“The Brilliant Yuletide Illumination Spectacle in Brackenfell”

1 min read
christmas lights brackenfell Cape Town

An Enchanting Christmas Celebration

In the spirit of the holiday season, Santa Claus, aboard his radiant sleigh, is all set to make an appearance among the glowing residences that dot the cityscape. It truly is a sight to warm the soul, watching families throughout the city commemorate the joyous holiday of Christmas by adorning their streets with magnificent arrays of twinkling lights. Cape Town, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, has added yet another vibrant facet to its already brilliant tapestry.

Just a short while ago, our readers were asked to contribute captivating photographs and footage of their beloved local Christmas light displays. Cape Town did not disappoint, exceeding all anticipations with a diverse range of submissions from the charming suburb of Meadow Ridge, the seaside haven of Gordon’s Bay, and even the tranquil Kleinmond.

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

The Heartwarming Display in Brackenfell

However, it was a single dwelling in Brackenfell that stole the show, commanding attention with its exceptional holiday light display. What sets this home apart is the noble purpose that underlies its dazzling light show. Far from being mere visual pleasure, this breathtaking array of lights serves as a shining beacon, drawing attention to charitable efforts and raising funds to support them.

Several years back, Rick van der Galien, in collaboration with his partner, made a decision to spread the holiday cheer far and wide. Their ambition was to convey the joy of Christmas by transforming their home into a radiant tableau of festive lights. This endeavor was not solely for their personal amusement but was intended to spread joy throughout their community.

In their previous year’s display, they pulled out all the stops to create a truly mesmerizing sight. Utilizing over 9,000 cable ties and 20 km of lights, they sculpted an awe-inspiring spectacle that required over a month to install. This year, they’re aiming to surpass their previous efforts, elevating the visual extravaganza to unprecedented heights.

An Experience for the Community

As if conducted by a maestro, the lights are switched on punctually at 8 pm each evening. The radiant spectacle continues to gleam at 16 Dennegeur Street, Protea Heights, Brackenfell, until 11 pm on Saturday, 30 December. Ample parking is conveniently provided behind the home at the Church Gemeente met Oop Deure. While admittance to this delightful visual feast is complimentary, donations are always appreciated.

The homeowners have kept the donation process flexible, accepting contributions ranging from money and food to blankets and even kennel construction materials. This reflects their overarching mission – to utilize their passion for Christmas and the happiness it brings to enhance the world around them, one light bulb at a time.

The Spirit of Giving

Such initiatives truly embody the genuine spirit of Christmas and reaffirm the belief in the power of generosity. So, when you’re driving through the lit-up streets of Cape Town this Christmas, bear in mind that every twinkling light you see stands as a testament to love, joy, and the essence of giving that this incredible holiday represents.

Liam Fortuin is a Cape Town journalist whose reporting on the city’s evolving food culture—from township kitchens to wine-land farms—captures the flavours and stories of South Africa’s many kitchens. Raised in Bo-Kaap, he still starts Saturday mornings hunting koesisters at family stalls on Wale Street, a ritual that feeds both his palate and his notebook.

Previous Story

The Imminent Arrival of L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2024

Next Story

A Tribute to Dean Elgar: The End of an Era in South African Cricket

Latest from Blog

Forty Metres of Air: The Morning Kiteboarding Rewrote Physics

Hugo Wigglesworth, a young kiteboarder, defied gravity and rewrote the record books by soaring an incredible 40 meters into the air. He used powerful winds, a perfectly timed jump off a wave, and special gear to achieve this amazing feat. His careful planning and hundreds of practice runs made him fly higher than anyone before, showing the world what’s possible in kiteboarding.

Airbnb Under Fire: How Cape Town’s Housing Crunch Became a Tourism Blame-Game

Cape Town’s housing woes are NOT really Airbnb’s fault, even though a viral photo tried to blame them! The real problem is that not enough homes are being built, and lots of new people are moving to the city. Getting building permits takes forever, making homes expensive. Airbnb brings in lots of money and jobs, and even if all Airbnbs disappeared, it wouldn’t fix the big housing shortage. The city needs to build more homes and make it easier to do so, not just point fingers at tourists.

Cape Town’s Hottest Tables: Where Summer Tastes Like Salt, Smoke and Midnight Vinyl

Cape Town’s new restaurants are super exciting, offering amazing tastes from the ocean, farms, and even old recipes. Places like Amura serve unique sea dishes, while Tannin has a huge wine list and tiny plates. Café Sofi bakes heavenly pastries, Beach Buns makes awesome burgers, and Le Bistrot de JAN mixes French and South African flavors. These spots let you taste the city’s lively food scene, from fancy dinners to casual beach eats, making every meal an adventure.

Between Concrete and Current – Four Inland Hearts Meet the Indian Ocean

This article tells a beautiful story of four South Africans from inland places who see the Indian Ocean for the very first time. For many, the sea is just a picture, far away and hard to reach. But when these brave people finally touch the salty water, it changes them deeply. They feel the ocean’s power, taste its salt, and understand that this huge, blue world is now a part of their own story, breaking down old ideas about who can connect with the sea.