Sunlit celebrations - Your festive season in Franschhoek with Mont Rochelle
Picture this: it’s Christmas morning in Franschhoek, but instead of pulling on a woolly jumper, you’re stepping barefoot onto the terrace, the scent of jasmine in the air, and the mountains glowing in the early summer light.
As the valley below is just beginning to stir, you savour the gentle aroma of freshly brewed coffee at Mont Rochelle, the soft melody of birdsong in the air, and the promise of a sun-soaked day of celebration ahead.
This is what the festive season looks like in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. No snow. No grey skies. Just a valley bursting with life, colour, and summer cheer, with Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard as your private luxury sanctuary at the heart of it all.
Why spend the festive season in Franschhoek?
In December and January, Franschhoek swaps winter’s chill for warm sunshine and long golden afternoons. Vineyards shimmer in the heat, village streets sparkle with festive lights, and the valley hums with holiday spirit.
Instead of crowded shopping centres and grey skies, spending the festive season in South Africa means alfresco dining, picnics on vineyard lawns, and exploring the gourmet capital of the country at your own pace.
Must-do festive experiences in Franschhoek
Ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram
A highlight of any trip is the Franschhoek Wine Tram, the hop-on, hop-off tramline and trolley car that takes you through the valley’s finest wine estates, including Mont Rochelle. Each stop brings something unique: Cap Classique tastings, shady garden lunches, or a glass of award-winning red enjoyed with views of the mountains. During the festive season, estates often add seasonal touches such as spiced chocolates, berry pairings, and celebratory bubbles.
Explore the festive markets
The Franschhoek Village Market is a must-visit in December. Beneath leafy trees, stalls brim with handcrafted gifts, artisanal treats, and festive decorations. With live music filling the air, it’s the perfect place to find unique Christmas presents or simply soak up the village charm.
Food, wine and picnics in the vineyards
Known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, Franschhoek is a food lover’s paradise. Book a table at one of the many award-winning restaurants, where summer menus showcase the freshest local produce. Or slow things down with a vineyard picnic.
At Mont Rochelle, baskets from The Country Kitchen are filled with local cheeses, charcuterie, homemade breads, seasonal fruit, and a chilled bottle of Mont Rochelle wine. Spread a blanket beneath the oak trees or settle on the lawns overlooking the vines; it’s festive dining at its most relaxed. And for a sweet touch, stop by Huguenot Fine Chocolates for handmade pralines, ideal for gifts or indulgent holiday treats.
Art, culture and history
The festive season is also a time to explore Franschhoek’s cultural gems. Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum to learn about the valley’s French roots or wander through the village’s many art galleries showcasing everything from contemporary South African works to international collections. Strolling between exhibitions is the perfect way to balance festive indulgence with a little creative inspiration.
Soak up the outdoors
Franschhoek in summer is a dream for nature lovers. Hike the trails of the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve for sweeping valley views, cycle between vineyards at your own pace, or take a scenic drive over the Franschhoek Pass for vistas you’ll never forget. Early mornings bring birdsong and golden light spilling over the mountains, a wonderful holiday memory.
Make Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard your festive base
After a day of festive exploring, return to the calm of Mont Rochelle. Take a dip in the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply sip a glass of wine on your private terrace as the sun sets over the valley.
Here, the magic of Christmas in Franschhoek and the New Year in the Cape Winelands is right on your doorstep, ready to be discovered at your own pace.
This year, swap snow for sunshine and experience the festive season in South Africa’s most celebrated wine valley.
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Everything you need to know about the Franschhoek Wine Tram
The Wine Tram routes and this is a hop-on, hop-off service offering picturesque vineyards, beautiful scenery, fine wines, and world-class cuisine as you travel. Here, guests will have the chance to visit some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates, travelling on an open-air tram.