Cape Town will once again light up the summer sky as thousands gather on the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street for the 56th edition of the Festive Lights Switch-On.  This free, family-friendly celebration takes place this year under the theme: “United in Hope.”

More than just a seasonal celebration, the Festive Lights Switch-On has grown into one of Cape Town’s most beloved traditions and a symbol of Cape Town’s resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Building on the success of recent hope-themed editions, this year’s event takes that message one step further – recognising hope not simply as an emotion, but as a unifying civic value that connects us all.

Highlights of 2025

This year’s campaign and main event will feature not only a bright culturally diverse line-up of entertainers and the much-anticipated light switch moment, but also two exciting community-driven initiatives:

• The FLSO “Move and Melody” Competition: a cross-discipline dance and vocal showcase that will see emerging local talent compete for a chance to perform live on the Festive Lights stage in front of thousands – this goes lives on 1 October so keep an eye out for the news.
• Wear the Hope – Share the Light: a new creative project inviting Capetonians of all ages, from fashion students to sewing clubs and elders, youth, to design and create a festive top for the mayor.  The winning creation – upcycled, sewn, bedazzled, crocheted or hand-knitted etc – will debut at the annual test switch-on drive and will be worn on stage by the mayor.  Entries close 6 October.  

The Festive Lights Switch-On offers something rare and vital in this digital-driven world – the chance to connect face to face, to dance, to laugh, with one another and to celebrate Cape Town’s unique culture under the summer sky.  

It is a gathering where neighbours meet, families bond, and visitors experience the warmth and energy of the Mother City at its most joyful.

The concert programme builds up to the switch-on moment of the festive lights, a lighting display of lasers, lights and pyrotechnics. Followed by a highlight of a colourful video mapping display on the façade of the City Hall, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Save the date: Sunday, 30 November 2025. Cape Town is ready to welcome one and all to celebrate the start of summer – United in Hope.

Keep an eye and ear open for the artist line-up and the competitions in the weeks ahead. 

Social media:

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