Holidays & Celebrations

Mark your calendars with South Africa’s public holidays, attend the local celebrations and festivals, and take part in the country’s holiday traditions.

Christmas decoration illuminate a busy street in Johannesburg, with a light up Santa Claus

South African public holidays: important dates in 2024 and 2025

Living in South Africa? Here’s a list of all the South African public holidays you need to know in 2024 and 2025, as well as other special dates to make a note of on your calendar.

The best festivals in South Africa

From jazz festivals to kite flying contests, gay pride to Mozart festivals and minstrel carnivals, South African festivals celebrate everything under the sun.

How to celebrate Christmas in South Africa

From fufu and okra soup to wildflowers and carols, Christmas celebrations in South Africa are something truly magical.

Yellow children's table with four chairs, yellow, green, red, and blue in a classroom

School holidays in South Africa: 2023 and 2024

Here is a list of school holidays in South Africa in 2023 and 2024 to help you make holiday plans or childcare arrangements if you have kids in South African schools.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Cape Town

South Africa’s Mother City is a great place to ring in the new year. Discover the best things to do in Cape Town on New Year’s Eve.