The V&A Waterfront is preparing for a bumper festive season as it rolls out its annual Joy from Africa to the World initiative – a Christmas showcase of local creativity and design; a line-up of events, and new tenants in the precinct.

Marketing executive at the V&A Waterfront, Tinyiko Mageza, said in 2017, the Waterfront questioned the need for imported, mass-produced festive décor that would ultimately end up in a landfill.

“We committed, instead, to draw on the rich creative talent that is prevalent in our country and to support local businesses and communities, who work with us to create and repurpose durable and exciting festive displays that reflect our culture and heritage.”

This year’s theme for Joy from Africa to the World is “Between the mountain and the sea”, with hand-crafted decorations and light installations showcasing Cape Town’s wonders.

The giant cable car during the weaving phase last year.

Over 20 local crafters and artists from Cape Town and beyond have worked on decorations made from sustainable materials, with favourite installations from previous years returning again, alongside others that are brand-new or refreshed. These include a Table Mountain-inspired cable car in the Victoria Wharf, woven from fabric offcuts, which showcases illustrated and beaded portraits of locals, alongside Bo-Kaap houses, protea lampshades, paragliding porcupines, and hand-carved figures.

The Centre Court in the Victoria Wharf will be transformed into a magical fynbos forest, which includes a toadstool house, hand-made birdhouses inspired by the Bo-Kaap, a floral paradise and Santa’s Sleigh.

Ashanti Design, based in Paarden Eiland, makes handwoven artisanal pieces and is involved for the second year.

Abigail Snyman from Ashanti said the crafters have been working on their pieces for the installation for about three months – from sourcing fabrics and costings, to weaving elements and finishing off the decorations. All of our materials are sourced locally, while all of our baskets are handwoven by communities in Malawi.”

“It was so much fun to work on this project,” said Vanessa Akafomo, one of the weavers from Ashanti. “The theme Between the Mountain and the Sea allowed us to interact with many people and learn about the diverse cultures and heritages that exist between the mountain and the sea.”

V&A Waterfront CEO David Green reflects on the year 2024.

This year, the Cape Town Society for the Blind also came on board, weaving elements for the oversized flowers displayed in Victoria Wharf.

Cape Town Society for the Blind fundraising officer Charlene van Niekerk said the 95-year-old organisation aims to “create sustainable wellness to blind and visually impaired persons”.

Six of their team members worked on this year’s Joy from Africa to the World initiative over four weeks.

Michael Prinsloo, one of the crafters, said it was a good challenge and something new and exciting.

Cole Claasen, another crafter, said this was his first time working on the Joy From Africa to the World project. “I get excited just picturing my work being showcased at the V&A Waterfront for everyone to see.”

And with the new festive decor, also comes new tenants who have opened their doors in time for the festive season.

Chef David Higgs will open restaurant Marble on the rooftop of the recently revamped historic Union Castle Building, built in 1919.

Retailers Thule and Nike Apparel and Wedgewood will also be tenants at Union Castle Building.

“All signs are pointing to it being a busy summer and we’re excited to see Capetonians and visitors enjoying these new experiences at the country’s top tourist destination,” said David Green, CEO at the V&A Waterfront.

The festive season will also see the return of events including the theatrical Christmas production, Naledi’s Festive Dream, at the purpose-built theatre over the amphitheatre three times a day from Saturday December 14 to Sunday December 22.

Children can have a meet-and-greet and take some photos with Santa and his elves at the Victoria Wharf’s Centre Court, located in front of H&M, from Monday December 16 to Tuesday December 24 between 11am and 5pm.

The annual V&A Waterfront’s New Year’s Eve celebration will also take place this year, and guests can count down to a line-up of artists including Matthew Mole, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, BlackByrd, and Mi Casa.

The structure next to the Big Wheel which will be the Oranjezicht Farmers’ Market’s new home.

Mr Green said the structure that will be the new location for the Oranjezicht Farmers Market is also being built next to The Pavillion near to the Big Wheel, and will be launching in April or May next year.

He said in 2025, the V&A Waterfront will also be upgrading the boards of the heritage walk throughout the precinct, as well as a revamp of the Watershed, which is 10 years old.