December in South Africa is more than just a month — it’s a culture. It has its own rhythm: sun-soaked days, late-night parties, beachfront sunsets, and music festivals that refuse to let anyone sit still. Cities come alive, and the vibes stretch from Durban’s shoreline to Joburg’s nightlife. Whether you’re chasing Gqom, House, or Amapiano, hunting for vibey rooftop sets, or planning a full-blown music festival spree, this is your cue to step out, dress up, and immerse yourself in the electric energy only a South African summer can offer.
Welcome to the festive gig guide you didn’t know you needed — your curated map to the parties, concerts, and cultural moments worth attending. Grab your calendar, because this year’s festive circuit is packed with back-to-back feel-good vibes. Local organisers are thinking bigger, experimenting with hybrid spaces, genre-blending line-ups, and experiences designed for more than just the dancefloor. Expect beachside sessions, music festivals, and curated rooftop events. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, securing a front-row spot for your favourite artist, or simply looking to try something new in your own city, the festive season has options for every kind of social calendar — from big-stage chaos to small pocket gems you’ll want to claim before everyone else does.
Cape Town
RY X featuring Msaki
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden | Friday 12 December | 18:00 | From R695
BLOMA by DJ Kent
Cabo Beach | Saturday 13 December | 16:00 | From R600
Dance and Go Home
Club Paradise | Saturday 13 December | 17:00 | From R160
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts: Bongeziwe Mabandla & Matthew Field
Kirstenbosch Gardens | Saturday 14 December | 17:15 | From R255
Between Friends Festival
The Old Biscuit Mill | Tuesday 16 December | 12:00 | From R225
GRXXVY Escape featuring Oscar Mbo
Paarden Eiland | Sunday 28 December | 14:00 | From R550
FRNDS ONLY
Terrace Rooftop | Monday 29 December | 15:00 | From R250
Johannesburg
Artistry Live presents LordKez
Artistry, Sandton | Saturday 13 December | 18:00 | From R300
Thokoza December Fest
Sam Ntuli Stadium | 16 December | 12:00 | From R250
Rooftop Beach Party
The City Beach Club, Braamfontein | Saturday 13 December | 12:00 | From R100
@avelamawisa ROOFTOP BEACH PARTY - 13 DECEMBER #eventsinjoburg #rooftop #Thebeachbraam #braamfontein #fyp ♬ original sound - Avela
Strictly Soul Everyday People
The Hill on Empire Rooftop | Monday 15 December | 15:00 | From R150
Strictly Soul Girls in Shades
La Parada, Rosebank | Saturday 13 December | 19:00 | From R60
Sunday Sunsets
Rosemary Hill, Pretoria | Sunday 21 December | 14:00 | From R250
Durban
Soundset Sunday
The Villa | Sunday 21 December
Summer Break People
Berea Rovers | Friday 26 December | 12:00 | From R250
Ballito Big Week
The Lawns, Ballito | Friday 26 December, Sunday 28 December | From R250
Housewarming Sessions
Moses Mabhida Stadium | Monday 15 December | 13:00 | From R350
Housewarming Sessions
Moses Mbhida Stadium | Friday 26 December | 13:00 | From R300
Recent stories by:
Lethiwe Nhlangothi
The end of an era: CottonFest ends after 7 years of celebrating Hip-Hop and youth culture
Why your nails burn: Understanding contact dermatitis and how to avoid it
The viral Painted by Esther blush technique — and how to actually do it
Sleigh the festive season with these holiday-inspired nail designs
