Best New Year’s Eve Parties in Cape Town
Very often trying to find the best New Year’s eve party in Cape Town ends up being stuck in traffic in the centre of town or in the queue of some second rate night club where an international DJ may or may not be playing. If you’re lucky you’ll wake up on you’ll find parking close enough to the beach so that you can see in the New Year with about 1000 of your not so closest friends some of whom will be trying to share your beach towel/picnic blanket. After the “greatest night ever” you are likely to wake up somewhere you don’t want to be in the dull drizzle which accompanies every 1st of January in Cape Town. As it may have become obvious New Year’s Eve is one of the most over rated celebrations on the calendar and as much as you might want to stay at home with a DVD and a bottle of bubble which you can quaff by yourself, with some foresight and good planning it is possible to have an evening that leaves you with the type of memories that you’ll want to share on facebook rather than the kind you want to share on 9gag. Follow my NYE guide to Cape Town and you won’t be caught in the rain or the queues.
The Kirstenbosch Gardens sunset concerts are a Cape Town institution and for those looking for something outdoors away from the city and hustle of the big crowds and busy night clubs, this is the way to go. If the idea of waiting 45 min to get to the bar while having some hipster teenager throw up on your shoes is not your idea of a good night, if paying European prices to stand in a crowded European styled nightclub while listening to electronic Euro trash is not your idea of a memorable New Year then a Kirstenbosch concert is for you. Prime Circle will be seeing in 2012 at Kirstenbosch Gardens with sponsors Amarula providing a bar with cocktails. The event is suitable for the whole family and tickets are available from webtickets.
Date: 31 Dec 2011
Time: 19:00 - 23:00
Venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Price: R250p/p
Website: www.webtickets.co.za
Ministry of Sound is without doubt the biggest name in music parties and the Ministry of Sound New Year’s eve party is the biggest musical festival to hit the Mother City this summer. Some of the biggest dance acts in the world will be rocking the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC.) 15 hours of music spread over 5 massive arenas with 5 international DJ’s supported by South Africa’s top acts creates a formula for the greatest music spectacular in the country. There will be 19 bars and 24 VIP zones to ensure that your every whim will be catered to. What appeals to me about this party is the venue, both for placement and size. Situated on the major entrance and exit routes and with enough parking for all the party goers it will definitely be one of the most hassle free parties that you will be able to attend this New Year’s Eve.
Date: 31 Dec 2011 - 01 Jan 2012
Time: 19:00 - 10:00
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Price: R280p/p – R800p/p
Phone: +27 (0)21 410 5000
Website: www.cticc.co.za
The Vaudeville performers have been dazzling Cape Town audiences for the last few years, so for something more sophisticated head down to the Brasserie at Vaudeville for an exquisite five course meal and a performance that will dazzle you, impress your date and guarantee you some New Year nookie. There will be a complimentary bottle of wine and bubbly per four people as well as free shooters throughout the night. So when I say sophisticated I actually just mean expensive. At R900 a ticket it’s not cheap but it is without doubt one of the most memorable ways to spend a New Year’s eve. The entertainment consists of Vaudevilles top acts that are renowned all over the country. Be sure to get there early and have a good exit strategy as it in the centre of town and traffic between twelve and one am can be an absolute nightmare. Tickets include VIP entrance into Fez next door so you can welcome 2012 in style.
Date: 31 Dec 2011
Time: 19:30 until late
Venue: Vaudeville at The Fez
Price: R900p/p
Phone: +27 (0)21 419 7000
Email: bookings@brasserie.co.za
These are in my opinion the top three New Year’s eve highlights in Cape Town and offer a little something for everyone, keep watching this space though as I will bring you more before the big night.
For locals, bergies and true believers The Mother City is playground paradise all year round, however at this time of year it is traditional to list upcoming events in your local city, it’s good way of gaining readers and creating effortless content. So in the spirit of mediocre content with which the internet is largely filled here is my list of top events happening in Cape Town this December. Just as a side note I have taken these all from other websites which I am not going to credit. It must just be said also that since taking on a partner in my life things have become increasingly tame in my social life so don’t expect any wild parties on this list, if however something comes up which I deem worthy of these fine pages I will be sure to update you.
The Durbanville Beer festival 10th December – What would a Cape summer beer without some beer, held on the Hillcrest wine farm in Durbanville it is open to all beer lovers and showcases the best of both local micro brewers and international breweries. It’s a great day out for a group of friends and should probably be followed by a taxi ride home, especially if you’re in the bosom of the Mother City.
Cape Town Bike Show 11th December – Held in Noordhoek this festival celebrates bikes and all the good work that the local motorbike clubs do for South African charity. The festival brings together nearly 1000 bikes and is popular with both locals to the area. This colourful event will without doubt be a winner with the kids.
