Grand Parade. With more than 80 000 people expected to attend, the City has released important details to help residents, concertgoers, and motorists prepare for the big day.
This year’s free open-air concert promises a powerful mix of music, culture, and festive cheer. DJ Zinhle, the globally recognised and multi-award-winning music producer, leads a star-studded line-up featuring GoodLuck, Kurt Darren, Tarryn Lamb, Karabo Mogane, Early B & Justin Vega, DJ Masoodah, and Heavenly Quartez. Audiences can also look forward to a special tribute performance by Emo Adams, Loukmaan Adams, Alistair Izobell, Jody Abrahams, Fancy Galada and the Street Stylers, celebrating Cape Town’s cultural legacy and resilient spirit.
Hosted by Joe Barber, Bubblegum & Boere Jules, and Carl Wastie, the six-hour spectacle runs from 16:00 to 22:00, with the festival precinct opening from 13:00. Visitors will enter through 13 access chutes across Adderley, Castle, Lower Plein, Shortmarket, Longmarket, Hout and Church streets. Standard security checks apply, and prohibited items — including alcohol, drugs, fireworks, weapons, umbrellas, gazebos, gas spray cans, and corrosive materials — will not be allowed.
Families attending with children are encouraged to use the KID SMART Project, which will be stationed on the Grand Parade to provide temporary identification bracelets for minors, helping ensure peace of mind in large crowds.
Water stations will be placed throughout the event footprint, including six across Upper and Lower Adderley Street and the Grand Parade.
Significant road closures around City Hall will begin from Tuesday, 25 November, with Darling Street affected until 2 December due to stage construction. Many surrounding streets — including Darling, Adderley, and Longmarket — will be closed from 05:00 on 30 November until 05:00 on 1 December. MyCiTi services will also be impacted, with several route deviations in place for the day.
For full road-closure details, MyCiTi updates, and Cape Town’s summer events calendar, visit eventsincapetown.com. Cape Town This Month will continue to bring you the latest updates as the city ushers in the festive season.
