At the V&A Waterfront, summer isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we live for. From sun-soaked days overlooking the ocean to festive evenings filled with food, music, and art, we’re ready to welcome locals and visitors to a place where summer isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling.

This festive season, the neighbourhood will transform into a living gallery of South African creativity, featuring live performances, festive markets, and immersive art experiences. Among the season’s highlights are the annual “Joy from Africa to the World” décor installations throughout the mall, created by collectives including Ashanti Designs, Monkey Biz, and Handmade Africa.

A new addition this year is ‘Shellegance,’ a coastal-inspired piece by local artist Lucie de Moyencourt, which will be featured at Woolworths in Victoria Wharf.

Visitors will find a mix of activities to enjoy, with surprise-and-delight moments woven throughout the programme — from a festive tree lighting to a special New Year’s Eve experience for a few lucky locals.

Key events over the season will also include:

• Silo Concert Series: Returning on the first Friday of each month until February, featuring performers including Ami Faku, Robin Auld and Wendy Oldfield, Hatchetman, Yoav & Jabulile Majola, and James Stewart & John Ellis.
• Festive Events: Salvation Army Christmas Carols, the Arrival of Santa and his elves, and Naledi’s Book of Magic in collaboration with the College of Magic.
• New Years Eve Spectacular 2025: We have an incredible line-up of artists including Emo Adams and Loukmaan Adams, Zoë Modiga, GoodLuck, DJ Shezzy K and the Starlight Band, ending the night with a spectacular midnight fireworks display.

See the full line-up of events, here.

Beyond the festive celebrations, the neighbourhood also brings some exciting updates:

• After ten years at Granger Bay, the popular Oranjezicht City Farm Market will soon relocate to a new space just a few metres from its previous site, housed in a custom-designed timber barn with panoramic views of Robben Island.
• The InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town opens its doors from December to welcome guests to its elegantly designed rooms and suites and four distinctive dining venues including a new restaurant, Le Bistrot de JAN by Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik.
• Ladurée bringing its famous luxury pastries, especially its macaroons for classic French sophistication.

 

30 YEARS OF MARINE CONSERVATION EARNS MAYOR’S MEDAL FOR TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM

This November, the Two Oceans Aquarium marked an exciting 30-year milestone, celebrating three decades at the V&A. Since opening their doors in 1995, the Aquarium has grown from a local attraction on the Cape Town docks into a globally recognised leader in marine conservation, education and research.

Over the past 30 years, the Aquarium has welcomed more than 15 million visitors and reached over 1,5 million students through education programmes and outreach to underserved schools across Cape Town.

Michael Farquhar, Two Oceans Aquarium CEO, receives the Mayor’s medal for Conservation in the City of Cape Town’s Civic Honours Ceremony.

This milestone was made even more special, as the Aquarium was awarded the Mayors Medal for Conservation at City of Cape Town’s Civic Honours Ceremony. Presented by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, the award recognises the Aquariums decades of contribution to marine research, conservation, rehabilitation and environmental advocacy. From successful sea turtle rescue programmes to the ongoing Marine Wildlife Programme monitoring local seals, seabirds, otters and sunfish, the Aquarium continues to educate, inspire and protect the oceans for future generations.

 

DOING GOOD WITH OUR COMMUNITY: FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

This month, the V&A’s Our Community team continued to drive meaningful impact across communities in Cape Town through initiatives focused on care, connection and giving back.

V&A Sarmiethon: Hotdog Edition

This year, to mark National Sandwich Day, the V&A team came together preparing 1200 hotdogs for children across Cape Town. These were then delivered to Anne’s Toddler and Welfare Centre and Buck Road Primary School, with generous support from Blue Ribbon who donated bread to Anne’s Toddler and Welfare Centre.

Seniors Day Celebration

We hosted our annual Seniors Day, honouring the elders who continue to shape our community. What began as a partnership with COSATU has since grown into a cherished V&A tradition – a day of music, shared meals, connection, and heartfelt appreciation for our seniors, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and social impact.

Santa Shoebox Project

Our annual partnership with the Santa Shoebox Project saw employees packing and donating 300 personalised gift boxes to ECD centres and primary schools across Cape Town, including Saron Primary. These festive shoeboxes ensure that children who might otherwise go without feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

If you’re looking to give back but aren’t sure where to start, the Doing Good Directory makes it easy to connect with trusted causes that need your support.

Ways to get involved:

• Volunteer your time
• Donate goods
• Offer professional expertise
• Contribute financially
• Sponsor through your business

Explore the Doing Good Directory, here.

 

SUPERYACHT LUMINARA MAKES HER FIRST CALL IN CAPE TOWN 

Last week, Luminara, the Ritz-Carlton’s newest superyacht, launched in July this year, made her debut arrival in the Mother City. This luxurious vessel accommodates up to 452 guests in 226 suites, each with a private terrace, and features five dining venues, including restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, a world-class spa, and a marina terrace for swimming and water-sports.

Her first visit to Cape Town brought a touch of global sophistication and elegance to the V&A Waterfront, giving locals and visitors a rare glimpse of this floating masterpiece.

 

RENOVATIONS & NEW STORES:

Dock House Boutique Hotel

Part of the Newmark Hotels & Reserves group, Dock House Boutique Hotel officially reopened earlier this month following a meticulous refurbishment of its beautifully restored heritage building, which was originally the Harbour Master’s residence in the 1800s.

Located at Portswood Ridge, next to the newly restored Time Ball Tower, the hotel is known for their quiet exclusivity and heritage charm. The refurbishment has refreshed the interiors with bespoke furnishings and a refined sense of character across the hotel’s six luxurious rooms.

Guests can also enjoy a range of facilities, including a fully equipped gym and a pristine swimming pool with views of Table Mountain, making it the perfect blend of heritage, luxury, and modern comfort.

Atelier de Lunettes

Now open at Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, Atelier de Lunettes offers a curated selection of eyewear from international and artisan brands, including Tag Heuer, Givenchy Paris and Dior. You can find them on the Upper Level, next to the Dior store.

Scene Eyewear

Also new to Victoria Wharf, Scene Eyewear, known for their stylish, high-quality designs offers a luxurious selection of bold, premium frames. Located near Woolworths, on the Upper Level.