The annual switching on of festive lights is one of the City’s signature events and a tradition that’s been ongoing for the past five decades as a symbolic ushering in of the year’s festive season.
The 54th edition took place on Sunday, 26 November, turning the Mother City’s metropole into a hive of activity and delight.
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This year, the City provided festival goers with a glimpse into the future with a fresh new vibe under the theme ‘Cape Town: A future of Hope’, which looked to meld the heritage of the city and natural environment with the promise of what a technologically charged tomorrow can bring.
Alongside the climactic countdown to the switching on of the lights and the euphoric moment Adderley Street becomes illuminated, the iconic free, open-air concert at the Grand Parade draws in thousands of people each year – suffice it to say, this year was no exception.

A stellar line-up of local talents including Matthew Mole, Alistair Izobell, Whitney April and Tashreeq de Villiers, among many others, had the crowd dancing and singing along before Premier Alan Winde officially flipped the switch that lit up Adderley Street.
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As in the past, this year’s line-up spoke to a diverse audience with a little something for everyone, with award-winning artist Cassper Nyovest headlining and amapiano frontrunner Focalistic keeping the festive energy going.
Setting the tone for Cape Town’s festive season, a spectacular 3D choreographed video mapping display across City Hall ended the evening of fun and music.
Cape Town, thank you for coming out for the annual Festive Lights Switch-on concert! What a wonderful evening.
I spoke with families from every corner of the city who traveled for this special Cape Town tradition, now in its 54th year.
Check out this special video-mapping on… pic.twitter.com/9CmEOYJJeQ
— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) November 26, 2023
The Festive Lights Switch On is always a highlight on the city’s annual events calendar, offering a wonderful family occasion for young and old to enjoy.
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Picture: @CapeTownCCID / X