With a chance of snow on the peaks of the Groot Winterhoek Mountains, the Christmas in Winter Tulbagh Festival – running from June 28-30, 2024 – is the perfect excuse to head to the countryside for a few days of fun, food and entertainment.
The Tulbagh Festival started back in 2001 and has become popular for locals looking to celebrate the festive season in more traditionally chilly weather, as opposed to the searing summer days of a Cape Town Christmas.
Tulbagh’s historic Church Street, lined with oaks and white-washed Cape Dutch homes, is where you’ll find most of the festivities and will play host to an array of activities and events over the three-day Festival.
Visitors can look forward to an Electric Light Parade, stalls selling locally-made products and homemade plates, bars pouring beer and gluhwein, alongside live music and local performances.
The five museums on Church Street will host an open day, while kids are well taken care of with a Winter Wonderland of jumping castles and entertainment. There will also be shuttles available to local wine farms. Weekend and day passes to the Tulbagh Festival are available via Quicket.
But why drive to Tulbagh when you can arrive in style? The Ceres Rail Company is laying on a memorable steam-train excursion for the weekend, departing from Cape Town on Friday morning to make the journey through the Swartland and the Nuwekloof Pass. The train will stop at Tulbaghweg Station, with shuttles to the Kliprivier Campsite where a choice of ‘glamping’ accommodation is on offer. For more information and to buy tickets, visit ceresrail.co.za.
Stay in the loop with our Events Guide to Cape Town.