Festive Lights Switch-On
With a history spanning over five decades, the City of Cape Town ushers in the festive season by illuminating Adderley Street with a series of festive light motifs, and a free music and entertainment event held on the Grand Parade in front of City Hall.
About
The Festive Lights Switch-On has become a beloved annual tradition, with thousands of families gathering to witness the magical transformation of Adderley Street into a display of twinkling lights and colourful decorations. Gear up for an unforgettable day of music, laughter, and community.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to join in the spirit by dressing up in their brightest festive outfits to celebrate the start of summer, sunshine and togetherness. Come and experience the joy and warmth of the festive season with us.
Quick stat
On 30 November 2025, more than 100 000 festival-goers attended the Festive Lights Switch-on across the Grand Parade, Adderley Street and Darling Street.
Artist line-up
The 2025 line-up featured, among others:
- DJ Zinhle – Africa’s premier female DJ and headline act
- GoodLuck – internationally acclaimed electro-pop trio
- Early B and Justin Vega – dynamic rap-meets-dance-floor duo
- Kurt Darren – beloved hitmaker and crowd favourite
- Tarryn Lamb – award-winning vocalist and performer
- Karabo Mogane – soulful Idols SA winner
- The Heavenly Quartez – uplifting Cape gospel group
- District Six Hanover Minstrel Group – celebrating heritage and culture
- Bubblegum and Boera Jules, and
- an array of comedic and dance performances, including moves from the FLSO 2025 Move with Melody Dance Winners.
Mayor’s Festive-wear Challenge 2025
The 2025 Festive Lights Switch-On event added a new layer of creativity and community spirit with the launch of the Mayor’s Festive-wear Challenge, under the banner
Wear the Hope - Share the Light.
Winner of ‘Wear the Hope’ Challenge
Marnus Botha from Somerset West was named the winner of the 2025 inaugural Wear the Hope Challenge.
Festive Lights Move With Melody Competition
The
Move With Melody Dance Competition is a vibrant showcase of dance, designed to spotlight the creativity and talent of Cape Town’s citizens.
Winners of the 2025 Move With Melody Compeition
- 1st Place: Ipeko Dance Group - R10 000
- 2nd Place: Devolution Dance Fam - R5 000
- 3rd Place: Gugulethu United We Stand Dance Group - R2 500
1st Place: Ipeko Dance Group
2nd Place: Devolution Dance Fam
3rd Place: Gugulethu United We Stand Dance Group
1st Place: Ipeko Dance Group
The top three acts performed on the main stage in front of thousands at the 2025 Festive Lights Switch-On on 30 November.
Move With Melody top 10 finalists
The 2025 finalists represented a diverse mix of ballroom couples, township dance groups, and hip-hop crews, making for an exciting and well-balanced showcase.
- Aiden and Tatum, Rocklands, Mitchells Plain
- AWDC, Belhar
- Bullyproof Crew, Athlone
- Devolution Dance Fam, Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain
- Gugulethu United We Stand Dance Group, Gugulethu
- Ipeko Dance Group, Phillipi
- One Motion, Bonteheuwel
- Teo and Morgan, Rondebosch
- United Township Dancers, Khayelitsha
- Versatile Dance Crew, Gugulethu
Follow us
Instagram: @CTFestiveLights
TikTok: @CTFestiveLights
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Facebook: Cape Town Festive Lights
YouTube: Cape Town Festive Lights Switch-On
Hashtags: #CTFestiveLights #WearHope #UnitedInHope #FLSODance2025
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