1. Cape Town, South Africa

2. Sydney, Australia

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

4. Paris, France

5. Rio di Janeiro, Brazil

6. New York City, New York, USA

7. Rome, Italy

8. London, United Kingdom

9. Barcelona, Spain

10. Hong Kong, China

11. Kyoto, Japan

12. Queenstown, New Zealand

13. Jerusalem, Israel

14. Siem Reap, Cambodia

15. Prague, Czech Republic

16. Venice, Italy

17. Buenos Aires, Argentina

18. Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand

19. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

20. St Petersburg, Russia

21. Florence, Italy

22. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

23. San Francisco, California, USA

24. Petra/Wadi Musa, Jordan

25. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

For more information, visit http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations

“The 27th day of December 2011 is a public holiday throughout the Republic in terms of section 2A of the Public Holidays Act,” spokesman Thabo Masebe said in a statement on Wednesday.

Masebe said the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) wrote a letter to the presidency requesting an extra public holiday because Christmas fell on a Sunday this year and the Day of Goodwill on a Monday. “Based on their recommendations, the president approved the public holiday.” Fedusa sent the letter on November 18 and was told to expect a response after the Cop17 climate change conference, which ended on Sunday. – Sapa http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/december-27-a-public-holiday-1.1198864

http://capetownhappenings.co.za/places_to_see.htm

 Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts (20 Nov 2011 – 1 April 2012 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens)

Enjoy the summer evening with a picnic and an open-air concert at the scenic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – for more information about this event, go to http://dogreatthings.co.za/kirstenbosch/

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (Street Parade on 2 Jan 2012; Competitions 3 Jan 2011 – 11 Feb 2012)

Officially known as The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, this event takes place every year on 2 Jan (‘tweede nuwe jaar’ / ‘second New Year’s Day’) when thousands of musical performers and dancers (and the garment-constructors linked to them), gear up for the traditional ‘Kaapse klopse’ or ‘Coon carnival’.  For more information about this event, go to http://www.capetown-minstrels.co.za 

Cape Town International Ballet Competition (27 Feb 2012 – 4 Mar 2012 – Artscape Opera House)

Formerly known as the South African International Ballet Competition, this exciting competition will see talented dancers from the UK, Far East, Cuba as well as South Africa.   For more information about this event, go to http://www.ctibc.com/

Lamberts Bay Crayfish & Cultural Festival (2-4 Mar 2012 – Lamberts Bay, West Coast)

This annual festival takes place in the Cape West Coast fishing town of Lamberts Bay (about a 3-hours’ drive from Cape Town).  Visitors will get to enjoy amazing fresh crayfish dishes as well as live entertainment in the form of rock concerts by renowned local South African musical artists.  For more information about this event, go to http://www.kreeffees.com/intro.php

Community Chest Carnival (2-5 Mar 2012 – Maynardville, Wynberg)

This 4-day event celebrates its 59^th year in 2012 and is a showcase for international food and local entertainment – tons of family fun.  For more information about this event, go to http://www.sa-venues.com/events/westerncape/community-chest-carnival/

Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour (11 Mar 2012)

This non-profit event is the largest timed cycling event in the world which attracts over 35 000 participants from around the globe.  Starting in the Cape Town city centre, this 109km race takes cyclists all around the Cape Penninsula - one of the most scenic routes on the planet – and ends in Greenpoint Stadium.  For more information about this event, go to http://www.cycletour.co.za/index.php/information/faqs

Hostex Cape (15-17 Mar 2012 – Cape Town International Convention Centre)

HOSTEX is the largest and longest-running exhibition of its kind in Africa, and the only one endorsed by the South African Chefs Association. An integral part of the local food services and hospitality sector returning to the Cape for the ninth time it promises to bring all the attractions which have become firm favourites, as well as some new and exciting additions. For more information about this event, go to http://www.hostexcape.co.za/

Cape Town Jazz Festival (30-31 Mar 2012 – Cape Town International Convention Centre)

The festival’s winning formula of bringing more than 40 International and Local artists to perform over two days on five stages has earned it the status of being the most prestigious event on the African continent.  For more information about this event, go to http://www.capetownjazzfest.com/

West Coast Lagoon Festival 2012 (20-27 Mar 2012 – Langebaan)

The West Coast Lagoon Festival held at Club Mykonos in Langebaan is an exciting weekend festival held annually in the West Coast resort town of Langebaan.

The Festival is filled with music events, lagoon sports and the popular Silver Falcon Air Show. An ideal festival for the family to enjoy together, the Lagoon Festival features a childrens’ tent with stimulating activities especially for kids which include a puppet show, craft activities, a special clown to do face painting for the little ones. Jumping castles, biscuit decorating, balloon modelling and mini Olympics are just a few of the activities that will keep youngsters entertained whilst parents can enjoy the serious business of partying up a storm.

Other highlights include food and wine stalls with cooking demonstrations, a beer tent, Miss Lagoon competition and plenty of beach activities.  For more information about this event, go to http://www.mothercityliving.co.za/west-coast-lagoon-festival/